September 8, 2022

On this week’s From the Tap podcast, we welcome Julie Schuster, founder and principal of Julie Schuster Design Studio in New York City and the president of the NKBA Manhattan chapter. We discussed a pillar of her practice – feng shui – and how it informs her creation of wellness-focused interiors.

Our conversation began with Julie recounting her initial exposure to the ancient Chinese art of balancing the five natural elements: wood, water, earth, fire and metal. Fresh out of design school, she took a short-term position as the project manager of a design showhouse, where she met a feng shui practitioner who explained its significance in interiors. Fascinated by the topic, Julie enrolled in a local program that blended educational and spiritual experiences.

Julie talks about integrating her expertise in design, feng shui and living-in-place strategies to deliver projects that exceed expectations. Pointing out that how an environment feels is just as important as how it looks, she explains how spaces that are visually appealing and physically comfortable create positive energy which will support clients, rather than deplete them.

Then the discussion turns to Julie’s work and the challenges of implementing feng shui principles in New York City’s notoriously cramped residences, in particular kitchens and baths. While the two rooms have mostly different energy profiles, their strong water elements can dominate the spaces; she recommends adjusting color and layout to find the optimal environment, and adding biophilic touches such as natural light, plants and view enhancements.

Julie wraps up the podcast with some advice for designers who are looking for ways to learn more about feng shui.

Watch the full video above or listen to the podcast on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Pandora and other outlets.

By Leslie Clagett, KBB Managing Editor