Five Looks From The McGee Home Backyard

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 article from Studio McGee showcases a curated collection of exterior designs and preferred paint colors, offering inspiration for home renovation projects, new builds, or general home improvement ideas. It emphasizes the studio's experience in collaborating with builders and architects to create captivating home exteriors. The first featured project, "Water's Edge," highlights natural elements and utilizes Benjamin Moore's Cloud White for its exterior. This choice contributes to a light, airy aesthetic, complementing the surrounding natural environment. The accompanying image displays a modern home with clean lines and abundant windows, indicative of a design that integrates indoor and outdoor spaces. Next, the "Houston Estate" is presented, characterized by its stately symmetry. The article includes multiple images showcasing the grand facade and refined architectural details. The design reflects a classic and timeless appeal, often associated with traditional estate homes. While specific paint colors are not explicitly mentioned for this project, the visual evidence suggests a sophisticated, neutral palette. The "McGee Home" refresh is another prominent example, lauded for its classic and clean aesthetic. For this residence, the exterior is painted in Benjamin Moore's White Dove, a popular choice for its soft, warm white tone. The shutters are contrasted with Natural Tan by Sherwin-Williams, creating a subtle yet elegant combination that enhances the home's curb appeal. Images display a welcoming entrance and well-maintained landscaping, underscoring the home's inviting atmosphere. "Home on the Bay" introduces a design focused on a warm welcome, with its exterior painted in Sherwin Williams Natural Choice. This color selection contributes to a harmonious and inviting facade, blending seamlessly with coastal or waterfront settings. The accompanying images illustrate a home that exudes comfort and hospitality, with architectural elements that promote relaxation and enjoyment of the surroundings. The "Hilltop Estate" project showcases custom contrast in its design approach. This section provides several images highlighting various angles of the estate, emphasizing its unique architectural features and the strategic use of contrasting materials and colors. The design aims to make a distinctive statement while maintaining an elegant presence within its elevated landscape. Finally, the "Arizona Homestead" is described as a "Studio McGee Staple," featuring Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee on its exterior. This color provides a subtle, creamy white that harmonizes with the desert landscape and imparts a sense of calm and sophistication. The imagery associated with this project illustrates a home that is both grand and approachable, with architectural elements that reflect regional influences and a comfortable, lived-in feel. Collectively, the article serves as a visual guide to various exterior design styles and popular paint color selections. It provides concrete examples from Studio McGee's portfolio, offering practical insights and aesthetic inspiration for readers considering exterior home improvements. The focus remains on demonstrating how specific paint choices and architectural details can contribute to distinct and appealing home exteriors. #ExteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #PaintColors #CurbAppeal #ArchitecturalStyle #StudioMcGeeProjects #DesignInspiration

The appearance of a home's front yard significantly impacts its overall curb appeal and the first impression it gives. Design professionals highlight five common front yard features that can make a home appear outdated and suggest practical solutions for modernization. Updating these elements can refresh the home's exterior and align it with contemporary design aesthetics. Overgrown and poorly executed landscaping is a primary concern. Joseph Richardson, founder of Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture, notes that unkempt trees and shrubs create visual clutter, obscuring architectural details and making a property seem neglected. He emphasizes that regardless of a home's interior design, poor landscaping sets a negative tone. Sean Mullin, AIA, managing partner for Anthony Wilder Design/Build, adds that overly symmetrical or formal landscaping can also date a home, as modern design favors more layered and naturalistic approaches. The suggested fix involves regular maintenance, strategic pruning, and adopting a more natural, layered landscaping style. Another element that can detract from a home's exterior is inappropriate fencing. Sara Swabb, founder of Storie Collective, explains that overly ornate, mismatched, or attention-grabbing fences can make a home feel disjointed and fussy, especially if they do not complement the existing architecture. She recommends fences with clean lines and subtle details, integrating them as part of the home's overall design language to achieve longevity and enhanced curb appeal. Plastic yard art, such as plastic flamingos, is universally advised against by Mullin, who states that such items can cheapen a home's aesthetic. A minimalist and tasteful approach to outdoor decor is preferred to maintain a sophisticated appearance. An old or neglected mailbox can also significantly impact a front yard's look. Swabb points out that a leaning or rusting mailbox can downgrade the entire front yard's appearance. She advises upgrading to a new mailbox that is well-proportioned and thoughtfully placed. Selecting a material that harmonizes with the home's exterior finishes can make the front of the house appear well-maintained and current. Finally, dated railings can contribute to an antiquated look. Carlos Mejia, a project architect with TriVistaUSA Design + Build, highlights that ornate or curved iron railings often appear outdated. He suggests replacing these with simpler, straight-lined designs to impart a more contemporary and polished look to the entry or porch area. By addressing these five specific areas, homeowners can effectively update their front yards, enhancing curb appeal and ensuring their homes reflect a modern and inviting aesthetic. #FrontYardDesign #CurbAppeal #HomeExterior #LandscapingTips #ModernHomeDesign #OutdoorDecor #HomeImprovement #PropertyValue