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A brief redirect page guiding you to the correct Whispering Bold link. If you are not redirected automatically, follow the link provided to continue. Whoops! Looks like the page you were looking for has been hidden or no longer exists. Search for similar content? RECENT BLOG POSTS Fresh reads for design lovers. How To Pot A Faux Plant So It Actually Looks Good The secret to making faux plants look real is hiding the ridiculous little pot they arrive in. DECORATING TIPS 5 minutes ago 3 min read How To Choose The Right Counter Stool Height For A Kitchen Island Counter stool height explained so you never buy the wrong stools again. DECORATING TIPS 2 days ago 6 min read Why You Need To Remove Lead Paint When You’re Renovating A Home Renovating an older home means dealing with lead paint properly. COLOURS & PAINT 2 days ago 3 min read More inspiration

Whispering Bold is all about lived-in interiors, real home stories, DIY projects and design thinking. Honest, practical inspiration for creating a home with warmth, character and personality — for design lovers, interior design students and anyone curious about how interiors really work. 1/4 Design for living. Because perfect is boring. Your trusted hub for real interiors, creative DIYs and practical insight into interior design — made for design lovers, students and curious minds. Start here REAL DESIGN, UP CLOSE Whispering Bold explores spaces that are lived-in, loved and full of character — from creative DIYs and design insight to practical guides. Real homes tell better stories. READ Inspiration, not showrooms Explore real homes, design insight and stories that inspire thoughtful interiors. Read the articles → 1/2 WATCH Makeovers & behind the scenes Watch real-life makeovers, creative fixes and everything between before and after. Watch makeovers → 1/2 LEARN For the curious & the studious Learn the thinking behind good design — study interior design or explore teaching resources. Study interior design → Teaching resources → 1/2 Hi, I'M MARIEKE I design, write, and share interiors that tell a story — and teach the thinking behind good design. More about me RECENT BLOG POSTS Real interiors, honest design talk and practical insights for the design-obsessed. How To Pot A Faux Plant So It Actually Looks Good The secret to making faux plants look real is hiding the ridiculous little pot they arrive in. DECORATING TIPS 5 minutes ago 3 min read How To Choose The Right Counter Stool Height For A Kitchen Island Counter stool height explained so you never buy the wrong stools again. DECORATING TIPS 2 days ago 6 min read Why You Need To Remove Lead Paint When You’re Renovating A Home Renovating an older home means dealing with lead paint properly. COLOURS & PAINT 2 days ago 3 min read More blogs STUCK ON LAYOUT? Create floor plans that actually fit your home — with my free furniture and space planning template . Free template #WHISPERINGBOLD Find me on Instagram. newsletter sign up

Submit your blog enquiry to Whispering Bold. I accept selected articles and links related to interior design and home improvement. All placements are curated for quality and relevance, and fees apply. BLOG ENQUIRIES Thank you for your interest in contributing to my blog. I receive many submissions and only select articles and links that truly align with the quality and values of my site. Please note that I only feature content related to interior design and home improvement , and placement is subject to a fee. Check the full guidelines here . If you’d like to be considered, submit the form below with your specific interest, and I’ll be in touch. SUBMIT FORM First name* Last name* Email* Company name* What are you interested in?* Guest Blog Link Placement ABC Link Exchange If you’re interested in a link placement, please specify the article. Provide details of your guest blog or link request (please be specific).* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit WHISPERING BOLD INTERIOR DESIGN Marieke Rijksen Haarlem, The Netherlands KvK-nummer 69461244 BTW-nummer NL001936861B97 Find me here: Whispering Bold Interior Design is a legal trade name of Bold Project Management. Click here for privacy statement.

Discover the story behind Whispering Bold. Lived-in interiors, design experimentation and creative DIYs. Real spaces, real ideas, and an honest take on design. MY JOURNEY INTO DESIGN I’m Marieke – a Dutch–Australian designer with a soft spot for homes that feel lived-in and personal. What began as a creative detour from corporate life became a design degree and, eventually, a new career. Curious about the longer version of that journey? I’ve written more about it here . Today, I split my time between blogging, brand collaborations and teaching future designers at the Interior Design Institute . I don’t do labels. My style mixes new and vintage, upcycled treasures and art — whatever brings character and feels like home. Living between Haarlem, Valencia and Sydney across the year shapes how I design and the stories I tell. THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME Whispering Bold began with a simple idea: design can make a statement without shouting. I wanted a name that reflected that balance — characterful, a little daring, but grounded in real life. My husband once put it perfectly: “Your style is bold, but it never screams for attention. ” And that’s how Whispering Bold was born — real homes, brave choices, nothing too precious. HOW I TEACH DESIGN I'm a tutor with the Interior Design Institute, and 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 spaces that work for real life. I believe homes come alive through meaningful objects: pieces collected over time, upcycled finds and the small quirks that tell your story. Perfection is boring; personality is what makes design sing. I also create teaching materials for educators, available through the link below. Teaching resources COLLABORATORS A few of the clever ones who help shape Whispering Bold. Whispering Bold is mostly me, but I’m not doing it entirely alone. 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. 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 my brand’s vision. She’s hard-working, supportive and the perfect partner when it comes to shaping ideas and turning them into something real. 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. A FEW EASY CHOICES Me in a nutshell. A few small preferences that probably tell you more about me than a CV ever could. Dark or Milk Chocolate — Dark with nuts, can’t imagine life without chocolate. Walking or Cycling — Walking (yes, Dutch and I still hate cycling). Beer or Wine — Wine, preferably bubbles. Organised or Messy — Very organised, mess makes my head spin. Pool or Beach — Pool, I’m a bit scared of the ocean. Morning or Evening — Morning, I turn into a pumpkin at night. Text or Call — Text, please don’t call, I don’t use my phone for that. Vintage or Brand New — Vintage with a story. Coffee or Tea — Tea if I must, but I can’t stand coffee. Flats or Heels — Flats, I ditched heels when I left corporate. Movies or Sports — Sports, football and F1 are my go-to. Summer or Winte r — Summer, always. Cats or Dogs — Cats are lovely, but I’m absolutely a dog person. SEE YOU ON THE BLOG Fresh reads for design lovers. If you want to see where my ideas end up, you’ll find them on the blog. Browse articles

New to Whispering Bold? Start with curated blog highlights, makeover videos, free design tools and learning resources. A simple guide to help you explore interiors, design thinking and DIY ideas. WELCOME If you’re new here, this is the best place to begin. Whispering Bold is all about lived-in design, real homes and ideas that make interiors feel warm, personal and a little imperfect in the best way. WHAT YOU'LL FIND HERE Weekly blogs with design ideas, real-home stories and practical tips Real-life makeovers and behind-the-scenes renovation chaos Interior design thinking and resources for students and tutors Weekly newsletter with new posts and everyday inspiration A FEW GOOD PLACES TO START A few posts that give you a feel for Whispering Bold, and also some of the most-read on the site. If 90s Sitcoms Taught Us Interior Design Choosing the Ideal White Paint for Your Interior How to Apply the Golden Ratio in Interior Design The 6 Ways to Establish Rhythm in Interior Design Create the Perfect Interior Design Mood Board in 8 Easy Steps Browse the blog MAKEOVERS TO EXPLORE A few makeover highlights if you prefer watching over reading. Makeover Highlights Play Video Play Video 00:22 Hallway Wallpaper Makeover Play Video Play Video 00:38 Art Deco Light Perfection Play Video Play Video 00:15 Custom Vintage Cinewall Play Video Play Video 00:54 DIY Stained Glass Tiffany Watch all makeovers Browse all articles IF YOU'RE HERE FOR LEARNING Everything from studying interior design with The Interior Design Institute (with a discount when you enrol) to design theory posts and teaching resources. Study design Design theory blogs Teaching resources A FEW FREE THINGS A few free tools to make life easier — a space planner , rug size guide , a teaching resource on the role of social media in interior design, and the decorating guide you receive when you join the newsletter. Furniture and space planning template Free template Easy guide to choosing rug sizes Rug size guide Teaching resource on social media in design For educators Step-by-step guide to decorating your home Sign up JOIN THE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Each week, I share new blogs, small things that inspire me and the everyday moments that keep life grounded. You can read recent letters in the archive or join the list below. Newsletter archive Enter your email here Join the list *By signing up you agree to our Privacy and Cookie Policy. Terms and Conditions apply. Thanks for subscribing! A LITTLE ABOUT WHISPERING BOLD Whispering Bold blends lived-in interiors, creative DIYs, and design thinking with the everyday stories that shape real homes. I write from Haarlem and Valencia, using my own spaces to test ideas, colour palettes and the DIYs that usually go well (and occasionally don’t). More about me FOR BRANDS Whispering Bold collaborates with interior and lifestyle brands through photography, video and sponsored storytelling. My media kit is available here. Enquiries

Catch up on past Whispering Bold newsletters. Weekly design ideas, new blog posts and the everyday moments that inspire lived in interiors. NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE A collection of recent newsletters – new blogs, the things that catch my eye, everyday moments that keep life grounded, and the odd stuff that makes me giggle. If you enjoy these, the next one can find its way to your inbox (plus a free step-by-step guide to decorating yo ur new home) . Enter your email here Join the list *By signing up you agree to our Privacy and Cookie Policy. Terms and Conditions apply. Thanks for subscribing! Only the most recent ones — keeping the scroll civilised. Date sent: 7 March 26 WiFi powered by tin cans and a hopeful breeze. I’ve written about the interior design rules designers break, why some homes never quite feel finished, and how long a “simple” toilet renovation really takes in real life. Open newsletter Date sent: 21 Feb 26 Regret is expensive. Regret rarely comes from being bold. It comes from rushing. From skipping the sample board. From choosing something because it looked good in isolation, not because it made sense in the room. Open newsletter Date sent: 14 Feb 26 When playing it safe kills the vibe. This week is for anyone bored of beige decisions disguised as “timeless taste”. We’re talking Grandma Chic done right, why playing it safe rarely pays off, and the tiny detail that makes a room look far more considered than it has any right to be. Open newsletter Date sent: 7 Feb 26 Things you only notice once you live with them. Making choices you can actually live with, leaving well enough alone when it deserves it, and noticing how much of our taste is shaped without us consciously deciding any of it. The kind of things you only realise once you’re already living with them! Open newsletter Date sent: 31 Jan 26 On boundaries, colour, and knowing when to stop. Touching on boundaries, energy, and why certain design choices quietly work better than others. Plus the usual side notes that made me smile along the way. Open newsletter Date sent: 24 Jan 26 Just because it looks good doesn’t mean it works. From questioning double kitchen islands, to time travelling through the 70s, 80s and 90s, and a reminder that slow decorating usually wins in the long run. Open newsletter Date sent: 17 Jan 26 Before the plumber arrives, pause. A practical heads up on bathroom mistakes that look harmless on paper but become deeply annoying once you actually live with them, and a look at African design beyond the clichés, and why its influence on contemporary interiors runs much deeper than safari chic. Open newsletter Date sent: 20 Jan 26 January has entered the chat. On the blog this week, I looked at why your home still needs green long after the Christmas tree has gone, and what your coffee order might quietly reveal about your interior style. Open newsletter SEE YOU ON THE BLOG Fresh reads for design lovers. If you want to see where my ideas end up, you’ll find them on the blog. Browse articles

Get in touch for collaborations, press or brand partnerships. Whispering Bold works with interior and lifestyle brands through photography, video and design storytelling. GET IN TOUCH I enjoy working with bloggers, brands and businesses to create thoughtful, well-matched partnerships. Email me Media Kit Download the Whispering Bold media kit for details on my content, audience and collaboration options. Media kit Blog Enquiries For guest post or link-placement enquiries, click below to get in touch. Blog enquiries WHISPERING BOLD INTERIOR DESIGN Marieke Rijksen Haarlem, The Netherlands KvK-nummer 69461244 BTW-nummer NL001936861B97 Find me here: Whispering Bold Interior Design is a legal trade name of Bold Project Management. Click here for privacy statement.

Explore real life interior makeovers, styling updates and behind the scenes renovation moments. Practical ideas drawn from real spaces. REAL HOME MAKEOVERS Room makeovers, DIY projects and restyling ideas from my own work – the real story behind the pictures. Whispering Bold Projects All Categories Play Video Play Video 00:36 Toilet Makeover Thought this would be a quick skim over some very committed 80s stickered tiles and popcorn wall. Four weeks, trade juggling and endless drying time later… we finally have a toilet again. But totally worth it! Play Video Play Video 00:22 Peel-And-Stick Wallpaper This gorgeous wallpaper is Beauty Everywhere Pink from Photowall and I’m genuinely impressed. Peel and stick, great quality, up in about an hour. Clearing the room and putting everything back took longer than the wallpapering itself. I will never go back to messy glue when peel and stick is this good! Play Video Play Video 00:20 Heirlooms You can shop for décor, or you can curate a life. Memories make the best accessories. Because real homes tell better stories.⁣ Play Video Play Video 00:14 Why I Have a Fake Xmas Tree Tree 2025 is up. I grew up with real ones and never considered a fake tree until I moved to Australia, where it is 35 degrees at Christmas and the trees come with complimentary freaky spiders. Never looked back. Went full fluffy with the decorations this year. Play Video Play Video 00:22 Hallway Wallpaper Makeover I just decided I’d had enough of the hallway wallpaper and ripped it off. I had no plan whatsoever. I found this new one on sale at the hardware store and couldn’t resist. Two rolls, forty euros, a fair bit of swearing later (old house, nothing is straight), and a whole new vibe in one afternoon. Play Video Play Video 00:31 Lamp Surgery I urgently needed to address this ‘situation’. I was looking for a lamp to add to a timer, since the old LED lights had a shoddy installation, only worked with a remote I never used anyway, and would randomly flick on in red (why red of all colours 🤷♀️), making the place look like a brothel. Then I found this cool vintage light in a thrift shop. Just needed some surgery to be able to neatly thread through the cabinet hole to hide the wiring. All ends well, and the vintage family heirlooms are in the spotlight again. Play Video Play Video 00:42 DIY with Paint Leftovers I grabbed some leftover paint samples to spruce up this side table. It looked like 💩 with moisture damage from a planter. Simple job, done in no time and ready for the next round. 𝙋𝙧𝙤 𝙩𝙞𝙥: 𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙚. 𝙐𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙥𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩. Play Video Play Video 00:20 Bathroom Makeover Part 1 For ages I’ve been wanting to ‘warm’ up this bathroom but couldn’t put myself to it. Mainly because frankly painting 3.5m high is a pain in the bum. But so glad I did it! And this is only the beginning of this makeover. More to come. Many of you thought I’d go green but no, that wouldn’t be the right effect for what else I have planned. Colour: Histor Intuitive Play Video Play Video 00:21 Bathroom Makeover Part 2 Swapped the black fixtures for these beauties from Meir Australia and I’m obsessed. It’s the perfect shade of champagne between gold and rose, if you ask me. Paired with fresh paint, the whole bathroom feels so much warmer now. Load More SEE YOU ON THE BLOG Fresh reads for design lovers. If you want to see where my ideas end up, you’ll find them on the blog. Browse articles

Thinking about studying interior design? Learn through The Interior Design Institute (where I tutor) and explore course details, insights and a student discount. STUDY WITH Interior Design Institute As a tutor with the Interior Design Institute, I help students build practical, confident design skills. Teaching keeps my own ideas fresh as well. Whether you’re renovating your home or aiming for a career in design, IDI offers a flexible course that helps you build a solid foundation. Get 100€ off at IDI COURSE FEATURES The Interior Design Institute offers a flexible online course for anyone wanting to build practical interior design skills. The course combines clear lessons with hands-on assignments and personalised guidance to help you grow at your own pace. Online learning lessons by top designers 24/7 support Global Facebook group Flexible start dates Payment options A free portfolio Online workshops A personal tutor for guidance and feedback You study at home in your own time and at your own pace. Get 100€ off at IDI Why I recommend the Interior Design Institute I’ve worked with thousands of IDI students, and the course consistently builds both creative and technical confidence. The mix of clear lessons, practical assignments and personal tutor support makes it a strong starting point for anyone interested in design. As your tutor, I provide clear, constructive feedback that helps you refine your ideas and present your work with confidence. Who the course is for This course suits beginners, career changers and design enthusiasts who want practical skills and structured guidance. No previous experience is required. What you'll learn You’ll develop a strong grounding in spatial planning, moodboards and concept work, colour and materials, lighting basics and styling principles. FAQ How long does the course take? Most students finish in 4–12 months, depending on their pace and schedule. Do I need design experience? No. The course starts from the basics and gradually builds your confidence. How flexible is the course? You study entirely from home, in your own time and at your own pace. STUDENT REVIEWS Taken from verified Trustpilot reviews. What students say about working with me. My tutor, Marieke, is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Her marked response sheet always provides me with a boost of confidence & constructive criticism. She picks up on the little things you have put time into adding and her marking is fair. I will say her blog (Whispering Bold) is like another textbook. She is a great tutor!

Free teaching materials for interior design tutors: lesson prompts, discussion topics and downloadable resources, including social media’s role in contemporary design. READY FOR THE CLASSROOM Educators can recommend Whispering Bold’s interior design articles as useful reading and visual inspiration for students. This page also gives access to a dedicated classroom resource on social media’s role in contemporary interior design — available exclusively here, with exercises, prompts and a full article for teaching use. Request classroom resource DESIGN BLOG Exploring the ideas, principles, and psychology behind great interiors. Interior Design Rules Designers Break And Why It Works Good design is not about following rules, but knowing when to break them. DESIGN THEORY From Retro to Refined: 6 Fresh Takes on the Wood Paneling Trend A fresh look at wood paneling for contemporary interiors. DECORATING TIPS The Real Reason Your Home Doesn’t Feel Finished If a space relies on cushions to do the heavy lifting, something else is unresolved. DECORATING TIPS The Pop Culture Moments That Changed Our Interiors Pop culture has been reshaping our interiors for years. STYLE FILES How Long Does A Toilet Renovation Really Take? Even a surface-level upgrade can disrupt everyday life. RENOVATING TIPS The 3 Things Your Eye Is Always Looking For In A Room Design is what your eye understands instantly. DESIGN THEORY Subscribe to blog CLASSROOM RESOURCE Design Storytelling in the Digital Age: Instagram as a Public Sketchbook Instagram is more than likes – it’s a public sketchbook for testing ideas, curating aesthetics, and telling design stories. This resource guides students in understanding how social media influences design thinking and helps them develop a confident and authentic visual voice. Request classroom resource WHAT'S INCLUDED Feature Article A full-length article for students on using Instagram as a design tool and public sketchbook. Discussion Prompts A set of debate questions such as “How is Instagram changing our idea of timeless design?” or “Can a curated feed be considered a portfolio?” Mini Assignment Briefs A set of practical exercises that can be used flexibly in class to spark discussion and hands-on exploration. ACCESS Request free access through the form below and receive a link to a password-protected page containing all materials. First name* Last name* Email* Institution* Yes, I’d like to receive blog updates (unsubscribe anytime). Submit STUDENT REVIEWS Taken from verified Trustpilot reviews. What students say about working with me. My tutor, Marieke, is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Her marked response sheet always provides me with a boost of confidence & constructive criticism. She picks up on the little things you have put time into adding and her marking is fair. I will say her blog (Whispering Bold) is like another textbook. She is a great tutor!

WHOOPS... Looks like the page you were looking for has been hidden or no longer exists. Start here instead NEDERLANDS? Whispering Bold groeit – en dat vraagt om focus. Omdat steeds meer lezers van over de hele wereld meelezen, ga ik voortaan volledig verder in het Engels. Neem gerust een kijkje op mijn Engelse pagina’s. SEE YOU ON THE BLOG Fresh reads for design lovers. If you want to see where my ideas end up, you’ll find them on the blog. Browse articles

BLOG POSTS Get your fix of interior design inspiration, makeovers, and fabulous DIY home projects on my blog. Tap into my expertise and get all the Instagram tips and hacks you need to boost your interiors account. Make your space and socials pop! Looking for... tips interior decorating home decor DIY space planning makeover design styles Instagram Spain colour renovation business set up visual communication garden industrial style kitchen design All Posts Interior Design Instagram Tips DIY Style files 6 days ago 9 min INTERIOR DESIGN How to Choose Between Hardwood, PVC, or Laminate Flooring Discover the best flooring for your home: hardwood, PVC, or laminate. Compare options based on budget, climate, durability, and lifestyle. Aug 20 6 min INTERIOR DESIGN Transforming Your Office into an Inspirational Haven Explore ways to turn your work environment into an inspirational haven for success. Aug 12 6 min INTERIOR DESIGN How to Find Your Interior Design Style and Stick With It Learn how to uncover a well-defined interior design style you'll love for years to come. Aug 2 6 min INTERIOR DESIGN How Designing Forgotten Spaces Makes Your Home Feel Complete Here's how home decor impacts your mood and the most commonly hidden places needing design. Jul 25 3 min INTERIOR DESIGN Creating the Perfect Adventure-Filled Nursery Imagine a nursery where every detail is thoughtfully curated to inspire curiosity and foster growth. Jul 19 6 min DIY Easy Garden Upgrades for a Bright and Colorful Summer These easy garden upgrades will inspire you to transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and colorful retreat. Jul 10 8 min INSTAGRAM TIPS Why I’m Deleting My Instagram Followers to Improve Reach Clearing my Instagram followers for better engagement: removing bots, inactive users, and disinterested followers. Jun 26 4 min INTERIOR DESIGN Embrace Simplicity and Soul: Natural Materials for Cosy, Luxurious Interiors Find out how natural materials add cosiness and luxury to interiors, and get tips for blending them with modern design. Jun 19 6 min INTERIOR DESIGN Unleashing Mediterranean Charm in Your Outdoor Living Space Coastal Mediterranean regions are stunning. Use these ideas to add Mediterranean charm to any outdoor living space. 1 2 3 4 5 What people say ‘Great tips. I instantly adjusted my bio.’