Top
Ten
19 September 2024 –
Ten-Year Anniversary | Counting down our top design how tos and guides from the last decade.
We’re going back to where it all began ten years ago, when the McGee’s first started their journey with Shea sharing her interior design tips online. Here are our top guides from the past decade.
When Shea founded Studio McGee, it was common in the interior design industry to keep finishes and products under wraps. But Shea decided to break the mold by sharing the products and paint colors from her projects. Over the past decade, we’ve remained true to our roots, continuing to share our design expertise to help everyone create a home they love. In celebration of ten years of Studio McGee, here are ten of our most loved guides.
01
Our Favorite Kitchen Cabinet Colors
A thorough guide from past projects.
A fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest ways to instantly transform a room and elevate its style. This doesn’t just apply to walls—your cabinets are equally deserving of attention. Since they occupy a significant portion of space, especially in the kitchen, a new color can make a big impact. See all of our favorite kitchen cabinet paint colors here.
Midnight Oil
The cabinetry in The Houston Estate’s butler’s pantry is painted in Midnight Oil by Benjamin Moore.
02
How to Hang Art
From a gallery wall to a single piece.
Your walls should get just as much attention as your floor space and we’re here to help show you how. The good news is that there’s an opportunity for art just about anywhere you want in the home. Get our guide to hanging art here.
Hanging pictures can make each space in your home feel beautiful, polished, and personal.
03
Rug Textures 101
What to know about what’s underfoot.
When choosing a rug, it’s easy to focus on patterns and colors that catch your eye or match the space. However, it’s crucial not to overlook the material of the rug. In fact, the texture often plays the biggest role in determining whether you’ll love your rug for years to come or regret your purchase. Read more about our favorite rugs to use here.
Instantly recognizable, a good wool rug adds real personality and softness to a space. Shea and the design team use wool rugs in every room of the home, as they are quite transitional.
Design Tip
04
How to Choose Accent Pillows
Find the perfect combination.
The right arrangement of toss pillows can instantly bring new life to a room, whether you’re putting the final touches on your decor or refreshing it for a new season. A single print has the power to introduce fresh personality, pattern, and depth, transforming the entire look of your space. Get our foolproof guide to pillow sizes here.
05
How To Mix Wood Tones
The art of wood curation.
Mixing wood tones in your home can feel like a daunting task, and it’s a design choice that many people avoid when renovating or restyling. However, when executed well, the right combination of wood tones can enhance and transform your home’s aesthetic. Read more about how to blend wood tones in your home here.
“I love mixing wood tones, and in my opinion, using only one wood tone throughout an entire space can make the design fall flat, lacking dimension.”
06
Cabinet Hardware 101
An easy way to make a big impact.
Whether you’re updating old hardware or choosing pieces for a brand-new space, the right cabinet hardware can greatly enhance your design. But if the hardware is poorly positioned or doesn’t function properly, it can throw off the entire look of an otherwise beautiful room. Read our hardware placement guide here.
For modern or transitional spaces, knobs and pulls can be used interchangeably. You can add pulls on all cabinetry for a sleek look or use long pulls vertical and horizontal.
Design Tip
07
How to Pair Two Sofas in One Space
Making different styles work together.
If you’re familiar with the Studio McGee style, you’ll know that Shea avoids using matching furniture sets. Instead, she and the design team curate furniture plans with distinctive pieces that find harmony through contrast. Read more about how to use two sofas in one space here.
“In my living room, I chose a slipcover sofa that touches the floor paired with a sofa with wood caster legs. I also chose contrasting fabrics. However, both sofas have curve details that establish some continuity, and that’s how I strike a balance between cohesion and tension.”
08
Our Guide to Tile Patterns
From herringbone to stacked.
When selecting tile, there’s more to consider than just color and texture. Once you’ve settled on a tile, the next step is deciding on the layout that best suits your space. We understand that selecting tile patterns can feel daunting, especially since the choice you make will greatly influence the overall look of the space. See how tile pattern can make a big impact here.
Herringbone gives a much more dressed up, classic look, while stacked is often more streamlined and modern.
09
A Guide to Light Fixture Heights
Taking the guesswork out.
Hanging a light fixture can be tricky, especially when dealing with unique ceiling heights or oddly shaped kitchen islands that don’t fit the standard measurements. Even for us, it can sometimes be a challenge. Get our must-have tips for hanging light fixtures here.
For eight-foot dining room ceilings, plan for 32 to 36 inches between the top of the dining table and the bottom of the chandelier or light fixture
Design Tip
10
How to Select Dining Chairs and Stools
Open-concept mixing and matching.
Choosing the perfect kitchen stools and dining chairs is essential to furnishing any home, but it’s even more significant when your kitchen and dining areas are connected. While we prefer not to use matching sets in open-concept spaces to create a more layered and curated look, it’s still important to ensure that everything flows seamlessly together. Read our guide for selecting dining chairs and stools here.
You May Also Like
