At Elementa, every project begins with a story. And for Managing Director Josephine Visser, that story is rooted in a childhood surrounded by nature, history, and hands-on creativity. Her journey from a monumental family home in the Netherlands to leading a boutique interior design studio in Dubai is more than just a career path – it’s a narrative of passion, craftsmanship, and enduring inspiration.

A childhood built on foundations of craft

Josephine’s early years were spent in a unique home – a historical monument in the heart of a Dutch city, purchased by her parents and lovingly rebuilt by hand. With her architect father at the helm and only a plaster specialist assisting, the family embarked on a slow but meaningful restoration journey.

“My weekends were spent in overalls, demolishing walls and uncovering the hidden beauty of the house with my brother,” Josephine recalls. “We discovered old keys, vintage letters, and even a tiled 19th-century food cellar – it was like living inside a time capsule.”

This exposure to raw craftsmanship and thoughtful design, guided by her father’s meticulous attention to detail, laid the foundation for what Elementa stands for today: quality without compromise and storytelling through space.

Design exploration from an early age

Even as a child, Josephine was drawn to personal expression. “I was constantly repainting my bedroom,” she says. “From red to pink, then to blue corners – it was my first playground for creativity.”

Her natural curiosity soon evolved into formal training, first studying Interior Design in Rotterdam and later pushing her boundaries in Milan – the global capital of design. But even during her studies, weekends spent in her father’s office remained a creative ritual. “We would brainstorm without interruption on Saturdays. That’s when the best ideas happened – when no one was watching.”

It’s this blend of exploration and discipline, creativity and structure, that defines Elementa’s signature approach.

Inspired by the Dutch Coast, refined in Dubai

Despite her move to the UAE, Josephine still finds inspiration in the serene coastlines of Zeeland. “The journey through the green dunes and the stillness of the beach always brings clarity,” she shares. “It’s a space where the mind breathes – much like the spaces we strive to create for our clients.”

Since arriving in Dubai, Josephine has embraced the challenge of tailoring European design principles to a uniquely Middle Eastern context. “Back home, we often combined high-end pieces with affordable brands. But in Dubai, everything is bespoke – clients expect the highest level of detail, and rightly so.”

Balancing roots with ambition

Elementa’s design philosophy is deeply personal: each space should tell a story – not of trends, but of the person who lives there. “What I bring from my heritage is a love for materials that age beautifully, a respect for function, and a devotion to quality,” Josephine says.

It’s also about humility. “My father taught me to stay grounded, find solutions creatively, and never let ego lead the process. That’s what we aim to offer – an interior design experience that feels effortless, warm, and distinctly yours.”

Tailored luxury, rooted in story

At Elementa, every design is a quiet celebration of individuality – grounded in heritage, yet made for modern living in Dubai. Whether you’re building your dream home or redesigning a single room, the goal remains the same: to elevate your everyday life with design excellence tailored to you.

Explore more at www.elementainterior.com
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