K R I S T A + H O M E. Designing The New Palm Beach.
Everyone loves a success story, right? Krista + Home was once a boot strap start-up with two employees: Krista and her husband Eric. Their dream was to create homes that not only look like they’re jumping off a magazine page, but that are also livable, comforting and highly functional. The kernel of that idea turned into a movement, and The New Palm Beach became the signature K+H style. All of our projects include a feeling -- a vacationing spirit, a respect for the modern and the historic, and a livable yet luxurious energy. As we grew into a highly sought after firm, we searched across South Florida for the most talented players, a team who all believe that great service is a calling. What we offer today is a full service firm that creates personally curated and branded experiences for each and every client.
KRISTA WATTERWORTH ALTERMAN, ASID, IIDA, IDS
Creative Director & Founder
Krista is Connecticut born, New York trained and happily adopted by Palm Beach County. Her modern, clean and surprisingly classic aesthetic has earned her a reputation as Palm Beach County’s go-to interior designer.
Krista received her Master of Fine Arts from the prestigious New School in Manhattan, and furthered her studies at Parsons School of Interior Design, one of the top design schools in the country. The New York Daily News called Krista “a designer who gives a room soul.”
A television personality, Krista is known for her highly acclaimed HGTV shows Save My Bath and Splurge & Save. She's also been featured on The Food Network’s Restaurant Impossible and DIY's The Vanilla Ice Project for nine seasons.
In 2022, Krista + Home was named one of the "Top 100 Women Led Businesses" in Florida by the Commonwealth Institute and "Best of Palm Beach" by The Palm Beach Post in the interior decorating category. She won a 2021 American Society of Interior Designers Design Excellence Award, two 2020 LUXE Residential Excellence (RED) Awards, and a 2020 TCI Top Women in Business Award. In 2019, Krista was one of the selected designers for the prestigious Kips Bay Show House in Palm Beach. She is the recipient of two 2018 American Society of Interior Designers Crystal Awards, a 2018 LUXE Residential Excellence Award and three 2017 American Society of Interior Designers Design Excellence Awards. She is proud to be an adjunct professor of interior design at Parsons School of Design.
Her work is regularly featured in many publications including Architectural Digest, Decor, Luxe Interiors & Design, Florida Design, Good Housekeeping, HGTV Magazine, Southern Style At Home and Cottages & Bungalows.
After living in Manhattan for ten years, Krista, her husband Eric (a serial entrepreneur and technologist) and their two children (Griffon and Skylar) escaped the madness for paradise. Krista is a serious food lover, secret chocoholic, and avid Poker player. Proud mama to Rocky “Rockstar”, her Portuguese water dog. Meet Krista!
FRAN SACHS
Chief Operating Officer
A senior level executive with demonstrated expertise in operating and growing service businesses, Fran has had over 25 years of success in refocusing organizations, motivating teams and driving change. Fran has extensive corporate and entrepreneurial experience, having worked in Fortune 500 companies, emerging middle market companies and start-ups.
Did we mention she's a graduate of The Wharton School of Business and Stanford? Talk about a GirlBoss!
Fran left Manhattan over 15 years ago and loves living in Jupiter with her husband Jon, their son Graham and their dog Oatie. Fran loves to go to the beach, but doesn't get there enough and will happily debate the best place to get a good slice and a good bagel in the area.
Contact: fran@kristahome.com
ERIC ALTERMAN
Chief of Product Development
Eric is the founder of numerous venture-backed technology companies, including MeshNetworks, Triton Network Systems and KickApps Corporation. He is an advisor and investor to multiple startups, with a focus on software design and operations. Eric is also a recovering attorney, with a background in intellectual property, licensing and litigation. Eric heads up the newest division of KRISTA + HOME, our customized and curated furniture line. When not at the office, you can find Eric playing his guitar or quizzing us on film trivia.
Contact: eric@kristahome.com
BARBARA GERLACH
Senior Interior Designer
Barbara received her Master of Art degree from Iowa State University and has had the pleasure of designing several award-winning projects, especially one with world renowned architect, Renzo Piano. She has designed several outstanding Midwest residences including the remodel of the Iowa governor’s private wing of Terrace Hill, the historic Iowa Governor’s Mansion. Barbara has two design mottos. The first is, “there are no problems in interior design, just fantastic opportunities for creative thinking!” The second is, “once you get the bones right, the beauty emerges.” After raising their family in Iowa, Barbara and her husband have reclaimed the sun, sand, and surf lifestyle, this time in Juno Beach, FL. She swears her best creative thinking is done paddle boarding and practicing beach yoga.
Contact: barbara@kristahome.com
KIRSTIN KAPLAN
Interior Designer
Kirstin holds an Interior Design degree from Palm Beach State College and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of North Florida. Her love of design started as a child when she was watching her dad work with architectural blueprints. When not at the office, you will find her at the beach with her family...a true Florida girl! Kirstin just purchased her forever home on 1.5 acres in Palm Beach Gardens and has big plans for the redesign. She has a great eye and a fresh, modern point of view that elevates every project she works on and aligns perfectly with the KH style.
Contact: kirstin@kristahome.com
MELISSA PLANK
Purchasing Manager
Melissa was born and raised on Long Island. Growing up, (before HGTV) she would watch Bob Villa’s This Old House on Saturday mornings instead of cartoons and would frequently request designer drapery and furniture for birthday gifts! She has an Associates Degree in Interior Design and 15 years of experience in the industry, working for manufacturers, showrooms and designers throughout South Florida. Melissa enjoys cooking and entertaining. She is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children and two adorable pups.
Contact: melissa@kristahome.com
ADAM YOUNGBLOOD
Construction & Project Manager
Adam has over ten years of experience in residential construction with an emphasis on cabinetry, trim and custom millwork. Passionate about providing outstanding client service, he has worked in almost every aspect of the construction process, from condo flipping to commercial production to upgrading beautiful estate properties throughout South Florida. He prides himself on being able to handle all aspects of a home project with ease and understanding. A Denver native, Adam moved to South Florida in 2017, and feels fortunate to call this area home. When he is not at work, you will find him playing the drums/bass guitar, watching football (Go, Broncos!) and exploring the Palm Beaches with his wife and daughter.
Contact: adam@kristahome.com
KALEY BOGDEN
Senior Associate Interior Designer
Kaley is a recent graduate of Florida State's Interior Architecture and Design program. She was born and raised in New Jersey, and moved to Palm Beach county a few years ago. Kaley is a strong believer in designing spaces that are not only beautiful, but functional environments to improve one's mental health. She is an AutoCad and Photoshop whiz with an even tempered personality that brings a pleasant calm to every project she works on! When not at the office, you will find Kaley enjoying the outdoors, working out at Orangetheory or spending time with friends and family.
Contact: kaley@kristahome.com
MADY GROW
Marketing Manager
Mady grew up in Great Falls, Virginia and moved to DC after college. She studied Media Arts and Design at James Madison University with photography, graphic design, and film studies minors. Her love of art and communication came from her grandmother, a painter who lives in Sarasota. In her free time you can find her exploring museums, finding new restaurants, or browsing bookstores. She is a self-proclaimed shopaholic and her love language is gift giving.
Contact: mady@kristahome.com
SARA SHERMAN
Design Associate
Sara received her degree in Interior Design Technology from Palm Beach State College. Sara is a valued member of our team, always willing to help wherever needed with a positive attitude and meticulous follow up. On weekends you will find her somewhere by the water or riding on her Harley. Fun fact: Sara traveled throughout the United States playing the trumpet for Drum Corps, one of the world’s most elite and exclusive marching bands.
Contact: sara@kristahome.com
JOSEPH HOWARD
Architectural Draftsman
Joseph grew up in Miami and has 25 years of experience in the interior design industry as a draftsman. He considers himself a realist, as he strives for complete accuracy in his work while making it still appealing to the eye. His work includes rendering, visualization artistry and graphic design. Joseph has two daughters and when he is not working you will find him playing the drums in multiple cover bands throughout the state or riding his mountain bike.
Contact: joseph@kristahome.com
EMILY KUSBER
Purchasing Coordinator
A San Francisco, CA native, Emily traded the Golden Gate for the Palm Beaches in 2022 and has been part of the Krista + Home team ever since! Emily has worked in several different industries throughout her career and has found her niche at Krista + Home as our Purchasing Coordinator. When she is not working, you may find her crafting the perfect at-home latte or espresso, baking a batch of cookies for the office, watching constant reruns of New Girl or planning her next adventure with her husband Ryan, and her four dogs Louie, Ansel, Dante and Karen.
Contact: emily@kristahome.com
ANDREA BOND
Administrative Assistant
Andrea has 15 years of experience working in the furniture industry. She loves the Florida lifestyle and says she “would never make it in the snow”. Her passion is working with others and putting a smile on teammates and clients faces by solving their problems seamlessly. When she’s not at work, you will find Andrea enjoying time with her husband and three children.
Contact: andrea@kristahome.com
HELENE MCLAUGHLIN
Accounting Manager
Helene has worked in the interior design industry for over 35 years. She has had the privilege of working with clients from Princeton to Palm Beach, including a few famous musicians! Helene was a Fine Art Major at Beaver College and studied interior design at Philadelphia College of Art and Parson's School of Design. When she is not in the office, she enjoys watercolor painting and knitting.
Contact: helene@kristahome.com