ABOUT

About Design Elements

Design Elements launched in 2019 to provide kitchen and built-in cabinetry design services. However, when the Covid lockdowns disrupted the business landscape, I recognized the need for diversification. I introduced eDesign packages for kitchens while investing in skill development.

I took writing and social media marketing courses and learned how to build a website on WordPress. Since 2020, Design Elements expanded to include graphic design, copywriting, and social media posting for other home improvement businesses. Every business needs an online presence, and I found that home improvement contractors were being left behind. I will continue to offer these services, but I’m excited to announce my renewed focus on kitchen design.

Whether you’re looking for a modern, minimalist kitchen or a timeless and classic design, let’s bring your kitchen dreams to life. If you’re ready to take advantage of my kitchen design expertise, please don’t hesitate to contact me. If it interests you, you can read all about my qualifications and experience below.

I invite you to explore the blog for insights on home improvement: all the free advice and no consultation fees!

About Chantal

Hi, I’m the owner/founder of Design Elements. I suppose I should tell you a bit more about me…

My Career

I have a BTECH/BA in Interior Design from the University of Johannesburg (2007). I’ve worked at 3 kitchen companies. The first one also specialised in wine cellars and had a construction arm to the business that I was also involved in. I have many years of experience in residential projects and liaising with contractors to see a project completed. I have worked on projects ranging from entry-level apartment developments to high-end mansions. I specialise in built-in cabinetry design and residential interiors.

After 11 years of kitchen designing, I went solo to build this small business and it has been going for 4 years. I enjoy sharing nuggets of home improvement knowledge on my blog, and I’m here to help homeowners transform their spaces.

Chantal G. Looyen
My Family

I am married and we have one child. And a female boxer dog who clearly thinks she’s a hooman by the number of times I’ve caught her lying on my bed. My husband is an ex-interior designer and is now an Environment Concept Artist for video games. We met at University in 2004 and have been together since. Our son is in primary school and working from home in self-employment allows me flexible time for school days.

My father was wonderfully handy with home improvements and maintenance. He had a technical trade and was crafty with wood and metal. He taught me a few things and I do believe I got my creativity from him. My mom is an avid gardener who grew up on a sugarcane farm and has influenced my love of holistic interior design, especially biophilic (plant/nature).

We live in the Cape in a fixer-upper house that we’ve been tackling one area at a time. If you want to see what we’ve done, check out the blog. It’s actually our second fixer-upper and we’ve learned a lot through our small to large renovations.

My Interests

I’m a complete word nerd. Hence the blog. To read and to write are wonderful things: I’m an avid reader with a deep love for storytelling.  I even belong to a book club (shout-out to The Club!). The world of literature has always been my sanctuary.

Beyond the realm of fiction, I find myself drawn to history. I enjoy chasing the intricate webs of genealogy and unearthing the fascinating stories of my family tree. And I’m captivated by the mysteries of civilizations long past, seeking to uncover the secrets of ancient history. Especially megalithic architecture. I’ve been to Stonehenge and Avebury, but there are so many other ancient sites on my Bucket List.

When spare time allows and I’m not lost in the pages of a book or going down history rabbit holes, you can often find me doing something creative. I can’t seem to switch that part of my brain off for long. Or I’ll be around a table with family/friends, playing board games or D&D. 

I think that’s all you need to know about me for now. I hope you will enjoy reading my blog and I hope to help you with a project to transform your home.

Blessings, Chantal

Our Mission

It is our mission to create aesthetic and functional designs for homes and home improvement businesses.

We help home improvement professionals supercharge their businesses through their online identity. We aim to provide quality marketing materials both written and graphic to attract website visitors and engage buyers. We guide home improvement professionals in developing customer relationships through online platforms.

Our Vision

Design Elements is dedicated to creating designs that play a part in making homes functional and beautiful. This may be by designing optimal layouts for homes or by helping to make home improvement professionals noticeable to homeowners seeking good contractors online.

Testimonials

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