Michela Colling

I’m the Shopping Editor at Ideal Home magazine, I’ve been on the team for 7 years but before I got the dream job, I spent a few years assisting stylists on photo shoots and TV shows. I was lucky enough to work for some big-name brands as well as magazines, where you’d mostly find me in a prop room, surrounded by boxes and beautiful things, but in some stunning locations - from jaw-dropping London houses to a snowy ski resort in Sweden to a dreamy beach house in South Africa.

I love editing a ‘look’ for the magazine, whether it’s a rustic terracotta and blush scheme or an industrial-botanical round up, coming up with the names is almost as fun - Amalfi Getaway or Bohemian Glam anyone? Ever the bargain hunter, it’s always exciting to bring to light something unexpected with designer style and a highstreet price tag. I’m usually working a season ahead, so I’m forever on the look out for the next big thing! I am a bit of a human source book, if there is something my friends like, I can usually find it or something very similar.

After years of renting, I recently made it on to the property ladder but it meant leaving London behind. It’s a 1930s house with a lot of wood chip wallpaper and artex ceilings but thankfully some beautiful wood floors. Our first project is the bedroom, we painted a dark, dusty green colour on the walls, the big investment was having wardrobes built into the alcoves, but I found some original Mid Century drawers on Ebay for a steal.

I’m definitely a lover of Mid Century furniture with what you might call a bit of Scandi Boho thrown in. Our next project is a living room refresh, the big purchase is a retro tan leather sofa from the DFS X French Connection range and I’m pining after the perfect rattan sideboard that’s on the wishlist.

Whilst I love the hunt for a second-hand bargain I could happily lose a few hours wandering around H&M Home, West Elm, Heal’s and Habitat.