Shea McGee's 'East Coast Bones, Desert Soul' Style Is the Decorating Formula I'll Be Copying This Year – Shop 24 Pieces to Get You There

A large open plan living room kitchen area with large neutral couch, linen ottoman, rust red stools and dark green grey accents.

If Nancy Meyers ever swapped the Hamptons for Arizona, I'd imagine her house would look something like this. East Coast tradition isn't usually associated with desert living, but Shea McGee's latest project proves the pairing makes perfect sense.

While one conjures images of traditional architecture, tailored upholstery, and heirloom-inspired details, the other brings to mind sun-baked tones, natural textures, and a connection to the landscape. Yet when the two come together, under the expert eye of Studio McGee, the result feels both timeless and surprisingly fresh.

That's exactly what happened when Shea unveiled Studio McGee's new home in Arizona. In the recently completed home, Shea and her team blended classic East Coast influences with warm hues, layered materials, and the kind of indoor-outdoor living most of us can only dream about.

Designed to age gracefully rather than chase trends, the result is what Shea describes as having 'East Coast bones and a desert soul' – and after seeing the project, it's a decorating formula I'm convinced deserves far more attention.

A 13-foot furniture-inspired island and warm oak cabinetry bring character and timelessness to the heart of the home. (Image credit: Studio McGee / Photography Lucy Call)

The beauty of the aesthetic is that it's less about following a particular interior design style and more about layering the right ingredients. 'East Coast bones, desert soul' is all about contrast. Think warm wood furniture, skirted accent chairs, vintage deco, and blue-and-white ceramics alongside woven textures, aged woods, earthy greens, and collected vintage-inspired details. It's polished, but never precious.

Woven textures, soft desert hues, and comfortable seating transform the games room into a laid-back family retreat. (Image credit: Studio McGee / Photography Lucy Call)

Fortunately, recreating the look doesn't require a custom-built home in Arizona. McGee & Co.'s own collections are an obvious starting point, but brands like Magnolia, Serena & Lily, Lulu and Georgia, and of course, Target's Threshold designed w/ Studio McGee collection, all tap into the same timeless-meets-relaxed mood. From rustic plate racks to house Grandma's collection to tapestries to make an impression in your entry, these are the pieces that help a room feel layered, lived-in, and look just as good a decade from now. Just as Shea intended.

Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

McGee & Co. Hortensia Wall Tapestry Magnolia Quinn Wooden Dish Cabinet Crate and Barrel Unwind Modular 5-Piece U-Shaped Slipcovered Sectional Sofa McGee & Co. Hand Stamped Botanical Bowl Serena & Lily Bolinas Seagrass Dome Pendant Olive Ateliers Milking Stool Classic Un - Sauvignon Anthropologie Spindle Marble-Top Kitchen Island McGee & Co. Orchid Floral Pillow Cover McGee & co. Dark Glazed Ceramic Vase H&M Ruffle-trimmed King/Queen Duvet Cover Set Target Threshold designed with Studio McGee Twisted Metal Upholstered Ottoman Chocolate Brown Zara Home Striped Throw Pillow Cover Lulu and Georgia Rialta Plinth Afloral Artificial Myrtle Leaf Topiary Plant in Cement Pot GreenRow Reclaimed Wood Decorative Pedestal McGee & Co. Maren Swivel Chair The Six Bells Sharland England Hadley Tray Rebecca Udall Celia Dessert Plate, Denim Blue The Pioneer Woman 3-Piece Acacia Wood French Cutting Boards Soho Home Roma Square Ottoman, Linen PINCH London Anders Light Medium McGee & Co. Botanical Study No. 2 McGee & Co Clemence Settee 60" McGee & Co, Alburgh Sconce