'People aren’t afraid of color, they just don’t know how to use it' – designer Zoe Feldman on creating rooms full of warmth and soul

This article features an interview with Zoe Feldman, a Washington D.C.-based interior designer known for creating warm, characterful, and personal homes. Feldman, who trained at Parsons School of Design, emphasizes the importance of understanding a building's architecture as the foundation for her design approach. She believes that the 'bones of a building' set the tone for the interior, which she then enhances with bold colors, rich textures, and carefully selected art. The discussion begins with Feldman's initial assessment of a space, focusing on its inherent architectural qualities and whether it requires added warmth or soul. She describes her personal design philosophy as naturally warm, casual, and approachable, qualities she strives to infuse into every project. When working with new builds that often lack character despite soaring ceilings, Feldman's strategy involves creating coziness by framing areas to give them distinction and purpose. This might include adding moldings or slightly lowering ceilings to make open-concept spaces feel more intimate and functional, ensuring each area serves its intended role. Feldman views homes as a form of self-expression and guides clients by exploring their existing collections, such as vases, records, art books, or travel souvenirs. She believes that highlighting cherished analogue objects makes a home more conversational, inviting connection and dialogue among visitors. Being surrounded by such items, according to Feldman, creates a sense of wonder and warmth, making a living space feel like a rich tapestry of one's life experiences. Color plays a significant role in Feldman's designs, and she encourages clients to overcome their fear of using it. Inspired by artist Mark Rothko, who used bold shades to evoke emotion, Feldman suggests incorporating colors that resonate personally. For instance, blue for calm in a bedroom, pink for happiness in a sitting room, or green for connection to nature in a kitchen. For more cautious clients, she introduces color through upholstery or artwork, or by dedicating bold hues to specific, briefly experienced spaces like dens, dining rooms, or powder rooms, where a strong statement won't overwhelm the entire home. Texture is another subtle yet powerful element in Feldman’s work. She shares her current favorites, including mohair rugs for their softness and comfort, and cashmere for its luxurious feel, particularly in a buttery camel tone. She acknowledges that some choices, like cashmere sofas, are not practical for every household, especially those with children and pets. However, she advocates for using materials that suit the client's lifestyle. Lightweight wool drapes are also favored for their ability to catch light beautifully and adapt to different seasons. The interview also delves into art sourcing, where Feldman, with her background in art dealing, highlights its transformative power. She advises against matching art to a space but rather considering how it responds to the room, and she often plays with scale, using oversized pieces for dramatic effect or small, delicate ones to invite closer inspection. She encourages people to embrace art without intimidation, stressing that cost is not a barrier and that the key is to acquire pieces that evoke love and personal connection. #InteriorDesign #ZoeFeldman #HomeDecor #ColorPalette #TexturalDesign #ArtInDesign #SoulfulInteriors #DesignPhilosophy #InteriorDesign #ZoeFeldman #HomeDecor #ColorPalette #TexturalDesign #ArtInDesign #SoulfulInteriors #DesignPhilosophy

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