We get it, decorating an entire room – particularly when starting from scratch – is by no means an easy task. It can be hard to imagine what the final result will really look like once you've pulled your furniture, paint colors, and carefully chosen accessories together to create the final look.
But that is where the experts shine. No stranger to curating a space that feels designed, layered, and like home; taking to Instagram Shea McGee has shared how she starts from the bottom up when designing a space. And the idea couldn't be simpler.
To help you feel suitably inspired, we're arming you with the blueprints to designing a room like an interior designer. Below, we dive into three Studio McGee spaces to copy and show you the hero McGee & Co. piece that really makes these schemes sing.
'To build a look, we start with a foundation of the largest pieces first,' explains Shea in her latest video, where she highlights a large McGee & Co rug as the starting block for many of her designs.
'This rug is our Concetta Rug, and you have seen me style this in many different types of spaces,' says Shea referring to images of three Studio McGee-designed spaces. 'It sets the tone with a vintage-inspired pattern and some grounding deep tones that tie in with pretty much every color that you pair it with.'
The idea, as Shea has explained, is to start with the most impactful pieces and build the rest of the room from there. This can be the largest items, like a table or a couch, or perhaps the pieces that really grab the eye like statement art. For Shea, she likes to lay the foundations with an area rug.
Hand-knotted using hand-spun Afghan twisted wool, it is no wonder this super soft and super durable rug is so popular with the McGee team.
Three Studio McGee Schemes To Copy
Here, we break down three rooms designed by Shea McGee (all featuring the Concetta rug) and our favorite shoppable pieces from each scheme.
A moody, winter-inspired living room
Decorating with blue can feel both bold and a litle cold, but not when you've got Shea making the color decisions. This winter living room, as Studio McGee describe it, has a traditional and timeless feel thanks to the cozy fireplace, built-ins, and moody blue living room palette that is punctuated with chocolate brown and warm neutrals.
Seen here coated in the Praline Velvet, this armchair has elegantly curved arms and top for a soft and gentle accent to your living room.
Finished in antique brass, the Jonas sconce is traditional yet minimal with a subtly curved arm and narrow line shade to illuminate your bookshelf perfectly.
For some Shea-approved fall decor ideas, this faux oak stem is ideal for styling alone in a bud vase or as part of a bigger arrangement. The warm amber hue works well against the blue paint.
A classic block print, the Downing pillow cover features a simple neutral palette and a tiny version of the motif for an intricate pattern. The soft linen is both timeless and rustic.
Just poking into the image, the statement piece of this living room scheme is actually a burl wood coffee table. Thanks to a geometric shape and organic details, this is a lovely vintage-feeling piece.
While the blanket basket in the shot is now sold out, this slighter darker and slightly squarer version is even more expensive looking. Made from tightly woven wicker, the basket has four pronounced handles that give it balance.
A layered bedroom filled with pattern
This neutral bedroom gets a crash course in color and print layering with Shea. And the result is sumptuous, cozy, and perfect for fall. The ink-colored bed takes center stage with pops of vintage-inspired florals and plaids, while the dedicated reading nook exudes comfort.
Made from 100% cotton stone-washed velvet, this rich green pillow will bring depth and texture to your pillow vignettes this fall.
With a rounded shape and a playful feel, the Selby bed comes in a myriad of decadent shades like this rich Pewter seen above. Choose from velvet, linen, or Crypton in a shade that compliments your style.
A classic purchase for a reason, the Nora bedside lamp in this soft ivory sheen will adapt to any scheme. The simple linen shade balances delicately and provides a warm glow.
Now this antique floral fabric is, sadly, unavailable to purchase at McGee & Co. right now. But you can choose from 22 other fabrics to really make this piece your own.
This chich chest-of-drawers meets nightstand hybrid is perfect for bedrooms that lack the space to have lots of different pieces of furniture dotted around. With plenty of storage and a keen attention to detail, this is a timeless piece.
Made from linen with a rich green and maroon stripe, the Indy throw pillow is great for this transitional time of year as it is less heavy than a velvet or wool but give you that deep fall palette.
A light and bright family area
If colorful living room ideas aren't your thing, this light and airy space might be for you. Designed as a space for conversation, this living room layout invites intimate connection thanks to the large rug, surrounded by two couches, an armchair, and a bundle of patterned pillows for comfort.
Shown here in a subtle stripe, the Iman slipcover sofa is customizable in a wide array of fabrics and gives a casual, coastal feel to an otherwise dominating item. The cushions are tightly filled with a feather blend for comfort in mind.
McGee & Co's Fairpark pillow cover features a delicate neutral plaid trimmed in a ruffle to give it a prairie style. Perfect for nailing the Western interior trend this fall.
When the McGee & Co. team designed the Herrin coffee table, the aim was to create something modern and simplistic yet would stand the test of time. This whitewashed stain is the perfect base for decorating.
Small yet mighty, these sleek taper candle holders are crafted from a rich burgundy-red marble that feels like a really luxurious addition to your coffee table styling ideas.
Adjacent to the striped Iman sofa sits the Ines sofa in a delightfully inky hue. Down wrapped for bounce, the rounded back feels contemporary yet right at home in this modern farmhouse living room.
Unique and designed to feel like an antique piece with imperfection, this terracotta vase adds texture to any coffee table or bookshelf. Fill it with seasonal blooms or faux fall foliage.
Putting together a really great, well-curated room is often harder than it looks. These ready-made schemes created by Studio McGee are sure to inspire your next room makeover – and couldn't be easier to copy. Just simply add to basket.
