Whispering Bold shares thoughtful interiors, real home stories and practical interior design and DIY ideas. Honest inspiration for creating a home with warmth, character and personality. 1/4 Design for living. Because perfect is boring. Real interiors, creative DIYs and practical decorating advice for design lovers, students and curious minds. Start here REAL INTERIORS, UP CLOSE Whispering Bold is about real interiors, creative DIYs, practical decorating advice and interior design for homes that are lived-in, loved and full of character. Real homes tell better stories. Inspiration, not showrooms Real homes, decorating advice and stories that inspire thoughtful interiors. Read 1/2 Makeovers & behind the scenes Real-life makeovers, creative fixes and more than just the before and after. Watch 1/2 For the curious & the studious Interior design study, teaching resources and practical design knowledge. Learn 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 LATEST FROM THE BLOG Real interiors, honest design talk and practical insights for the design-obsessed. Why Chrome’s Comeback Is About Contrast, Not Just Shine Chrome is having another go, and this time it’s all about contrast. DESIGN STYLES 3 days ago 5 min read I Deleted 40% of My Instagram Followers. Yes, I Kind of Regret It. I deleted 40% of my followers and now spend time explaining brands where everyone went. INSTAGRAM TIPS 5 days ago 4 min read A Beautiful Floor Plan Can Still Be a Bad Floor Plan Your floor plan looks gorgeous. Shame nobody can pull the dining chairs out. SPACE PLANNING 5 days ago 4 min read More blogs WOULD I DO IT AGAIN? Some design decisions were worth every cent. Others taught me a lesson. The real test comes after you've lived with them. From dark walls to ceramic countertops, these are the choices I'd repeat, rethink, or avoid altogether. Design decisions BROWSE BY SPACE Living Kitchen Dining Bedroom Bathroom Office Hallway Outdoor WHEN SOMETHING FEELS OFF You know the feeling. Your space isn't bad, but something isn't quite right. Here are some of the most common decorating challenges and what to do about them. Decorating fixes 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

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: 10 Oct 26 I deleted 40% of my followers. I kind of regret it. Was it worth it? Well... sort of. I’m sharing what actually happened, alongside a new post about another thing I see all the time: floor plans that look fantastic on screen and make absolutely no sense once somebody has to live in them. Open newsletter Date sent: 3 Oct 26 Does anyone actually live here? I’ve got two new blogs this week. One about homes that are so designed you wonder where they keep the toaster, and one about the return of rooms with actual doors. Open newsletter Date sent: 26 Sept 26 The lampshade started it. I changed one lampshade this week and, slightly annoyingly, it made me want to start moving everything else around too. Before I knew it, I was digging through things I’d put away and wondering why I’d gone off them in the first place. Open newsletter Date sent: 19 Sept 26 Maybe we knocked down too many walls. I’ve been up to my elbows in a very dark teenage bedroom makeover. On the blog, I’ve been looking at homes from a slightly different angle: why some immediately feel relaxing, and whether open-plan living is always quite as wonderful as we’ve been led to believe. Open newsletter Date sent: 12 Sept 26 Love it. Wouldn’t live with it. There are plenty of things I can appreciate in someone else’s home and still have absolutely no desire to live with myself. I think that’s half the fun of interiors. I’m sharing a few of those design choices, plus a closer look at grout colour. Open newsletter Date sent: 5 Sept 26 It seemed like a good idea at the time. I’ve been thinking about how many design ideas look brilliant in a photo, but are actually a bit of a pain to live with. This week, I’m looking at a few of those, as well as the smaller choices that can make everyday life at home easier. Open newsletter Date sent: 29 Aug 26 Your sofa is probably fine. One of this week’s blogs is a reminder that sometimes the best thing you can do is absolutely nothing. And the other is about modern folklore, which is all about homes that feel collected over time rather than bought in one go. Open newsletter Date sent: 22 Aug 26 Apparently, they prefer me gone. There’s a new blog about exactly what your plants can tell you when you come home from holiday, plus a few interior design choices I still can’t quite get my head around. 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

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 tests every rug for softness, keeps an eye on the garden, and somehow makes the whole house feel brighter just by wagging his tail. His specialties include inconvenient barking, expert cuddling, and making sure nobody works for too long without a break. 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

Explore the design decisions behind my own homes, renovations, and decorating choices. From ceramic countertops and stained glass doors to layout dilemmas and decorating regrets, discover what I chose, why I chose it, and whether I'd make the same decision again. DESIGN DECISIONS: WHAT I CHOSE AND WHY Every home is shaped by hundreds of decisions. Here, I share some of the choices I've made in my own home, why I made them, and whether I'd make the same decision again. Why I Kept My Island Cooktop-Free Many kitchen designs place the cooktop in the island, but I preferred to keep the entire surface free for preparation, serving, and entertaining. I like keeping hot pans, steam, and cooking mess away from where family and friends naturally gather with a glass of wine. With people often sitting or standing around the island, it is a safer and more practical choice. Would I do it again? Every time. It suits the way we live and entertain. Read more Why I Chose Pocket Doors Over Open Plan Living When we renovated our home, we kept the original pocket doors rather than creating a fully open-plan layout. As well as being an architectural feature, they gave us the flexibility to open the rooms up or create separation when needed. Years later, they've proven far more useful than a permanently open layout would have been. Would I do it again? Absolutely. They're one of my favourite features in the house. Read more Why I Chose Dark Wall Colours I've used dark wall colours in several rooms and still love the atmosphere they create. They can make a room feel dramatic, cocooning, and full of character. What I've learned, though, is that dark paint doesn't always age as gracefully as lighter colours. Scuffs, fading, and touch-ups tend to be more noticeable, and if you ever decide to go lighter again, repainting can be a real headache. Would I do it again? Yes, but only in the right room. Read more Why I Chose Bold Wallpaper I've never been afraid of a bold wallpaper. A striking pattern can transform a room and add personality in a way that paint rarely can. The downside is that even the wallpapers you love can start to feel familiar after a few years. Unlike paint, they're not always easy to change when you're ready for something new. Would I do it again? Only with peel-and-stick wallpaper. Changing your mind is much easier. Read more Why I Chose Ceramic Countertops Butcher block was everywhere when we renovated our kitchen, but I wanted a surface that could handle real life without constant maintenance. Eight years later, choosing ceramic remains one of the best renovation decisions I've made. Would I do it again? Without hesitation. Read more Why I Built My Kitchen Around An Australian Fridge When we renovated our kitchen, we designed it around our existing Australian fridge. The appliance was still in perfect working order, so replacing it felt unnecessary. What I didn't realise was that Australian fridge sizes don't translate well to the European market, making replacement far more complicated than it should be. Would I do it again? No. I'd plan for replacement, not just today. Read more Why I Chose Outdoor Rugs Outdoor rugs can instantly make a terrace or patio feel more finished and inviting, which is exactly why I got one. I still love the look, but living in the Netherlands means dealing with rain, fallen leaves, mud, and the occasional green tinge. They require more maintenance than most people expect. Would I do it again? It depends. In a covered outdoor space, absolutely. In an exposed garden, probably not. Read more Why I Chose Black Bathroom Tapware When we renovated our bathroom, black tapware felt fresh, modern, and a little different. I loved it for years, but over time I found myself drawn to warmer finishes. It also aged less gracefully than I'd hoped, showing wear more readily than traditional finishes. In the end, I replaced it. Would I do it again? It depends. If I planned to refresh the room with changing trends, yes. If not, I'd choose a warmer finish. Read more Why I Chose A Built-In Media Wall I never liked the idea of a television being the first thing you notice in a room. A built-in media wall helped it blend into the background while creating space for art, books, plants, and vintage finds. Instead of a television wall, it became a display wall that just happens to include a television. Would I do it again? Absolutely. It made the room feel far more personal. Read more Why I Added Plissé Blinds To My Skylight The skylight floods the room with natural light, which is wonderful until summer arrives. Without a blind, the room quickly overheats. Adding a plissé blind helped keep temperatures under control while still allowing us to enjoy the light when we want it. Would I do it again? Yes, but I'd connect it to a wall switch rather than rely on a remote control. Read 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

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 00:13 Go Custom Sometimes you just have to go custom. Our 150 yr old home is crooked, nothing is plumb, and random chimney stacks and awkward corners are normal. So I designed these built-in cupboards for my daughter’s room to fit around it. Much better, right? Play Video Play Video 00:24 Did I Pull it Off? To all the doubters. Remember when I painted my teenager’s room almost black and quite a few of you thought I’d lost the plot? Fair. It was looking a little coffin-like halfway through. But I had a plan. And, more importantly, a teenager who solemnly promised she’d keep her room tidy if I sorted the storage and let her go dark. Here’s how it turned out. Full disclosure, I finished it while she was away at school camp, so she hasn’t actually moved back in yet. Which explains why it still looks this tidy (also because all the crap is still on the floor on the hallway). Let’s enjoy it while it lasts. And? Did I pull it off? Play Video Play Video 00:26 Pink to Almost Black My teenager swears that if I sort out her storage and paint her room basically black, she’ll keep it clean. Would anyone go for it? I mean, worth a crack. She’s well and truly outgrown the pink, fair enough. We somehow agreed on the right shade of very dark grey and I reckon with the right styling I can stop it looking like a coffin. Think I can pull it off? Who’s freaking out watching me cut in without tape? Stay tuned for the final reveal! Play Video Play Video 00:07 Post Summer Art Swap New school year, new art swap. And don’t be like me, trying to be nonchalant about the size of the frame. Just put the damn thing on the floor before swapping the art. Even with my kerfuffle, it only took a few minutes. Play Video Play Video 00:16 Guest Room Makeover Small room, big job. This guest bedroom in Valencia needed to work a bit harder, so every decision was about saving space, adding storage and getting as much as possible off the floor. Play Video Play Video 00:38 Paint by Numbers Turns out paint by numbers is surprisingly relaxing. Who knew. I’m definitely not an artist. But I can colour in. Here in Valencia there’s always something that needs doing, so sitting still isn’t exactly my strong suit. I figured this might force me to stay in one place for a bit. It actually worked. ☺️ It also combines two of my guilty pleasures. Keep watching to the end, and you’ll see why. I may have accidentally given myself a craving. I blame the painting. Play Video Play Video 00:27 Peel & Stick Makeover It wasn’t quite as quick as I make it look here, but editing this reel definitely took longer than putting the wallpaper up. Piece of cake. Would you give peel-and-stick a go? Play Video Play Video 00:12 Wallpaper Makeover This dining room was designed to keep the heat out, which also makes it pretty dark, so I brightened it up with Shoreline Fan in Champagne wallpaper (gifted) by Wild Palace. I’m never going back to glue. Peel and stick is just too easy. The wallpaper was custom-made to my wall, the quality is amazing and the service impeccable. For the first time ever, my old wallpaper came off without a fight, and because the new wallpaper was so easy to install, the whole makeover was done in no time. Play Video Play Video 00:17 Leftover Paint Since there was paint left anyway… it was cloudy outside, sat on the sofa, looked at this wall and thought fookit. Two hours later a totally different look in my Mediterranean living room. 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

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. Does Anyone Actually Live Here? When Everything Is Just a Bit Too Designed If making toast ruins the aesthetic, we have a problem. STYLE FILES Interior Designers Are Abandoning Open Floor Plans in Favor of Intimate, Enclosed Den Spaces Open plan is great, until you really, really want to close a door. SPACE PLANNING 10 Simple Styling Changes That Make Your Home Feel Fresh Again I got one new lampshade and somehow ended up loving half the stuff I’d banished to the attic. DECORATING TIPS How to Use Color Blocking to Visually Expand Tight Interiors Color blocking isn’t just decorative. It can completely change how big a room feels. COLOURS & PAINT Why Some Homes Feel Instantly Relaxing The secret to a relaxing home has less to do with style than you might think. SPACE PLANNING The Hidden Cost Of Open-Plan Living Open-plan living solved some problems and created a few new ones. SPACE PLANNING 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!

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 on well-matched collaborations. You are always welcome to get in touch, and the FAQ may answer a few things upfront. 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.

Browse mood boards, sample boards and material boards, with real examples, practical tips and inspiration for developing interior design ideas. INTERIOR DESIGN BOARDS Most people refer to all design boards as mood boards, but there are actually several different types, each serving a different purpose. Some help define the overall direction of a room, while others focus on specific materials, finishes and furnishings. Here you'll find inspiration, real examples and practical guidance on creating mood boards, sample boards and material boards. MOOD BOARDS What is a mood board? A mood board is often where a design begins. By combining images, colours, furniture, materials and other visual references, it helps establish the overall direction of a room. It's a useful way to gather ideas, refine a concept and see how different elements might work together before moving on to more detailed design decisions. Why use a mood board? Good design rarely starts with furniture. It usually starts with an idea. Read more How to create a mood board Because collecting pretty pictures is only half the story of good design. Show me how Mood board examples Different styles, colour palettes and concepts, find ideas for your next project. Get inspired SAMPLE BOARDS What is a sample board? A sample board takes a mood board one step further by replacing inspiration with specific product selections. It brings together carefully chosen furniture, fabrics, finishes and accessories to show how a scheme will look in reality. Sample boards are typically created once the overall style has been established and help ensure all elements work together before any purchasing begins. Turn ideas into interiors A sample board turns a design concept into specific products and selections. Read more Sample versus mood board A mood board captures the idea. A sample board brings it to life with real products. Learn more Sample board examples See how real product selections work together before any purchasing begins. Get inspired MATERIAL BOARDS What is a material board? A material board focuses on the finishes you'll actually experience in a room. Rather than showing inspiration or product selections, it brings together physical samples of fabrics, timber, flooring, tiles and other materials so you can see and feel how they work together. In an ideal world, every sample is real, because texture, weight and finish are just as important as colour. Learn more

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!

Browse interior design ideas by room, from living room and kitchen to bedroom, bathroom, hallway and outdoor spaces. Explore practical tips, layout ideas and styling advice to create a home that feels right. BROWSE BY SPACE Most people search for ideas by room. Fair enough. It is often the easiest place to start. Start with a room: Living Kitchen Dining Bedroom Bathroom Office Hallway Outdoor LIVING ROOM The living room is where life actually happens. It shows how you live, not just how it looks. And if something feels off, it’s often just small tweaks away from falling into place. Interior Design Decisions That Matter More Than Furniture Furniture matters less than the decisions that surround it. Struggling to Arrange Your Space? How to Plan Like a Pro Plan it first, get it right once, download my free space planner. When Your House Looks Great But You Still Hate It Looks great, feels wrong? Time to fix the vibe, not the furniture. Beige Interiors Are Everywhere – Make Yours Less Latte Love beige? Just don’t put your guests to sleep – let’s fix that latte look. View all living room posts Living | Kitchen | Dining | Bedroom | Bathroom | Home Office | Hallway | Outdoor KITCHEN The kitchen tends to be designed once and then lived with for years. Which is exactly why the practical decisions matter just as much as the aesthetic ones. Small Kitchen Decisions You Will Regret Later Future you will absolutely want that extra cabinet. Kitchen Island Vs. Kitchen Table: Which Is Best For You? Kitchen Island vs. Table: Which suits your space and lifestyle best? The Pros and Cons of MDF Cabinets for Modern Kitchens MDF cabinets: Affordable, stylish, and customizable, but how do they hold up in your kitchen? Pros and cons. Why I'll Never Install a Stove in My Kitchen Island I've come to appreciate the importance of well-thought-out kitchen layouts. POV: I'll never install a stove in my kitchen island. View all kitchen posts Living | Kitchen | Dining | Bedroom | Bathroom | Home Office | Hallway | Outdoor DINING ROOM Dining rooms are where meals, drinks, and everything in between happen. A well put-together space makes it easy to linger a little longer. The Dining Room You’ll Actually Use A dining room that works on a Tuesday is the one that gets used. The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Dining Table Lighting When dining lighting feels wrong, the cause is usually surprisingly simple. 10 Easy Ways to Make Your Dining Room Look Stylish Simple updates can make your dining room feel fresh and stylish — no major renovation needed! Optimal Distance Between Furniture and Fixtures Optimal spacing between furniture and fixtures is key to a comfortable, functional floor plan. View all dining room posts Living | Kitchen | Dining | Bedroom | Bathroom | Home Office | Hallway | Outdoor BEDROOM The bedroom is one of the few spaces that is truly yours. It does not need much, but what is there should feel considered, calm, and comfortable. Four Ways To Style Your Bed There is more than one way to make a bed look right. The One Decision That Changes Your Entire Bedroom A few simple choices that can completely change your bedroom. How Your Teenage Bedroom Secretly Trained You To Be The Decorator You Are Today Your teenage bedroom was your first design studio. How to Use Texture in Interior Design Without texture, a space will fall flat. Here are some of the basics on how to use texture to your advantage when decorating a home. View all bedroom posts Living | Kitchen | Dining | Bedroom | Bathroom | Home Office | Hallway | Outdoor BATHROOM The bathroom is a small space where every detail shows. The right materials, lighting, and layout make more difference here than you might expect. How Long Does A Toilet Renovation Really Take? Even a surface-level upgrade can disrupt everyday life. Why Tile Size Matters: Impact on Design, Cost and Space Choosing tile size? It shapes your design, tests your tiler’s nerves, and empties your wallet. What Are Zellige Tiles? And Why They’re Trending Imperfect, handmade and utterly irresistible – here’s why zellige tiles are stealing the spotlight in modern design. Bathroom Bliss: Golden Ratio Tips for Optimal Layouts Elevate your bathroom design with the divine balance of the Golden Ratio, adding beauty and harmony to every aspect of your space. View all bathroom posts Living | Kitchen | Dining | Bedroom | Bathroom | Home Office | Hallway | Outdoor HOME OFFICE Home offices are where work and daily life meet. A well-designed setup makes it easier to stay focused without taking over the rest of your home. The Home Office That Disappears At The End Of The Day Make it work at 9.00 and disappear by dinner. DIY IKEA Billy Hack for a Custom High-End Workspace DIY your way to a high-end office makeover with this IKEA Billy hack. Transforming Your Office into an Inspirational Haven Explore ways to turn your work environment into an inspirational haven for success. Ergonomic Office Makeover To Improve My Health A budget-friendly home office makeover that adds style and improves my health. View all home office posts Living | Kitchen | Dining | Bedroom | Bathroom | Home Office | Hallway | Outdoor HALLWAY Hallways are easy to overlook, but they set the first impression of your home. With a few considered choices, it can feel just as intentional as the spaces beyond. Hallway Ideas That Make You Look Twice A hallway can do more than just get you from A to B. Invisible Design: The Psychology of Thresholds and Transitions Crossing a doorway is never neutral — it’s invisible design at work. Styling Awkward Corners: from Dead Spaces to Design Features Even the weirdest corner can be a show-off with the right styling. Magic of Small Touches: Recipe for an Inviting Home A cosy, welcoming space comes down to a few thoughtful choices and a bit of planning. View all hallway posts Living | Kitchen | Dining | Bedroom | Bathroom | Home Office | Hallway | Outdoor OUTDOOR Outdoor spaces are less about perfection and more about actually using them. If it feels easy to sit down and stay a while, you have got it right. French Doors or Folding Doors? How to Pick Bifold vs French vs sliding doors – here’s how I chose mine, what went right, and the one oversight I’d definitely avoid next time. Choosing Exterior Paint and Colour: What to Consider Choosing the right exterior paint involves climate, style, and maintenance. Learn how to pick the perfect colour for your home. 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. Indoor-Outdoor Living: Top Tips for the Ultimate Lifestyle Explore indoor-outdoor living: merge comfort with nature. Dive into design, plants, lighting, and decor for a seamless transition. View all outdoor posts

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 start. 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