[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fpr6tVpfByDh-5-NyRcb3gMQJ-rqGeN23TpDvKkE920U":3,"$f7LrvXQ-un826yn_YvVG_x80lwpNu2vFsgit_e-vyAPI":27},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},2549,"Michelle Ogundehin","M",20,null,"michelle-ogundehin",[12,16,20,24],{"tag_id":13,"tag_name":14,"tag_count":15},2665,"home",17,{"tag_id":17,"tag_name":18,"tag_count":19},18,"happiness",11,{"tag_id":21,"tag_name":22,"tag_count":23},1219,"house",5,{"tag_id":25,"tag_name":26,"tag_count":23},12283,"decoration",{"quotes":28,"pagination":230},[29,37,59,76,88,111,130,151,182,201],{"id":30,"quote_text":31,"author_id":5,"source_id":32,"has_image":33,"author":34,"source":35,"quote_tag":36,"commentary":9},3289313,"In an era when Fear of Missing Out has its own universally understood acronym, recuperative rest and relaxation are not always regarded as the intensely worthwhile pursuits that they are. Instead, we are harrassed into believing that we must be constantly available to be of value, that peak productivity and performance are directly related to presenteeism, and that to snooze is to lose. This couldn’t be more wrong.",6,false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":38,"quote_text":39,"author_id":5,"source_id":40,"has_image":33,"author":41,"source":42,"quote_tag":43,"commentary":58},537606,"Sadly kitchens often fall into the decorative trap of defaulting to basics: plain white units, tiled splash-back behind the sink or hob and possibly a large jolly-coloured standalone fridge-freezer as the one note of individuality.",2,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[44,47,50,55],{"id":45,"tag":46},2935043,{"id":17,"tag_name":18},{"id":48,"tag":49},2935044,{"id":13,"tag_name":14},{"id":51,"tag":52},2935045,{"id":53,"tag_name":54},4074,"individuality",{"id":56,"tag":57},2935042,{"id":25,"tag_name":26},"**The Backstory**\nMichelle Ogundehin, a renowned interior designer and expert in creating beautiful living spaces, likely wrote these words while reflecting on her own experiences with kitchen design. As a pioneer in introducing color and personality into the traditionally sterile kitchen environment, she may have been lamenting the widespread adoption of cookie-cutter designs that neglect individuality. This sentiment was likely expressed around the early 2000s when Ogundehin's work was gaining recognition for its bold and innovative approach to interior design.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nThis quote reveals a deeper tension between functionality and self-expression, highlighting how the need for practicality can often lead designers (and homeowners) into conformity. By defaulting to basics, individuals may inadvertently sacrifice their personal style and creativity in favor of a more conventional, yet unfulfilling, aesthetic.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo avoid getting trapped in the \"decorative trap,\" consider this: when designing or renovating your living space, intentionally incorporate at least one bold or unconventional element that reflects your personality. Whether it's a vibrant color scheme, an unusual material choice, or an unexpected layout, make room for creativity and self-expression to shine through amidst the more practical considerations.",{"id":60,"quote_text":61,"author_id":5,"source_id":40,"has_image":33,"author":62,"source":63,"quote_tag":64,"commentary":9},537599,"Looking at a plain wall is akin to staring blankly into space. We have a fundamental need for visual nourishment and stimulation in our homes, for our eyes to dance lightly over surfaces and not find them wanting.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[65,68,71],{"id":66,"tag":67},2935021,{"id":13,"tag_name":14},{"id":69,"tag":70},2935020,{"id":25,"tag_name":26},{"id":72,"tag":73},2935019,{"id":74,"tag_name":75},18383,"decor",{"id":77,"quote_text":78,"author_id":5,"source_id":40,"has_image":33,"author":79,"source":80,"quote_tag":81,"commentary":9},537596,"Nothing makes me sadder than seeing pristine children's rooms decorated in the same style as the rest of the adult home – it's as if the children are not really allowed to exist.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[82,85],{"id":83,"tag":84},2935008,{"id":13,"tag_name":14},{"id":86,"tag":87},2935006,{"id":25,"tag_name":26},{"id":89,"quote_text":90,"author_id":5,"source_id":40,"has_image":33,"author":91,"source":92,"quote_tag":93,"commentary":110},447968,"Home-making is not frivolous, it is absolutely fundamental to good health and happiness.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[94,97,102,107],{"id":95,"tag":96},2566824,{"id":17,"tag_name":18},{"id":98,"tag":99},2566825,{"id":100,"tag_name":101},19,"health",{"id":103,"tag":104},2566828,{"id":105,"tag_name":106},1471,"wellbeing",{"id":108,"tag":109},2566826,{"id":13,"tag_name":14},"**The Backstory**\nMichelle Ogundehin, a renowned British designer and writer, likely penned these words in her 2018 book \"Shake Off The Grind,\" where she shares her expertise on interior design and lifestyle. As someone who has navigated the high-pressure world of design, Ogundehin's emphasis on home-making reflects her personal struggles with work-life balance and the importance of prioritizing one's own well-being.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nWhile at first glance, this quote may seem like a straightforward assertion of the importance of domesticity, it actually contains a deeper paradox: that taking care of one's physical space is not a indulgence, but rather an essential component of maintaining mental and emotional resilience. This challenges the common assumption that productivity and creativity are best fostered by minimalist environments and instead suggests that our surroundings play a more profound role in shaping our overall well-being.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset today, consider incorporating intentional home-making rituals into your daily routine, such as dedicating time each week to tidying or rearranging your living space. By prioritizing these activities, you can create an environment that supports your mental and emotional health, ultimately boosting your productivity and creativity.",{"id":112,"quote_text":113,"author_id":5,"source_id":40,"has_image":33,"author":114,"source":115,"quote_tag":116,"commentary":9},419003,"A house is never empty with a pet in situ, nor is an owner alone – a pet provides security, companionship and affection too.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[117,122,125],{"id":118,"tag":119},2418524,{"id":120,"tag_name":121},1302,"affection",{"id":123,"tag":124},2418525,{"id":13,"tag_name":14},{"id":126,"tag":127},2418527,{"id":128,"tag_name":129},13465,"pets",{"id":131,"quote_text":132,"author_id":5,"source_id":40,"has_image":33,"author":133,"source":134,"quote_tag":135,"commentary":150},408816,"Lights are the jewellery of the home, so think of pendants as finishing-touch earrings for a room.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[136,139,142,145],{"id":137,"tag":138},2369550,{"id":17,"tag_name":18},{"id":140,"tag":141},2369552,{"id":21,"tag_name":22},{"id":143,"tag":144},2369551,{"id":13,"tag_name":14},{"id":146,"tag":147},2369556,{"id":148,"tag_name":149},15492,"lights","**The Backstory**\n\nMichelle Ogundehin, an interior designer and writer known for her eclectic style and love of storytelling, likely penned these words in one of her design columns or books. As a prominent figure in British design circles, she has shared her expertise with readers through publications like The Times and Elle Decoration.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\n\nAt first glance, the quote seems to be about accessorizing rooms with pendant lights, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a deeper truth: Ogundehin is not just suggesting that lighting can elevate a space's aesthetic, but also that it can serve as a reflection of one's personality. The use of \"jewellery\" and \"finishing-touch earrings\" implies that the right choice of lighting can be an expression of individuality, rather than simply a utilitarian decision.\n\n**How to Use This**\n\nIn today's fast-paced professional environment, Ogundehin's insight encourages us to think of our workspace or office design as an opportunity to express our personal brand and values. By carefully selecting lighting fixtures that reflect our style, we can create an environment that not only inspires productivity but also serves as a powerful visual statement about who we are and what we stand for.",{"id":152,"quote_text":153,"author_id":5,"source_id":40,"has_image":33,"author":154,"source":155,"quote_tag":156,"commentary":181},408796,"What is gardening but tidying and maintaining an outside space? And yet we don't think of it as a chore; we see it as a pleasure and something that relaxes us. Crucially, it is something that often fully absorbs us while we do it. This is the very definition of a mindful activity.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[157,160,163,168,171,176],{"id":158,"tag":159},2369463,{"id":17,"tag_name":18},{"id":161,"tag":162},2369465,{"id":21,"tag_name":22},{"id":164,"tag":165},2369468,{"id":166,"tag_name":167},2629,"mindfulness",{"id":169,"tag":170},2369464,{"id":13,"tag_name":14},{"id":172,"tag":173},2369471,{"id":174,"tag_name":175},5402,"mindfulness-practice",{"id":177,"tag":178},2369462,{"id":179,"tag_name":180},13605,"gardening","**The Backstory**\nMichelle Ogundehin, a British interior designer and writer, likely penned these words as she reflected on the therapeutic benefits of gardening during her time at home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. As someone who has written extensively about the intersection of design, mental health, and well-being, Michelle's musings on gardening offer a unique perspective on mindfulness.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nThe quote reveals a counter-intuitive truth: what we perceive as leisure activities are often merely redefined chores that can be mentally absorbing. This insight highlights the way our minds reinterpret tasks based on their emotional associations, rather than objective labor requirements.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset today, recognize that the most mundane tasks—like tidying and maintaining your workspace or digital life—can be reimagined as mindful activities by focusing on their potential for absorption and relaxation. By doing so, you can transform tedious chores into opportunities for mental clarity and rejuvenation.",{"id":183,"quote_text":184,"author_id":5,"source_id":40,"has_image":33,"author":185,"source":186,"quote_tag":187,"commentary":200},408473,"The pleasure of a freshly-dressed bed is one of the finer things in life, and yet many stumble here, not sure what can go with what, or whether it's okay to mismatch pillows and duvet cover. The simple answer to this is that anything goes.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[188,191,194,197],{"id":189,"tag":190},2367898,{"id":17,"tag_name":18},{"id":192,"tag":193},2367901,{"id":21,"tag_name":22},{"id":195,"tag":196},2367899,{"id":13,"tag_name":14},{"id":198,"tag":199},2367897,{"id":25,"tag_name":26},"**The Backstory**\nMichelle Ogundehin, a British interior designer and writer, penned these words as part of her book \"Shake Off the Grind\" (2017). As she navigated the demanding world of design, Ogundehin likely drew from her own experiences with self-doubt and perfectionism. Her insight into the realm of home decor reflects a broader commentary on societal pressures to conform.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nBeneath its seemingly innocuous surface, this quote reveals a profound rejection of conformity. Ogundehin challenges readers to question the notion that there's a \"right\" way to arrange their living spaces, encouraging them instead to trust their personal taste and intuition.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset in your own life, try embracing the liberating concept of 'design anarchy.' When faced with decisions about your workspace or home, deliberately choose not to follow established rules or trends; instead, let your unique perspective guide your choices.",{"id":202,"quote_text":203,"author_id":5,"source_id":40,"has_image":33,"author":204,"source":205,"quote_tag":206,"commentary":229},396834,"No amount of fancy decor will make the slightest bit of difference to your ability to sleep soundly if you do not take heed of what you do before you get anywhere near your bedroom. Only once this has been addressed, can this room become one of your most powerful allies in pursuit of wellbeing, happiness and good health.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[207,210,215,218,221,226],{"id":208,"tag":209},2309974,{"id":17,"tag_name":18},{"id":211,"tag":212},2309975,{"id":213,"tag_name":214},1091,"healthy-living",{"id":216,"tag":217},2309979,{"id":105,"tag_name":106},{"id":219,"tag":220},2309976,{"id":13,"tag_name":14},{"id":222,"tag":223},2309978,{"id":224,"tag_name":225},3188,"sleep",{"id":227,"tag":228},2309973,{"id":25,"tag_name":26},"**The Backstory**\nMichelle Ogundehin, a British interior designer and author known for her expertise in creating healthy and sustainable living spaces, wrote these words as she reflected on the relationship between our physical environment and mental wellbeing during a time of increased awareness about the interplay between lifestyle choices and overall health. As someone who has worked extensively with clients struggling to achieve balance in their lives, Ogundehin's perspective was shaped by her own experiences and observations about how interior spaces can either support or undermine individual goals.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nThis quote reveals a counter-intuitive truth: that our ability to create a peaceful environment is not solely dependent on external factors like decor or aesthetics. Instead, it highlights the importance of personal responsibility and self-awareness in creating a space that truly supports our well-being. This paradox suggests that we often mistakenly prioritize physical aspects over inner transformations.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset today, consider that before investing time and resources into designing your ideal living or working space, you must first examine your own habits and behaviors that contribute to stress and discomfort. By addressing these internal factors – such as developing a consistent sleep schedule, practicing mindfulness, or establishing a daily routine – you can then create an environment that reinforces positive change and supports your overall well-being, rather than simply masking underlying issues with superficial adjustments.",{"currentPage":231,"totalPages":40,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":232},1,10]