Images: Madison Kim-Poppen
When a beloved family home came into her hands, Emily Vallely-Pertzborn knew she had to restore it to its midcentury glory–with help from an assortment of Fireclay Tile colors and patterns. The result? A stunning, one-of-a-kind rental home and event space lovingly dubbed the Foxcroft Estate.
We sat down with Emily to talk about the story and inspiration behind Foxcroft Estate, why she chose Fireclay, and her favorite tile moment in the house (fun fact: without any prior experience, Emily’s husband completed all of the tilework himself!).
Meet Emily!
Can you tell me a bit about yourself and what you do?
My name is Emily Vallely-Pertzborn and I’m an Interior Designer splitting my time between Los Angeles, CA, and Des Moines, IA. I dabble in set design and have worked for brands such as Microsoft, Benefit Cosmetics, Buzzfeed, and FentyxSavage. Additionally, I sell and collect antiques and have a booth at a shop in Long Beach, CA called Magnolia and Willow.
Tile Shown: 6x6 in Lemon Cream with Scalene Triangles in Desert Bloom and Palm Tree
When did you first become interested in design? How did you get your start?
I first became interested in design at around 8 years old when I started going to the Long Beach Flea Market with my mom every month. Back then I collected costume jewelry and perfume bottles (I still have my first flea market finds)! This love for vintage objects introduced me to the world of design. As a young girl, I was obsessed with going to Anthropologie to admire the displays (a pastime I still enjoy to this day) and constantly rearranging my room. I went to school for fashion merchandising but came back around to my interest in interior design in my mid-20s. I now have had styling work featured in Arch Digest, House Beautiful, and Dwell.
Tile Shown: 6x6 Squiggle in Charcoal
Can you tell me about your design process? What is your favorite part?
I find inspiration everywhere and so I am constantly dreaming up new spaces, if only in my head. Getting to actually execute these ideas is my favorite part. I love the beginning of a project when it feels like anything is possible. I don’t know that I have a particular design process. I catalog inspiration (color schemes, movie sets, fabrics, etc) in my head and usually start off with one of these ideas and let the process move organically from there. For example, in my kitchen at Foxcroft Estate, I started with the memory of my grandmother’s house when I was growing up. That steered me in the direction of the color scheme, decor, and Fireclay checkerboard tile.
Tile Shown: 8x8 in Daisy + Vintage Leather
How would you describe your aesthetic?
Although it’s cliche, I think my aesthetic is an eclectic mix of so many eras and styles. I guess if I had to summarize, I’d describe it as vintage inspired with tons of color and pattern.
Tile Shown: 6x6 in Lemon Cream with Scalene Triangles in Desert Bloom and Palm Tree
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw most of my inspiration from old Hollywood set designs. But I also am a hoarder of art and design books and vintage magazines. I tend to draw inspiration from objects, so sometimes visiting an antique shop or flea market can spark an idea. I also love to travel and always make an effort to visit historic homes and museums in other cities. History inspires me in so many different ways.
Tile Shown: 6x6 in Lemon Cream with Scalene Triangles in Desert Bloom and Palm Tree
What are your 3 best design tips?
Don’t be afraid of color and pattern, use a mixture of new and old, and stay away from exclusively overhead lighting whenever possible.
Tile Shown: 8x8 in Daisy + Vintage Leather
Let's talk about Foxcroft Estate! What were the goals for this space? What sort of look were you going for?
My goal for Foxcroft Estate was to preserve the history and legacy of my husband’s grandparent’s home. The house was built in 1948 by Dick and Mary Ann Pertzborn on 4 acres of land in Des Moines, IA. This house and property are so special to Brandon and me, so when his grandfather passed in 2020 we knew we had to purchase the house and bring it back to its Mid-Century glory. On the ground floor I was going for the late 40s/early 50s country-cottage look, in the basement, we went a little more out there with themed rooms such as a 1970s game room, a Dorothy Draper-inspired bridal suite, and even a tiki bar!
Tile Shown: Scalene Triangles in Desert Bloom and Palm Tree
How did you go about making tile selections?
Since each room has its own theme, we were able to have a lot of fun with tile selections! For example, in the kitchen, we went with a burgundy and white checkerboard pattern and in the primary bathroom we went for a very Art Deco look with a diamond floor pattern. Each room has such a distinct style and color scheme that dictated the direction of the tile.
Tile Shown: 8x8 in Daisy + Vintage Leather
Do you have a favorite tile moment in the house?
My favorite tile moment is probably the pencil trim in the primary bathroom!
Tile Shown: Large Diamond in Seedling, Raven + Tusk across the floor, with 4x4 in Tusk + Daisy, and trim in Raven
Your husband did an incredible job installing all this tile! How did the installation go? Had he had any prior experience?
Brandon had no prior experience in tile setting before taking on this project. We joke that he barely knew how to change a lightbulb. However, he did an insanely amazing job and went above and beyond! He’s a drummer, so he’s very detail oriented and is great with patterns. I think this skill set him up to be great with tile. It was beyond challenging when he started, but he befriended a local tile setter named Bert from a tile setting company in Des Moines called Tile RX. Bert was a great mentor and we couldn’t have done it without him!
How do you factor sustainability into your designs?
Most of my design work is inherently sustainable due to the number of vintage pieces I use. I also always try to utilize original details instead of ripping materials out of the home. I love working with brands like Fireclay because sustainability is such a huge part of who they are.
Tile Shown: Large Diamond in Seedling, Raven + Tusk across the floor, with 4x4 in Tusk + Daisy, and trim in Raven
Why do you like using tile in your designs?
I have always had an obsession with colorful vintage tiles. I grew up in Southern California and have always had kitchens and bathrooms in bold hues. Similarly to wallpaper, tile is such an amazing way to add color, pattern, and interest to a space.
Note: Emily chose to preserve the original 1940s pink tile uncovered during the renovation!
Tile Shown: Dot Dash 1 in Charcoal
Tile Shown: Dot Dash 1 in Charcoal, 4x4 in Daisy with 3x6 and 3" Hexagons in Sea Glass
What made you want to work with Fireclay Tile? What do you love most about your tile?
I wanted to work with Fireclay because I think they have the best quality tile on the market. I’ve seen Fireclay tile installed in so many homes I’ve worked on and I’m always blown away. Plus, they have great colors to choose from!
Tile Shown: 6x6 Squiggle in Charcoal
Inspired by Emily’s beautiful use of colors and patterns? Bring home up to five free color samples to get your project started. Want some professional help? Fill out this simple form and our friendly tile experts will be in touch with our signature free design assistance.
