Photography by Brandi Stage Portraiture | Hair and makeup: Bria Fowler, Elle Louise, LLC
Ask Kristi Webb about her signature style, and she’ll tell you she doesn’t have one.
Instead, Webb, the founder and principal designer of Kristi Webb Interiors, creates spaces that reflect those who live there. She’s found that the best homes aren’t built around trends, but around people.
“Every project teaches me something new, whether it’s a construction detail, a material or a different way of solving a design challenge,” says the Coast native. “I enjoy pushing myself creatively so my work continues to evolve, ensuring each home feels fresh, personal and unlike the last.”
Since founding her Biloxi-based company in 2018, Webb has turned her passion into a thriving firm that offers everything from new construction and remodels to furnishings and finishing details.
“I’m especially proud of the team we’ve built and the culture we’ve created,” Webb says, “where creativity, collaboration and care for our clients are at the heart of everything we do.”
FINDING HER PASSION
While she is now a NCIDQ-certified and acclaimed designer, having received the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Thirty Under 30 honors and multiple Sub-Zero, Wolf & Cove Kitchen Regional Design awards, Webb didn’t take a direct path to her profession — starting college as a nursing student.
In hindsight, the signs pointing to her calling were always there.
“As a child, I loved arts and crafts with my mom, sister and grandparents, my high school art classes, visiting the local fabric shop and helping decorate our home for every holiday,” Webb recalls. “At the same time, I was fascinated by games like Tetris and RollerCoaster Tycoon that challenged me to think spatially and solve problems.”
Ultimately, those interests were preparing her for a career that blends creativity with technical skill. When she and her mom explored The University of Southern Mississippi’s interior design program, she knew she’d found where she belonged.
After college, Webb started working at a countertop fabrication company specializing in kitchen and bath design.
“That’s where I discovered my passion for residential design and developed a strong technical foundation in cabinetry, construction and space planning,” she says, “knowledge that continues to influence every project I design today.”
A FOUNDATION BUILT ON FAMILY
As a business owner, Webb was inspired by her entrepreneurial parents. Besides being an accountant, her dad had a side business stringing tennis rackets and selling surfing gear. Her mom, after a successful risk-management career, built her own pottery company.
“Watching their dedication shaped the way I approach my own career,” Webb says. “I don’t remember my dad ever taking a sick day, and if you ask my team, they’ll tell you I’m much the same.”
Webb also credits her husband, Brandon, with whom she shares two children, for supporting her and making her achievements possible.
“His unwavering encouragement gave me the confidence to grow the business beyond my home office and build the company we have today,” she says. “I’ll always be grateful for his belief in me and the dream we built together.”
LISTENING FIRST
Webb approaches each new project as a chance to tell a different story. And each story begins the same way: by listening.
“Before we ever discuss finishes or furniture, I want to understand how my clients live, entertain, work and relax,” she says. “Those conversations guide every design decision we make.”
While trends may drive certain details for her clients, Webb says the goal is always to create a home that feels true to them. She’s glad to see people investing more in longevity and craftsmanship rather than just following the mood of the moment.
“Today’s homeowners are focused on quality over quantity,” she says. “They want timeless materials, better organization, healthier living environments and spaces that can evolve with their families.”
Attributes like rich wood tones, natural stone, layered lighting, custom cabinetry and beautiful millwork stay in high demand for the warmth and character they bring to space, according to Webb. On the Coast, she adds, white cabinetry continues to be popular while polished nickel is making a comeback.
“I’m also specifying more natural stone than ever before, especially quartzites and marbles,” Webb says, “and I love seeing wallpaper return as a way to add personality and depth.”
Another welcome trend shift Webb has noticed? The overly open floor plan is evolving.
“Homeowners still want connected spaces,” she says, “but they’re also looking for rooms with purpose, privacy and a greater sense of comfort.”
Webb’s best advice to anyone who is building or renovating a home: Invest in a complete design plan before construction begins, and the earlier you hire a design team, the better. These steps can save time, money and headaches in the long run.
The best outcomes happen, she adds, when beauty and practicality converge.
“Good design isn’t just about selecting attractive finishes; it’s about creating spaces that function effortlessly,” Webb says. “Storage, lighting, furniture layout, durable materials and thoughtful details all contribute to a home that not only looks beautiful but also makes everyday life easier.”
DESIGNING THE FUTURE
While she’s led numerous successful projects, Webb is particularly proud of a custom job in Ocean Springs that took three-and-a-half years to complete. The homeowner had spent her entire life saving for a home she lovingly called her “baby,” and through many pivotal decisions and emotional moments, Webb helped her realize her vision.
Such relationships, she says, are among her profession’s greatest gifts. Most of her business comes from referrals, and to Webb, there is no greater compliment.
“After working so closely together for several months, and sometimes even years, clients often become friends,” she says. “Helping someone create the home they’ve dreamed about their entire life is exactly why I love what I do.”
In addition to homes, Webb has designed a variety of spaces throughout the local community, including restaurants, museums, nursing homes, wedding venues, gyms and even a school locker room. Now headquartered in a new showroom, she’s excited to see an even greater emphasis being placed on thoughtful, collaborative design.
“As our region continues to grow, I believe we’ll see even more beautifully designed homes that are uniquely tailored to the families who live in them,” Webb says. “It’s an exciting time to be a designer on the Coast, and I’m honored to play a small part in shaping its future.”
FAST FIVE
- Favorite room to design: Kitchens — they’re the most technically challenging room in the house, and they’re where families spend the most time together.
- A design trend you love: Beautiful wallpaper instantly adds warmth, personality and character.
- One item every home needs: A great piece of art
- Your dream project: A boutique luxury hotel or waterfront resort on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
- Best piece of design advice you’ve ever received: Details matter. The little things are what separate a good project from a great one.