“BEST RENOVATION” – WINNER OF FLORIDA DESIGN MAGAZINE’S SEAGLASS AWARD

We were so pleased and honored to win a 2023 Florida Design Seaglass Award for “Best Renovation” this year. Our team recently attended the awards ceremony at the Ben Hotel in West Palm Beach for a fun evening celebrating interior design throughout Florida. The awards were sponsored by Florida Design Magazine, and one of my favorite design icons, Tom Filicia, was a judge and the keynote speaker for the event.

The project that we won this award for is one of my favorites. When I met the clients, I realized right away that they had chic sensibilities and great taste. They moved to South Florida from Manhattan, where they had been living in a modern loft in the West Village during the pandemic. They purchased a 5560 sft waterfront home in Florida that they wanted to make their forever home for the family. The waterfront property was truly stunning, and the house reminded me more of a home you would see in Westport, Connecticut than one you would find in South Florida. As I worked with this couple to create their home, I began to refer to them as “The New Traditionalists”.

This home needed a complete refresh. Here are some “Before” photos to give you an idea of what it looked like when we first toured the space.

BEFORE

BEFORE

BEFORE

A design challenge was that they wanted to hang onto the traditional elements of the home but infuse it with modern touches, since their taste was more mid-century modern. They also wanted me to build the design around their interesting and eclectic art collection. I used the art as inspiration when choosing color, and settled on a rich palette of mustards, charcoal grays and lavenders and pinks. We even painted the walls of the library/music study lavender, which really adds character and charm to the room. The library/music study is anchored by an antique piano that is very special to the homeowner and she said lavender was her favorite color. The homeowners wanted a home that was open, inviting and relaxing.

Interior Design by KRISTA + HOME, Photography by Jessica Glynn

Interior Design by KRISTA + HOME, Photography by Jessica Glynn

Interior Design by KRISTA + HOME, Photography by Jessica Glynn

We replaced the flooring throughout, and took down several walls to open up the main living areas. We kept and restored some of the traditional elements of the home, while infusing the design with modern touches. We did a complete renovation of the kitchen and added a butler’s pantry and wet bar.

Interior Design by KRISTA + HOME, Photography by Jessica Glynn

Interior Design by KRISTA + HOME, Photography by Jessica Glynn

I created a wow moment with dramatic lighting on the winding staircase in the entry and utilized wallpaper throughout, on accent walls and ceilings to add visual interest. There is an abundance of detailed millwork throughout. I chose rich wood finishes with pops of color throughout.

Interior Design by KRISTA + HOME, Photography by Jessica Glynn

Our design included furnishings, window treatments, lighting, rugs and accessories for the entire home. The family loves to entertain, so we designed a custom extra-long dining table with seating for ten.

Interior Design by KRISTA + HOME, Photography by Jessica Glynn

I designed a truly magical outdoor space for them. We used Janus et Cie furnishings throughout the outdoor space for the lounge, outdoor dining area and pool seating. We designed a large gazebo with a working fireplace and state of the art summer kitchen. I think I created a truly special home for the family, where they can gather and connect with the ones they love and enjoy the space for years to come.

Interior Design by KRISTA + HOME, Photography by Jessica Glynn

Interior Design by KRISTA + HOME, Photography by Jessica Glynn

Interior Design by KRISTA + HOME, Photography by Jessica Glynn

Conceal with Style: Tips for Hiding Electrical Cords in Your Home Decor

When it comes to decorating your home, attention to detail is key. From choosing the right color palette to selecting the perfect furniture, every element contributes to creating a cohesive and inviting space. However, one often overlooked aspect of home decor is electrical cords. Unsightly cords can quickly disrupt the aesthetic of a well-designed room. But fear not! With a little creativity and planning, you can easily hide those pesky cords and maintain a clean and clutter-free look. Here are some tips for concealing electrical cords in your home decor.

Use Cord Covers or Raceways Cord covers or raceways are a great solution for hiding cords along walls or baseboards. These sleek and low-profile covers come in various colors and materials, such as plastic or paintable options, allowing you to match them to your wall color or blend them seamlessly with your decor. Cord covers or raceways can be easily installed with adhesive backing, and you can run multiple cords through them to keep them neatly organized and hidden from view.

Utilize Furniture and Decor Items Another clever way to hide cords is to use your furniture and decor items strategically. For instance, you can place a bookshelf, a console table, or a large potted plant in front of an outlet to conceal the cords behind them. You can also use decorative items, such as baskets, boxes, or decorative trays, to corral and hide cords on a coffee table or a media console. Just make sure to choose items that complement your decor style and blend seamlessly with the overall aesthetic of the room.

Incorporate Cordless Lighting With advancements in technology, cordless lighting options have become more readily available and affordable. Consider opting for cordless lamps or wall sconces that are powered by batteries or rechargeable bulbs. These wireless lighting options can provide the same amount of illumination as traditional lamps or fixtures, without the need for cords. They can be easily moved around and positioned wherever needed, giving you more flexibility in your decor arrangement while keeping cords out of sight.

Use Cord Clips or Hooks Cord clips or hooks are a simple and affordable solution for keeping cords organized and hidden. These small devices can be attached to the back of furniture or along baseboards, and they provide a discreet way to route cords and keep them neatly in place. You can also find cord clips or hooks that are paintable, allowing you to match them to your wall color for a seamless look.

Consider In-Wall Cord Concealment For a more permanent and seamless solution, you can consider in-wall cord concealment. This option may require some DIY skills and knowledge of electrical work, so it’s important to consult a professional if you’re not confident in your abilities. In-wall cord concealment involves running the cords inside the walls by cutting a hole behind the TV or other devices, routing the cords through the wall cavity, and then patching and painting the hole to blend it with the wall. This method provides a clean and minimalist look, eliminating visible cords altogether.

Opt for Cordless Appliances or Devices Another effective way to reduce the number of cords in your home is to opt for cordless appliances or devices whenever possible. For example, you can choose cordless vacuum cleaners, cordless charging pads for your devices, or cordless speakers for your audio system. By eliminating the need for cords altogether, you can significantly reduce the clutter and hassle of dealing with cords in your home decor.

In conclusion, hiding electrical cords in your home decor is not only possible but also easy to achieve with some creativity and planning!

BEACHY BUNK ROOM GLAM

I created this fbunk room for a fun family who spends holidays and vacations in Jupiter, Florida. Since they were going to be using this waterfront space as a beach house, I thought it would be fun to create some cute storage with colorful lockers! I also selected a modern rug and placed two hanging rattan swings directly by the windows. How fun is that? They can sit and read and watch the boats go by. Finally, I chose some coastal fabulous wallpaper by Abnormal Anonymous for an accent wall. The kids (and their parents) really love how the space turned out!

15 Years of Design

Our interior design firm is celebrating 15 years in business this month! It really feels like a great milestone for our company and I am so proud of everything we have accomplished. Looking back, there were highs and lows, but I would not trade a moment. Everything led to this point in time, where we have a thriving and successful design firm in South Florida. It took time and careful care to find the right team and the best practices and procedures for our company, but we did it! I am so proud of what we have created. Here are a few highlights of Krista + Home through the years.

2008 – NYC

I was designing in New York City from 2008-2010. It was fun to try to maximize the space in all of those small condos and a great way to learn after getting my degree from Parsons School of Design. I was also working in television as the host of an HGTV series! I should also mention that I was pregnant with my son and appeared on the cover of Pregnancy magazine.

Interior Design by Krista W. Alterman, Photography by Jessica Glynn

2010 – Ice, Ice Baby!

A move to paradise was in order! I relocated to Palm Beach, Florida with my husband and two babies. We moved into an office and began designing homes throughout Palm Beach county, while continuing my television work. I appeared on several episodes of The Food Network’s “Restaurant Impossible” and landed a local gig on Discovery Channel’s “The Vanilla Ice Project”. It was fun helping Ice flip houses throughout South Florida. I appeared on this show for nine seasons!

Interior Design by Krista W. Alterman, Photography by Jessica Glynn

2012 – Designing in Paradise

In 2012 I started to really hit my stride as a designer in the Palm Beaches. I hired a team and began doing full-scale luxury home projects. One of my favorites was a large home we designed in Wellington, Florida’s Equestrian Club that year. The client LOVED orange, which is not a color I gravitate to. We made it work! My work was featured in many magazines, including Better Homes & Gardens and Redbook .

Interior Design by Krista W. Alterman, Photography by Jessica Glynn

2015 – Finding Our Stride

This was a year of steadily building our portfolio. We designed many full-scale large luxury homes throughout the Palm Beaches. I was also chosen to participate in the Red Cross Decorator’s Show House in Palm Beach, Florida. We added a couple of members to our team and started to strengthen partnerships with our favorite vendors and local contractors.

Interior Design by Krista W. Alterman, Photography by Jessica Glynn

2017 – Award-Winning Design

In 2017 we won our first big design awards! The American Association of Interior Designers (ASID) honored us with three Residential Excellence Awards in the Modern/Contemporary Design, Traditional Design and Kitchen Design categories. We were so excited and traveled to Miami to accept the awards in a fun ceremony complete with Red Carpet!

Interior Design by Krista W. Alterman, Photography by Jessica Glynn

2018 – Growing Our Team

In 2018 we were in hiring mode and our focus was on tightening up our processes and systems. I hired a chief operating officer, which was one of the best moves I have made for KRISTA + HOME. Hiring Fran Sachs allowed me to focus on the creative elements of the company, while she focused on the business and financials. Having Fran onboard made a huge difference for the company and she became my trusted partner. We won several more awards this year, including a Luxe RED (Residential Excellence in Design) Award.

Interior Design by Krista W. Alterman, Photography by Jessica Glynn

2019 – Kips Bay Show House

In 2019 I had the extreme honor of being chosen as one of the designers for the prestigious Kips Bay Show House in Palm Beach, Florida. What an honor! It was a challenging project with very tight timeframes, but I loved every minute. The best part was the charity element of the project, as it benefitted the Boys & Girls Club of America. We created a showstopping master bathroom dubbed “Le Bubble Lounj” with the sexiest piece of book matched marble and a luxurious Kohler infinity tub. This year brought lots of press features in magazines like Veranda, House Beautiful and

Interior Design by Krista W. Alterman, Photography by Jessica Glynn

2020 – Global Pandemic

2020 was such a challenging year for us all. But taking the time to reflect and stretch myself (with a much smaller team) proved to be rewarding when the vaccines came out and life started up again. I worked on a beautiful beach house in Juno Beach during quarantine that I was so proud of. Most of the work was done solo – I spend many hours in my office alone making selections and hours of zoom calls with the clients who were at their winter house in Rhode Island. It was truly a labor of love and I am so proud of how it came out. In 2020, we also moved into a new retail workspace in Palm Beach Gardens, where we happily reside today. We won two Luxe RED Awards this year, for one of my favorite homes that I designed in Parkland, FL. We were also named one of the “Top 50 Women-Led Businesses in Florida” by the Commonwealth Institute.

Interior Design by Krista W. Alterman, Photography by Jessica Glynn

2021 – Business is Booming! (But pipeline issues and delays…)

After being in our homes for so long, everyone decided that they either wanted to buy a new home or renovate/refresh the home they had! This was happening throughout the country, but most especially in South Florida. Our phone was ringing off the hook and our client roster kept growing. We added people to our team and worked on so many exciting projects throughout the Palm Beaches. This year had it’s challenges as the industry tried to catch up with the huge demand. We came up with creative ways to make sure our clients received the best possible service, but changing around some of our vendors and procuring product made locally or at least in the US. We were pleased to win many awards this year, including Design Excellence Award-First Place Bathroom, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Best of Palm Beach-Home Decorating, Palm Beach Post, Best of Design, Modern Luxury Interiors, Top Women-Led Business in Florida, The Commonwealth Instituteand Best of Houzz for Design and Service.

Interior Design by Krista W. Alterman, Photography by Jessica Glynn

2022 – We are growing!

2020 was such a challenging year for us all. But taking the time to reflect and stretch myself (with a much smaller team) proved to be rewarding when the vaccines came out and life started up again. I worked on a beautiful beach house in Juno Beach during quarantine that I was so proud of. Most of the work was done solo – I spend many hours in my office alone making selections and hours of zoom calls with the clients who were at their winter house in Rhode Island. It was truly a labor of love and I am so proud of how it came out. This was a special year for us, as we were awarded First Place in the “Best of Palm Beach” awards (sponsored by The Palm Beach Post) for Interior Decorating. In addition, we were featured as one of the top designers in Florida in the “Best of Design” issue of Modern Luxury Interiors magazine.

Interior Design by Krista W. Alterman, Photography by Jessica Glynn

2023 – Time To Celebrate And Reflect…

This brings us to the present. We are so excited to celebrate 15 incredible years of success at KRISTA + HOME! We have come such a long way since our humble beginnings and we thank all of you for helping us reach this milestone. We invite you to join us in celebrating 15 years of excellence. Together we have achieved amazing feats and we look forward to many more years of creating beautiful homes.

To our employees, clients, partners, and friends: Thank you for making our dreams possible and supporting us along the way. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for KRISTA + HOME!

Interior Design by Krista W. Alterman, Photography by Jessica Glynn

Interior Design by Krista W. Alterman. Photography by Jessica Glynn

WALL SCONCES 101

Ah, how I love wall sconces! A wall sconce is a type of light that is mounted from the wall instead of from the ceiling. It is quite practical as it is a great space saver, with no pesky cords to worry about, and I love the traditional look that a sconce gives on the wall. Balance is an important part of interior design, and adding sconces to a room can give the perfect finishing touch to a space after all of the pendants and surface mount lighting is selected. The goal is to evenly light a room. To do this, place the sconces slightly above your direct eye line.

One of my favorite areas for sconces is the bedroom! I love the look and functionality of having a sconces flanking a bed. For nighttime reading, you’ll want to make sure the sconces are intentionally placed so that you can read comfortably. It is important to consider the bed height. I love to do a variety of lights in the bedroom, from sconces to table lamps to a gorgeous chandelier. Always put your bedroom lighting on dimmers to create a calming mood.

Interior design by KRISTA + HOME, Photo by Jessica Glynn

Interior design by KRISTA + HOME, Photo by Jessica Glynn

I also like to add a sconce or two in the entryway as a beautiful decorative and functional element. Make sure these are hung properly. Generally, wall sconces are installed between 60”-72” from the finished floor. When it comes to horizontal spacing, sconces are traditionally 6’ apart. But keep in mind that the six-foot rule may not always apply. Placement depends on how long your hallway is and whether there are architectural features to consider.

Interior design by KRISTA + HOME, Photo by Jessica Glynn

In the bathroom, sconces can be hung at the vanity or even by the tub, as in the photo below. When it comes to the bathroom, the more lighting the better! When installing sconces on either side of the vanity, it’s best to install bathroom sconces between 60”-65” from the floor. The height of the sconce should land around the eye level, preventing unflattering shadows or harsh glares.

Interior design by KRISTA + HOME, Photo by Jessica Glynn

Interior design by KRISTA + HOME, Photo by Jessica Glynn

Pro tip: If you are renovating it really helps to pick out the fixtures BEFORE you place the junction box. This way you can more accurately decide the proper height and get exactly what you want. Otherwise, you will have to choose a sconce based on the placement of the box.

Interior design by KRISTA + HOME, Photo by Jessica Glynn

Interior Design by KRISTA + HOME. Photo by Jessica Glynn

Creating Timelines For Your Custom Build

Embarking on a custom build journey is an exciting chapter, and at KRISTA + HOME, we understand the importance of turning dreams into reality with precision and care. Today, we’re sharing insights into the art of creating timelines for your custom build, featuring our dedicated project management team and cutting-edge software that ensure every detail is meticulously planned and executed. Join us as we unravel the secrets to a seamless construction journey and offer additional tips for creating timelines that exceed expectations.

Interior Design by KRISTA + HOME, Photo by Eve Greendale

Dreams to Plans: Collaborating for Success: The journey of a custom build begins with dreams and we believe in translating those dreams into actionable plans. Collaborating closely with our clients, our design and project management teams work hand in hand to understand visions, preferences, and priorities. This collaborative approach ensures that the foundation of your timeline is rooted in your unique aspirations.

Tip Start with a vision board or mood board to articulate your aesthetic preferences and functional requirements. This visual representation can be a great starting point for discussions with your design and project management teams.

Interior Design by KRISTA + HOME, Photo by Jessica Glynn

Dedicated Project Management Team: Guardians of Your Timeline: At KRISTA + HOME we have a dedicated project management team that works closely with the contractors. These skilled professionals are the guardians of your timeline, overseeing every phase of the construction process. From coordinating with contractors to addressing unforeseen challenges, our project managers act as the crucial link that keeps your custom build on track.

Tip: Communication is key. Regular check-ins with your project manager can help identify any potential roadblocks early on and keep the construction process moving smoothly.

Interior Design by KRISTA + HOME, Photo by Jessica Glynn

Cutting-Edge Software: Powering Precision and Flexibility: In the digital age, we leverage cutting-edge software to enhance our project management capabilities. This software provides real-time collaboration, transparent project tracking, and flexibility to adapt to changes. The result is a dynamic timeline that evolves with your vision, ensuring that deadlines are not just met but exceeded.

Tip : Consider using project management software or apps to create a visual timeline. This can be an effective way to keep everyone involved in the construction process informed and aligned with the project milestones.

Interior Design by KRISTA + HOME, Photo by Eve Greendale

Setting Realistic Milestones: Creating a timeline is an art that involves setting realistic milestones. While it’s natural to be ambitious with your goals, it’s crucial to strike a balance between pushing boundaries and ensuring achievability. Our project management team excels at breaking down the construction process into manageable phases, setting milestones that motivate progress without compromising quality.

Tip: Work with your project manager to establish a timeline that accommodates potential delays or unexpected challenges. Building in a buffer can help manage expectations and ensure a smoother construction journey.

Interior Design by KRISTA + HOME, Photo by Jessica Glynn

Regular Reviews and Adjustments: Adapting to Evolving Visions: A successful custom build timeline is not a static document—it’s a living, breathing plan that evolves with your vision. Regular reviews with your project management team provide an opportunity to assess progress, discuss any adjustments, and ensure that the timeline aligns with your evolving preferences.

Tip: Schedule regular walkthroughs with your project manager to physically inspect the construction site. This hands-on approach allows you to see progress firsthand and address any concerns promptly.

Meet the Artist – MEGAN JAMES

We love supporting local artists and are so excited about our collaboration with Megan James, who is based in Jupiter, Florida. Megan created a collection for us of Krista’s favorite pieces and her paintings are available for purchase on our website. We recently sat down with artist Megan James to discuss her work.

When did you first realize you wanted to become an artist?

My mother and grandmother, who both have artistic talents, began telling me around 5 years old: “Meggie, you are an artist!” Whenever I had an opportunity, I always gravitated towards making things and drawing. My father even built a wood art table for me right in the living room, so I could do what I loved while everyone else watched television or hung out. Over the years, I tried some other career paths but naturally found my way back to art in everything I did! In 2016, I decided to finally develop a career as a full time artist/creative director.

What inspires your artwork?

The natural world is my main source of inspiration. In many ways, my paintings are a journal of the places that have moved me, given me perspective or changed my inner landscape. I find myself studying organic textures ,patterns, movement, light and shapes all found in nature and how they translate as a feeling. I noticed that I’m often trying to transmit the same ideas of wild beauty, grace and serenity but in my own visual languages, by changing the colors or materials. I also look for parallels in the natural world that can help me relate to my own life and then distill the message in my work.

Are there any artists that have influenced your style?

Lately, I’ve been enjoying the works of Jules Olitski, James Perkins and Zaria Foreman.

But my artistic influences often come from other forms of creativity, like music! I pose a question like “If this painting of the desert was a Jeff Buckley song, what would it look like?” Music helps me set a tone for a collection.

What was the creative process behind the pieces in our collection?

This collection is all about travel and capturing the essence of a place. The Indigo Water paintings are all snapshots of moments with water here in South Florida and the Mediterranean Sea from the coast of Santorini. The water takes on different energy and colors based on the backdrops of the environment around it. But no matter where I visit water, it feels like a familiar friend and a through line in who I am. I wanted to focus on the graduation of deep blue, the depths of the water and the rhythmic patterns. All of the desert pieces were inspired by a trip that my boyfriend surprised me with to the Mojave Desert and Death Valley in 2021. I was able to take on an abstract interpretation with the desert pieces because the scenery is so out of this world, wild and raw. “The Warmest Sounds” shows that It can be encapsulated as a feeling so well with just one subdued color.

What do you want collectors to take away from your art?

I hope collectors find pieces of who they are in relation to the natural world when they see my work. I hope it anchors them to the feelings associated with natural elements like the flow and rhythm of water or the feelings of stability in a warm rock formation. I also hope my work serves as an invitation outside! Adventure!

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not painting?

I have two daughters, so I enjoy doing creative things and cooking with them. We love going to the Norton and exploring local art. When I’m alone, I love running and adventuring by foot. I live in downtown West Palm Beach, so I can go in any direction and find beauty, nature and gorgeous architecture, which makes exercising outside so fun. I wrote an article last year and mentioned that running is how I paint when I’m not painting and that really rings true for me because it shows me how to push past the hard parts, like mental doubts and physical fatigue in order to reach the flow state. I have learned that on the other side of a challenging run and a finished painting is a new version of me, it’s very rewarding.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

I am a proud member of the 5 am club! I adopted early rising two years ago and it has been the best, non-negotiable form of self-care for me! Waking up early upped my game as a mother and an artist, by allowing me to “wake up before the world.” I have a carved out moment to plan my day, work on something creative or exercise. By the time I start working, I’m lit up and ready to go!

Favorite colors?

Tans, and white! I love a good monochromatic look too!

What are your goals as an artist?

I look at my goals as an artist from a few different standpoints.

Personally, my goal is to always honor the hunger I have within me to create. It’s an urge inside me that makes me who I am and feel totally alive. Creatively, I hope to continue growing my skills and work practice. As a mother, I love to be able to show my daughters behind the scenes of a working artist and I can see the positive impact it has on their creativity. From a business perspective, I have been penetrating new arenas with my work in the past year by becoming more bold and thinking BIGGER! My goals are to keep expanding my reach with designers, galleries and collectors.

4 Perfect Bathrooms

We just finished up a fun waterfront beach house in Jupiter, Florida and one of my favorite parts of the design was….the BATHROOMS! I really love all four of these spaces. The bathroom is an often neglected space where you can really get creative with your tile, hardware and wallpaper selections. I always say, take some risks if you want a designer look. Choose some fun and expected elements. I love how these turned out and the clients did too!

BUNK BATH

This bathroom was attached to a super fabulous girly bunk room we created for the family’s girls. It has just the right amount of girly flair while still keeping a chic and understated vibe. The palette for the space was pink, white and gray with pops of gold where we used brass fixtures by Kohler. The countertops are white calcutta marble and the walls are painted Peppermint by Benjamin Moore. The flooring is my favorite part – I love the gray glass petals and gray subway tile with white grout to make it pop.