The one thing that we have all learned over the past few years, is that our homes are a sanctuary. Whether you are working from home in your studio office, eating dinner around the table with family, or curling up on the sofa to watch Netflix, your home is where you do everything.
A couple who understands the meaning of design, comfort, style, and chic are Studio McGee founders, Shea and Syd McGee. Launched in 2014 with a mission to “Make Life Beautiful,” Studio McGee actually started on social media before getting their own Netflix series ‘Dream Home Makeover.’
The history of the brand began in a bedroom with different ideas but not enough room. Like every creative individual, how would you feel being in a small space with big ideas? Claustrophobic! Shae McGee uploaded ideas onto Instagram sparking the interest of family members and friends who wanted her to design their homes. After a while and seeing the progression of their social media growing, the married couple decided to turn their passion into a business.
Shea studied Public Relations but knew her joy for work came through interior design. She began to take a few classes in design school to work on her bright, clean, and sophisticated aesthetic which attracted a waiting list of clients. Although Shea had no experience in the business side of things, she knew Syd supported her vision and worked to build his own start-up digital marketing firm. The duo was the perfect match as Syd invested in his wife’s dream which has now become a huge accomplishment. The couple holds the concrete to the business, brainstorming ideas and building on their client base.
From Instagram to starting their own business, Studio McGee made enough profit to open their own warehouse store for people who love the brand on social media to buy directly from them. Shea definitely has a natural creative flair with her set look that she loves and white being the base of everything. On the Netflix show ‘Dream Home Makeover,’ Syd, her husband, jokes that if she could, Shea would paint everything “white, white, white” as she cannot get enough of the colour.
She also mentions that she is against using the term “pop of colour” and we see how Shea incorporates different elegant, rich, or light tones to suit her clients. Shea has created coastal looks, warm cosy spaces, and even basketball courts for the rich and famous. Whatever the brief is, the couple gathers their team and brainstorms ideas, materials, fabrics, and décor to hit the requirements, but also adds her own touch to the room whether it be through white and ivory tones or minimal décor.
Shea always makes sure her clients are happy with the end results and we see that in each one of the episodes of their Netflix series. In the recent Season, Season 3, Shea and Syd re-build and create a home for their clients who have seen their work, and love all Studio McGee designs. Mary tells the couple how she helps the homeless and welcomes everyone into her home but as she booked the couple to come and give it a makeover, half of Mary’s home burned down. The renovation and results of the property not only exceeded Mary’s expectations but the couple went above and beyond by adding some personal touches as a surprise. The show not only has the theme of interior design running throughout but the power of giving back and the feeling of happiness by fulfilling someone’s dream of having their “dream home” as their personal retreat.
Social media is always a creative outlet for people to save ideas, gather inspiration, or even see someone else’s potential. Instagram was a great way for Shea to use her small space and upload big ideas on her social media, and it was a great way to build a client base. You can watch the pair in action on the Netflix show which is now on Season 3, called ‘Dream Home Makeover.’ Be warned, however, that you may want to change your whole house around after watching!
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