ICING ON THE HOUSE
‘Vanilla Ice Project’ gets hand from Gardens designer
Since 2012, Palm Beach Gardens interior designer Krista Watterworth has been stepping into the creative mind of rapper/rehabber/local boy Rob “Vanilla Ice” Van Winkle. The goal: to put the finishing touches on the homes he’s renovated in and around Palm Beach County on the DIY Network’s “The Vanilla Ice Project.”
And this season, which airs Saturdays at 10 p.m., is no different. Ice transforms what the network describes as a “derelict 1970s house” in Wellington into a blinged-out masterpiece with a 30-person hot tub, a pool with a waterfall and an airplane hangar. Watterworth gives fans a sneak preview on the season and on the fun she’s had when given the chance to stop, collaborate and listen to Van Winkle. (Stop groaning. You knew the “Ice Ice Baby” reference was coming.)
Was this season’s home in a different neighborhood than some of the others featured on the show in the past?
Yes, this home is in Wellington, in close proximity to Rob’s home. Last season the project was in Melbourne Beach, Florida — right on the beach. It was gorgeous! Past seasons were shot in Lantana as well as other parts of South Florida.
Without giving away anything from the season or the design of the house, were there any specific challenges with this house that gave you pause?
Well, the challenge is usually the same: Rob has a certain branded style and so do I. Sometimes we have to compromise to make them work together. In the end, it’s his show. However, even though potential buyers for his homes are a niche market — interested in owning a Vanilla Ice-styled home — we still want to appeal to a wider range of those niche buyers. For that reason, furnishings need to be more neutral yet still luxurious and within a budget — always a tall order!
Tell me why you and Rob work so well together and how he keeps you on your toes, and vice versa?
We honestly have a mutual respect for each other. We’ve watched each other grow professionally and that is a pleasure. We are from the same generation (even though he’s a little older than me) so we understand each other. It gets better and better every year because I really look forward to seeing him, chatting about life and catching up. I also look forward to seeing how he tops himself every season. He even put together a video for a fundraiser my sister-in-law was
doing. He’s caring and philanthropic that way.
Tell me about your favorite room or feature.
The room in this house that I love the most is the Great Room. Normally I love a room that has a unique or special purpose. But the Great Room in this house is modern, clean, with a great view of the stunning pool and preserve. I got to do a lot of white and creams in these furnishings — that was fun.
Is there anything you’ve learned about yourself as a designer from doing this show? Like thinking on your feet or about collaboration?
I’ve been working in television since 2004, and having my own show (HGTV’s “Save My Bath” and “Splurge and Save”) really taught me quickly how to think on my feet. That pressure is immense … I learned more about design and humility during those days than I ever have. And I used to beat myself up for making design mistakes that ended up on camera, in syndication, forever! As a result, I’m a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my work. I’ve had to learn on “VIP” that if I don’t agree with certain furniture selections or design choices, it’s OK. Even though it’s on television for perpetuity (ha!) — it’s Rob’s final decision and I know I gave him my best suggestions and advice.