I am in a very fortunate position at Estate Living, because I am regularly exposed to some of the most beautiful residential landscapes in South Africa. Coupled with these natural and architectural success stories are the warm and hospitable people that welcome me into their homes.
The beauty of a residential community does not end at the front gate or even the front door, but rather flows from the exterior into the interior, from well manicured lawns and vibrantly coloured flower beds to bold colours and signature furnishings. The home becomes an extension of the garden. In many homes across South Africa, this seemingly natural flow is created by a women whose name is synonymous with good design – Dorothy van't Riet.
Her refreshing creativity has won her many prestigious design awards, and her insight and experience is sought after in both the commercial and residential market. I was fortunate to chat with Dorothy about her journey to success – and, hopefully, pick up some tricks of the trade.
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
Who is Dorothy van’t Riet?
I look at the world through creative eyes and have always had a love for good design, colour and architecture: both interior and exterior. Having studied maths as well as art, my brain creatively finds solutions to challenging design problems.
What first drew you to design?
One of my first memories growing up was of my grandfather explaining the colours on the colour chart to me. He was a regal man, a judge, as well as a creative artist.
This first clear memory had an impact on me and I now work with colour and design daily. I also remember my grandmother’s beautiful big house inspiring me. As a little girl I remember puffing up her scatter cushions, trying to rearrange her furniture, picking her prize flowers and putting them into her many crystal vases.
When I was ten years old, I organised a concert with all my cousins, demanded an exorbitant entrance fee from aunts and uncles, and used the proceeds to decorate our beloved grandmother’s bedroom in shades of her favourite colour, pink. Even as a little girl I was inspired by the joy that our creative experiments and enterprises brought to my grandmother and everyone around me.
What is your favourite design element?
One of my favourite design elements is colour as it plays an important part of my life. The ability of colour to transform our surroundings, and to excite a variety of emotions and responses makes it the single most influential element in design. But, for me, design is built on all the design elements such as colour, lines, forms and shapes, texture and space. Using these elements correctly to achieve balance, proportion, rhythm, focal points and harmony – the design principles – creates good design. I believe that the five senses give soul and impact to my designs. I also incorporate my clients’ personality to give the final wow factor.
I draw my design inspiration from the surroundings that God has created, architectural styles and fashion.
What value does employing the services of an interior design company bring to a project for homeowners, management and developers?
An interior designer adds value to a project by interpreting a client’s dreams and making them a reality. The interior design profession is a specialised discipline. An interior designer has skills and abilities both technical and creative. I believe a designer also needs to have resources, and in-depth knowledge of materials, architecture and furnishings. It is a multi-disciplined and multi-skilled profession.
DVR offers a full spectrum of services on a turnkey basis including space planning, working drawings, specification of materials and installation.By choosing DVR, our clients have peace of mind that projects will be done with excellence, on time and within budget.
Please tell us about the design courses you offer to homeowners.
I offer a three-day Urban Chic workshop in which I share my interior design knowledge and expertise to enable participants to create inspired and well designed spaces. As part of the course, delegates receive my DVR “Urban Chic Design in a Box” kit. The kit includes a DVD comprising 10 modules, as well as a large and exciting variety of useful decor tools. I also offer “Journey of the Job” workshops in which I explain, illustrate and discuss two actual interior design projects, from start to finish. This six-hour workshop is limited to 10 students so that I can effectively show the various plans, layouts, finishes and samples to the delegates.
You have won and been nominated for many awards over the years. How has this added value to your business?
I am honoured to have received many design awards during my career as an interior designer. Being able to use my God-given creativity to its maximum potential, and to share this gift with others, is very rewarding.
I have won several awards for my interior design of homes in various estates, Dairnfern, Featherbrooke and Kyalami. But being awarded the World’s Best Interior Designer for both Classical and Contemporary interior design at Royal Ascot, England, was one of the highlights of my career.These awards all provide recognition for my creativity, lend credibility to my work, and offer peace of mind to my clients. I truly love what I do, and it’s great working with my awesome team at DVR.
Contact:
www.dvr.co.za
This year Estate Living partners with DVR @ Decorex. Visit our stand at the Cape Town and Johannesburg shows to win some fabulous prizes.
