TEXT Jasmine Bible + PHOTOGRAPHY Kerry Mulhern of Kerry Renee Photography
“I love bringing minimal, modern design inside historic homes and spaces,” shares Fredericksburg, Virginia, interior designer Emily Webb. She’s developed a signature style that’s inspired by the modern, organic, and relaxed vibe of the west coast while maintaining the rich, historied aesthetic of the east coast. So when it came time to decorate her own home, her approach was no different. “I love mixing materials, styles, and eras in order to achieve an eclectic vibe…in my home I wanted mid-mod meets cozy cabin,” laughs Webb.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in social work and working as a counselor for youth in foster care for nearly seven years, Webb began following several design blogs and became utterly obsessed with all things design. Now, a decade later, she has obtained her master’s degree in interior environments from Virginia Commonwealth University, launched VAGABOND DESIGN CO., and is happily ensconced in the design world. With a focus on residential and small commercial projects, she’s creating spaces that are functional, purposeful, and beautiful. When Webb has a client with a 1980s or 1990s era home that isn’t rich with architectural interest, she encourages them to “look beyond the obvious.”
Her own 1980s home had a fairly open floor plan with some traditional-looking details like rounded windows and moldings, so she brought in modern elements—mixing pieces from IKEA, World Market, and vintage mid-century pieces her father had purchased in Germany decades ago. Webb explains, “My house is an experiment for other people. I’m able to play around with current styles and trends to see what works.”
In the living room, an IKEA sectional plays nicely with a vintage rattan Peacock chair (that her 3-year-old daughter, Scotland, has adorably claimed as her own). Walking sticks that belonged to her husband and his father flank the fireplace, becoming sculptural artwork. A turquoise over-dyed rug from One Kings Lane centers the room, with a kidney-shaped vintage coffee table and a vintage side table with marble top, sourced from a local Fredericksburg antique store.
Black and white photographic prints in simple white frames rest on the mantle, paired with vintage brass candlestick holders with black candles.
“For the bathroom, I wanted something bright, clean, and affordable,” says Webb. She chose timeless and budget-friendly white subway tiles that run floor to ceiling throughout the entire bathroom, with white penny tiles on the floor. Her husband’s only request was a heated towel bar, which he realized he couldn’t live without after a golf trip to Scotland where he was treated to toasty towels daily.
The farmhouse sink was purchased on Etsy, painted a custom deep teal color, and pairs well with a wall-mounted antiqued brass faucet. A sleek and sculptural Theo sconce from Cedar and Moss hovers above a recessed medicine cabinet from Pottery Barn. Webb shares, “A stylish medicine cabinet is hard to find, but I love the rounded brass edges of this one.”
In the bedroom, a vintage rattan headboard found at a local antique shop takes center stage. Vibrant orange pillows paired with a navy pillow by Safavieh rest atop white linens from West Elm. A beautiful wood nightstand found at Home Goods brings a natural element to the room, and a reading lamp from Lowes casts a warm glow in the evening.
With an ever-evolving style, Webb is always adjusting, editing, and adding new pieces. Take a tip from Emily’s notebook and feel free to mix eras and styles, starting with one object that you love and work from there.
To connect with Webb, visit thevagabondco.com
We shared this story with you in our Fall/Winter 2019 Issue of NEST Magazine. To view the full issue, click here.