MEET MARIEKE

I’m Marieke – Dutch–Australian and forever drawn to interiors that tell a story. What started as a creative escape alongside my corporate job turned into a design degree and, eventually, a whole new career. These days, you’ll find me blogging about interiors, working with brands, and guiding future designers at the Interior Design Institute.

I don’t do labels – my style blends new and vintage, upcycled finds and art to create personal, affordable spaces with character. My family and I divide our time between Haarlem, Valencia and Sydney, and that mix naturally filters into my design approach.

Illustration of a one seater cosy chair with side table, vase and plants

WHISPERING BOLD

Ever wondered where Whispering Bold came from? I wanted a name that captured my mix of urban chic, vintage and a touch of jungalow – intuitive, daring, but never over the top. My husband put it best: “Your style is bold and daring, but grounded. It makes a statement without shouting.” And that’s how Whispering Bold was born.

HOW I TEACH DESIGN

I am a tutor with the Interior Design Institute. My teaching philosophy is rooted in practicality and accessibility. Design isn’t about big budgets or glossy perfection – it’s about individuality, bold choices, and creating unique spaces that work for real life. I believe homes come alive through objects with meaning – pieces collected over time, upcycled treasures, and the quirks that tell your story. Perfection is boring; personality is what makes design sing.

I also provide teaching materials for educators, which you can request through the link below.

Teaching materials

COLLABORATORS

A few of the clever ones who help shape Whispering Bold.

FEATURED WRITER

Evelyn Long

Evelyn Long is an experienced writer in the interior design world, with a keen eye for emerging trends like pattern drenching and bold colour palettes.

She is a contributing author to leading publications like the National Association of Realtors, I+S, and DecorMatters, where she shares fresh ideas and practical styling advice. As editor-in-chief of Renovated Magazine, Evelyn is dedicated to inspiring readers with forward-thinking design ideas.

WEB DESIGNER & SEO WIZARD

Carina Moreno

Carina is the steady hand behind the technical side of Whispering Bold, blending strategy, web design, and SEO to ensure the website runs smoothly and reflects the my brand’s vision.

Hard-working and supportive, she’s the perfect partner for bringing my ideas to life.

Check her portfolio here.

CHIEF NAP OFFICER

Diesel

Diesel takes his role very seriously: long naps, leisurely walks, and strategic snack requests. He checks every rug for maximum softness, keeps an eye on the garden, and makes sure the whole house feels brighter just by wagging his tail.

His specialties include barking only when it’s least convenient, cuddling, and ensuring no one forgets regular breaks.

Passionate about blogging on interior design or home improvement? A few select spots are open to be a featured writer on Whispering Bold. Get in touch for collaboration details and contributor packages.

THIS OR THAT

Dark Chocolate
Walking
Beer
Organised
Swimming Pool
Morning
Cats
Text
Vintage Find
Coffee
Flats
Movies
Summer

Milk Chocolate
Cycling
Wine
Messy
Beach
Evening
Dogs
Call
Brand New
Tea
Heels
Sports
Winter

IN A NUTSHELL

Dark with nuts — but can’t imagine life without chocolate.
Walking (yes, Dutch and I still hate cycling).
Wine, preferably bubbles.
Very organised, mess makes my head spin.
Pool — I’m a bit scared of the ocean.
Morning — I turn into a pumpkin at night.
Love all animals, but dogs have my heart.
Text — please don’t call, I don’t use my phone for that.
Vintage with a story.
Tea if I must, but I can’t stand coffee.
Flats — I ditched heels when I left corporate.
Sports — football and F1 are my go-to.
Summer, always.