A coffee table must-have for anyone who loves interiors, Shea McGee’s ‘The Art of Home’ is not only beautiful to look at, but a lesson in elevating your home through thoughtful, feeling-led design.
And yet, for those of us living in UK new build homes, we often wonder how to translate these ideas into our modern homes. The key is remembering that ‘The Art of Home’ isn’t about copying spaces, but about understanding principles.
Here are a few we have selected that we can follow to transform and elevate our new build homes.
1. Design For Feeling, not just for function
“Every project, both large and small, begins with a mood board that sets a stylistic direction to work towards“
A mood board works best when it’s used to visualise how you want your home to feel, identifying themes that stand out to you, rather than trying to replicate exact looks.
This is great advice for new build homeowners, as it is easy to get caught up, and disheartened, when trying to copy often unattainable inspiration.
2. Create “Moments” In Blank Spaces
“Every room, hallway or blank wall is an opportunity for what I like to call a ‘moment’.”
Opportunities for “moments” can be created anywhere, regardless of the size or scale of our homes.
This is a great mindset to have when we are presented with our ‘blank canvases’. If you look closely enough, you will find small opportunities in every corner that you can turn into something special.
3. add interest when your home lacks architectural details
“If your home is simply lacking architectural interest, looking for ways to add architectural details is one of the first things you can do to improve both the style and value of your home.“
Older or self-build properties have the benefit of existing architectural features on which to build your interiors around.
Rather than viewing this as a negative for new build homes, we should see it as an opportunity to add these ourselves. Not only does it create character and soul, but it also guides interior design decisions and keeps the eye moving around the room.
4. Mix & Match Materials for added depth
“Go beyond furniture sets and create furniture pairings with a balanced approach. Keep in mind that opposites attract – pair a sleek lamp with a traditional chair or a vintage accent table with a new sofa.“
This approach is particularly helpful in new build homes, where matching sets paired with boxy rooms can make spaces feel overly uniform. It feels much more considered to mix and match materials and textures to add interest and personality to a space.
5. create a welcoming entrance
“Whether you’re greeted by soaring ceilings and a winding staircase, or a scatter rug and a few hooks on the wall, every home has the opportunity to make an entrance.“
First impressions count, and you don’t need a grand hallway for your home to make an entrance. A thoughtfully designed, welcoming hallway can be created in the smallest of spaces. Even small additions, from lighting to artwork, a mirror or a bench, can make a space feel more considered.
6. use Calming Colour Palettes to add warmth
“It’s no secret that I love a calming palette, but the secret is not about a lack of colour – it’s about toning it down so that you avoid the pops“
Studio McGee is a masterclass in the calming colour palette. This doesn’t mean not using colour; it just means toning it down to match the rest of the room, so it feels more harmonious and less eye-catching.
It can be tempting to head straight for colour to get rid of the new build bright white walls. But the secret to timeless interiors, and a solid foundation, is a strong, calming palette.
timeless Design Principles That Work in any home
‘The Art of Home’ reminds us that great interiors aren’t defined by footprint, age or architecture, but intention. When we stop trying to replicate the spaces we admire and start translating the principles behind them, our new build homes become just as capable of character as any Studio McGee project.
