Michelle Ogundehin on designing homes for health and happiness
6 Jun 2024
In reflecting who we are as individuals, our surroundings can enhance our lives. As part of our Clerkenwell Design Week activities for 2024, and the wider Design Meets talks programme, we invited writer, TV presenter and former editor of ELLE Decoration UK, Michelle Ogundehin to join moderator Eva Woode to explore the relationship between design and wellbeing.
Michelle shared her mission to ensure that homes are places that sustain and support residents to become their best selves. For Michelle, awareness is key. She stated that “...once you're aware of something, you have the choice to do something about it.” She explained how, through her writing, she aims to simplify how we can introduce small changes to our homes that will make a real difference.
Take the long view
When it comes to designing homes, Michelle advocates for a lifelong approach. Humans are constantly evolving and changing, so therefore our homes should too. With the world around us becoming increasingly fast-paced and instant, Michelle encourages a slower approach where the homeowner can take their time to discover what they like and don’t like. They start and finish every day in their home, so it has to work for them and their lifestyle.
She sees the role of the designer as helping clients to find out what they like, to keep showing them options and, ultimately, helping them be themselves.
Learning from nature
When it comes to selecting materials, Michelle believes that nature can teach us a lot. As sensory beings, we respond to touch and connection. Designers can foster this need through their choice of materials and textures. She recommends having fun with texture – why have flat when you can have texture?
Warm thank you to Michelle for her unwavering passion and inspiring talk.
Michelle Ogundehin is internationally renowned as a thought-leader on interiors, trends, and wellbeing. Originally trained as an architect and the former Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Decoration UK, she is the Head Judge on the BBC's Interior Design Masters, and the author of Happy Inside: How to Harness the Power of Home for Health and Happiness, a game-changing guide to living well. She is also a regular contributor to many prestigious publications worldwide including Vogue Living, FT How to Spend It magazine and Dezeen.