When it comes to classic beachy interiors, designer Krista Watterworth of Krista + Home has rewritten the script on what to expect upon entry to a coastal home. The South Florida-based design personality continues to create unexpected spaces that tap into nature and the surrounding elements through a lens of sophistication—livable luxury, you could say. Here, Krista shares a few of her iconic design muses, the beauty of beach living and the magic of texture.
What’s the greatest lesson you’ve taken away from the past year?
Slowing things down and truly taking a pause can be invaluable. It gives you a chance to re-evaluate and make positive changes.
Give us a little day-in-the-life of Krista…
I am designing like crazy. My office is 10 minutes from my home and it has been helpful to be there so I can access our design library. The rest of my team is working from home, and I miss them but am grateful for the quiet time alone at the office to focus on my work.
Can you share any tips or tricks with us from your routine? How are you staying fit, motivated, inspired?
Daily bike rides, daily meditation and some solo time away from kids and husband each day. I am also trying to maintain clean eating for our family and have loved how many of the local farms are offering curbside pickups for fresh produce.
What are your top 3 IG accounts for inspiration these days?
@kerri.rosenthal, @lindrothdesign, @shityoushouldcareabout
Who or what has had the biggest influence on your design aesthetic?
This is always such a tough question. The honest answer is it’s always changing. I fall in love often with colors, people, shapes, textures—I love Dorothy Draper’s over-styling, and Jonathan Adler’s purely joyful color coding. Kelly Wearstler is truly unique, she always makes me happy because she’s one of a kind.
Where does inspiration generally start for you?
Since I am lucky enough to live in South Florida near the beach, I am constantly inspired by nature and the beauty of our surroundings. I love to use natural, organic materials that are inspired by the beauty of our earth.
What are your favorite spaces to design and why?
I love designing bedrooms! I love traveling and staying in luxury hotels and find lots of inspiration there. A beautiful and comfortable bedroom is so essential…a place to truly retreat and relax after a busy day.
How would you describe your signature style?
Livable Luxury. I have developed a style that I call The New Palm Beach™. It's a fresh take on the iconic subculture of Palm Beach. 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—It’s a look that can be implemented anywhere.
What type of motifs are you constantly pulling or gravitating toward?
I am drawn to organic motifs and patterns. I like non-pattern patterns! I like fluid, avant-garde and less predictable motifs. They are more artistic and creative. That is why I am so drawn to the Nomad collection. It's so different from the standard geometric patterns you see everywhere. 
Talk to us about texture. What does it bring to a space?
Texture is everything! I use a lot of neutrals as I find them to be calming, and using textured fabrics adds dimension to a space. I love anything woven and am a huge fan of large weave linens. I also love anything embroidered. Texture makes spaces cozy and adds an earthy vibe. Anything that seems or feels handmade makes you feel a connection to people instead of machines, which I love.
Favorite S. Harris textiles—and tell us why you’re drawn to them.
Hartigan Black Jute (Fabric) – I love the unpredictable and avant garde pattern, which looks like broad paint strokes. I feel like it looks hand done and I can picture the artist in her studio creating this piece.
Ubuntu Indigo (Wallpaper) – I love the earthy and fluid pattern! We are putting this wallpaper in our new office space. I can’t wait to see how it looks.
Brushstroke Velvet (Fabric) – This fabric is so luxurious…I am obsessed with the texture and the rich palette. I used this fabric in the bathroom I designed for the Kips Bay Show House Palm Beach.
