#218 Crafting Comfort and Elegance with Nathalie Khouri

About Nathalie Khouri Nathalie Khouri is the creative director of Ralee Design House, an interior design studio that prioritizes creating harmonious and welcoming spaces. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and design, and a strong foundation in Feng Shui, Nathalie has transformed homes and commercial spaces across the UAE for the past five years. Originally from Montreal, she moved to the UAE in 2006 and has worked with leading global brands such as Apple, Reebok, and Bloomingdale"s. Nathalie is passionate about blending her Middle Eastern roots into her designs, emphasizing cozy, inviting, and luxurious aesthetics. About this Episode In this episode, Nathalie Khouri joins host Hilmarie Hutchison to discuss her journey from the corporate world to founding Ralee Design House, a business born out of her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nathalie shares the story behind Ralee’s name, which combines the names of her children, symbolizing her dedication to family and creating a legacy. She describes how her transition from a fast-paced marketing career to interior design allowed her to embrace her creativity and love for transforming spaces. Nathalie discusses the importance of incorporating her Middle Eastern roots into her designs, which bring a sense of warmth and welcome to each space. She emphasizes listening deeply to clients to capture their vision, which she then brings to life in ways beyond their expectations. A certified Feng Shui practitioner, Nathalie also shares valuable tips on optimizing energy flow in both residential and office spaces, providing insights into how Feng Shui principles contribute to spaces that feel as good as they look. Throughout the episode, Nathalie reflects on her most rewarding projects and her commitment to understated luxury. She explains her philosophy of “quiet luxury,” where elegance is achieved through subtle and carefully selected materials rather than bold, overwhelming designs. The conversation closes with Nathalie’s “Green Pool Moment,” a defining experience where she realized the potential of her creative touch in custom furniture design, marking a turning point in her entrepreneurial journey. Quotes 2:38 - My home was always my sanctuary 9:33 - Energy is so powerful in any space and if you use it to your advantage, there"s so many benefits to it. 10:53 - When you walk into a space and it just feels good and it"s welcoming, it"s a lot of the Feng Shui elements that we apply into that design. 14:48 - I think that was my aha moment where I said I have it. I got that touch and she pushed every single creative element that I had and she brought out the best in me. 15:16 - One of those projects where it started off really tough but really probably one of those most rewarding I had. 15:52 - I have to say, being in the UAE, you"re exposed to so much luxury and very loud luxury from the cars on the road to the homes you walk in. 16:09 - Something that I actually really appreciate is quiet luxury. Useful Links Website:https://ralee.me Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ralee.me Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raleedesign/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nkhouri The Matrix Green Pill Podcast: https://thematrixgreenpill.com/ Please review us: https://g.page/r/CS8IW35GvlraEAI/review  The Matrix Green Pill Podcast: https://thematrixgreenpill.com/ Please review us: https://g.page/r/CS8IW35GvlraEAI/review