4 Inspiring Design Tips from Studio McGee’s - Dream Home Makeover Netflix series
If you’ve read my previous blog post, you’ll know that I’ve been doing a little binge-watching on Netflix to gain some design inspiration. And here’s one of my current favourite design series, the Dream Home Makeover by Studio McGee- and Interior Design Studio managed by the powerful husband and wife duo, Shea McGee & Syd McGee.
Source ; Youtube
Studio McGee’s home makeovers on Netflix are absolutely breath-taking - its almost as if they’ve created a signature design style of their own, be it if the design style calls for coastal, rustic, modern; Shea McGee always makes sure she implements her own set of design principles to create the Studio McGee look, and one which is filled with personality too.
I can’t help but take down some notes along the way and I’d love to share some key design takeaways - so that you too can learn a thing or two on what makes a dream home come true.
1. Function with Style
Across all episodes, the top two questions that Shea McGee tends to start with before kicking off every project would revolve around studying the function and then style.
Source ; Studio McGee
Understanding how you live takes the leading stand because ultimately a space needs to work functionally. This would typically mean assessing how you would normally go about your day-to-day routine in your house, or if this is going to be your very first home, then the best way is to first envision the routine you want to set for yourself, and only then visualise the style that speaks to you the most.
Perhaps if hosting has always been your past-time favourite because it gives you so much joy, then how about planning your kitchen & dining layout so that it caters around it?
2. Mix Cool Tones with Warm Tones
As mentioned by Studio Mcgee, ‘good design is all about balance,’ and honestly, I couldn’t agree more.
Source ; Studio McGee
Regardless of style, a balance of cool and warm tones not only makes the room look visually put together but essentially also sets the right mood. Think of when you’re in a hospital and when you’re in a spa, both are on complete ends of the spectrum and it most definitely gives off different vibes. Therefore marrying the two tones sets just the right mood for a home, ideal for both rest and productivity.
For more information on balancing warm and cool tones, how about learning from the pros themselves in their blog post ‘Our Guide to Balancing Warm + Cool Tones’?
3. Good Design is about “Adding and Subtracting” .
“With a few creative choices, any house can be transformed into the perfect place to call home.”
Adding and subtracting - why is math in the equation? Adding and subtracting in design terms simply means experimenting and finding the right sweet spot that suits your home. Sometimes more is more and sometimes less is more - which is all a part and parcel of finding the right balance.
Source ; Studio McGee
Say you love the idea of a marble kitchen, but having the countertop in marble, the floor in marble and also the backsplash in marble will be too overwhelming, so the best way is to balance it out by subtracting. Perhaps you love the idea of a marble backsplash and countertop for a seamless look on an eye level, so how about forgoing the marble floors and opting for wooden floors instead for some warmth and visual interest when you look at the kitchen as a whole?
4. Create Focal Points & ‘Little Moments’ within the Space
Studio McGee defines and segregates spaces through focal points and little moments. A focal point would mean framing a space through a statement piece or a design element - such that your eyes are drawn to it the moment you step into the space - and then slowly revealing the rest of the elements that make up the space.
Source ; Studio McGee
A great example would be opting for massive pendant lights hanging above a kitchen island. With pendant lights being then the main focus, it immediately draws your attention from the top down, as your eyes slowly take in the beauty of the kitchen island.
Source ; Studio McGee
“A home should be a reflection of the place where it’s built and the people who live within it.”
Little moments are a touch of personality - a home that’s lived in with character rather than one with just pure aesthetics. This aspect touches on interior styling, and how it should also include layering functional pieces with decorative pieces that exude a sense of warmth and personality, like the simple act of incorporating a stack of your favourite books alongside a vase of flowers on the coffee table, pairing it with your favourite glass candle jar to add a little warmth and aroma.
I hope you found these takeaways helpful to creating the home of your dreams… as ultimately great design is a breakdown of paying attention to little detail that makes up a whole. Studio McGee also just revealed a Season 3 on Netflix, looks like it’s another round of Netflix binging, but for a good reason. :)
Till then.