For a globe-traveling family of five relocating from New York, an ideal Palm Beach home needed to blend East Coast sophistication and breezy seaside living. The resulting project, led by celebrity designer Krista Watterworth Alterman, effortlessly merges laid-back luxury, global inspiration, and polished sensibility.
This custom new build in Palm Beach Gardens was designed by Krista + Home from the ground up — architecturally and decoratively — blending sculptural modernism with warm, coastal minimalism. At first glance, it’s all clean lines, curated art, and a serene palette, but look closer, and the home reveals a suite of architectural surprises, including hidden doors and a concealed back kitchen designed for effortless entertaining, meticulous custom millwork, and a rhythm of light and shadow that softens the architecture’s precision. Inspired by the family’s love of Belmond hotels, The Row, Khaite, and their summers in Southampton, the home feels refined, global, and deeply personal.
We caught up with Krista to discuss how the design came together:
What is the setting for this home?
Krista Watterworth Alterman: The home is located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, a private enclave where East Coast sophistication meets breezy coastal living. It’s a resort-style pocket lined with lush preserves and serene waterways — the kind of neighborhood where architectural design, wellness, and laid-back luxury coexist beautifully.
Could you describe the architectural style of the home?
KWA: This was a ground-up custom new build, where our studio served as both the architectural designers and interior designers, ensuring every detail — from framing to furniture — spoke the same quiet-luxury language.
The style is modern coastal with sculptural minimalism, softened by warm woods, layered textures, and one of our favorite features: hidden, seamless doors that create “stealth luxury” moments throughout the home.
What convinced you to work on this project?
KWA: The moment we met [the homeowners], the creative synergy was instant. They wanted a space that lived like their favorite boutique hotels (hello, Belmond) but functioned for real family life. They also understood the power of designing the architecture and interiors together, which is where our studio thrives.
Is it a full-time home or a holiday home? How did that influence the design direction?
KWA: It’s their full-time residence, designed to feel like an exhale on the weekdays and a boutique luxury retreat on the weekends. The hidden back kitchen especially supports that dual lifestyle — it’s the ultimate hosting hack.
What was the biggest challenge you faced and how long did the project take?
KWA: The biggest challenge was balancing warmth with sculptural minimalism — keeping the architecture clean and quiet while ensuring the home still felt soulful and family-oriented. Because we designed the architecture and interiors simultaneously, we were able to integrate “stealth luxury” features.
The project took 12–14 months from architectural concept through furnishings and styling.
What colors define the overall home?
KWA: We created a serene, tonal palette of warm whites, sandy neutrals, soft limestone hues, and natural textures inspired by the Mediterranean, the homeowners’ beloved Southampton beaches and their favorite fashion houses (The Row, Khaite, Nili Lotan). This palette supports the home’s “quiet luxury” feel and allows the millwork, forms, and hidden architectural details to shine subtly.
What type of materials did you decide to use and why?
KWA: Materiality was everything. We selected:
- Custom oak millwork — perfect for concealing hidden doors
- Phillip Jeffries + Arte textural wallcoverings for subtle depth
- Matte natural stones for softness
- Sculptural lighting from Boyd + Visual Comfort
- Performance fabrics for real-family living
These materials embody tactile minimalism and create the perfect environment for the home’s joyful “architectural Easter eggs,” especially the millwork-wrapped hidden kitchen door.
How would you describe your design philosophy?
KWA: The project reflects the essence of Livable Luxury — interiors that are both artful and attainable. Designed for a family that values connection, craftsmanship, and culture, the home is a celebration of personal expression, refined comfort, and meaningful design. It’s the kind of beauty that doesn’t beg for attention. It earns it.
Photography by Carmel Brantley.
Styling by Robert Rufino.
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