6 Dining Rooms That Are Perfect For Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away so I thought I would do a post about dining rooms. I know there are a lot of people out there who only use the dining room for special occasions like Thanksgiving. I love to create dining rooms that families use frequently! Dining rooms should be made for celebrations…and that could even be a small victory of a family member…like getting an “A” on a test. I try to encourage my clients not to go too formal or stuffy with this room. My favorite dining room designs exude casual elegance. Here are a few to inspire you:
High Point Recap
My team and I recently returned from High Point, NC where we visited the High Point Furniture Market. “Market” (as it is called in the biz), is the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world. It is huge! There are over 2000 exhibitors in about 180 buildings. My team and I like to make this trip each year together and it is always fun. We were there for three nights attending educational events, parties and most importantly–walking through the showrooms to check out all of the new products and trends.
What I really love about attending High Point Market is that it really fuels me creatively. I always come back so inspired and excited to design! I have a ton of wonderful content to share from our trip, but I want to start with one of my very favorite stops: Bernhardt Furniture Company! As you know from past posts, I am a huge fan of Bernhardt and I use their products all the time in my designs. During this visit, I was lucky enough to spend some time with the chairman of the company, Alex Bernhardt himself! It was such an honor and I am so inspired by his vision.
There were so many beautiful new products to see at the Bernhardt showroom. Lots of clean lines mingled with materials like reclaimed woods, rustic metals, marbles, and luxurious fabrics.
Bernhardt has an ahhhmazing new luxury outdoor line and I will definitely be incorporating it into my designs! Beautiful outdoor furniture can be tricky to find and this line is seriously to die for. It is exactly my taste and a perfect representation of the Bernhardt style.
To see more of Bernhardt’s new collections, click here. Stay tuned for Part 2 of my High Point Recap…coming soon!
Rustic Kitchen Reveal
As I mentioned in some of my previous posts about this home, the owners really wanted to avoid that standard builder-grade look. They wanted a home that had a cozy, lived-in look and feel, with some truly one-of-a-kind features. I am truly obsessed with this kitchen! Its definitely one of my favorites. I love the gray hue we added to the cabinets and the pops of black really make a statement. We added shiplap detail to the island and hood, and custom furniture that I designed myself for the bar and breakfast nook!
I love how the wood elements really pop in this space. They make the vibe earthy, comfortable and warm.
Modern Rustic Master Bedroom
This space was truly a white box when I started. Builder grade finishes…carpet and white paint. A blank canvas! The homeowners wanted a modern, cozy and rustic lived-in vibe to the space. My first thought was to do a lot of millwork detailing on the walls. I sketched out my ideas and worked with a wonderful construction company who helped me transform the space.
Most of the furniture in the space is sourced by one of my favorite vendors, Bernhardt Furniture Company. They are a family-owned business and their pieces are timeless and high quality. I use Bernhardt in many of my designs. The bed, nightstands and bench below are all by Bernhardt.
The ceiling detail we created really makes a statement! The lighting is all by another one of my favorite sources Arteriors. I love the statement chandelier and the chic lamps on the nightstands.
The paint I used on the walls is Benjamin Moore Trout Gray 2124-20. It was the perfect hue for the detailed millwork. Many people would be hesitant to try such a dark color, but I am so glad the homeowners trusted me and went for it!
The finished design makes me think of an upscale and luxurious boutique hotel room…one where I would want to stay with my husband!
Modern Rustic Master Bath Reveal
We recently designed this fabulous home in Parkland, Florida. I am so thrilled with the results! This master bathroom is one of my favorites. Surrounded by a blanket of marble, they said, and so it came to be! I even designed these vanities so they would reveal the beautiful Italian Carrera beneath. I told our installer to cut larger tiles into marble “planks of love” – just to see more random veining to give it a wall mural effect. And that tub – calls, beckons, it’s curve say “bubbles await you”. Every inch of this space has been thought through to reveal nuggets of happiness at every corner. Thank goodness for clients who fully trust us to make something fun and fabulous happen.
Now that’s make-up lighting! Our client prefers no make-up because she’s naturally beautiful – and can’t be bothered (wish I had that problem!) The marble mixed with some pretty yet simple box molding warms this corner. It’s a space where I want to get ready for the Oscars or give my little baby angels a “tubby” in my PJs. That’s how we make our home work for us – living luxuriously with serious functionality.
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photo by Jessica Glynn
All of the fixtures are by Kohler. They are truly the best! During my television days, I hosted a show on HGTV all about bathrooms and Kohler was a sponsor so I learned all about the company and their products. Kohler is always my first choice for bathrooms! They even make cabinetry…everything you could possibly need to design a luxurious bathroom.
The most beautiful marble…the entire space is marble clad from head to toe!
Stay tuned to the blog to see the reveal of the rest of this home! Coming soon…
The most important space in your life: Your Home
I was thinking about the work I do and how transforming a home can truly change the life of a family. So I decided to do a little research about our homes and how impactful they are in our lives.
We spend a lot of time in our homes.
I think you might be surprised to learn just how much time we actually spend in our homes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American spends 87% of their life in their home! That is crazy, right? And working from home is becoming increasingly popular. My husband and many of our friends and contemporaries work out of a home office. According to my research, 46% of those with an advanced degree work from home. It doesn’t surprise me that I get frequent requests for beautiful home office spaces.
Your home should be beautiful, organized and functional.
The most important return on investment in design is what we call a “lifestyle enhancer”. A beautiful and functional home can provide an improved quality of life and long term gratification and pleasure. You can’t really put a price tag on memories, life events, milestones and intimate moments that your home provides. So many special events happen in our homes, with the people that we care most about. It makes sense to create a beautiful and functional space for all of these special memories to unfold.
I’ve heard that a cluttered closet or a cluttered home can mirror what is going on in your life. When you purge your stuff and organize your home, it can carry on to other areas of your life. While I might not agree with everything Marie Kondo says, the whole concept of filling your home with items that spark joy does resonate with me.
Functionality is also important. When I design a home, I really take the time to learn what the function of each room will be for that particular family. It really differs from family to family. It’s important to create spaces that really make sense for the life you are living. For example, don’t feel like you need a formal living room if that is a space you will never use. Think outside of the box and use the space in a way your family will truly enjoy.
We do most of our socializing with our family and friends in our homes.
Birthday dinners, summer barbeques, Halloween parties…some of my favorite events each year take place in our home with our friends and family. Entertaining and sharing our home with friends is something my entire family enjoys. Social connection is so important. It truly can improve physical health and psychological well-being.
This is pretty crazy…a recent article in Psychology Today, said that the lack of social connection is a greater detriment than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure. Strong social connection leads to a 50% increased chance of longevity and a strengthened immune system. In other words, socializing with friends is good for your health!
Most of our self care takes place in our homes.
Everyone talks a lot about self care and how important it is to our well-being. I definitely agree! Our home is the place where most of this happens. In our homes we can relax, meditate, take a bubble bath, read a book, take a nap. There are many studies that show the benefits of self care including:
-Better productivity
-Improved resistance to disease
-Enhanced self-esteem
-Increased self-knowledge
-More to give to others/being your best self
Miami Beach Project
I always say that we will travel anywhere for the right project. When a client family that I love told me they were moving to Miami and begged me to do their new home, I couldn’t say no! I really love this family so much and they have great style. Logistically, Miami was definitely a challenge…but the Krista + Home team was up to it! We recently finished up with styling the home for a professional photo shoot and we also shot an episode for a local tv show called The SoFlo Home Project.
Below is a little sneak peek of the design and some behind the scenes snaps from our shoot. Stay tuned to see the beautiful photos and tune in to see a full house tour! Our episode of The SoFlo Home Project will air on Saturday, August 24 on Local 10 in Miami, Broward and select Palm Beach counties.
My team worked so hard and I am so thankful for them. Below is my amazing design assistant Joy! We added a lot of beautiful plants to the multiple outdoor spaces including a courtyard and a rooftop with an amazing view. Joy led the charge and was a plant goddess.
I am obsessed with these beautiful lanterns by one of my favorite designers, Amanda Lindroth. She has a beautiful product line which you can buy online or at her new retail stores in Palm Beach, FL and Charleston, SC.The 4-story townhouse is right on the water with amazing views from almost every room. It was so fun to watch all of the luxury yachts go by while we were working!
Part of a successful photo shoot is the styling. I like to have my team pack tons of options so I can play with heights and texture and place the perfect accessories in each area of the home.
The little details fit the spirit and personality of this family so well. I love the apothecary jars in the kitchen with oreos placed Chloe Kardashian style and the chinese takeout setup we did on the dining table with custom banquette. It all feels authentic and really fits with the “family brand” we created in this design.
Shoutout to Martin Amado, who is the host of The SoFlo Home Project. We had a lot of fun shooting our segments together!
Don’t forget to watch The SoFlo Home Project on Saturday, August 24 at 11am!
A client presentation, an install and an outdoor space to die for….
This was a busy week at Krista + Home! We had two major events…a client presentation and an install! I’m exhausted but elated. Our team is amazing! I’m constantly awe struck at the amount of work and care we put into each home. It is a labor of love, it truly does come from a passionate place – to help people through one of the most stressful times in their lives – moving, building or renovating! I also prepared for another presentation on Monday, but you’ll see that design next week, so stay tuned!
The presentation was for a 12,000 square foot home in Manalapan, Florida. It’s ON THE BEACH! Yes, you heard me right… I’m in love with the project and with this family. It was a large house to design, and I was on a really tight schedule to accommodate the client who really wanted to be able to have an install prior to Thanksgiving. They have been waiting to move into this house for over a year. Unfortunately, another design company couldn’t deliver on time, so Krista + Home swooped in to save the day. Here’s a sneak peek of their eclectic modern home.
The install was for a lovely family in a 6,000 square foot home in Jupiter, Florida’s Jupiter Country Club. This family needed what we call at Krista + Home “The Full Fifty”. This means they did fifty per cent of their house and got stuck, lost steam and were working with designers that didn’t give them great service and attention. So we went in and finished it off with additional furniture, lighting, artwork and accessories! Many people have this problem, and we have a solution! My favorite room, you ask?? The outdoor living space by far. Take a look…
My Newest Fabric Obsession
I am a bit fabric obsessed so I was excited and honored when asked to be a brand ambassador for an amazing fabric company called S. Harris. What a creative and special company, this is! Their fabric and decorative accessory collections are actually influenced by Art, Fashion, and Travel. How cool is that? So many of the values of this brand align with my own beliefs and what I am trying to achieve with my own company, so being an ambassador for them is a perfect fit.
All of the S. Harris designs in their stunning collections truly come from an organic and artistic place. You can see it in the beauty and craftsmanship of these textiles.
I love their Naturalist Collection, which is a new collection of textiles that are reminiscent of nature in its true habitat: animal skins, floral, botanicals, and textures.
Here are a few of my favorite fabrics from the collection. It is easy to picture a beautiful pillow or chair wrapped in these modern and luxurious prints.
Silk Flora, a silk jacquard offers a rich contrast of shades, complimenting a large floral design.
Oken is a kaleidoscope inspired skin in cool, updated colors.
Spotted Leaf is a printed velvet with a tropical take on “dew on a leaf” after the rain.
Another beautiful S. Harris collection is titled “Urban Nomad: A Female Artists’ Studio.” This line was inspired by the concept of the studio space where a female artist creates her masterpieces. This collection celebrates the legacy of female artists in America. There are different fabrics inspired by Judith Goodwin, Helen Frankenthaler, Agnes Martin and Ruth Asawa, to name a few. I just love the spirit of these textiles. They are truly beautiful representations of these artist’s spaces. I love that each yard has a story.
If you are a designer, I urge you to explore the world of S. Harris when choosing fabric for your clients. They also have a fun and inspiring instagram account, follow them here.
About Last Night: Miami Design District
I was so honored to be the featured speaker at an event last week in Miami’s Design District. The event was hosted by Elle Decor magazine and Subzero, Wolf, Cove. It was held at the stunning showroom of Sub Zero, Wolf, Cove. This place is truly spectacular! Sub Zero, Wolf and Cove is one of my favorite brands and I frequently place their luxurious ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers and outdoor kitchens in my client’s homes. I actually just placed many in my own kitchen!
Every detail of the Miami showroom is spectacular! Not only do they showcase all of their luxurious products, but the design of the entire space is something to see. There are wall to ceiling windows with views of Miami and even a beautiful rooftop deck that highlights their outdoor products.
I am obsessed with these “hidden” refrigerators…aren’t they beautiful?
Tile Trends
Some call me tile obsessed. What can I say? I love tile. It can truly transform a space and I am loving the new trends. Beautiful tile can be used to make a statement in the kitchen, bathroom, flooring or even a fireplace. Below are some of my favorite recent tile installs.
The statement tile on the backsplash for this powder room is a show stopper! This is a perfect example of how the tile can completely change a space. I love the cheery and bright vibe we created here.
One big trend in tile right now is brass. Everyone loves a little bling, right? In the photos above and below, see shots from the master bathroom I designed for the 2019 Kips Bay Show House in Palm Beach.We did a large section with this spectacular brass inlay tile. This type of flooring can be on the pricey side, but you don’t have to do the entire floor. We surrounded the statement tile with a clean white marble.
I love the Ann Sacks tile we installed on the kitchen below. Installing it on the kickboard section of the island is very practical for cleaning, but is also visually appealing and gives the kitchen a designer look.
While all-white kitchens will always be a classic look, I encourage my clients to use a bit of color so the space will not have a sterile look. The black elements on the backsplash, light fixtures and island paint really warm up the space. We used black marble on the side counters as well.
I love using natural materials in my homes whenever possible and there is nothing like a beautiful marble tile for classic elegance. We covered the bathroom above in marble tile from head to toe!
I love the unexpected gray in this bathroom. It really goes well with the blue cabinetry. People are often to afraid to try a colored tile like this but the results here are amazing! It just would not be the same bathroom with white tile.
I am really loving the patterned tile trends. The one in the backsplash above works really well with the open shelving and brings the palette together for the whole space.
About Last Night: Modern Luxury Palm Beach + Christofle
I was so honored when Modern Luxury Palm Beach asked me to host their recent Spring Soiree at Christofle. This was a tough one…drink champagne with fabulous people at a stunningly beautiful shop on Worth Avenue? On behalf of one of my favorite local magazines? Yes, please!
I went to Christofle a week before the event and noticed that they had some beautiful products that were designed by Karl Lagerfeld. What a fitting tribute to this legend! I decided to use the X Mood Lagerfeld Egg as a stunning centerpiece and used a fresh palette for the table scape I created. The pops of pink and lavender really compliment the shining silver and crystal Christofle pieces.
There are so many gorgeous pieces at Christofle, perfect for your formal dining room and lots of gifting options.
Photo by Nick Mele
Photo by Nick Mele
Modern Luxury Palm Beach is a great source for happenings throughout South Florida. Sign up for their Digital Issue, and for invites to VIP Parties & Exclusive Offers, Sign up here!
The New Palm Beach: Favorite Benjamin Moore Colors for 2019
I love Benjamin Moore paint, and I use it in all of my homes! I sat down recently with Benjamin Moore to talk about my favorite color picks for 2019. And my favorite colors are…..(drumroll, please!)
Super White
Cloud White
Cliffside Gray
Smoke Embers
Honey Hut
Rose Bisque
Crisp Romaine
Newburg Green
Raccoon Fur
Trout Gray
In what ways would you use these hues? For example, are there specific colors that work best in a certain room or are there certain pairings that create subtle effects or bold statements?
In my designs, I usually choose soft neutrals as a base and add snaps of color. Happy snaps are discovered in pillows or accessories…but can also be exposed with paint (I just completed a home where all the interior doors are a contrasting color). I love the spectacle of a dramatic hue like Benjamin Moore’s Racoon Fur or Crisp Romaine as an accent on a cabinet, wall or ceiling. Recently I designed a master bedroom with a geo pattern, milled wall in the smoldering Trout Gray…it made a huge statement! (see below).
When it comes to neutrals, I enjoy the smoky sophistication of grays. A few of my Benjamin Moore favorites are Cliffside Gray, Coventry Gray and Ice Formations. I love how, depending on the natural light and finish selections, grays can look warm or cool…and mood is everything in a home.
In the photo below, the light gray shiplap (BM Cliffside Gray) beautifully tops the platinum taupe glazed cabinetry and the crisp white trim (BM Chantilly Lace). The soft sea upholstered barstools set the coastal tone.
How can homeowners use color to evoke the feelings of Palm Beach?
When one hears the phrase “Palm Beach” I think it conjures certain images: lush, colorful tropical foliage and florals, the island itself laden with history and beautiful architecture, not to mention an opulent lifestyle and impeccable service.
My own personal design style offers a fresh take on this iconic subculture. I call it The New Palm Beach™. This style blends classic elements with modern touches, a swank vacationing energy, and a luxurious look that’s livable.
Color-wise, I look to the elements of the beautiful outdoors. There is so much to work with in Palm Beach…the beautiful blues of the ocean, the soft warm sand, and the rich hues of the lush greenery and blossoms that surround us. My version of Palm Beach décor is subtle, organic and fresh. It’s not your grandmother’s Palm Beach anymore!
I still love the vibrant shades of “classic” Palm Beach, but I use them as a pop to not overwhelm the senses. One of my favorite design touches is an unexpected happy snap of hot pink, in a beautiful fabric on a pillow. To me, pink is very Palm Beach. After all, pink is the new black! Certain tones of pink make it a neutral such as the blush hues in Benjamin Moore’s Rose Bisque and Honey Hut. But I do love a hot or bright tone of pink as an accent.
In the photo above, I used beautiful fabrics on the throw pillows on a soft neutral sofa to bring this room to life. I love the crisp white Chantilly Lace Benjamin Moore paint on the ceiling beams. It really sets the stage for the furniture and accessories. I think this photo really illustrates my design point of view and is a great example of how The New Palm Beach™ style could be implemented anywhere.
What are some simple ways to bring the Palm Beach experience into a home, no matter its location?
Great question! I think about this a lot – I’m currently developing some exciting new product that will be usable to homeowners everywhere. The great thing about The New Palm Beach™ is that this is a style that can be implemented anywhere.
One of the things that is wonderful about living in South Florida is you always feel like you’re on vacation. I often marvel at how lucky I am to gaze up at the crisp, lush palms during my morning workouts, and the stunning views of the ocean and the lighthouse as I head to meetings with clients. In the photo below I used Newburg Green for a master bathroom I designed for Kips Bay Decorator Show House. It was a bold choice, but it really made an impact! The Show House was a unique situation where I got to meet and talk with hundreds of people viewing my work. Many people asked what color was on the walls and wrote it down!
I love to travel, and my husband and I are what you might call hotel snobs—it’s in the name of professional research, after all! We adore a great hotel with fabulous design, service and amazing food. I’m a Northeastern girl… weathering the cold all my life in Connecticut and New York City made me want to channel that vacationing spirit and infuse that energy into all my work. I can imagine a Chicago homeowner, enduring a difficult trudge through lake effect winter winds, escaping to a home designed with a luxurious vacationing spirit. It’s good for the soul! And my go-to Benjamin Moore color palette for The New Palm Beach™ style is just the way to start.
When designing a master bedroom like the one below, I think about what people love about staying at hotels. Think soft, comfortable fabrics, uncluttered nightstands, a beautiful chair to lounge with a book or your morning coffee, and the most luxurious linens on your bed that you can afford.
I think that bringing coastal hints into your home is food for the spirit, wherever you live. Natural, organic and fresh components create a pleasing, calm aesthetic for home décor and deliver that relaxed vacation feel in spades. It’s not about seashells and kitschy details, it’s a vibe that we create through color and finishes.
A beautiful piece of driftwood on a crisp white shelf, a weathered farmhouse door or table, soft linens on the sofas or a dash of tropical color – all of these things make me think of the island life we have come to adore.
Any other general tips or comments on designing with color that you might want to share, please do!
- My rule of thumb, set the tone with a soft neutral palette and add happy snaps of tropical color.
- When choosing a chic, sophisticated neutral base … gray or blush will make for a stylish retreat.
- Smoky black and sexy forest green will be big in 2019. If it pushes your uncomfortable design buttons, start small with a twang in accessories and artwork.
- For serious drama queens, go for a slick powder bath, kitchen cabinets or painted millwork in Benjamin Moore’s Raccoon Fur in a high gloss finish.
- White is light and bright! Every white has its own personality. My go-tos are Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, Cloud White and Super White.
Kips Bay Show House Reveal
I am so excited to reveal the master bath and closet I designed for the 2019 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach! This project was a labor of love for a great cause, as proceeds will benefit The Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club and The Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County. It was an ambitious project with a tight timeframe, but I am so happy with the results!
The room was inspired by the concept of celebration and starting a fun night early, while getting ready to go out. My husband and I have date night every Friday and we love to put on music and have a cocktail in our bathroom to set the mood of the evening. I named my space at Kips Bay Decorator Show House “Le Bubble Lounj”.
This incredible slab of book matched marble by Ceramic Matrix drove the palette for the space. The “bubble” chandelier was provided by one of my favorite lighting sources, Capitol Lighting. Capitol has stores throughout South Florida and New York, but they also have an online store where their products are available nationally. They carry many of my favorite upscale brands.
The Kohler sok tub is an infinity tub with a continuous flow of water cascading over the sides of the basin, The sok bath offers whole-body immersion as chromatherapy surrounds you with calming colored lights. Effervescence ports release thousands of tiny champagne-like bubbles, creating a luxurious sensory experience for two. I love everything about this tub!
The oversized Kohler shower has a large rain shower panel, speaker panels and body jets. Everything is controlled digitally. There is a remote and you can program your phone to play your music in the shower!
We had an incredible contractor for this project. NNI Construction kept everything running smoothly despite the incredibly tight timeframe and a few hurdles along the way. I give them my highest recommendation if you are looking for a contractor! All of the glass and mirrors in the space were provided by another local gem, Giant Glass and Mirror. The framing and marble fabrication was done by Tostes Cabinets.
The Veil Toilet by Kohler is the best loo out there! With its flowing and immaculately balanced curves, the Veil one-piece toilet with integrated cleansing functionality epitomizes minimalist and ergonomic design. It provides a suite of features finely tuned to offer optimum hygiene and ultimate individual comfort, from personal cleansing to an LED nightlight to hands-free opening and closing. All of the features are easy to control on a touchscreen LCD remote control.
I chose a high gloss Benjamin Moore paint for the walls and it really makes a statment! The color is Benjamin Moore Newburg Green. The fabulous sconces are by Capitol Lighting. The glass sinks and vanities are by Kohler, and the stunning vanity stool with custom fabric is by Fabricut. I am in love with these Mersey Quartz counters by Cambria.
I must mention the amazing accessories that provided the final touches to the space. The luxurious linens and robes were provided by Yves DeLorme and Pioneer Linens. The sleek vanity sets are from Labrazel.
I wanted the closet to feel like a lounge and I found the perfect partner to create custom cabinetry. Closets by Montecristo created my vision perfectly! They used my sketches to create this stunning, upscale dressing room. The chandelier in the room is by Capitol Lighting, and the fabulous Marielle bench is by Fabricut, with custom fabric by S. Harris.
This marble tile flooring by Ceramic Matrix really makes a statement! I love the brass and black on the crisp white background.
Every master bath and dressing suite needs a bar! The perfect spot for my husband to mix a cocktail and chat with me while I am taking a bubble bath.
The Kips Bay Show House is open for viewing through February 20. Click here to purchase tickets.
Using Millwork In Home Design
This recent project has tons of custom wall detail and millwork. I love how it turned out! It was such a pleasure to work with NNI Construction on this home. They were able to take my sketches and seamlessly make all of my designs come to life. Enjoy this video about using millwork in your home design.