Elisabeth VanDyk, founder of European Colours & Interiors, is a passionate believer in creating harmony in the home by the thoughtful application of colour and textures balanced with the beauty of timeless design. ‘It all starts with imaginative use of layout; getting the best possible use of spaces and maximising the beauty and warmth of natural light,’ she says.
Elisabeth achieves real unity between the exterior and interior of a home. She creates looks that reflect a client’s lifestyle, beginning from the front door and flowing effortlessly from room to room. Giving confidence and guidance every step of the way, Elisabeth takes her clients on a journey to produce inviting, positive spaces where life is to be enjoyed.
Designs That Fit With the Way You Want to Live
Every home is different, and each family has unique priorities and needs. By establishing exactly what matters most to her clients before she begins the creative process, Elisabeth tailors designs that exactly match their requirements. ‘Creating the “wow” effect is wonderful, but I also focus on incorporating workability where it’s needed’, explains Elisabeth. ‘For example, using the right flooring or hard wearing fabric if you have children or pets and washable paint finishes. Considering life’s practicalities from the beginning means clients enjoy the final results for years longer because my designs really do fit in with the way they choose to live.’
Small Details, Big Difference
Elisabeth has an excellent eye for detail and colour. She has professional qualifications in colour and design and is an accredited Dulux Colour Consultant.
Whether it’s selecting the right-sized dining and coffee tables for a room, cleverly creating hidden storage spaces or the discreet placement of bathroom ware, Elisabeth’s thoughtful input can make a big difference to the enjoyment of your home. ‘Attention to even the smallest of details has the power to transform a good layout into a great layout that gives you a real sense of happiness every time you enter that room,’ she advises.
Looks that Stand the Test of Time
A six-time Dulux Colour Awards finalist and accredited colour consultant, Elisabeth works closely with her clients to create the right the atmosphere and ambience. Trends come and go, and Elisabeth’s skill is in assisting clients to make choices that last. ‘Every day I spend time with my clients discussing what is a current or passing trend and what will give them that sense of “timelessness” they want to achieve,’ says Elisabeth. ‘We work together to plan for a look, for colours, for features that will look as good in years to come as they do now. That’s excellence in interior & colour design in action.’
About Elisabeth VanDyk
Originally from The Netherlands, Elisabeth founded European Colours & Interiors more than 15 years ago to bring European style and elegance into an Australian setting. She holds qualifications in colour consultancy and interior design and her extensive experience with her many Australian and overseas clients stands her in good stead. ‘I’ve worked on so many projects large and small that nothing fazes me; I bring a calmness and quiet confidence to the process that my clients appreciate at what, for them, can often be a stressful time,’ she says.
Elisabeth is a volunteer in the design community. She is the NSW Past President of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and organises colour and trends design events with Dulux since the last nine years at which she presents the newest colour forecasts. Elisabeth’s outstanding contribution and distinctive service to the profession was recognised by her being made a Fellow of the DIA.