How to Spot the Hidden Flaws in Your “Perfect” Interior Designs

WNS471 – Feng Shui for Interior Designers with Amanda Gibby Peters

Darla Powell (Host):
Hey kids, and welcome to Designed by Wingnut Social! I’m your host, Darla Jethro Powell, and today we’re diving into Feng Shui. Is it woo-woo? Maybe. Is it real? Also maybe. But our guest, Amanda Gibby Peters of Simple Shui, is here to break it down in a way that even I can understand—so stay tuned.

If you’ve been curious about what Feng Shui actually is, what it can do, or how you can use it in your design practice, Amanda’s your girl.

But before we jump in—this podcast is sponsored by Wingnut Social, the digital marketing agency for home pros, interior designers, architects, and to-the-trade brands. Need help with SEO or social media marketing? Head over to WingnutSocial.com and hit that Apply button.

All right, let’s get into it.

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Darla:
Amanda Gibby Peters is the founder and visionary behind Simple Shui—a modern, love-based approach to Feng Shui that helps people design spaces supporting their highest potential. With a master’s in professional communication and 20 years of experience, Amanda makes the ancient art of Feng Shui surprisingly practical and intuitive.

Amanda Gibby Peters, welcome to the show! How the hell are you?

Amanda Gibby Peters (Guest):
I’m doing really well, and I’m excited to be here!

Darla:
I’m excited too. Have we ever done a show on Feng Shui? If we did, my menopause brain doesn’t remember.

Amanda:
[laughs] I’m ready either way. This is my lane—I love these conversations.

Darla:
Okay, so… in the green room you mentioned you used to work on Capitol Hill. That’s a pretty big shift from Feng Shui. What brought you here?

Amanda:
Yeah, it’s quite the pivot. I was on track to get my PhD in communication. I studied poli-sci and women’s studies in undergrad, got my master’s, and then my husband’s job relocated us to the home we’re still in today.

And everything started falling apart. We were financially strained, the house didn’t feel right even though it checked all the boxes, and nothing was improving. One afternoon—I call it my “dark afternoon of the soul”—I picked up a book, saw the word “Feng Shui,” and thought, “Wait… changing my home could change my life?”

I didn’t really believe it, but I had just come out of grad school and figured I could take a cerebral approach and blog about it for fun. I honestly didn’t expect anything to change. But things started shifting.

Darla:
Like what?

Amanda:
First, the house started feeling more like a home. Then I started noticing changes: my husband got a job offer out of the blue, our daughters got into a preschool that had previously said we were too late… it all felt like coincidence, but I kept testing it.

I rearranged our office using Feng Shui principles, set it up with intention, and sent out job applications—actual paper cover letters, mind you. I got calls back from all three places. One was a PR firm, another was a publishing house, and the third was with the State Department. That one offered me everything I wanted—and later, when the economy crashed, it was the only job that lasted.

At that point, I had to admit it—there was something real going on.

Darla:
That’s wild. And as you were saying that, I started looking around my office thinking, “Oh, this is probably not Feng Shui at all.” So, what exactly did you change in your office?

Amanda:
The biggest one? Desk placement. My husband and I shared an office, and our desks were pushed against the wall, backs to the door—which is super common.

But in Feng Shui, one of the key principles is the “command position.” You want a solid wall behind you and to be facing the door. It’s about being able to see what’s coming—having your back to the room keeps your nervous system on alert.

Think executive office or mob boss—they’re always facing the entrance. It’s practical, and it helps you relax and focus.

Darla:
Oh man. I can see my door, but I’m not facing it. And yeah, as a former cop, we were never supposed to sit with our backs to the door. This tracks.

Amanda:
Exactly. It’s ancient wisdom and modern biology working together.

Darla:
Okay, so let’s rewind. What is Feng Shui, exactly?

Amanda:
Literally, it translates to “wind” and “water.” Wind symbolizes energy, water symbolizes fortune. So Feng Shui is about aligning your space—and yourself—with the energy of fortune.

And fortune isn’t just money. It’s opportunities, health, relationships, access to resources… all the things that make a good life.

Darla:
Where does it come from? China, right?

Amanda:
Yes. It started in China, originally used by emperors to find the most auspicious burial sites. They believed that being buried in a place with supportive landscape—mountains behind, open view in front—would bring good fortune to their descendants.

Over time, Feng Shui evolved to study how people interact with their environments. Philosophers observed that a seed thrives with the right mix of sunlight, water, and shelter—and they asked, are people the same? Turns out, yes.

Darla:
That actually makes a lot of sense. So… here’s where I push back a little. Isn’t this just another form of manifesting?

Amanda:
I get that a lot. And yes, there’s definitely a connection to intention and manifestation. But it’s also biological. When your back is to the door, your brain is in survival mode. You’re distracted, even if you don’t realize it. Feng Shui helps reduce that stress so you can focus and feel safe.

Darla:
I’m starting to buy in. But here’s another objection I hear from designers: “Feng Shui makes things look ugly.” Is that true?

Amanda:
Nope! That’s a huge myth. People think it means weird bamboo flutes or chintzy trinkets. But really, it’s about creating a space with good energy flow. You can do that beautifully—no tchotchkes required.

Darla:
Okay, what are some signs a space has stagnant energy?

Amanda:
Good question. Top three:
1. Neglected spaces – places you avoid or that feel “off.”
2. Too much clutter – piles, piles, piles.
3. Over-staging – rooms that feel like showrooms or museums can be just as energetically “stuck.”

Anything that doesn’t feel welcoming or lived-in can block energy flow.

Darla:
Let’s talk bedrooms. What’s the Feng Shui there?

Amanda:
Your bedroom should support rest, romance, and relaxation. No work stuff. No Peloton. No clutter. The bed should be in the command position. Look at your nightstands—are they mini shrines to chaos? Declutter them.

And yes—make your bed! It’s such a simple way to signal self-respect and care.

Darla:
Okay… what if I have like, ten books, hair ties, and my iPhone charging on my nightstand?

Amanda:
[laughs] That’s most people! But here’s the thing—your bedroom reflects how you prioritize yourself. Start small. Clean it up, and you’ll feel the difference.

Darla:
For designers who want to bring Feng Shui into their work, where should they start?

Amanda:
You don’t have to be an expert. Even understanding the basics—like the command position, or the five elements—can help you create more intentional, supportive spaces.

Clients might not even know why a room feels better, but they’ll feel it. And if you do want to go deeper, I have a course and a certification program just for that.

Darla:
Love that. Okay, time for our final round—

What’s your hashtag tombstone?

Amanda:
“She moved furniture and mountains.”

Darla:
Desert island essential?

Amanda:
Coffee. Non-negotiable.

Darla:
Book recommendation?

Amanda:
The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp. It’s about using limitations to fuel creativity—so good.

Darla:
Where can people find you?

Amanda:
Instagram: @amandagibbypeters
Website: simpleshui.com
I’ve got a book, podcast (House Therapy), courses, and lots of resources there.

Darla:
Amanda, thank you so much. You really broke it down in such a clear, grounded way. And for everyone listening—go try it. Move your desk. Make your bed. You might just move some mountains too.

And remember, until next time: get out there, get uncomfortable, save your voice—and be great.