Located in the exclusive enclave of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, this serene family residence balances East Coast sophistication with the ease of seaside living. Designed by Krista Watterworth Alterman of Krista + Home, the project embraces a modern coastal aesthetic shaped by sculptural minimalism, clean architectural lines and an effortless connection between interior and landscape.
Surrounded by lush gardens and tranquil waterways, the home is conceived as a quiet retreat — a place where resort-style living and everyday family life unfold in harmony.
“It’s a resort-style pocket lined with lush preserves and serene waterways — the kind of neighbourhood where architectural design, wellness, and laid-back luxury coexist beautifully,” Krista explains.
Designing a Home for Living Beautifully
The homeowners — a family of five originally from New York City — brought a global perspective to the project. Passionate travellers and committed philanthropists who support organisations such as World Central Kitchen, they envisioned a home that felt both worldly and deeply personal.Together with the design team, they imagined a space that captured the “effortless global elegance of Belmond hotels” while remaining entirely practical for life with three children.From the outset, architecture and interiors were developed simultaneously, allowing the design narrative to evolve holistically. As Krista explains, this approach helped the studio blend storytelling and functionality, “all with a bit of fun woven in”.
Fashion-Inspired Minimalism
Much of the aesthetic direction was inspired by the homeowners’ personal style — refined, intentional and quietly chic. Fashion houses such as The Row, Khaite and Nili Lotan informed the palette and mood of the interiors, translating their understated elegance into architectural form.
The result is a home that feels modern yet warm, restrained yet deeply inviting.
“We wanted the home to feel like a calming escape,” says Krista. “Modern but warm, minimal but soulful, luxurious but completely livable.”
Sculptural Minimalism and Secret Spaces
At the heart of the project lies the concept of “stealth luxury” — a growing design philosophy that values privacy, craftsmanship and subtlety over overt opulence.
Throughout the home, hidden doors and seamless architectural details create moments of discovery. One of the most memorable features is a concealed back kitchen hidden behind millwork.
“One push and you’re in the back kitchen,” Krista reveals, describing it as the ultimate entertaining solution. “Even during installation, contractors walked past the millwork dozens of times without realising a door was there.”
Today, the concealed space has become something of a family favourite. “Now the kids love showing guests ‘the secret room,’ and it’s the ultimate moment of high-end hide and seek.”
Spanning more than 5,000 square feet across two levels, the residence includes a dramatic open-plan great room, five bedrooms and a loft designed for relaxed movie nights.
A Calm, Mediterranean-Inspired Palette
To create a sense of serenity, the design team selected a tonal palette of warm whites, sandy neutrals and soft limestone hues. The colour story draws inspiration from Mediterranean landscapes as well as some of the family’s favourite Southampton beaches — including Fowlers Beach and Flying Point.
Materiality plays a defining role in the interiors. Custom oak millwork conceals hidden doors while establishing warmth and continuity throughout the home. Matte natural stone surfaces add softness, while textured wallcoverings from Phillip Jeffries and Arte bring subtle depth to the rooms.
Lighting further enhances the atmosphere, with sculptural fixtures from Boyd Lighting and Visual Comfort illuminating the spaces with a gentle glow.
Performance fabrics were selected throughout, ensuring the interiors remain as durable as they are beautiful — a practical necessity for everyday family life.
The Art of Livable Luxury
By overseeing both the architecture and interiors, the design team was able to weave what Krista calls “architectural Easter eggs” into the home — hidden doors, integrated storage and cleverly concealed functional spaces that might otherwise have been impossible to achieve.
By merging lifestyle-driven design with a globally inspired aesthetic narrative, the project ultimately proves the enduring power of subtlety. As the designer puts it: “Beauty that doesn't beg for attention; it earns it.”
Credits
Interior design: Krista + Home (the luxury interior design division of Vesta Home), Instagram: @kristahome
Photos: Carmel Brantley
Styling: Robert Rufino
