Michelle Ogundehin, the former editor-in-chief of Elle Decoration, serves as the lead judge on the BBC’s Interior Design Masters and co-hosts Grand Designs: House of the Year. With a background in architecture, she also functions as a commentator and consultant and holds a trustee position at the Design Museum.
The Guardian maintains its commitment to independent journalism. Should you make a purchase through an affiliate link, we may receive a commission. For more details, please read our policy.
In her acclaimed debut book, Happy Inside, Ogundehin delves into the relationship between the home environment and individual wellbeing. Her upcoming book, set for release in spring 2027, titled Your Powerful Home: 4 Steps to a Home that Heals, will further explore how a home can positively influence personal health. This philosophy is echoed in her Happy Insiders Club, where she provides monthly coaching sessions.
A simple collection of high-quality watercolor paper brings her immense satisfaction. She emphasizes that indulgent treats aren’t necessary; rather, it’s the small things that enhance the joy of activities one loves.
She also cherishes high-quality linen sheets, including a vintage pair of Belgian linen she purchased during a special promotion in Elle Decoration’s heyday under Ilse Crawford’s editorship.
Ogundehin prefers to buy essentials from Sainsbury’s or Waitrose online, alongside a weekly organic vegetable box from Riverford, which also supplies most of her meat. She finds comfort in a routine shopping experience, favoring fewer choices and superior ingredients.
In recent years, Ogundehin and her family have agreed to forgo adult gift exchanges, focusing instead on children, as she believes adults accumulate enough possessions. Even for kids, she feels they have enough toys and gifts.
She received a delightful small tapestry as a Christmas gift from Souad, the owner of Larusi, known for its exquisite vintage Berber rugs. Although she adores the tapestry, she is uncertain of its placement in her home but has promised Souad a visit.
Ogundehin expresses a preference for in-person shopping in curated environments over browsing online. However, she admits to opening emails from Japan House, intrigued by unique items but prefers to purchase them directly in London, eyeing a bottle of yuzu sake priced at £49.
She appreciates independent hardware and DIY shops as vital contributors to domestic wellbeing, along with the shops at the Design Museum and V&A. Old-fashioned art supply stores, such as Cornelissen’s near the British Museum, and any bookstore also hold a special place in her heart.
Among her favorite possessions is a stovetop kettle, designed by Sori Yanagi in 1953, crafted from matte stainless steel. She also values her Aarke water filter jug, made of glass and stainless steel, avoiding plastic products.
Ogundehin has no regrets about her purchases, as she only invests in items she truly loves. She emphasizes the importance of patience, allowing personal preferences to reveal themselves over time.
She acknowledges spending on everyday essentials such as toilet paper and dog food.
For her home, she prioritizes comfort over aesthetics, particularly with items like M&S’s three-pack essentials. When it comes to stationery, she recommends a hardback notebook from Papier for £20 or the simpler brown-paper-covered ones from Muji. For lighting, which she believes is crucial for home wellbeing, she suggests investing around £200.
If given the choice, she would choose vintage wooden stools, lighting fixtures, mid-century ceramics, or anything vaguely referred to as “Japanese pottery.”
Ogundehin advocates for the use of Tisserand organic essential oils, including juniper berry, lavender, clary sage, and rosemary, noting that scents can significantly affect the atmosphere of a room.
Though she does not consume coffee, she enjoys water and a single cup of green tea each morning, sourced from Japan by a friend.
Currently, Ogundehin is at the outset of a home renovation, preparing to invest in essential updates like insulation.
She believes that investing in everyday items—pens, notebooks, toilet paper, and door handles—is crucial, as these are the essentials that significantly impact daily life.
One item she misses is a 1950s chandelier made of teak and ribbed glass, which she left in her previous home because it complemented the bathroom beautifully. Although she regrets leaving it, she acknowledges it would have been a hassle to remove.
For additional insights, explore articles like How I Shop with Andi Oliver and How I Shop with Henry Holland.
Before making any purchases, consider visiting The Filter, The Guardian’s platform for independent product reviews and recommendations. Whether you’re looking for thorough testing, shopping inspiration, affordable gift ideas, or tips on extending the life of your belongings, we’re here to help you make informed, sustainable choices.
The Filter offers reliable advice on a wide range of products, from coffee makers to hiking gear and beauty items to gardening tools. Visit us today to start making smarter purchasing decisions and reducing waste.
