Published in: PBG Lifestyle Magazine
Published: June, 2011

by Carol Saunders

Krista Watterworth goes by many titles: interior designer, TV host and producer, journalist, wife and mom. This is because she has combined her gift of gab with a talent for creating stylish, contemporary spaces, and turned them into stair-steps to stardom.

Not bad for a small-town girl from Connecticut.

Watterworth’s rise to fame can be attributed to her varied skill set. After taking interior design studies at the prestigious Parsons School of Design, she merged it with a master of fine arts in acting from the famed Actors Studio, giving her a foundation that is both technical and artistic.

She’s now a TV personality who can be seen on programs like HGTV’s “Save My Bath,” and the Food Network’s “Restaurant: Impossible,” a new program featuring celebrity Chef Robert Irvine. She also stars in the DIY Network’s “The Vanilla Ice Project,” starring rapper “Vanilla Ice” a.k.a. Rob Van Winkle.

For “The Vanilla Ice Project,” which was filmed right here in Wellington, Watterworth was tasked with assisting Van Winkle (a fellow Palm Beach County resident) in his endeavor to purchase, redecorate and “flip” a Florida mansion.

“Van Winkle was very easy to work with,” she said, “sweet and nice. Not what you would expect from a big rap star.”

Watterworth said she started preparing for the show just five weeks after giving birth to her second child, but was able to pull everything together in time with some help from Pier 1 Imports. The program became a substantial hit for DIY, and the second season of “The Vanilla Ice Project” is expected to begin shooting in Palm Beach County this July.

Watterworth said that she and husband Eric Alterman, who works in the social networking field and recently sold his company Kickapps.com, moved to Jupiter full-time after the birth of their second child. Their children include 10-month-old Skylar and her brother is 2½-year-old Griffon.

“We had this vacation condo here and in February last year decided this was a better place to raise kids, so we got out of New York City. I had just gutted and redecorated our apartment before we moved, so we kept it. Of course, I had to gut and completely re-do our condo here as well. Now we travel back and forth for business,” she said from her home in Admiral’s Cove.

Read More: Inspiring Design for the Do-it-Yourself Kind

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Published in: Pregnancy Magazine
Published: June 2010

Your dream nursery for less!
HGTV’s design guru shares her smart splurges and great deals for baby’s room

Splurge
“The key is transition – this crib converts from a bassinette to a toddler bed and finally transforms into two kid-sized chairs.” Stokke Sleepi System Convertible Crib  & Bassinet Set, $1,000, giggle.com

“Invest in one set of bedding for long lasting quality. This chic collection is gender neutral and 100% organic cotton.” DwellStudio Oval Organic Circles Crib Set, $400, modernnursery.com

 Save
“These whimsical Buddha nightlights are perfect for soft, ambient lighting and each one has a special meaning.”
Buddha Light in Happiness, $30, rocketusa.com

“Great seating for mommy and baby is important. I have this glider in my nursery and it’s comfortable, easy to clean and remarkably functional.”
Storkcraft Tuscany Glider and Ottoman in Espresso & Beige, $186, walmart.com

“Baby stuff accumulates. I love the size, color and finish choices of this system. The right configuration can double as seating.”
IKEA Trofast Storage Furniture

“The zig zag shape and bright color makes a fun statement while providing much needed storage for the baby’s library.”
IKEA Lack Wall Shelf in White, $30, ikea.com

“If an affordable decorative item can also serve as a learning tool, then it’s win-win.”
The ABCs Rug, from $129, landofnod.com

Krista Watterworth – expecting her second child in May – hosts the HGTV series Splurge and Save. She shows homeowners how to get the biggest bang for their buck by mixing designer pieces with retooled vintage items and affordable knock-offs. Look for her design tips at kristawatterworth.com

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Published in:  Miami Herald

Written By:  LAURA STAMPLER
lstampler@MiamiHerald.com

Published on: April 29, 2010

Who doesn’t want a beautiful house?

In spite of tough economic times, remodeling spending is on the rise, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

Anyone can put together an aesthetically pleasing room without having to break into the rainy day fund, said renovation guru Krista Watterworth, an HGTV host who will be giving design tips at the Miami Home Show next weekend. “Even if someone is style challenged, they can still create a simple room with an easy budget,” Watterworth says. When it’s time for an aesthetic change, Watterworth finds that many people are faced with the decision to “move or improve.”

“I think that most people just want to improve,” Watterworth says. “Take unloved spaces and give them love. Then you end up having more space in the home to play or get away in.” What better to fill a newly renovated room than with stuff you already have and love? You could probably decorate a room with extra furniture and accessories from around the house, Watterworth says, particularly if the items are touched up. Recalling a particularly difficult job, Watterworth remembers using a lot of hand-me-downs. “We took a room and took a bunch of old accessories and painted them all white,” Watterworth says. “What that does is modernize and repurpose what you have.” If you browse garage sales, go Dumpster diving or want to make use of your own old furniture, you can cover up an old chair or table with contact paper. There are a lot of cool patterns that can be used to improve that old, beat-up dresser.

THE BATHROOM
You don’t have to start from scratch, says Watterworth, co-host of HGTV’s Save My Bath for four seasons. Work with what you have if you don’t have the money to replace a worn-out item. Retro is in, so you can work with ’50s and ’60s features.
A paint job can go a long way. Set the mood with a cooler and calmer palate of greens and blues. These are also spa favorites.
Textiles also contribute to a more stylish bathroom. Use bamboo shades or linen curtains on windows, and don’t forget about new shower curtains, bathmats and towels. Swapping out linens every six months is a cheap way to keep things from getting boring.

If fixtures need replacing, a white sink, white toilet and white tub will not only look crisp but are also the least expensive pieces. Lowe’s and Home Depot are full of great deals, she said.  Hardware can be replaced with polished chrome — which is cheaper than nickel — for a newer and shinier look. When it comes to floors, try peel-and-stick tiles. Some laminate tiles look like stone. This trick can work in the kitchen as well.

ACCESSORIZING
It’s the little things — area rugs, accent tables, lamps — that fill a space and make it feel homey. And little touches can make your home feel more aesthetically pleasing, like keeping the table set with nice china and linen. “I really believe that a home is a reflection of your inner life,” Watterworth says. “If you live in a home filled with your personality and your character and that has warmth, you are going to feel that way inside.”

Decals and stencils are a great alternative to buying expensive wallpaper, she said. Swap pricey damask paper for a damask stencil and do it yourself. Urban Outfitters sells decals that can give your room character for less. But remember: saving money sometimes take patience and time. Realize that stenciling an entire room is going to be a labor of love. “If you get sick of it halfway through, it’s not going to work,” Watterworth says. “[The project] will be falling apart while you’re falling apart.”

GREEN TREATMENT
The right window treatment can do a great job of framing that beautiful Florida view. But South Florida’s flora doesn’t have to stay outside. You can incorporate flowers, trees and lush greenery into your home decor. “It creates life to bring life into your home,” Watterworth says. Putting palm fronds in a floor vase is an instant conversation piece.

STAY ORGANIZED
There’s nothing appealing about waking up to a cluttered house with toys on the floor and dishes in the sink. But with kids, work and other day-to-day obligations, you often have to stash and dash. A trip to the Container Store (there is one at the Village at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach) is an easy fix for the average living room mess, she says. Stackable storage boxes and shelving units can help get things off the floor and make every room livable again.

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Published in: NY Daily News>

Written by: Jason Sheftell
Published: January 8, 2010

YOUR HOME
Set the scene: HGTV host and local designer uses Method acting to give a room soul

As an HGTV host and New York-based interior designer, Krista Watterworth gets a constant flow of letters and e-mails from people who watched her on “Save My Bath” and the recently premiered “Splurge and Save.”

She describes some as “gut-wrenching”: viewers pouring their hearts out about not having enough money to redesign their homes, needing help renovating a room to care for an ill relative, or wanting desperately to create a space for a loving husband who works two construction jobs or spends all his spare time teaching kids to ice-skate.

She answers all of them. In some cases, she even takes on the job, like she did on for an upper East Side woman who had just gone through a nasty break-up and had a budget of $5,000 to change her apartment in a way that might change her life.

“People have such a deep connection to their home that I try to create a place they can come home to that doesn’t just look nice but makes them feel really good,” says Watterworth. “The idea is to connect to people’s soul. To find out who they really are inside, and bring that out in their home.”

Watterworth learned about connecting to the soul in a place most designers and HGTV hosts have never been. She graduated from the Actors Studio master’s program at the New School in downtown Manhattan. Teaching  “the Method,” the acting philosophy in which students become the character, the Actors Studio counts Robert De Niro, Marlon Brando and Julia Roberts as graduates.

“The Method puts you in touch with your deepest emotions,” says Watterworth. “It makes you pay attention to what you really need and who other people are. I try and bring that into every design I do. Some people think they’re not bohemian or classic, but that’s a front. As people, we change all the time. Our homes should reflect who we are and want to be.”

Like the megastar graduates, Watterworth spent hours sitting in a chair with her eyes closed imagining herself naked in front of a mirror or vacuuming a dirty carpet. After leaving law school to pursue a modeling career that saw her appear on nationally televised Snickers commercials, Watterworth came to New York to pursue acting. After graduating from the Actors Studio, she auditioned and got callbacks for the leading female role on Showtime’s “Dexter,” as well as parts on other network shows.

A designer by hobby who staged apartments for New York real-estate agents to pay for school, Watterworth met a hosting agent who liked her style and energy. In 2006, she had her first audition for HGTV’s “Save My Bath.” She got the job. The show lasted four seasons.

“I was edgy, urban and honest,” she says. “The TV host in me is goofy, and that’s a definite part of me. I’m just myself up there. I like to have fun, help people, and to design. At acting school, I learned that being judged doesn’t matter.”

Now, having studied at the Parsons School of Design, Watterworth is a home network’s dream. She’s fashion-model hot, a trained actress and a professional interior designer who understands 3-D computer programs and how to tile or grout a bathroom floor without a shred of help. What’s more, coming from a big family with four sisters, she gets people.

“I incorporate family into every room I design,” she says, sitting in her apartment surrounded by photos of her husband, in-laws and 16-month-old son. “I ask people to send me old pictures or photo albums. I go through them all. Even if someone doesn’t have traditional family, they have people they love. One woman here in New York hadn’t spoken to her sister in 20 years, but she had this group of girlfriends in the city that she really cared for. I put pictures of them all over the walls. She loved it.”

Not just a pretty face, Watterworth tears up when talking about the reveal, the moment clients see a finished project. She works as hard as most construction workers. Pregnant for the second time, she has a blog called RoomRecipes.com, is working on her first book and runs her own design business. For “Save My Bath,” just taken out of syndication, she worked 12- to 14-hour shifts for 10 days at a time in people’s houses, renovating bathrooms.

On “Splurge and Save,” which airs Tuesdays at 8 a.m. (and which, like other HGTV shows, is currently unavailable to some viewers, the result of a financial dispute with Cablevision), Watterworth redesigns rooms, spending big money on certain items and almost nothing on others. For the premiere, she helped a couple with a budget of $5,500 redo an entire dining room, spending $1,200 on a crystal chandelier but only $200 on a wooden table made from a 19th-century prison door she found in a junkyard.

“I believe in personalizing a room,” says Watterworth, thoughtfully. “In today’s world, you have to do it for every budget. That’s what ‘Splurge and Save’ and Room Recipes is all about.”

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Published in: New York Moves Magazine
Published: September 2009
On Friday, September 11th, actor Michelle Monoghan hosted the Moves Design Meets Fashion event party, held at Atlas New York. The judges panel, design teams, and Moves magazine’s editorial staff partied on a night even bad weather couldn’t dampen.

THE GAME IS ON
On September 10, 2009, Moves hosted its first annual “Design Meets Fashion” competition to benefit Safe Horizon, a charity promoting justice for victims of crimes and abuse. The contest took place at Atlas New York, a luxury residential building located at the heart of the fashion district. Pier 1 Imports provided furniture and decor – all items used in the event were later donated to Safe Horizon. Moves specifically chose Atlas New York based on its proximity to Bryant Park, home of Fashion Week, and its use in the filming of Project Runway. They also found Atlas New York’s apartments, with their open living style and central location, epitomized New York City living.

The teams consisted of one design professional and a media personality: “Team Yellow” included interior designer Oskar Torres and CBS News Anchor Kristine Johnson. The event would test their design capabilities as well as their ability to decorate an entire room in just 30 minutes; “Team Blue” included HGTV’s Save My Bath host Krista Watterworth and Daily News Real Estate reporter Jason Sheftell.

THE JUDGES
Judges were Cathy Hobbs, designer and host of WPIX/Channel 11’s real estate and design show Metro Residential; Michael Morris, owner of Concierge Service International and exclusive concierge to Gotham Organization, Inc., developer and owner of Atlas New York; and Aimee Beatty, in-house stylist for Pier 1.

THE TEAMS COMPETE
The teams arrived at Atlas New York ready to design – but unaware that they would be subject to a timed design event! Given 15 minutes to choose their furniture and decor, they had 30 minutes to style their rooms. Focus and energy were definitely needed; fortunately, the teams were ready to roll with the punches and put their best design foot forward.

Team Yellow (Torres and Johnson) were tasked with styling a contemporary room and Team Blue (Watterworth and Sheftell) were charged with creating a colonial style room.

The members of Team Yellow were off to a rushed start to tag furniture in the 15-minute selection round, but Torres stuck to his design ethic of making the project personal, even using Johnson’s classic personal style as a muse of sorts. “She came across as simple, classic, and chic, so I tried to convey that in the room. That’s how I approach all design jobs, with a focus on the people involved” he said. Kristine Johnson was in awe to be in company with such talented people who could “look at an object and use it in a way that it wasn’t used before.” The judges were impressed with Team Yellow’s use of wall decor, including a mirror with two screens placed on each side and the clean lines of their contemporary room.

Both teams worked diligently to complete their tasks, but the judges as a whole were more impressed with the layering and innovation used in Team Blue’s colonial style room, which they made “British Colonial.” Their piece de resistance was a Pier 1 wire mannequin that Jason Sheftell demanded be included in the room, to add to its global and exotic feel. Krista Watterworth was reticent to include it at first, but after Sheftell used his own sweater and pillow cover to create a makeshift dress for the mannequin she was convinced. The judging panel agreed that this was a risky idea that truly paid off. Michael Morris, who is familiar with all of the residences in the building, felt the teams “did a really impressive job with the space and allotted times.” Both teams exhibited focus as well as quick reflexes and the winning colonial-style room was the clear victor in its imagination and usage of Pier 1 products. The three judges and the design team were blown away by the new ideas and inspiration the event provided and walked away with more than just a warm feeling gained by taking part in a charity event. Much inspiration was gained from ideas seen in the rooms, providing that the best professionals never stop searching for new ideas at all levels. The versatility, variety and quality of the products provided by Pier 1 allowed the teams to develop interesting ideas and easily convey their respective styles.

The Moves “Design Meets Fashion” event brought together talented individuals, united with a common cause of helping Safe Horizon. “The event was for a great cause. All of the furniture left will go to help someone else live a beautifully designed lifestyle,” said judge Hobbs. “It was a wonderful opportunity to see novices and pros merge in one setting and to create this beautiful space, and to see how they were true to the scene.”

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Published in: Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine
Published: October 2009

By Sara Dever

Kids aren’t the only ones who can get into the Halloween spirit. A Halloween diner party is a great way to bring friends together and spook up your house for a festive evening. Here are a few tips for haunting your home in stile.

Entryways

Make the best first impression on your guests with a decked-out entryway. Marcia Tantum, interior designer and owner of Marcia Tantrum Interiors, suggests using a 2-to-3-foot-high planter filled with chrysanthemums and a trailing vine line periwinkle or ivy. Place it to the side of your entryway and add three pumpkins – either white or traditional – in three different sizes with large, colorful fall leaves under the pumpkins and interspersed with pinecones. Decorate the pumpkins with paint or enlist your kids and carve them a couple of days before your party.

For a more elaborate, chilling entryway, Melissa Galt, interior designer and owner of Melissa Galt Interiors recommends creating a faux cemetery in your front lawn. “Don’t forget the fog machine – a must-have for misting up your front walkway – and always add glowing footprints and strategically placed blinking eyeball lights in the bushes or hanging from trees,” Galt says.

Living room

An easy way to add Halloween decor to your living room is to create simple orange and black pillow shams for throw pillows, says Knikkolette Church, interior designer and owner of Knikkolette Interior Decorating. This way, the shams can be easily washed and alternated between seasons and holidays.

Krista Watterworth, interior designer and host of HGTV’s Save My Bath, recommends taking branches from your yard and placing them around your living room in tall, sand-filled floor vases. “It creates a cave-like feeling and gives a spooky air to the room,” Watterworth says.

Tabletop

The tabletop is the central focus of your dinner party and where you can truly display your style. “For my own Halloween party last year, I did an orange-rose centerpiece by filling a silver urn with beautiful bright flowers,” Watterworth says. She also suggests giving your Halloween party a theme and then providing each guest with a themed party favor on their plate like tiara place-card holders for a King-and-Queen motif.

Halloween is the holiday of mass-candy consumption, so add a little fun to your table setting by placing candy worms on your guests’ plates. Also, spray-paint thrift store ceramic figurines, such as owls, with black matte spray and glue red jewels into their eyes for an inexpensive but fun alternative to conventional centerpieces.

The best part of decorating for a Halloween party? You can go big and outrageous or small and understated – it’s totally up to you. Happy haunting!

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Published in: The New Mom’s Handbook by Pregnancy Magazine & Hot Mom’s Club

Published: September 2009

Whether you prefer to stay neutral or you’re going all-out girl or boy, HGTV design expert Krista Watterworth will help you create a cool space for your little one.

Krista says:

“All kids love animals which makes them a great gender-neutral theme. And kids respond well to contrasting colors, like the ones found in most animal-inspired prints. There are more options than you imagine–rainforest, jungle, farm, ocean and domestic animals–the list is nearly endless. Wall decals can be photo realistic or animated. And don’t forget about bugs! Kids also love them and they make for fun inspiration, too.”

“Everybody likes trees! Materials inspired by nature are a fabulous solution when you want a neutral inspiration. The basic color scheme can be earth tones–sage, cream and tan–then add pops of bright orange accessories like lights, rugs, or curtains. Natural materials like baskets can be swapped out later and used in adult spaces. So can paper lanterns, bamboo shades, a sea grass rug, or a rattan chair.”

“Simple is better when it comes to themes! Avoid patterns that may grate on you later. Instead, think larger and three-dimensional. For boys, choose one big airplane decal (leave out the clouds), fun aviation bedding, or a collection of spacecraft models hung from the ceiling. Apply a theme without overwhelming the space00and the brain! In a girls’ room, instead of wallpapering the entire room with a bold pattern, use a lighter, quieter counterpart on one accent wall. It will have more lasting appeal.”

“Wood, not white, is a good rule of thumb even for girls. Many companies, like Pottery Barn and IKEA offer wonderful finishes. No need to purchase from their “kid” lines! I recently used an IKEA wardrobe in birchwood finish for a child’s room, and dressed it up with a removable tree decal in white. Buy it cheap and make it chic!”

Krista Watterworth is HGTV’s host of Save My Bath and an interior design expert. She’s also mother of 1-year-old Griffon. For more tips, check out her blog at roomrecipes.com.

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Published in: Pregnancy Magazine
Published: November, 2008

How to design a multipurpose nursery

By HGTV Host and Interior Design Expert Krista Watterworth

As if the excitement of being pregnant isn’t enough to ponder! What about trying to figure out how to fit your little cherub into a tiny space? Whether you have a small house, a modest apartment, or just need to be creative with your planning, here are some easy suggestions for creating a beautiful nursery that’s also functional.

You can alleviate some of the pressure to create a perfect space that baby will love by remembering that this room should reflect the parents’ personalities. you’re all in this together!

The first step is to choose a theme that will help you envision the ideal color pal- ette, design style, and accessories. What inspires you and your partner? is your style adventurous and lively or calm and serene? I chose a nature theme because my husband and I love going for long rides in the country. And I wanted to bring a touch of the outdoors to our urban environment, because moving outside the city isn’t an option for us right now. Our color palette is quiet and neutral, because we envision our home as a relaxing escape.

Another question to ask yourselves: boy or girl? Whether you know the answer or not, you may want to choose a gender- neutral approach. I went for an overall vibe rather than making all those pink or blue choices.

We live in a two-bedroom apartment, so the new layout had to serve many functions—acting not only as a nursery, but also as a home office and guestroom—talk about a design challenge! i used many of my own design tricks to maximize space and make our nursery a place where the whole family will want to spend lots of time. Here are nine tips you can use to plan your small nursery.

1. Wall Mounted Lighting

Eliminates the need for side tables or floor lamps, saving precious floor space. dimmer switches provide lighting options and variety.

(IKEA Stamning Wall lamp and lutron lamp dimmer)

2. Multipurpose Furniture

A convertible crib (with storage underneath and a hideaway changing table), sofa bed, and a wardrobe to stow away office and baby supplies make the most of every square inch.

(Studio crib by Nurseryworks, IKEA Pax Wardrobe System, and carlylesofa.com)

3. Wall-Hung Cabinetry

It provides much needed storage and frees up floor space. you can brighten the room by installing under-cabinet lighting.  Use paint, stencils, or wallpaper to dress up inexpensive cabinets. but never hang heavy items over a crib.

(IKEA Akurum horizontal wall cabinet with glass door)

4. Create Art with Paint

Color and shape adds an interesting thematic design element without cluttering the walls with frames. With stencils, you get a perfect shape every time—no need to be an artist!

(Stencils from naturesvignettes.com and stencilease.com)

5. Neutral Color Palette

These mellow tones calm a multi-use environment, and there’s a wide variety of elegant neutrals in the yellow, beige, gray families—almond, clay, muslin, dove, fawn, silver, canvas, milkshake, or sugar cookie. Use semi-gloss paint,because it’s easier to clean and choose a non-voc (volatile organic compound) paint.

(Benjamin Moore Aura collection Semi-gloss Paint in Monroe bisque and Sandy beaches.

6. Use Contemporary Styles

They are simple and understated and have clean lines with subtle details. modern design is an easy way to keep the room style “quiet” and less intrusive.

7. Organize, organize, organize!

Employ a custom closet-storage system for optimal organization. Combine shelves, drawers, and baskets to maximize capacity and double the amount of usable storage space. Another organization must-have? A label maker.

(Schulte Storage Systems available at Bed Bath & Beyond; IKEA Pax wardrobe system)

8. Splurge & Save

Mix high-end and affordable by deciding which pieces are most important and splurge on those items. We picked a high- end crib and custom sofa bed, but saved on our wall art and stor- age. and look in sale bins—i bought our drapes and area rug on sale at Pottery barn!

9. Include Daddy!

Ask his opinion so he doesn’t feel left out. Find out what inspires him. This is a great opportunity to learn more

about each other, but don’t have this conversation when either of you is tired, or if you’re feeling hormonal. my husband chose birch wallpaper to line the glass cabinets, and he also chose a world map that matched our color palette because he loves geography. make sure his style is also represented in the room; after all, you’re going to need all the help you can get!

Published in: Pregnancy Magazine
Published: Fall 2008

By Krista Watterworth, HGTV Host, Interior Designer and Mother of One

It’s as if it happens in slow motion: Your baby’s tiny hands, wet with apple juice, inch closer and closer to a non-protected outlet as sprint from across the room to stop avert catastrophe. Yikes!

The best time to plan your baby proofing is now. You can do it yourself for a fraction of what it would cost to hire a professional, and a few good pieces of advice go a long way. While it certainly doesn’t behoove you to turn your home into a padded cell, if you address the most essential hazards thoroughly, your baby will be just fine. Here are my top five issues to address before baby starts crawling.

1. Spiky Corners

Reconsider any furniture with metal, glass and sharp wood edges.  If possible, swap these for padded and functional pieces such as upholstered or rounded ottomans and side tables. More permanent fixtures, such as fireplace edges and radiator covers, require special attention.

Surfsidebaby.com offers three sizes of Padded Table Shields in non-toxic, flame retardant material ($25 to $49). These stretch around the entire outer edge of a table and do not require adhesion.

Corner and Edge Cushions soften edges with foam but are adhered to surfaces which can damage furniture.  Substitute Velcro for the included double stick tape in case baby likes to pull the edges off.  Onestepahead.com offers a set of four Corner Cushions as well as a 12-foot strip ($8 to $15).

2. A Gated Community

You may not have a flat surface to make hanging gates easy.  Decorative moldings and posts, wrought iron railings, or a brick wall can cause some installation issues. Target.com offers a variety of wall or pressure hung, roller shade or angle mounted gates in various materials ($30 to $200). Consider installing a 2×4 piece of wood to provide a flat surface. And don’t forget to gate off the fireplace!

3. Latch It

Not all latches are created equal, and they won’t work on all cabinets. The Tot Lock is my favorite because it can be deactivated when it’s not in use, it’s strong, and it won’t pinch fingers.  It takes time to install but it’s worth it. You can find it at babysupermall.com ($11).

4. Guard the Windows

We all need a little fresh air,  so it’s important to open your windows.  Most high-rise buildings require window guards on all windows but it’s also highly recommended for single family residences. If you have a window seat, second- or third-story windows,  a window next to a toilet, and windows low to the floor, then use window stops, locks or cables. The Super Stopper ($7) from Kidsafeinc.com is a great place to start. Don’t forget brackets to wind up or cut cords from vertical blinds and drapery.

5. Electricity!

The standard plastic outlet plug can be easily removed and become a choking hazard. Leviton Child-Proof Wall Plates sliding outlet covers and outlet cover boxes can be found at smarthome.com ($6).  Also necessary are power strip covers offered by Kidsafeinc.com ($10). As a matter of fact, block off all access under desks. Keep your hair dryer or curling iron away from the tub!

Follow Your Gut

Now that you’re a mom, go ahead and follow that instinct that warns you when something feels unsafe for your baby. More often than not, it’s spot on.

Other Important Safety Gear:

•    Smoke Detectors on every level of your home
•    Carbon Monoxide Detector outside bedrooms
•    Cordless Phone for mobility
•    Door Locks and Door Knob Covers
•    Anti-Scald Devices for faucets and shower heads
•    Door Holders and Door Stops

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Published in: Distinctive Kitchen Solutions

Published: April 2008

By Krista Watterworth

Improve your resale value today!

Experts say that remodeling a kitchen will give you a big return on your investment. But a bathroom also offers significant pay back. Space is a sought-after commodity as are luxurious features and accessories. Here are 13 tips to help you achieve a bigger bang for your bathroom bucks.

1. Spas Appeal. Your bathroom should be an escape from a hectic job, kids’ activities and even your darling spouse or significant other. Why not include exotic wood vanities, dimmable lights, a sound system, steam room or steam shower, Japanese soak tub or a chromatherapy feature?

2. Size Matters.  If you have a home built prior to 1980, the bathroom probably is tiny. If it’s smaller than 8’ by 8’, open up the space by knocking down a wall between the bedroom, or a closet, and the bath.

A pop of brilliant color in a small powder room will add drama and catch the attention of home buyers.

3. Neutrals Nurture.  If an avocado green toilet and pink tub are part of your bathroom palette, it’s time for a change. Since plumbing fixtures are costly, pick ones in a neutral finish and add accent color with towels, soaps, and accessories. If you still swoon at the sight of an avocado sink, paint your walls green since they can be easily and changed.

4. Countertops Count.  Granite remains a smart choice because of its durability. Marble is beautiful, but softer and more easily damaged. Manmade materials like Zodiaq, Ceaserstone and Cambria are fairly indestructible, but the uniformity in color and veining doesn’t give them as individual an appearance as natural stone.

5. Go Green.  Extra cost and still-new research may be deterrents, but going green is great, whether you use organic cotton towels or recycled building products (companies like 3-offer plastic countertops, made from recycled bottles).

6. Avoid Headaches.  Moving plumbing, especially for a toilet, usually is a major challenge and cost, depending your home’s construction. Before agreeing to put it elsewhere, learn whether there’s a concrete slab or lead pipes below the subfloor if you want to avoid an even bigger job. Also think long and hard about selecting colored plumbing fixtures: A burgundy toilet is likely to go out of style quickly.

7. Make an Impression.  To add value, create a master bath suite that includes amenities like double doors between rooms, a walk-in closet with island, toilet cubicle, his-and-her lavatories, exercise area and space for a chaise and ottoman.  Future buyers will definitely take a second look.

8. Facelift.  If a slower housing market makes you cautious about undertaking a major redo, do a facelift. Add a body spray, regrout old worn tile, switch dated faucets, paint walls and ceiling, or add new accessories such as polished chrome towel bars and knobs.

9. Ready for a Mid-Range Restoration?   Change out a 5’ tub for a stand alone shower with clear glass doors; replace your viny floor with tile and a laminate countertop with stone; recess the medicine cabinets; and install decorative lighting.

10. Splurge!   An upscale renovation can exceed $35,000 before you blink, depending on size and degree of fanciness. Some ideas to consider: Expand your 5’ square bathroom to a roomier 9’ or 10’; add new bay windows or a skylight; install a computerized shower system, twin designer sinks or a low-flush toilet to conserve water.

11. Add a bathroom.  You can recoup up a big majority of your costs if you add a bath to your home, especially if you have only 1.5 bathrooms. An extra bathroom, especially in a house with children and working parents, will bring you greater pleasure and make your listing more appealing.

12. Remember the “Toys”.  With the affordable prices of flat-screen TVs, why not indulge your yen for soap operas or sports while you soak? Also popular are built-in coffee bars and sound systems for the ultimate spa-style relaxation.

13. Don’t Neglect the Powder Room.   This tiny space is a place to pack a punch since the small square footage makes even fancy wallpapers and paint treatments affordable. Consider silver- or gold-leafed walls, a Murano glass hanging pendant and one great piece of art.

Krista Watterworth is host of HGTVBathDesign.com’s “10 Ultimate Bathrooms” and HGTV host & designer of “Save My Bath.” For more information, go to www.kristawatterworth.com.

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Published in: Today’s Groom

Published: Fall 2007

If your biggest fear of getting married is to share a bathroom with your fiancee, HGTV’s Krista Watterworth will have you running down the aisle with her tips on co-existing in one bathroom.

As couples move in together under one roof it is inevitable that there are going to be spatial and territorial arguments. One room in particular that couples struggle to co-exist in is the bathroom! To help our readers transition from their own bathroom to a co-ed one, TG’s Jessica Pratt recently spoke with Krista Watterworth, host and designer of the popular HGTV show, “Save my Bath”. Here are some of Krista’s thoughts on how to blend two personalities into one bathroom space, while ensuring everybody is happy with the outcome of the bathroom, and the budget.

What can you do when you don’t have any money to remodel? If a remodel is not possible, then cosmetic changes are in order. Keep the color palette very neutral. Go for earth tones like beige, chocolate brown and creamy off white. Paint is a great way to transform any space on the cheap. You can even make it more interesting by using two shades of beige – one dark and one light – for dimension. Paint the ceiling a different color than the walls, or paint the top half of the wall one color and the bottom half another, or do an accent wall. The new Kilz Casual Colors are very current and the line is limited so you don’t have a zillion colors to choose from, which makes it easier. Also, a new set of linens, towels and textiles is a great idea to freshen up the space. And it’s a great way to say “welcome” to “our” home. Again, keep it neutral using tertiary colors that are not gender specific like sage green or slate blue or even a rustic gold or orange. The Company Store has a great line of plush towels. If you don’t already have one, hang a large surface mount medicine cabinet and divide the shelf space evenly. Robern.com has a great selection. And bathroom ensembles or accessories are a great way to spruce up the space without spending much money. Try Croscill.com. They have a large selection of wastebaskets, lotion dispensers and toothbrush holders.

What are some creative ways to save space? Living in an urban environment like I do really makes one creative about space saving solutions. If it’s a small bathroom, utilize your wall space efficiently. Purchase some hanging storage cabinets. Vitra-USA has a great selection and so does IKEA. Keep the lines clean and simple so as not to clutter the space with too much decoration. If you use floating storage, the floor is kept open and the room feels larger. And if it’s possible, each partner should have his / her own cabinet. Also, a crystal clear shower door will automatically open up the space.

If you don’t have a limited budget, what are some must haves? A body spray system and double shower heads of course! Kohler has some amazing systems and so does Moen Showhouse. If you can’t do two shower heads, a rain shower is a great option. Grooming together can be quite romantic! Also a spa tub with bubble jets is a wonderful and luxurious element. MTI Whirlpools has some great options and lots of variety. That way, you can “getaway” together to your very own spa-like retreat without ever having to leave your own home. In my experience I find that both men and women like a jet or bubble jet tub. Bringing some natural stone elements to a space is a very current and beautiful way to transform a bathroom environment into an elegant getaway. Tumbled stone tile and marble or granite countertops give a richness and beauty to any bathroom. Plus it’s fun to go to the quarry and choose your stone together. That’s a trip you will both enjoy! Keeping your hardware, ie. faucets and shower trim, very clean and simple will also appease both genders. Lacava has some wonderful and very unique hardware. Or a trip to Home Depot or Lowes can be a great way to find some deals and some lower priced options. Double sinks are a great idea and will alleviate future arguments over who gets the sink first, and one of the perks is no one will spit toothpaste in your hair by accident! If all else fails, bring in a professional designer because they can act as a buffer to make the room suit you both.

What are common mistakes people make or things they don’t think about or realize when they merge? A common mistake is the one who owns the home often feels he/she can leave things “as is” without making adjustments for the partner who is moving in. The home has to be re-designed and re-adjusted for another human to inhabit it. That will mean compromise. It’s a good idea to break up the tasks: he’s in charge of towels, she’s in charge of paint color, he’s in charge of sink choices and she’s in charge of faucets. That way, each person has their own territory and they can wield their sense of power. Before you know it, they will be asking each other’s opinion! I remember when my husband and I first moved in together. It was a constant battle over territory. Two people that are used to their own space will go through an adjustment period. It’s important to communicate with each other about your needs. If he loves his electric toothbrush, make a special space just for that on your counter. If she needs her marble lotion dispenser with her lavender body cream on display, make room. The bathroom is a very intimate part of your home and it is such a huge part of your every day lives. So give each other space. Invest in a magazine rack in the bathroom and put his/her favorite magazines in it.

If you could only do one thing to your bathroom, what would be the best? Or what’s the most bang for your buck? Brondell has a toilet seat that is heated, it has an integrated bidet as well as an air dryer. An investment that both will love. Let’s face it, a bathroom is one of the most expensive rooms in the house to renovate. A great jet tub can cost up to $7000. A great shower system can cost up to $3000. But everyone can benefit from a fabulous commode. Toto has lots of amazing choices. My advice: Music! It is transformative to have music in your bathroom… a place to put your IPOD or some CDs

Please, for the love of god, avoid buying plumbing fixtures that are anything but neutral.  Bose has some great systems. And don’t get a cheap waterproof shower radio, they never really work that great. iCarta has an IPOD toilet paper holder that’s way cool.

What are the latest trends and are there any to avoid? Please, for the love of god, avoid buying plumbing fixtures that are anything but neutral. I’ve seen enough of the harvest gold, pink and purple and avocado green toilets, tubs and sinks. For a more timeless look, go for color in areas that can be easily changed, like on the walls or in your accessories…unless of course you plan on updating your bathroom every two to three years. If you are buying a jet or bubble jet tub, it’s a good idea to get the integrated drying system.Water can get trapped behind the hardware and then you get an awful, moldy smell every time you turn the system on. If you are going for the more high tech gadgets like integrated toilet systems and steam rooms, opt for the higher end materials because they will most likely last longer. Lastly, always get a general contractor you can trust. Interview and get references from homeowners that have used them before. Make sure you are both on the same page as to what the job entails, how much it will cost, and how long it will take to complete. This is one area where you really don’t want any surprises!

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Published in: US News & World Report

By Margaret Loftus

Ever wish a SWAT team of designers and contractors would descend on your house and transform your circa 1979 kitchen into a showpiece fit for Emeril? With the recent explosion of home makeover television shows, your chances of getting a complimentary redo may be better than ever. From TLC’s Broken Homes to DIY’s Grounds for Improvement to HGTV’s Rip and Renew, they are all roving the country for material.

Most makeover shows film in one region at a time and put out a casting call through local media or at home-improvement centers. For comprehensive listings, visit the individual networks’ websites.

Each program has its own criteria. HGTV’s Save My Bath looks for particularly hideous bathrooms, like the one it featured with a mural of a forest painted on one wall. But networks admit the shows are more about people than the projects. “Personality does play a huge part,” says DIY General Manager Kathleen Finch. “We don’t want someone who’s going to be shy.” A compelling story helps. Your new husband’s children are moving in, and your appliances won’t cut it anymore. Your teenager is embarrassed because her bedroom still has a Care-Bears theme. “The back story is the whole premise,” explains Save My Bath host Krista Watterworth. But even if you’ve got a bad bathroom, an outgoing demeanor, and a tale of woe, competition can be stiff; Watterworth says her show gets 30 to 50 applications a day.

A leg up. But there are ways to stand out. After hearing that DIY was scouting the Philadelphia area for Project Paradise, a backyard makeover pilot, Lisa and Charles Barrett sent them a video about their hectic lives. Two young sons, they explained, left them little time for a vacation, which meant they deserved a paradise in their own backyard. Within weeks, the Barretts learned they had been chosen for the show, and after eight days of filming, their quarteracre backyard was landscaped with a hot tub, outdoor kitchen, and fire pit. Watterworth confirms that a video can give you a leg up.

Being a good sport is essential. The Barretts both took off from their jobs to help with the landscaping and had 15 to 20 people traipsing through their house every day. Then there was the extra tax bill to foot, but it was worth it, says Lisa. “We ended up with a $125,000 backyard.”

Read more: Try for a Free Home Makeover

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