Michelle Ogundehin’s unconventional design tip will accentuate the size of a small kitchen
The interiors expert has the secret to a spacious scheme – with a supernatural twist

Synonymous with beautiful interiors, design guru Michelle Ogundehin has picked up a host of ingenious tips whilst immersed in the industry. However, some pieces of advice remain slightly more unconventional than others – and her latest tip falls into this category.
Sharing her modern kitchen ideas in an exclusive interview with Livingetc, Michelle revealed her most audacious design secret – that will create the illusion of space – and add a supernatural sense of mystery to your room.
So, while her tip may be unorthodox, it has unrivaled benefits in terms of size and style. Here, Michelle tempts you to go through the looking glass...
Michelle Ogundehin’s most unconventional design tip:
‘I just love a mirrored plinth – the area at the bottom of the unit that covers the leg. I wanted to bring one into my kitchen – and I’ve seen it done elsewhere,’ Michelle says.
But why go mirrored? ‘With mirrored plinths, the units appear as though they are floating. This makes the kitchen floor look bigger. And when you make the floor look bigger – the whole room looks bigger,’ she explains.
While Michelle would recommend hanging base units in every other room (including the bathroom), she explains that you can’t easily hang base units in a small kitchen – and a mirrored plinth is a stylish alternative.
‘You get the same effect in a kitchen if you can mirror the plinth,’ Michelle says in the discussion of her small kitchen ideas. Plus, aside from a mirrored plinth’s mythical qualities, Michelle reinforces their space-enhancing benefits that can make any sized space feel larger.
‘Because it reflects the floor, the floor feels bigger. It is very subtle, but it does have that effect,’ she says.
And, with the question of small kitchen already addressed, Michelle continued sharing her modern interior design tips – and how each item in your kitchen should serve a purpose. She suggests beginning with her curated list of ten items within the Ballerina collection. You can discover more via the De’Longhi website here.
Megan is a News Writer across Future Plc’s homes titles, including Livingetc and Homes & Gardens. As a News Writer, she often focuses on micro-trends, wellbeing, celebrity-focused pieces, and everything IKEA.
Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and expansive collection of houseplants.
-
-
How big should an outdoor dining table be? This size will make entertaining al fresco more comfortable
The right size outdoor dining table is key to making sure your guests aren't sitting on top of each other. Here's the size experts suggest, and the best to buy
By Aditi Sharma Maheshwari • Published
-
'Instant ambience boosters!' The 6 best plants for an outdoor dining area which all create a relaxing atmosphere
The best plants for an outdoor dining area include scented flowers, aromatic herbs and sweet baby fruit bushes to elevate your alfresco experience
By Sarah Wilson • Published