Qualified as a business analyst and marketer, Marieke Rijksen first built a successful international career in marketing and business development within the medical industry. Next to her career in marketing, Marieke pursued her life-long interest in beautiful interiors and graduated from IDI in 2013.
Fast forward a few years and numerous home renovations, she built a social media presence and shares her signature style online with a few snippets of daily life. Being an IDI graduate herself, she knows how to professionalise a passion for interior but also what it’s like to combine the course with the usual day-to-day commitments.
Her daily inspiration comes from her family, her home, the world around us, and travelling. She has a wonderful, tolerant surfy husband, a teenage son who loves anything prehistoric, a doggy obsessed tween girl, an eternal desire to shuffle everything around in my home, a passion for vintage, upcycling and DIY and holds both a Dutch and Australian passport. She currently lives an expat life in The Netherlands.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of my corporate job, I found myself yearning for a creative outlet. Despite my hectic schedule, I couldn't shake the desire to dive into something artistic. So, about 11 years ago, I enrolled in the IDI course and it felt like a blast from the past, reminding me of my childhood days spent rearranging furniture and playing with colours.
Becoming an interior design tutor was never something I initially considered until the Interior Design Institute (IDI) approached me as a former student. However, I have never looked back since. I love teaching and find it incredibly fulfilling. Helping many students achieve their goals and equipping them to assist numerous clients in the future, and creating beautifully designed spaces, is far more rewarding to me than working with a single client on my own. It feels exponential to me. Being a tutor allows me to share my passion and knowledge on a broader scale, making a more lasting impact on the interior design community.
Being a standout interior designer hinges on a mix of key skills: creativity, resourcefulness, organisational prowess, effective communication, and a strong sense of practicality.
Creativity is the spark, enabling us to envision and create beautiful, unique spaces. Resourcefulness allows us to cleverly overcome challenges, finding smart solutions that bring our creative visions to life without breaking the bank. organisational skills keep our projects on track and smoothly managed, ensuring every detail falls perfectly into place on time and within budget.
Communication is crucial for understanding clients' visions and translating them into reality, as well as coordinating with contractors and suppliers to ensure everything aligns with the design plan. And practicality grounds our designs in reality, ensuring they're not just visually stunning but also functional and liveable, truly catering to the needs of those who inhabit them.
Together, these skills enable us to craft spaces that beautifully blend form with function, embodying the essence of exceptional interior design.
I have been fortunate to work on a variety of exciting projects. Some of my favourites include renovating my own homes, styling rooms for corporate clients, and creating looks for commercial campaigns. I've also had the pleasure of speaking at corporate events. However, the majority of my time is dedicated to my students, which I find incredibly rewarding.
My teaching philosophy in interior design revolves around practicality and accessibility. I believe design should be within reach for everyone, and you can create amazing, stylish spaces on any budget if you put thought and individuality into it. I encourage my students to be pragmatic and practical, to trust their gut, and to be bold in their choices. I want them to avoid being stifled by theory or overwhelmed by the opulence often showcased on television or social media.
Additionally, I aim to be available and maintain an open line of communication with my students, ensuring they always feel supported and guided throughout their learning journey. Ultimately, I aim to empower my students to develop their unique style and confidence in their design decisions.
I focus on several key skills and knowledge areas essential for interior design. First and foremost, designs, other than aesthetically pleasing, must be practical and realistic—it's about creating homes, not showrooms. I emphasise the importance of the thought process and presentation. While learning to use design software is beneficial, it's crucial not to mistake fancy tools for the core design process that happens in your head.
I concentrate on making designs liveable and tailored to the client's needs. This means understanding how to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and comfortable. Additionally, drawing from my experience as a former business executive, I ensure that students have the systems and {organisational|organizational} skills necessary to set themselves up for success in the industry. I aim to help students develop into well-rounded, capable designers ready to meet any challenge.
I don't love labelling my design approach - I mix new with vintage, upcycled items, and art to create affordable, story-rich spaces. I was struggling to find a name that would describe my style. It gravitates towards a mix of urban chic vintage with a touch of jungalow but primarily I follow my intuition. I don’t follow trends but love eye catchers. Statements. Without going over the top.
I asked my husband and he said: “Well, your style is a bit out there and makes a statement. It’s bold, daring but down to earth, without screaming it from the rooftops.” And that moment marked the inception of the name ‘Whispering Bold’.
My journey as an interior designer is deeply influenced by the world around me—the simple, yet profound beauty of our daily lives, the stories held in vintage treasures, and the creativity sparked by DIY and upcycling. The way we live, the places we've been, and the memories we create with family shape my designs, pushing me towards spaces that are beautiful, yes, but also truly functional and reflective of real life.
I have a soft spot for vintage finds; they add a layer of charm and history to a room that's just irreplaceable. Likewise, there's something incredibly rewarding about rolling up my sleeves for a DIY project or breathing new life into an old piece through upcycling. It's these personal touches that make a space not just a house, but a home.
Nature, too, plays a pivotal role in my work. It teaches me about harmony and calm, inspiring me to bring those elements indoors to create a peaceful retreat from the world.
At the heart of my design philosophy is the desire to create spaces that are not only accessible and practical but also deeply personal sanctuaries that celebrate the essence of living. They're places where life's beauty, the stories of its occupants, and the allure of the past come together in harmony. By blending modern practicality with nostalgic touches and a commitment to sustainability, I aim to craft spaces that captivate visually while nurturing the soul and respecting our planet.
While I follow many designers on social media and watch them on television, the ones that inspire me the most are those who create amazing designs on a budget, recycle or repurpose materials, and appreciate the vintage character of homes and interiors without breaking the bank.
It's easy to curate a beautiful interior when money is infinite, but that often lacks creativity. What truly excites me are the bold and unexpected designs that demonstrate ingenuity and resourcefulness. This inspiration can also come from simple DIY projects by influencers at home, showcasing how creativity can thrive regardless of budget constraints.
What I absolutely love about being an interior design tutor is this incredible opportunity to guide students from all corners of the world. Each of them brings their own unique slice of life, their backgrounds, and their cultures into their work.
This rich mosaic of experiences not only enriches the learning environment but also continually fuels my own creativity and broadens my design horizons. There's something incredibly inspiring about witnessing the fusion of different cultural influences in design, sparking fresh ideas and perspectives that challenge and expand my own creative boundaries.
It's this exchange of knowledge and inspiration that keeps my passion for interior design is vibrant and evolving. Being a tutor isn't just about imparting wisdom; it's a two-way street where I, too, learn and draw inspiration from the very students I mentor.
For new students embarking on their journey with the IDI, my advice is to fully embrace the flexibility and resources at your disposal. Dive into the course with an open mind and a willingness to explore your creativity. Use the unique opportunity to study wherever and whenever suits you best, but also set a consistent schedule for yourself—it's a balance that fosters both discipline and freedom.
Don't hesitate to reach out for support and feedback; the personalised guidance you'll receive is invaluable for your growth. Remember, every piece of feedback is a stepping stone towards refining your skills.
Lastly, engage with the community on Facebook. Learning from peers and sharing your own insights can greatly enrich your experience. This journey is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about growing as a designer and as an individual. Make the most of it and enjoy the process!
Image source: Marieke Rijksen from @whisperingbold.
After making the decision to choose The Interior Design Institute as my platform to achieve my Diploma in Interior Design and follow my passion - I have not once second-guessed myself and am confident that I made the right choice.
Cape Town
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