Holiday Home Tour
Who is feeling the holiday spirit? Our KRISTA + HOME team is, after working on this fun project! One of our favorite previous client families asked us to deck the halls in their home (which we previously designed). Their primary residence is out-of-town, but they knew they were going to spend Christmas in South Florida. They asked us to decorate their home so they could come home to fabulous!
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le bubble lounj – Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse
I am so excited to share a little preview of my design for the Palm Beach Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse. Stay tuned to see our progress and the final results!
Artist’s rendering for “le bubble lounj” at Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse. Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman.
Materials Board for Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse by Krista Watterworth Alterman
Progress photos! The amazing team at NNI Construction is doing a wonderful job keeping this project on track.
I would like to give a shoutout to some of our wonderful partners on this project!
The Kips Bay Palm Beach Showhouse will be open to the public January 26, 2019-February 20, 2019.
For more information or to get tickets, click here.
Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach
I am honored and excited to have been chosen as one of the designers for the 2019 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach! Kips Bay is an iconic New York–based showhouse event that has transformed residences yearly since 1973. The event benefits the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. The Florida edition will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.
Bunny Williams is serving as honorary chair of the event, alongside design chairs Ellie Cullman, Pauline Pitt, and Steele Marcoux (the new editor of VERANDA magazine).
The rooms that I will be designing are the master bathroom and master walk-in closet, which we are calling the “bathing and dressing” areas. I have some exciting plans in store for this space. It will be completely transformed into a luxurious and modern lounge.
Here is a “before” shot of the master bathroom and closet…
We have many amazing companies on board to help us, including Kohler, Ceramic Matrix and Benjamin Moore. I can’t wait to get started!
Stay tuned to hear more about my design for the space…which I have named “Le Bubble Lounj”. The Opening Night Preview Party for the showhouse will be January 25, 2019, The house will be open for viewing January 26-February 20. To purchase tickets, click here.
High Point Market 2018
The KRISTA + HOME team decided to make the trip to High Point, North Carolina this year for the Fall High Point Market. I am so glad we went! The trip filled me with inspiration and I loved meeting so many great vendors and designers in the business.
I have to give a shoutout to S. Harris, one of my new favorite fabric companies! I had a chance to meet with Jodi Finer, their creative director. I love her work! They are debuting a bunch of new lines that I will definitely be using in upcoming designs.
I love networking with fellow designers and these women are amazing! They are Pulp Design Studios and they have a new line of fabrics with S. Harris that is to die for.
I met Vern Yip years ago, during my HGTV days. So great to see him!
I love my team! This trip was a great bonding experience for us. We work hard and play hard!
It was an amazing trip, and I can’t wait to go next year!
With Alex Bernhardt from Bernhardt Furniture
With my amazing COO, Fran Sachs at ELAINE SMITH
With the indelible Charlotte Moss
2018 ASID Design Excellence Crystal Awards
I am so honored to have won two 2018 American Society of Interior Design (ASID) Excellence Crystal Awards! It was a wonderful evening of celebrating with my team and industry peers at The Venue in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The gala featured a sit-down dinner and wonderful entertainment from a Joan Rivers impersonator (complete with red carpet “What are you wearing” fun). Thank you to the South Chapter American Society of Interior Designers for my award and for a wonderful evening!
We won first place in the Traditional Design Category (over 3000 sqft) for this Hollywood Regency style home that I designed in Parkland, Florida. I’ve spoken before on this blog about how this home really pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me. That definitely makes the recognition extra rewarding!
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photo by Jessica Glynn
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photo by Jessica Glynn
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photo by Jessica Glynn
We won Honorable Mention in Contemporary Design for this project that is located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This home was featured in Architectural Digest. I love these clients and we are actually in the process of designing a second home for them in Miami.
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photo by Jessica Glynn
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photo by Jessica Glynn
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photo by Jessica Glynn
Backsplash Vibes
One of the most important elements of your kitchen or bathroom design is your backsplash! On a budget? Simply swapping out your backsplash can make all the difference in the look and feel of your space.
The backsplash can be a major focal part of your kitchen or bathroom design. You can really make a statement with color, design and the way the tile is laid. You could also choose something neutral to really highlight and support the counters.
Backsplash adds a nice decorative element and there are many materials to choose from. You want to think about functionality here, something easy to maintain. I love tile, and there are so many beautiful options. Step away from the subway tile and try something new!
One of my favorite tile designers is Ann Sacks. I was so honored when she requested to use some of my photos in her recent product catalog. Below is the kitchen they featured. I love how this turned out! It is a vacation condo in Jupiter, Florida that I designed for some cool Manhattanites.
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn
This client loves all things aqua, so we found this beautiful backsplash with subtle aqua elements. The pops of black on the light fixtures and island paint give it a modern vibe..
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn
I adore this backsplash install of SPIN tile from my own line that I designed in collaboration with TileBar. It is called EIGHTY by Krista and was inspired by the 1980’s.
Interior Design by Benedict August
The black and white backsplash is really the star of this kitchen, don’t you think? It makes a big statement.
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn
Here is an example of how tile can completely transform a bathroom. I am so glad these clients trusted me to take a bit of a risk here with a bold look. They loved the results!
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman | Photo by Jessica Glynn
How To Style Your Dining Room
While the kitchen is definitely the heart and soul of our home, I have a soft spot for the dining room. I love using the room for family dinners, adult dinner parties, game nights, holidays and really any chance to celebrate a special moment! Your dining room should be an inviting space to gather and share a meal.
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photography by Jessica Glynn
Dining rooms come in all shapes and sizes, so it is important to first consider the shape of the room and what type of table you can fit. I always say go as big as you possibly can without being too crowded. Make sure there is plenty of space to move the chairs and walk around the table comfortably.
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photography by Jessica Glynn
For seating, I always think about comfort. There is nothing worse than sitting down for a long meal in an uncomfortable chair! Outdoor fabrics are functional here. They are stain resistant and there are so many beautiful varieties available now.
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photography by Jessica Glynn
Light is an important factor is the dining room. I like to use a layering effect when I think about lighting…utilizing the natural light from a window, a beautiful chandelier, sconces or lamps and candlelight, of course! The shape and size of your light fixture is key. If its a large space, I like a big and bold chandelier. The shape of your fixture should compliment the table as well.
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photography by Jessica Glynn
Accessories are the finishing touches, and can make or break the space. I always love something living and organic…fresh flowers in a beautiful vase or even green palms, freshly cut from your yard add a nice pop of color.
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photography by Jessica Glynn
When setting the table for a special meal, use a variety of colors, texture and shapes to add visual interest. Make sure your candles or floral arrangements are low enough for your guests to make eye contact with the group.
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photography by Jessica Glynn
Decorating With Orange
Orange is a tricky color to work with in home design. I can’t say it is one of my favorites, but when it is done right it really makes a statement! I do love the liveliness and positivity of orange. It can be a pleasing accent if you are careful and use a light touch. 
Here are a few tips for decorating with orange:
- Pair with white. Orange and white is a great combination. I like a crisp, pure white with my orange! Other neutrals like cream and gray also work well.
- Be careful with the shade or orange. Whether you choose mandarin, pumpkin or spice, you will want to stay closely in that color family with your accents.
- Think about where you want to place your orange accents. A pillow, rug, or piece of art works well. Even small touches like an orange vase will add some punch.
- Balance is important. If you are going to go there with orange, make sure there is more than one orange thing in the room. But be careful, don’t overdo!
Designing The New Palm Beach
I’m excited to launch our tagline “Designing The New Palm Beach”. Palm Beach conjures certain images… the bright colors and patterns of Lily Pulitzer, and the island itself laden with history and beautiful architecture, not to mention an opulent lifestyle and impeccable service.
The New Palm Beach offers a fresh take on this iconic subculture. We are introducing a new design style that can be implemented anywhere. This style blends classic elements with modern touches; a soft, neutral palette with pops of bright color; and a luxurious look that’s livable. My version of coastal décor is subtle, organic and fresh. In other words, its not your grandmother’s Palm Beach anymore!
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman. Photo by Jessica Glynn
At Krista + Home we deliver this style with a passion for serving our clients to the very last detail, from beginning to end – maintaining this true Palm Beach tradition.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman. Photo by Jessica Glynn
My family and I recently had a little staycation at The Breakers. Traveling always gives me inspiration, and I realized that the historic hotel is a perfect example of The New Palm Beach. While the stunning architecture and old school details are still intact, the hotel has been perfectly refreshed to appeal to today’s guests. The rooms are comfortable with fresh modern touches and a bit of whimsy. Several of the fine dining establishments remain, and they have added the fun and hip HMF. It feels current and appealing. It’s a mix of old and new that really works well.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman. Photo by Jessica Glynn
I hope you agree our new tagline captures our design style. Reach out to us via Facebook, Insta, Twitter – whatever your platform – and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you!
What It’s Like To Work With An Interior Designer
I thought it would be fun to share a little of our process of working with clients. Many people do not really understand everything that happens when you work with an interior design firm. Here are some common questions and solutions so you can see what happens behind the scenes at Krista + Home.
Why do I need a designer when I can buy furniture myself?
Your home should look amazing and be a reflection of your personality and style, and function in a way that works with how you live your life. It might sound impossible, and that’s because incredible interior design does not happen by chance. Great spaces are carefully explored, planned, and curated by professionals. A home renovation is a big life event, and our team carefully manages the entire process to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Many of our clients love that all of the furniture is stored in our facility and delivered to your home at the same time, so you get a big “reveal” on install day.
What is the designer’s role?
Our dedicated team at Krista + Home will handle all of the design related elements of your project. These elements include color palette, selection of furnishings, drapery, flooring, surfaces, counters, tile, accessories, artwork, wall treatments, lighting and cabinetry.
Renovation or New Build
We do both. Krista + Home works closely with architects and builders to develop your personalized plan. From cabinet pulls to moving walls, we consult on build-related design selections with your architect and contractor.
Purchasing
The Krista + Home team will purchase and manage all aspects of shipping and delivery of all merchandise on your behalf.
How Do I Get Started?
The first step is to set up an introductory call so we can learn about the specifics of your project and you can learn more about us. Call us at 561.530.3983 to get started.
Light It Up! Statement Lighting Fixtures For Your Home
I love choosing light fixtures for my clients! Lighting is everything. The right fixture acts almost as a piece of art in the space and can really be a standout design element. The photos below are from a home I designed in Parkland, Florida for an amazing young family. The fixtures we chose for each room make a huge statement and define each space.
The room below is a casually elegant breakfast room with an amazing view. For this space I chose a drum pendant by Rejuvenation. I love the linen shade, and the dark finish adds visual interest to the room.
In this glamorous master bathroom, we chose a trio of delicate and vintage looking chandeliers. They pair perfectly with the wallpaper!
The fixture below is a scallop hanging shade from Visual Comfort. I love the simplicity and crisp white of the piece.
For the kitchen, we chose oversized lantern fixtures by Visual Comfort. I love how the black finish picks up some of the darker elements in the room.
Sconces are a great lighting choice in unexpected places, like the nightstand in the master bedroom! A perfect choice for late night reading and soft mood lighting in your bedroom. Below I chose crystal sconces by Cordesign Lighting.
All photos are by Jessica Glynn, Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman.
House Tour: A Before And After Story
I recently finished up this home in Palm Beach Garden’s Ballenisles and it is a great before and after story!
The mediterranean-style home, located in a prestigious country club community, was in desperate need of modernizing when I first saw the space. The home was dark and dated, with Tuscan style details, an awkward floor plan and mustard walls. The home is now a vibrant, beautiful, open and contemporary space.
The dated arched doorways, and several walls were removed to create an open living area, perfect for entertaining. Drywall beams were added to the ceiling in a symmetrical pattern to create a modern look. Flooring throughout the entire home was replaced with a porcelain french oak wood-look tile. Contemporary and comfortable furnishings in a neutral palette with pops of color give the home modern elegance, and the perfect space for the family to enjoy for years to come.
2018 LUXE Red Award Recipient
We are honored to have won a 2018 LUXE Red Award, presented by LUXE Interiors and Design Magazine! The LUXE Residential Excellence Design Awards honor excellence, innovation and the best residential architecture, interior design and landscape architecture projects across the country.
We won in the Kitchen category for Palm Beach and Broward counties for this black and white kitchen we designed in Wellington, Florida.
Stairway To Heaven
The stairway is a high-traffic area of your home, and it is a great place to make a big statement. It is often neglected in home decor, and it really shouldn’t be! Krista + Home designs for both new construction and home renovations, and I always encourage my clients to really think about the style they want for the stairs. After all, you will be walking up and down them multiple times a day, right?
When designing a staircase, there are many elements to consider. What style do you want to achieve? Do you want something grand? Or perhaps with a more rustic, farmhouse feel. Choosing a style is a great place to start.
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman || Photo by Lesley Unruh
What type of flooring do you want on your staircase? I love wood and wood-look tile, so many of my designs feature those.
The railing is important. There are many materials and styles to choose from here. Iron is a popular choice in south Florida homes, but I also love the traditional wood railing in the photo above. The traditional look reminds me of Connecticut, where I grew up.
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman || Photo by Jessica Glynn
Don’t forget about the walls of your staircase! This could be a great place for a stylized treatment like shiplap, and can also be a great area to display a beautiful piece of art or framed family photographs.
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman || Photo by Jessica Glynn
Interior Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman || Photo by Jessica Glynn
How To Get Top Dollar For Your Home (Interior design!)
Imagine that you are looking for a new home and you find one that is completely designed with quality furniture and finishes. The home has clearly been thought-out and carefully planned by a professional interior designer. Sounds like a dream, right? Moving in to something completely turnkey!
I often hear from people “I don’t want to spend that kind of money on furniture, I’m just going to sell this house in a few years” – the reality is, a professionally designed home will sell for top dollar. Think of everything they are getting when they buy the house…convenience and VALUE. Window treatments, area rugs, light fixtures, every corner thought out and designed.
I recently designed a home in Palm Beach Gardens, and the couple has decided to relocate to Miami. They sold their home here fully furnished and got a truly amazing price…lets just say it was TOP dollar and much higher than the comps in their area.
Bonus…you get to completely start over in your new home instead of trying to make things work and fit in where they don’t!
If you are thinking of working with an interior designer, know that this will definitely be an asset if and when you decide to put your home on the market.