Zoe Feldman on Modernised Classicism, Secret Bars, and Soulful Design
people • designers
Zoe Feldman Design is a Washington D.C. based interior design studio known for its modern classicism, where bold colour, sculptural form, and historical references blend seamlessly with contemporary comfort.
Led by creative director Zoe Feldman, the studio creates soulful, layered residential interiors that reflect both architectural integrity and emotional resonance.
With a background in art history and training under Alexa Hampton, Zoe’s interiors feel collected, sustainable, and timeless, bringing together vintage sourcing, storytelling, and bold styling rooted in design history. Whether it's a hidden home bar or custom plasterwork, her work balances drama and restraint with a wink of unexpected charm.
Words: designeers
juLY 2025
WEBSITE: zoefeldmandesign.com
INSTAGRAM: @zoefeldmandesign
DESIGNEERS
Describe your aesthetic in three words.
Zoe Feldman
Soulful, layered, timeless.
DESIGNEERS
You grew up in a mid-century collector’s home and trained under Alexa Hampton after Parsons. How did those early influences shape your modernised classicism today?
Zoe Feldman
Being surrounded by iconic mid-century modern pieces taught me to appreciate the elegance of restraint and the sculptural power of form. Training under Alexa Hampton, with her classical pedigree, gave me a deep reverence for traditional architectural language and proportion. Together, these influences created a natural tension in my work — one that bridges modern classic interiors with warmth, clarity, and intention.
DESIGNEERS
Sustainability is central to your work. What do you look for when sourcing vintage or antique pieces for a project?
Zoe Feldman
I always look for craftsmanship and patina. A great vintage or antique piece carries its own narrative, and it’s often built far better than something new. Sourcing vintage furniture is one of the most elegant and effective ways to reduce our environmental footprint while adding soul to a space. It’s the easiest, chicest form of sustainable interior design.
DESIGNEERS
If you could splurge on just one statement piece—a vintage rug, sculptural lighting, or custom plasterwork—what would it be and why?
Zoe Feldman
Custom plasterwork, without hesitation. I always say: don’t skimp on the bones of your home. Architectural finishes like moulding, millwork, or custom wall textures are foundational — they shape the entire tone of a space. While rugs and sculptural lighting can certainly elevate a room, plasterwork creates an immersive, timeless backdrop that makes everything else sing.
“Vintage pieces not only have a story to tell, but they're often better made and can last lifetimes. It's the easiest, chicest way to reduce our footprint.”
Zoe Feldman
DESIGNEERS
If you had a secret retreat at home—a cosy den or hidden cocktail bar, what playful or unexpected detail would you include?
Zoe Feldman
I love the idea of a secret home bar seamlessly built into the architecture, like a bookshelf that swings open to reveal a compact sink, glassware, and bar essentials. I’d turn it into a jewel box using dramatic lighting, statement wallpaper, or a rich, moody paint palette. It’s those hidden, surprise elements in interior design that bring both function and personality to a space.
DESIGNEERS
Favourite design hotel that’s left a lasting impression?
Zoe Feldman
Years ago, I stayed at Peacock Pavilions in Marrakech, and it completely stayed with me. The interiors were elegant yet restrained — a masterclass in letting the natural landscape and architecture take centre stage. It’s a great example of how a design-led retreat can be immersive without overwhelming the senses.
DESIGNEERS
Who are three suppliers or makers you return to again and again—and what makes them indispensable to your work?
Zoe Feldman
Loro Piana is my go-to for luxurious, cozy upholstery fabrics, the quality is unmatched and elevates any interior. I love In Common With for their sculptural lighting designs that blur the line between form and function. And 1stDibs is indispensable for sourcing vintage furniture and artisan-made pieces; their curation and service make them an essential part of my design process.
DESIGNEERS
If your design style were a cocktail, what would it be called—and what would be in it?
Zoe Feldman
An extra dirty martini — classic with a wink. Like my interiors, it's sophisticated, a little bold, and never predictable.
DESIGNEERS
What’s one design rule you love to break—and why does it work in your projects?
Zoe Feldman
I often challenge the idea that beds or sofas shouldn't block windows. Unless the view is exceptional, I believe in prioritising functionality and layout flow over convention. A partially covered window can still bring in light, and if it improves how a room lives, it’s worth the trade.
DESIGNEERS
What’s a design object, material, or motif you find yourself returning to time and again?
Zoe Feldman
Honed marble, always. It’s timeless, tactile, and quietly elegant — a material that brings soul and substance to modern classic interiors.
