Makoke Opens the Doors to Her Ex Javier Tudela’s Elegant Home with Pool and Feng Shui Philosophy Lounge

The recent feature in Lecturas magazine showing television personality Makoe touring the elegant, minimalist home of her ex-husband Javier Tudela—complete with a swimming pool and a living room designed according to Feng Shui principles—might seem like pure celebrity gossip. But for residents of Austin, Texas, this glimpse into international celebrity home design reflects a tangible shift in how local homeowners are rethinking their living spaces, particularly as interest in holistic design grows alongside the city’s continued tech-driven population boom.

What stands out in the coverage is not just the aesthetic appeal of Tudela’s residence but the intentional integration of Feng Shui into the living room—a practice described in the Lecturas report as a centuries-old Chinese tradition focused on creating spaces where vital energy flows freely through the balancing of social and relaxation zones. This detail is significant because it mirrors a broader trend in Austin’s housing market, where buyers and renters increasingly seek properties that support mental well-being, not just square footage or proximity to downtown tech hubs like the Domain or the bustling corridors of South Congress.

As someone who has covered lifestyle trends across Central Texas for over a decade, I’ve noticed how global design movements—from Scandinavian minimalism to Japanese wabi-sabi—often surface first in high-profile media before influencing local renovation projects. The Feng Shui emphasis seen in Tudela’s home aligns with what Austin-based architects at firms like Miró Rivera Architects and Jackson & Brown have reported: a growing client demand for spatial layouts that reduce stress and enhance mindfulness, especially among remote workers who now spend more time than ever in home environments.

This isn’t merely about aesthetics. Research from the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Architecture suggests that environmental psychology principles—closely related to Feng Shui’s focus on energy flow—can significantly impact cognitive performance and emotional regulation in residential settings. When combined with Austin’s notoriously long commutes along I-35 or MoPac Expressway, the appeal of a home designed to promote calm becomes less a luxury and more a functional necessity for maintaining quality of life in a rapidly growing city.

the minimalist aesthetic highlighted in the Lecturas feature—clean lines, uncluttered spaces and a focus on natural light—resonates strongly with Austin’s evolving architectural identity. Neighborhoods like Clarksville and Hyde Park have seen a surge in renovations that strip away outdated partitions to create open, light-filled interiors, often incorporating native Texas limestone or reclaimed wood to ground modern designs in local materiality. These choices reflect a desire not just to follow trends but to create homes that perceive both globally informed and distinctly Texan.

Given my background in tracking how international lifestyle trends manifest in Central Texas communities, if this shift toward holistic, energy-conscious home design impacts you in Austin, here are the three types of local professionals you should consider consulting:

Holistic Interior Designers Specializing in Wellness-Focused Layouts

Look for designers who can articulate how they balance aesthetics with psychological comfort—ask about their familiarity with environmental psychology, biophilic design, or cross-cultural spatial traditions like Feng Shui or Vastu Shastra. Request portfolios that show thoughtful zoning of active versus restorative spaces, especially in open-plan layouts common in Austin homes.

Sustainable Architects and Renovators Using Native Materials

Seek professionals experienced in integrating regional materials—such as Texas cedar, limestone, or recycled metal—into minimalist or modernist designs. Verify their understanding of passive cooling strategies crucial for Austin’s hot climate, and check for affiliations with organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Austin chapter or the Texas Society of Architects.

Mindful Space Consultants for Remote Work Environments

As hybrid work remains prevalent, consider consultants who evaluate how home office placement affects focus and stress levels. Ideal candidates will assess natural light patterns, noise transmission from high-traffic areas (like near Lamar Boulevard or Guadalupe Street), and the psychological impact of color palettes—offering tailored advice that goes beyond ergonomic chairs to address the entire room’s energy flow.

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