Interior designer Zoe Feldman has built a reputation as one of America's most soulful and intentional designers, creating homes that radiate warmth, character, and deeply personal touches. Based in Washington, D.C., Feldman trained at Parsons School of Design before establishing her eponymous studio, where she has developed a distinctive approach that prioritizes architectural understanding as the foundation for all design decisions.
Feldman's design philosophy centers on the belief that people are not actually afraid of color, but simply lack the knowledge to use it effectively. "I think people have a different palette for how they want to bring it in," she explains, noting that even clients who prefer white walls often embrace bold colors in specific spaces like dens, dining rooms, or powder rooms where they can create moments of dramatic expression.
When approaching spaces that lack character, particularly the prevalent new builds across America, Feldman focuses on adding soul through architectural modifications. She frequently adds moldings, drops ceilings slightly, and creates distinct room functions to combat the sterile feel of open-concept layouts. "My biggest concern is then how to make those spaces cozy, framing areas in them to give them a distinction from the rest of the room," she states, emphasizing her preference for spaces where people feel "ensconced" with clear purposes.
The designer draws inspiration from artist Mark Rothko's use of color to evoke emotion, applying this principle to residential spaces by encouraging clients to embrace colors that make them feel specific ways. She advocates for blue in bedrooms for calmness, pink in sitting rooms for happiness, and green in kitchens to bring the outdoors inside. For clients more hesitant about color, Feldman introduces bold hues through upholstery and artwork rather than wall treatments.
Texture plays a crucial role in Feldman's work, with current favorites including mohair rugs for their softness and comfort, cashmere upholstery for empty nesters, and lightweight wool for drapes that catch light and provide seasonal versatility. She explains that these material choices contribute to the immersive, tactile experience she seeks to create in every space.
Coming from a family of art dealers, Feldman emphasizes art's transformative power in interior spaces. She believes that even the most beautifully designed room falls flat without artwork, encouraging clients to explore pieces at various scales - from oversized dramatic pieces over sofas to small intimate works in powder rooms that draw viewers closer. She advocates for purchasing emerging artists and shopping at flea markets, with the simple advice to "buy what you love."
Feldman's approach to discovering clients' personal style involves extensive conversations about their passions, collections, and travels. She believes in showcasing rather than hiding personal belongings, viewing analog objects like books, records, and travel mementos as conversation starters that create a "tapestry of your life." This philosophy extends to her belief that surrounding yourself with beloved objects evokes wonder in visitors and creates more meaningful living spaces.
The designer's work demonstrates that successful interior design stems from understanding both the architectural bones of a space and the human beings who will inhabit it, creating environments that serve as authentic expressions of their owners' personalities and lifestyles.
