Introducing Ann Sacks X Studio McGee

Studio McGee, the lifestyle brand founded by Syd and Shea McGee, has partnered with Ann Sacks to launch three original tile collections. Studio McGee, which originated in 2014, has cultivated a significant online presence, garnering millions of followers across social media platforms, including 3.8 million on Instagram. Their brand encompasses a range of ventures, such as the Netflix series 'Dream Home Makeover,' the best-selling book 'Make Life Beautiful,' and the e-commerce site McGee & Co. The brand's success stems from its ability to make sophisticated design accessible and to convey that good design can enhance daily life regardless of budget. The collaboration with Ann Sacks was a natural progression for Studio McGee, building on previous custom home projects. Shea McGee, the chief creative officer, explained that Ann Sacks' expertise in tile manufacturing was a key factor in the partnership. To develop the collections, McGee drew inspiration from her personal ceramic pieces, meticulously analyzing their textures, colors, and glazes. She then created initial designs, which underwent several rounds of discussions, edits, and sample productions with Ann Sacks to finalize the shared vision. McGee emphasized the collaborative nature of the process, highlighting how Ann Sacks’ quality materials and expertise helped translate her aesthetic vision into tangible products. The three new collections—Canyon Lake, Willow Heights, and Novah—collectively offer a wide array of styles while maintaining McGee's preference for muted and nuanced color palettes. McGee expressed her affinity for calming color schemes, explaining her desire for interiors that promote relaxation and tranquility. However, these subdued palettes are far from monotonous; they incorporate tonal and textural variations within each shade and tile, creating an organic warmth and visual movement that is characteristic of Studio McGee's designs. Canyon Lake, inspired by mountain landscapes, features a palette of cool blues and greens with dusky undertones. These dry-pressed porcelain tiles, crafted in Spain from 51 percent recycled materials, are available in six mix-and-match hues with gloss or matte glazes. McGee noted the popularity of the Dusty Rose shade and mentioned plans to use the Sea Salt color in a future bathroom, appreciating how glossy finishes enhance light reflection and reveal the undulating surfaces of the tiles. The Willow Heights collection consists of two marble patterns, Brynn and Rylee, inspired by traditional parquet flooring. Brynn features a frame-within-a-frame design with small square insets, while Rylee incorporates hexagonal forms. Made from Calacatta marble, these 12-inch-square mosaics are designed to add structured luxury to various spaces. McGee intentionally softened the colorways to highlight the marble's veining, incorporating Brittania beige and Bardiglio gray accents in addition to an all-white option. She views marble as an heirloom material, symbolizing a lasting design choice. Finally, the Novah collection offers the durability of porcelain while emulating the dimensional and weathered appearance of limestone. Available in four square-corner sizes and three elemental colors—Glacier, Salt, and Sand—Novah tiles can be arranged in various patterns or used as a singular shade. With tumbled edges and a slightly distressed texture, Novah provides a transitional tile solution that combines the resilience of porcelain with the rustic charm of aged limestone. McGee drew inspiration from nature for Novah, particularly favoring the Glacier color for its resemblance to sky palettes. #StudioMcGee #AnnSacks #TileCollections #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ProductLaunch #DesignCollaboration #SheaMcGee #HomeDecoration

The latest Threshold x Studio McGee collection, available at Target, encapsulates the essence of spring with its vibrant floral patterns and lighthearted rattan elements. This article highlights how various social media influencers and Studio McGee enthusiasts are incorporating these new products into their home decor, offering a wealth of styling inspiration. Each featured item is showcased with a corresponding image and credit to the original poster, demonstrating real-world applications and aesthetic appeal. One of the featured items is the Toronto Marble Dish, a beige accent piece that adds a touch of sophistication to any setting, as styled by @herrneutralcottage. Another popular item is the '24" x 18" Landscape Study' framed wall canvas, presented in an antique gold frame, which brings an artistic and tranquil focal point to a room, as illustrated by @homeonharbor. The Rattan Floor Lamp, with its brown finish and tapered rattan shade, contributes a natural and warm glow, shown in a setting by @orrisoninteriors. The collection also includes textile elements such as the Block Print Quilt in mauve, which offers a cozy and decorative layer, as styled by @sarahroseinch. The Small Terracotta Vase introduces an earthy texture and is depicted by @coastal_cass as a charming detail. For bedding, the Lace Border Cotton Slub Duvet and Sham Set provides a delicate and inviting look, also styled by @sarahroseinch, suggesting a cohesive bedroom aesthetic. Lighting fixtures continue to be a highlight with the Ceramic Table Lamp featuring a Gingham Print Pleated Shade in white, adding a classic and charming touch to a space, as displayed by @theboyerhome. A functional and stylish seating option is the Clarkdale Channel Tufted Ottoman with a wood base and curly boucle fabric, showcasing versatility and comfort in a setup by @arianalauren. Lastly, another Ceramic Table Lamp, this time with a Rattan Shade in white, offers a complementary natural element, as integrated into a design by @keylime_cottage. These selections from the Threshold x Studio McGee spring collection are celebrated for their ability to infuse homes with fresh, seasonal styles, ranging from decorative accents and wall art to lighting and textiles. The article serves as a visual guide and source of inspiration, illustrating how these specific products can be utilized to create inviting and aesthetically pleasing interiors, reflecting the distinct design philosophy of Studio McGee through accessible retail options. #HomeDecor #SpringCollection #StudioMcGee #Target #InteriorDesignTrends #RattanDecor #TextileDesign #HomeStyling #DecorInspiration

Interior Designer Sam Sacks, founder and principal of her eponymous firm based in Toronto, Canada, shares five things that currently inspire her work and worldview in a feature called Friday Five. Sacks transitioned into interior design after a career in journalism, where she served as an editor for a shelter publication. Her extensive background in writing about interiors, researching textile history, and studying architecture provided her with a unique education for her current role. She approaches design as a storyteller, aiming to reflect clients' personalities within their spaces through elements like wallpaper, millwork, and rugs. Sacks begins her list with her appreciation for the smell of Spanish Cedar, describing it as fresh and woodsy with a touch of nostalgia. She notes its ability to evoke a sense of history and warmth, making it a material she frequently incorporates into her designs. Her second inspiration is Coqui Coqui perfumeries, particularly the locations in Merida and Valladolid, Mexico. She admires their authentic and beautiful decoration, which features delicate antiques set against 16th-century ruins. Beyond scents, these locations offer spas, private residences, and unique hammocks made from Sansevieria. Anthropomorphic furniture is Sacks' third source of inspiration. She finds joy in pieces that resemble animals or the human form, favoring fun and fantastical designs. Her personal record collection, featuring artists like Bob Dylan and Roberta Flack, is her fourth inspiration. She enjoys listening to their music on repeat, as it helps create an atmosphere conducive to creativity. Finally, Sacks is inspired by textile hunts around the world, which she experiences as a sensory journey filled with the smells of diesel, incense, heat, and humanity. She cherishes the intense, fragmented conversations that occur as people from different backgrounds connect over shared appreciation for beauty, and she has a particular fondness for embroidered textiles from Africa, Central Asia, and Central and South America, noting the joyful expression of nature in designs like Otomi, suzani, and vibrant kilims. The article also showcases several of Sacks' projects. The Majorelle Project involved the meticulous renovation of a three-story Victorian 'workers cottage' in Toronto, where Sacks balanced bold color strokes, such as an electric Yves Klein-inspired blue kitchen, with largely white rooms, natural fibers, and Matisse-esque rugs. Project BFFs, a comprehensive overhaul of a detached Edwardian home in Toronto's Riverdale neighborhood, included a two-story addition, interior gutting, and the integration of soft modern finishes with architectural elements like coffered ceilings and plaster moldings. The Ninth Line project, a smaller endeavor involving a living room and hallway in a Georgian farmhouse, mixed English, African, and Canadian elements to create a whimsical space with reupholstered vintage chairs and custom divans. Cartwright Point, a new build completed in 2023 along the St. Lawrence River, emphasizes timelessness and seamless integration with nature through a quiet palette, tactile finishes, and thoughtful architectural details. Lastly, the Aldwych project transformed a miniature row house in Toronto's east end by restoring its original character while maintaining functionality and openness, inspired by midcentury Northern California cottages with deep blues and electric greens, and a budget-conscious approach that utilized striking materials like zellige-style tiles and a copper range hood for significant impact. #InteriorDesign #SamSacks #DesignInspiration #FridayFive #TextileHunts #AnthropomorphicFurniture #SpanishCedar #CoquiCoqui #ResidentialDesign

Studio McGee, led by founder and chief creative officer Shea McGee, is an interior design firm offering a range of services centered around a signature aesthetic that blends modern and classic elements. The firm provides two primary design services: Full-Service Interior Design and Virtual Interior Design. Full-Service Interior Design caters to larger-scale projects, offering in-person consultations, comprehensive project management, site visits, furniture procurement, and hands-on installation. This service is designed for clients seeking a professionally managed, stress-free journey to realizing their dream home. Virtual Interior Design, on the other hand, provides a more flexible, remote approach for single-space projects, delivering custom design plans and shopping lists that clients can implement at their own pace and within their budget. Both services leverage the team's expertise in custom design creation. Studio McGee emphasizes several key promises in its service delivery: a proven track record backed by years of industry experience from Shea McGee and her design team, detail-oriented planning that meticulously manages every step from design plans to installation, and an intentional design philosophy focused on creating spaces that transcend trends. The firm's aesthetic is characterized by beautifully balanced, warm, thoughtful, and inviting environments, whether incorporating traditional details and vintage pieces or sleek lines and organic materials. The design team works to tailor each project to the client's specific needs, lifestyle, and the nature of the home, be it a new build or a renovation. The typical duration for design projects varies significantly between the two services. Virtual Interior Design projects usually take three to four months to complete the design phase, with the implementation timeline left to the client's discretion. Full-Service Interior Design projects can extend from two to four years, depending on the project's complexity, the size of the home, and the builder's schedule. Studio McGee also works with clients beyond its local area, including projects throughout the United States and internationally, demonstrating its capacity to adapt its services to diverse locations. The firm maintains a strong portfolio showcasing a variety of projects, including 'Cabo Dos Vistas' in Mexico, 'Water's Edge' in Utah, and 'Hilltop Estate' in California, each reflecting the Studio McGee aesthetic while responding to regional context. The firm provides detailed information to help clients choose the appropriate service, considering factors such as timeframe, project size and scope, budget, and desired level of involvement. Pricing structures differ, with Virtual Interior Design offered at a flat rate for transparency, and Full-Service Interior Design charged hourly, with costs typically accounting for about 10% of the overall project budget. Clients interested in engaging Studio McGee's services can book a consultation by providing essential details about their project, location, budget, timeline, and design inspirations, including links to Pinterest boards or references to specific Studio McGee projects. This consultation process helps the team understand client needs and guide them to the most suitable design solution. Studio McGee has also established a broader presence through various content and commerce initiatives. The 'Read' section features articles and lookbooks on topics like bedroom paint colors, mixing dining seating, and art hanging tips. The 'Watch' section offers webisodes, including behind-the-scenes looks at Shea McGee's week, bedroom styling guides, tours of top bathrooms, and project reveals. Additionally, the firm has a strong retail and collaboration arm, including its own brand McGee & Co., and partnerships with companies like Target (Threshold x Studio McGee), The Shade Store, and Pura, allowing consumers to incorporate the Studio McGee aesthetic into their homes through curated products and collections. The firm also publishes books, such as 'The Art of Home' and 'Make Life Beautiful', further extending its design philosophy and brand reach. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignServices #VirtualDesign #FullServiceDesign #SheaMcGee #HomeStyling #DesignPortfolio #HomeRenovation

Interior designer Greg Natale has cultivated a distinct style since establishing his studio in 2001, characterized by a bold, eclectic approach to integrating architecture, design, and decoration. His work is far from conventional, often incorporating intricate layers of color and pattern, which he considers an innate aspect of his design philosophy. Clients typically seek his expertise for interiors that eschew muted tones, reflecting his signature maximalist aesthetic rather than a pared-back style. Natale's design methodology is comprehensive, extending beyond singular projects to include product development. He has ventured into furniture design, creating a range of residential wood-based pieces for Mortice and Tenon, alongside a line of more minimalist furniture for Stylecraft. These collaborations underscore his commitment to a 360-degree design approach, ensuring that every element within a space contributes to a cohesive vision. A notable collaboration includes a collection of six distinct New Zealand wool rugs designed in partnership with Designer Rugs. Natale emphasizes the critical role rugs play in his integrated design approach, serving not only as decorative elements but also as foundational anchors for furniture arrangements within a room. The names of these rugs—Corfu, Malibu, Monte Carlo—might suggest a relaxed ambiance, but their design ethos is rooted in a structured approach. The inspiration for the rug collection stems from Natale's passion for repeat patterns. He values the architectural quality of these patterns, noting their effectiveness in defining a room's aesthetic from multiple perspectives. His international travels have also significantly influenced the collection's designs. For example, the "South Beach" rug draws inspiration from an Art Deco building's screen wall, while "Palm Springs" reimagines a historical Chinese pattern encountered in that desert locale. Natale encourages both his team and his clients to embrace a holistic design journey, one that is characterized by continuous integration and innovation. He advocates for taking risks and pushing creative boundaries, believing that such an approach yields more engaging and interesting outcomes. His philosophy suggests that design does not need to be overly serious, but it should possess depth and layering to capture and hold interest. Through his studio and various design endeavors, Greg Natale continues to challenge conventional design norms, offering vibrant and distinctive interior solutions that reflect his unique vision and passion for design. #InteriorDesign #GregNatale #HomeDecor #PatternAndColor #RugDesign #FurnitureDesign #LuxuryInteriors #DesignInnovation

Sabrina MacLean, an interior designer, discusses her journey in balancing work and personal life, managing a family business, and her vision for HinoStudio. MacLean acknowledges her husband's role in helping her achieve a better work-life balance, contrasting with her earlier years as a workaholic. She outlines a structured approach to her workday, beginning with an early start for dog walking and exercise to manage stress and energize her day. Her routine includes team lunches once a week to foster bonding and a strict no-work-calls policy on Friday evenings until Monday to fully disconnect and enjoy time with family and friends. This deliberate separation from work was a challenging but beneficial decision, enhancing her personal life. Hinojosa Design Studio was founded in 2000 in Miami, Florida, by MacLean's mother, Carola Hinojosa, as a high-end interior design company. The business had a long history in Bolivia before relocating to Miami. MacLean gained experience in sales and furniture design at Holly Hunt after graduation before joining her mother's team in 2010. In 2018, upon her mother's retirement, MacLean took over the firm, rebranding it as HinoStudio. This transition presented significant challenges, requiring her to prove her capabilities, execute designs to her mother's high standards, and earn the trust of both existing and new clients. The firm has since diversified its offerings to include a furniture line and a rug collection, with ongoing development of new products. HinoStudio is also engaged in international projects, collaborating with architects worldwide, which provides new learning opportunities. When asked about recommending places in Miami for a visiting friend, MacLean suggests a comprehensive itinerary focused on dining, drinking, visiting cultural sites, and hanging out. For dining, her top choices are Zz's Restaurant and Casa Tua in Miami Beach, both noted for their food, private club atmosphere, and vibrant social scene. For drinks, she recommends Socialista in Brickell, Mila, and Klaw Rooftop, praising their music, ambiance, and diverse crowds. Miami's cultural growth is highlighted with recommendations to visit the Design District, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Rubell Museum, and Wynwood, emphasizing the city's rich collection of art and museums. For relaxation and socializing, she suggests Faena, Soho House, and The Standard for their music and atmosphere, and the farmers markets in Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne on Saturdays. MacLean expresses profound gratitude for her mother, Carola Hinojosa, identifying her as the primary mentor who shaped her into the designer she is today. She recalls being immersed in the world of design from a young age, accompanying her mother to the office and furniture factories since she was seven. Working together was initially demanding, as her mother maintained high expectations, demanding 200% effort. She describes her mother as exceptionally talented, with a keen eye for design and proportion, and a continuous ability to reinvent herself. After successfully establishing a design studio and furniture factory in Bolivia, Carola Hinojosa rebuilt her business from the ground up in Miami after their move in 1999, eventually reaching a prominent position in the industry. Her mother's resilience, persistence, and dedication have been constant sources of inspiration for MacLean. Even after her mother retired and moved to Cape Town, South Africa, she continued to contribute to HinoStudio by collaborating with local artisans, which led to the development of a new product line now sold at Holly Hunt. MacLean's leadership, especially through challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, has enabled HinoStudio to create acclaimed interiors globally. #InteriorDesign #Entrepreneurship #WorkLifeBalance #FamilyBusiness #MiamiLifestyle #CreativeIndustry #BusinessLeadership #DesignStudio #Mentorship

Sarah Peake, founder and creative director of Studio Peake, shares insights into her distinctive interior design philosophy, influences, and showcases three notable projects. Peake's journey into interior design began with an interest in textiles and pattern cutting, followed by foundational experience with renowned designers Alidad and Todhunter Earle. These early experiences instilled in her the importance of meticulous detail and the ability to manage large-scale international projects, shaping her holistic approach to design. Peake's design ethos emphasizes the contextual relevance of each interior, steering away from a fixed style. Instead, she advocates for a collaborative vision that integrates her creative input with the client's preferences and the inherent characteristics of the space. Her work often features bold use of color, diverse materials, and patterns, alongside a harmonious blend of contemporary and antique furnishings. A core principle is to ensure the space reflects the client's personality, and she finds creative inspiration when tasked with incorporating existing client possessions or adhering to specific color constraints, believing that such limitations can foster artistic innovation. Inspiration for Peake is drawn from a myriad of sources, including clients, the architectural context, historical periods, and even natural landscapes. She maintains an extensive library of books for research and frequently captures visual cues from her surroundings. Her typical color palette leans towards blues and greens, often warmed with wood, yellow, or gold tones, which she finds relaxing and neutral, particularly suitable for bedrooms and bathrooms. However, she stresses the importance of variety, ensuring that while certain colors anchor a design, others are introduced to create dynamic schemes. Material selection focuses on natural elements such as wood, linen, and bouclé wool. She appreciates the versatility of stone, from Italian marble for a luxurious feel to English limestone for rustic charm. Her designs are further enriched by the strategic use of contrast, juxtaposing natural textures with vibrant lacquers and brass accents. Finishing touches are crucial to Peake's designs, frequently incorporating items like curly Gotland sheepskins or richly textured bouclé, either as upholstery or cushions. Swedish flatweave rugs are another signature element, with Peake actively seeking original pieces or commissioning new ones from traditional Swedish factories. Beautiful ceramics, particularly organic shapes with unique glazes, are also a passion. For Instagram inspiration, she recommends following Studio Giancarlo Valle, Pierre Yovanovitch, and Meta Coleman. Peake highlights three key projects that exemplify her work. The Parsons Green house involved transforming a blank canvas with Victorian features into a contemporary yet layered family home, blending modern art with antique rugs and bespoke elements like a tiled fireplace. The master bedroom in this project features a calm palette with Edward Bulmer 'Celadon' paint and a Vanderhurd rug, while the guest bedroom showcases vibrant colors and custom-designed beds. The Vauxhall cottage project, her first solo endeavor, involved restoring a Georgian cottage, transforming an industrial aesthetic into a cozy, colorful home. This included a kitchen refresh with new limestone flooring, painted joinery, and antique handles, complemented by soft furnishings. The master bedroom in Vauxhall features 'Fencing Blue' paint, Pierre Frey fabric, and a pre-existing painting by Venetia Berry as a color anchor. The small box room was dramatically transformed into a bed nook, utilizing V-grooved MDF paneling, Edward Bulmer 'Fair Blue' paint, and Ottoline Devries wallpaper. Finally, the Barons Court apartment, an Edwardian mansion block flat, required a fresh, modern update while honoring its traditional elements. This project features a dramatic layout with a freestanding Water Monopoly bath as a focal point, a study with traditional panelling and a mid-century modern light fitting, and a bedroom with Lewis & Wood wallpaper and a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings. Each project demonstrates Peake's skill in blending diverse elements to create unique and personalized living spaces. #InteriorDesign #StudioPeake #SarahPeake #HomeDecor #DesignEthos #ColorPalette #MaterialSelection #RenovationProjects #LuxuryInteriors

Shea McGee's latest collaboration with Target, under the 'Threshold designed w/Studio McGee' brand, offers a spring collection inspired by rural cottages and the season's aesthetics. This collection aims to make elevated, sophisticated, yet cozy and rustic interior design accessible on a budget. The range features both classic and trendy pieces suitable for various spaces within a home, from inviting hallways to plush living rooms and outdoor areas. Among the highlighted items is the Lynwood Square Upholstered Cube Ottoman, featuring a timeless plaid print that is on-trend for 2025. This versatile piece can serve as extra seating in a living room, entryway, or at the foot of a bed. Storage solutions include the Large Lidded Rattan Decorative Basket in brown, made from natural rattan, which is currently popular. This basket provides a chic way to store household items and can be paired with smaller baskets for a layered look. Decorative accents include the Square Pillow Big Stripe with Ruffle in pale yellow and cream, a whimsical yet bold statement accessory perfect for country-inspired decor, especially when paired with floral pillows. For dining areas, the collection offers Cardamine Wooden Dining Chairs, available in a set of two, blending wood and rattan for a rustic feel. These chairs are suitable for dining tables or as accent pieces in hallways. An Exaggerated Rim Ceramic Tall Vase with an elegant finish is presented as an ideal vessel for lush foliage or spring bouquets, its neutral design making it a sophisticated addition to any table. The Cardamine Racetrack Dining Table, made from natural wood, is a sturdy and timeless option for year-round dining, aligning with 2025 furniture trends. For living spaces, a 50 x 60" Throw Allover Jacquard Floral Multi Color brings tapestry-style fabrics back into vogue, offering opulence and coziness with muted blue, green, and pink accents that can be emphasized through coordinating pillows. A Bolster Geo Pattern in Cream and Peach provides a vintage feel and lavish touch to sofas or beds. The Kauri Upholstered Accent Chair, with its rounded wooden legs and curved arms, embodies a classic cottage style. For kitchen and dining accessories, a 13" Melamine Oval Serving Platter is inspired by vintage designs in color and shape, suggested for display on dressers with other tableware. A Set of 3 Ceramic Ribbed Taper Candle Holders in beige offers a contemporary take on traditional candle holders, perfect for creating a homely ambiance. A Woven Bowl Wavy Rim with Pedestal Base in rattan emphasizes textural designs for plush and inviting spaces, particularly suited for a rustic, farmhouse kitchen aesthetic. Outdoor living is also addressed with pieces like the Sun Bleached Composite Indoor Outdoor Planter Pot in cream, an elegant choice for spring-inspired plants like pink tulips or ferns. The Round Striped Scalloped Fringe Edge Outdoor Patio Market Umbrella in cream provides whimsical shade for outdoor dining. Finally, 22"x22" Striped Round Deep Seat Outdoor Back Cushions in cream offer a simple yet refined touch to outdoor seating arrangements, coordinating well with a pale blue tablecloth for a cohesive scheme. The collection overall aims to refresh homes with sophisticated, fun pieces for every room, offering extensive inspiration for the new year. #SheaMcGee #TargetCollaboration #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #CottageCore #SpringDecor #AffordableLuxury #CountryStyle #DecorTrends

Studio McGee, led by founder Shea McGee, has unveiled its latest project, 'The Oaks,' a newly constructed home in San Antonio, Texas. This residence is designed to evoke a sense of thoughtful craftsmanship and timelessness, blending modern and traditional elements. The property's design is heavily influenced by the surrounding grove of oak trees, integrating natural elements and a rustic aesthetic with contemporary sophistication. The living room, centrally located, is characterized by its spaciousness and abundant natural light. Shea McGee has incorporated warm accents and a color palette inspired by the outdoor environment to create a cozy yet grand atmosphere. The design includes inviting curves, soft textures, and warm-toned furniture like beige armchairs and a linen sofa. Large floor-to-ceiling windows ensure a strong visual connection to the majestic oak trees outside, reinforcing the home's organic integration with its setting. The kitchen, though part of an open-plan layout, is subtly defined by a wooden trim framing its entrance. It features rustic decor, reminiscent of modern farmhouse style, with a natural wood shelf floating over sleek steel windows. This shelf is styled with collected pieces that have varied textures, earthy tones, and natural materials, exemplifying McGee's approach to blending new construction with traditional and vintage charm to add character. Throughout the house, large Crittall-style windows in spaces like the snug room offer continuous views of the oak grove. Wood is a prominent material, seen in the snug's wood-paneled ceiling and warm brown sofas. The games room stands out with its wood-paneled walls and a midcentury, 70s-inspired aesthetic, featuring an oak wood lining, a wooden pool table, and wooden flooring. This consistent use of wood drenching throughout the space aligns with a contemporary trend while ensuring a timeless appeal. The dining room exhibits a contemporary feel with metal doors that enhance light and fluidity, connecting it to adjacent areas. It combines modern curved furniture with vintage-style glass pendant lights, showcasing the balance between streamlined architecture and charming, vintage details. The abundant use of wood in this space further emphasizes the project's core inspiration. The 'morning room' is designed as a tranquil space overlooking the natural scenery, perfect for starting the day. This room incorporates a trend of saturated colors, with its coffered ceiling, walls, and trim all painted in a rich, moody green-gray. The mudroom, despite its practical function, also reflects meticulous attention to detail, featuring herringbone flooring, a floor-length window offering views of the oak trees, and subtle nature-inspired wall art. The laundry room is a delicate, airy space with a neutral palette, fine zellige tiles, cream cabinetry, and marble countertops, elevated with gold accents and rustic elements. Even the entryway reflects the natural inspiration, combining stone, wood, and marble accents for an organic texture blend. A large-scale painting and subtle bird motifs throughout the home acknowledge the client's affinity for birds and nature. The playroom is a whimsical space for children, designed with pink walls and a leafy sage green table, paired with wooden chairs. Functional shelving displays children's books colorfully, and an antique-style pendant light adds rustic charm. The master bedroom, like many other rooms, offers views of the outdoor scenery, with architectural placement specifically designed to capture these views of the oak trees. The room's ambiance is enhanced by three types of lighting: a modern candelabra, wall sconces, and stoneware bedside lamps. The master bathroom features a central window as its focal point, with double vanity units, modern mirrors, and a freestanding bathtub overlooking the garden. The neutral color palette and organic textures in the bathroom, including limestone, alabaster, brass, travertine, and linen, contribute to a serene and natural aesthetic. The garden itself is integral to the home's design, with the property built amidst the oak trees, ensuring that natural views are always central to the living experience. This project successfully blends organic elements with modern and vintage design styles, creating a liveable and aspirational home deeply connected to its natural surroundings. #SheaMcGee #ModernRustic #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #StudioMcGee #TheOaksProject #SanAntonioHomes #NaturalElements #VintageDecor

The blog post introduces a new collaboration between Kohler and Studio McGee, featuring six unique collections designed to blend classic aesthetics with modern functionality. This partnership, rooted in time-honored craftsmanship, aims to create enduring and luxurious fixtures for the home. Shea McGee, the designer behind Studio McGee, highlights her long-standing admiration for the Kohler brand and its products, which she has incorporated into her design projects, including her own home and the Netflix show, "Dream Home Makeover." The collaborative process began by delving into Kohler's extensive archives to find vintage inspirations that could be reimagined for contemporary spaces. McGee's design philosophy for this collection mirrors her approach to home design: to bridge classic and current styles, ensuring the pieces are rooted in history yet versatile enough to complement diverse design preferences. The collaboration features six distinct collections. The Edalyn Kitchen Faucet Collection offers five unique faucet shapes, including bridge, pull-down, semi-professional, bar, and pot filler, all available in five finishes: polished chrome, polished nickel, brushed nickel, brushed brass, and matte black. McGee emphasizes her goal of designing pieces that stand the test of time, drawing from Kohler's rich history and incorporating subtle details like coining, engravings, and ribbed textures. The Embra Lighting Collection consists of five lighting shapes—single, double, and triple light sconces, a mini pendant, and a large pendant. Each piece is crafted from reeded glass and offered in the same five finishes as the Edalyn collection. McGee notes that even small details, such as the screws on a light fixture, were meticulously considered to ensure both style and craftsmanship. For bathrooms, the Castia Bathroom Collection provides a comprehensive range of faucets and accessories, including three sink faucets, bath and shower trim, bath fillers, towel bars, arms, hooks, and a pivot mirror. This collection also comes in five finishes, allowing for a cohesive bathroom aesthetic. McGee specifically praises the pivot mirror for its curved corners, coining detail, and functionality. When considering budget-friendly bathroom renovations, McGee advises focusing on swapping plumbing fixtures, hardware, and lighting instead of costly cabinetry and countertops, and suggests exploring remnant slabs at slab yards for savings. The Malin Vanity Collection introduces vanities with a ribbed drawer design and a quartz top with an under-mount sink. Available in six sizes (from 24″ to 72″) and two wood finishes (light oak and white), these vanities also feature hardware in the five standard finishes. McGee expresses her fondness for vanities with elevated details like the reeded design in the Malin Collection, which transcend basic offerings. The collaboration process with Kohler was highly engaging, with McGee and the Kohler team sharing a mutual commitment to classic design and timeless materials. The Kernen Lighting Collection mirrors the Embra collection in its range of five shapes—single, double, and triple light sconces, a mini pendant, and a large pendant—but distinguishes itself with milk glass shades. This collection is also available in the five common finishes. McGee highlights her detailed involvement in the creation of these collections, from conceptualization to the finer points of connection details and faucet arc shapes, working closely with Kohler's design team. Finally, the Seagrove Vanity Collection offers vanities with an open-shelf design, a quartz top, and an under-mount sink. These vanities are available in six sizes and two wood finishes (dark grey and warm neutral), with hardware in the five standard finishes. The collaboration emphasizes the fusion of historical inspiration with modern design, resulting in products that are both functional and aesthetically enduring. #KohlerStudioMcGee #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #KitchenFaucets #BathroomFixtures #HomeLighting #VanityCollections #DesignCollaboration #TimelessDesign

The classic subway tile, a ubiquitous feature in many homes and commercial spaces, has remained a design staple for its versatility and timeless appeal. However, even iconic design elements periodically benefit from innovation and a fresh perspective. Studio McGee, in collaboration with Ann Sacks, has introduced a new collection that reinterprets the traditional subway tile, offering an updated aesthetic that maintains its core charm while introducing a playful and distinctive element. The new collection, Ashton Meadows, features five distinct tile designs available in five different color palettes, ranging from subtle cool grays to a bold oxblood. Among these, the glossy Scalloped Field Tile stands out as the collection's highlight. This particular tile reimagines the conventional rectangular shape of subway tile by incorporating wavy edges, giving it a soft, organic, and visually interesting profile. This subtle alteration transforms the tile from a familiar background element into a more engaging design feature, allowing it to serve as a focal point or to add a touch of whimsy to various applications. Retailing at just under $15 per square foot, the Scalloped Field Tile represents a considered investment that promises to significantly enhance the visual appeal of a space. Its unique silhouette also emphasizes the grout lines, providing an opportunity for creative expression through the selection of grout colors. Designers and homeowners can opt for contrasting or complementary grout shades to either highlight the scalloped edges or to create a more integrated, textural look. For instance, using a vibrant cobalt blue grout with these tiles could introduce an unexpected pop of color and a modern twist. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the ceramic tiles in the Ashton Meadows collection are designed for both indoor and outdoor applications, offering broad utility. This versatility means they can be incorporated into a wide array of settings, including bathroom tub surrounds, kitchen backsplashes, range hoods, accent walls in living areas, and even fireplace surrounds. The durability and adaptability of the tiles make them suitable for high-moisture environments like bathrooms, where they can contribute to a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. The article suggests an imaginative application: envisioning a shower outfitted with the dark green scalloped tiles, paired with a slightly darker shade of grout. This combination is presented as a method to achieve a calming and luxurious start to the day, highlighting how thoughtful material selection and design can influence daily routines and overall well-being. The Studio McGee x Ann Sacks collaboration offers a compelling evolution of a beloved design element, demonstrating that even a classic can be reinvented with creativity and attention to detail. #StudioMcGee #AnnSacks #SubwayTile #TileDesign #BathroomTile #KitchenBacksplash #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DesignTrends

Design Week Dublin (DWD) is an inaugural event poised to highlight the significant contributions of Irish architects and interior designers, both nationally and internationally. The event aims to demonstrate the influence and global impact of Irish design professionals. Among the featured designers is Suzie McAdam, a Dublin-based interior designer known for her distinctive approach to transforming spaces. McAdam, who developed her expertise working on high-end residential projects in California, established her studio in Dublin in 2013. Her portfolio is characterized by a blend of historical reverence, artistic expression, and modern sensibilities. McAdam's work includes the restoration of grand Georgian residences, the reimagining of coastal properties, and the design of luxury hotels. Each project showcases a bold visual language that is deeply rooted in heritage while incorporating contemporary elements. She is recognized for her ability to layer different eras, creating interiors that are highly personalized, artful, and possess an enduring quality. Her aesthetic is defined by a harmonious balance between vintage finds and modern forms, where color and texture are meticulously composed to achieve a curated finish. McAdam's work has garnered significant attention, featuring in prominent publications such as *Architectural Digest*, *Vogue*, *Elle Décor*, *Homes & Gardens*, and *THE GLOSS INTERIORS*. One notable project highlighted is a Georgian house in County Dublin. This particular residence, once owned by an eminent Irish family, features an atypical layout. McAdam notes that the house's entry is unconventional for Georgian properties of its era, with a right-hand wall removed—likely in the late 18th century—to create a more expansive view into the reception area. This space was originally paneled in mahogany and, unusually for Dublin at the time, featured a marquetry floor. McAdam addressed the inherent visual weight of these historical elements by incorporating lighter design components, such as theatrical lighting and colorful murals, to create a balanced and dynamic interior. Suzie McAdam will be participating in a "Design Talk" event at Anantara The Marker Dublin on Thursday, May 22, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. During this session, she will discuss her process of weaving diverse references into each unique project. Tickets for this event are available for €35, with a student rate of €20. The full 2025 DWD program can be accessed on the official Design Week Dublin website. #InteriorDesign #SuzieMcAdam #DesignWeekDublin #GeorgianArchitecture #LuxuryInteriors #IrishDesign #ArchitecturalRestoration #ContemporaryDesign #DesignTalk

Quintessence, a lifestyle blog, has successfully transformed into a robust business, largely due to its popular "At Home With" video series. Co-creator Susanna Salk highlights the shift in media consumption, where traditional categories are blurring, allowing for a broader exploration of topics like home, fashion, travel, and personal stories. Stacey Bewkes, the founder of Quintessence and a former art director for Simon & Schuster, developed her videography skills by creating a retrospective DVD for her daughter's fifth-grade graduation, which eventually led to the inception of the video series. The first video, featuring Thom Filicia, was launched on Valentine's Day in 2013. The early videos showcased Salk and Bewkes shopping with designers in New York, where designers shared their preferences and insights. The series has since featured prominent designers such as Suzanne Rheinstein, Cathy Graham, and Paolo Moschino. Despite their individual projects—Bewkes managing the Quintessence blog and Salk writing books—the duo has cultivated a strong working relationship, even collaborating on books. This synergy is central to their success, with Bewkes noting their shared work ethic and enjoyment in their creative endeavors. Salk particularly values the connections forged with designers and the community engagement fostered through their content, citing an example where a custom dog collar seen in Emma Burns's home led to a collaboration between her neighbor and a local artisan. Maintaining the content machine for Quintessence involves significant effort. Bewkes admits that the workload is substantial, especially for creating original content. Initially, she posted five times a week, a schedule that proved unsustainable, leading her to reduce it to three times a week, and now even less frequently due to the demanding nature of video editing. She acknowledges the necessity of taking breaks and managing expectations regarding content volume. The financial sustainability of Quintessence was initially a challenge, with Salk and Bewkes investing considerable personal time and money into the project. However, the venture began generating revenue through sponsorships. With 5 million views over five years, and a significant portion of those views accumulated in 2018 alone, sponsorships became a viable option to support their passion project. They currently charge $6,000 per sponsored video, integrating commercials and ensuring that these sponsorships are permanently attached to the chosen videos. This model contrasts with print media, which is more expensive and ephemeral, as Quintessence's videos continue to attract viewers months and even years after their initial release. Publicists and marketing directors often facilitate these sponsorships by pitching clients whose licensed collections or brands align with Quintessence's content. Approximately 80 percent of their videos are now sponsored. Despite not yet reaching their desired earnings, Bewkes and Salk view this as a progressive step. A core principle for them is maintaining editorial integrity; they commit to only featuring brands they genuinely admire, ensuring that sponsorships do not compromise the quality or authenticity of their content. This commitment to their shared vision and ethical approach has been crucial in building and maintaining their audience's trust. #Quintessence #SusannaSalk #StaceyBewkes #LifestyleBlog #VideoSeries #DesignIndustry #ContentCreation #MediaMonetization #Sponsorships #HomeDesign