McGee Home: Great Room Photo Tour

This article details the design and functionality of the mudroom in the McGee home, highlighting its importance as a high-traffic entry point through the garage, especially given the family's move to Utah where practical storage for winter gear is essential. The design incorporates custom elements to maximize utility and aesthetic appeal. A key feature of the mudroom is its cabinetry, which includes tall lockers custom-built by Killowen Construction for each family member. These lockers are designed with vents to ensure breathability, a practical solution for shoes and other items. The cabinetry is finished in Benjamin Moore's 'Midnight' color, providing a rich, dark contrast to the lighter elements prevalent in the adjacent kitchen. Hardware from Armac Martin adds a cohesive touch, mirroring selections made in the kitchen to maintain a consistent design flow throughout the connected spaces. The walls and ceilings of the mudroom feature vertical shiplap by Metrie, which extends the aesthetic used in other areas of the house like the dining room, office, and master bedroom. This choice creates a unified look and adds textural interest. Large windows positioned above the sink allow ample natural light into the space and offer views of the backyard, serving a dual purpose by enabling the homeowner to monitor children playing outdoors while performing tasks like washing produce or arranging flowers. The paint used for the walls and ceilings is 'Swiss Coffee' by Benjamin Moore, diluted to 75% for a softer effect. Countertops are a focal point, featuring SoapStone from Bedrosians, chosen for its distinctive veining and texture that adds depth to the room. An industrial-sized stainless steel sink from Kohler, paired with a pull-down faucet with a magnetic clip, underscores the room's utilitarian nature. The high-arch and industrial spring design of the faucet are specifically selected for heavy-duty washing and scrubbing tasks. Lighting in the mudroom integrates silver and brass pendants from McGee & Co., chosen to blend with the varied finishes throughout the home and contribute to the overall design narrative. For flooring, cement tiles laid in a hexagon pattern from Avente Tile introduce an additional dimension and a robust, easy-to-maintain surface suitable for a mudroom environment. Special design details elevate the mudroom beyond mere functionality. A custom dutch door allows for natural ventilation and adds architectural character. Decorative elements include collected wicker bottles and an art piece, both sourced from McGee & Co.'s vintage collection, along with practical items like pots and a watering can. A bench from the Threshold collection with Target provides seating, while custom-built shelves offer additional storage. This multi-purpose design ensures the mudroom is not only beautiful but also highly efficient in managing daily family activities, from handling outdoor gear to engaging in gardening tasks. #HomeDesign #Mudroom #InteriorDesign #Cabinetry #Shiplap #SoapStoneCountertops #KohlerSink #ArmacMartinHardware #HexagonTile #CustomDutchDoor

The article details the intricate process and decisions behind designing and building the exterior of the McGee family's custom home. After years of creating dream homes for clients, the authors embarked on building their own residence, a project that transformed from initial inspirations and mood boards into a tangible structure. The experience provided a unique perspective, as the authors navigated the personal and financial aspects of custom home construction from the client's side, emphasizing the importance of every detail, no matter how small. The exterior design was driven by a vision of a grand, traditional yet modern aesthetic, focusing on symmetrical gables and a mix of materials to achieve an old-world charm. The construction process was challenging, particularly due to the harsh Utah weather, which the contracting team, Killowen Construction, diligently worked through. The article highlights the emotional significance of walking through the unfinished frame, envisioning future family memories within its walls. A crucial early decision involved selecting windows. The authors opted for classic white, wood aluminum clad windows from Windsor, prioritizing a modern, streamlined look. This was achieved through a thin mullion detail and a casement style that swings open. A specific "putty bar" grid, narrower than typical, was chosen to ensure the windows appeared subtle and less bulky, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail even at this early stage. For the brick and paint, a unique approach was taken. The authors quickly chose a brick but spent considerable time finding the perfect paint to achieve a chalky, historic masonry look. They settled on Romabio masonry flat paint, which allowed the brick to breathe and concealed imperfections, a product unfamiliar to their contractor but ultimately embraced for its desirable finish. After extensive swatching, Benjamin Moore's White Dove was selected as the soft white for the brick, siding, and trim, creating a cohesive and elegant exterior palette. The front door initially presented a design challenge, appearing too flat as a rectangle. An arch was introduced in the rendering, immediately resolving the issue and leading to a custom-designed arched door painted with Sherwin Williams' Black Magic for striking contrast against the white exterior. The porch design also involved strategic choices; while bluestone was desired for its color and texture, its cost limited its application to the porch and top two steps. An innovative concrete detail, designed to resemble flagstones with grass in between, was implemented for the pathway, offering curb appeal at a lower price point and adding visual interest. Copper gutters were a non-negotiable splurge, chosen for their ability to patina and add character, avoiding a "cookie-cutter" appearance. The decision to install them around the entire house, rather than just the front, reflected a commitment to this detail. The authors even accelerated the aging process with water, anticipating a weathered look that would imbue the home with history from the outset. The roof featured hand-split cedar shake shingles, selected for their natural, lived-in aesthetic, despite the understanding that they would weather and fade over time. The siding was constructed from a smooth, hardy board material with a shrunken lap-depth to create a custom finish, complementing the brick and stone with varied texture. The stone selection proved to be the most challenging aspect, with the side of the house becoming a temporary showroom for various samples. The desired old, textural look was achieved by blending two types of stones from Hearth and Home and meticulously wiping the grout, resulting in a unique and contrasting texture that distinguishes the house from typical white homes. Finally, the trim strategy involved applying wood trim specifically to the wood siding, while header and sill details framed the windows in the brick sections, adding custom touches that elevate the overall exterior design. This comprehensive approach to every exterior element underscores the dedication to crafting a home that reflects years of hard work and personal vision. #HomeDesign #ExteriorDesign #CustomHome #BuildingMaterials #ArchitecturalDetails #DesignProcess #ProjectManagement #ResidentialArchitecture

This comprehensive guide details the paint colors and wallpapers used throughout the recently refreshed spaces in Syd and Shea McGee’s Utah home, embodying the signature Studio McGee aesthetic of warm, welcoming tones and classic patterns. The article provides a room-by-room breakdown, allowing readers to replicate the featured design choices. The guide begins with the exterior, which features Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for the main house and Sherwin-Williams’ Natural Tan for the shutters, creating a cohesive and inviting curb appeal. The entryway, living room, and upstairs landing primarily utilize Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee, mixed at 75% strength. This less saturated hue creates a soft, consistent backdrop throughout these central areas. For instance, the barrel arch in the entryway and the plastered brick are custom-tinted to match this specific strength of Swiss Coffee. In the living room, this color extends to the main walls, ceiling, and stairway, while the ceiling beams introduce a subtle contrast with Benjamin Moore’s Natural Cream. The dining room also incorporates Swiss Coffee at 75% for the ceiling and half walls, complemented by a distinctive Fontainebleau wallpaper by Pierre Frey, adding a layer of sophistication. The kitchen pantry stands out with cabinetry painted in 'Inspiration' by Portola Paints, a deep green that offers a stylish pop of color and personality. Moving to the private quarters, the primary bedroom maintains the tranquil Swiss Coffee (75% strength) on its walls, with the fireplace and ceiling rendered in Natural Cream, creating a serene retreat. The children's bedrooms introduce more playful elements. Wren's bedroom features a Demi Floral Stripe Wallpaper by McGee & Co., paired with trim and built-ins painted in Benjamin Moore’s Grey Owl, providing a soft and youthful atmosphere. Ivy's bedroom incorporates Willow Boughs wallpaper by Morris & Co., with all trim and the ceiling finished in Swiss Coffee (75% strength), linking it aesthetically to the rest of the home while maintaining its unique character. This detailed guide offers an accessible way to understand and apply the specific color and pattern choices that define the refreshed McGee Home, showcasing a thoughtful blend of classic and contemporary design elements. #McGeeHome #PaintGuide #InteriorDesign #HomeRefresh #ColorPalette #Wallpaper #StudioMcGee #UtahHome #DesignTips

The Studio McGee Spec Home in Red Ledges, located outside Park City, Utah, represents Studio McGee's inaugural spec home project. This residence, minutes from the slopes and downtown Park City, aims to embody the brand's classic styling within a mountainous landscape. The design integrates nature and offers a sophisticated yet comfortable living experience. The entryway features alder wood, stained to mimic oak, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The living room showcases double-beam vaulted ceilings and a fireplace clad in the same limestone used on the home's exterior, enhanced by a rich overgrout for a sense of history. The ceiling's wood finish matches the kitchen cabinetry, ensuring design continuity. The dining room emphasizes texture over pattern, with full drapes that frame the windows and a soft white paint on the window frames matching the walls, all contrasting with rustic wood floors. The kitchen is designed with symmetry, featuring a statement hood framed by floor-to-ceiling cabinetry that resembles a piece of furniture, and a long stretch of cabinetry connecting to the pantry. Cabinets blend flat inset panels with raised beaded profiles, all in Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams, complemented by antiqued brass hardware and a natural matte stain on the island. The kitchen uses a thoughtful mix of cream-toned Moroccan zellige tile behind the range and the same natural stone from the home's exterior extending to the ceiling on the pantry side, adding texture and earthiness. Multiple lighting sources, including brass island pendants and flush mounts, ensure functional and aesthetic balance. The primary suite serves as a serene, rustic retreat. Wide wood paneling with natural knots and holes, finished in a thin layer of Natural Tan by Sherwin Williams, covers walls and ceilings, highlighting the wood's character. Exposed wood beams match the great room ceilings. The suite incorporates McGee & Co.'s Henrietta Bed with large-scale artwork to fill vertical space. The primary bathroom extends the stone from the bedroom's fireplace behind the freestanding tub, using putty-colored cabinetry, wood ceilings, marble countertops, and dark gray limestone tiles for continuity. A unique detail in the shower is Carrera marble brick lay accented with stacked marble liners to create a reeded effect. The office, a client-free opportunity, features rich brown walls, thin molding, custom built-ins, and unique brass sconces to create a cozy and elevated space. The first guest suite adopts a playful mix of patterns and includes a window seat with an oak slab. Its bathroom features a deep charcoal vanity in Grizzly Gray by Sherwin Williams, paired with dark gray limestone tiles and McGee & Co.’s Oslo Mirrors in dark walnut. The shower’s ceramic tile is elevated with a marble border. The nursery suite is designed with versatility, featuring Morris & Co. x McGee & Co. Sunflower Porcelain Wallpaper in a neutral color, combined with Windsor Stripe Tailored Pleat drapes for pattern play. Its ensuite bathroom has a moodier palette with grey and cream Moroccan Zellige floor tiles and wood cabinetry pulls. The powder bathroom is a “jewel box,” showcasing Marigold Umber Wallpaper from the Morris & Co. x McGee & Co. collection, a custom floating oak vanity with a Calacatta marble top, and unlacquered brass hardware. The Josephine Mirror from McGee & Co. complements the curved backsplash, and the ceiling and trim are painted in Ivory Lace by Sherwin-Williams. Utility spaces, including the laundry room and mudroom, continue the home's classic yet fresh aesthetic. The laundry room features a checkboard pattern of Calacatta marble and limestone tiles on the floor, beadboard walls in Natural Tan, and cabinetry in Sand Beach. Black stone countertops, burnished brass latches, and curved brackets on exposed shelving add sophistication. A small curtain under the farmhouse sink introduces a traditional touch. The mudroom is painted entirely in Forestwood by Sherwin-Williams, with the same limestone flooring as the entryway. It includes an Indoor/Outdoor Rug and a Cesta Linear Chandelier from McGee & Co., alongside practical tall cabinets with long drawer pulls and a mix of closed and open storage. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #SpecHome #StudioMcGee #UtahLiving #MountainModern #RusticElegance #KitchenDesign #BedroomDesign