Designer Shea McGee always sets the bar high when it comes to design but with the reveal of her festive home makeover, it's fair to say she's outdone herself this season with a timeless yet on-trend approach.
Shea's home radiates elegance and festivity, it is a true dream house that entices guests with its traditional, cozy holiday charm. The founder of Studio Mcgee, treated Instagram to a tour of her home, walking through her rooms and talking her followers through how she decorated this year.
We all have our own traditions and when we like to decorate for the holidays, but Shea explains that for her, the Christmas decorating happens just before Thanksgiving. 'Everyone has their own idea of when the perfect time to decorate is, but I love starting just before Thanksgiving. It sets a warm, cozy tone and makes sure the house feels festive and ready for when guests arrive.'
Let's take the full tour...
Shea has fused just the right amount of festive decor into her home. The result is a classically American Christmas wonderland that evokes charm and sophistication.
A whimsical entrance
Christmas garlands aren't just for mantelpieces, they create such a classic holiday look when strung around a porch. Draping a garland around the door frame adds a textural element that ties in with your wreath.
There are no restrictions on what garland you use, but Shea goes for a classic green leafy pine garland, that elegantly frames the front entrance. A top tip is to measure the area you're decorating, and then purchase and cut your garland accordingly.
If garlands won't work in your space, you can still add some luscious greenery in the form of a potted evergreen place on either side of your door. And pinch Shea's look by adding in some large lanterns amongst the trees.
Shea goes for these fluffy garlands around the porch's pillars and front door. They pair well with pretty much any Christmas accessory.
The Gilson Lantern is timeless and will make a sophisticated addition to your front porch that doesn't have to go after Christmas.
Taking shape like a mini Christmas tree, this Norway plant couldn't be more similar to a real spruce.
A festive dining room with a perfectly laid table
Filled to the brim with festive goodies and cozy furnishings, Shea has gone all out with her Christmas dining room. Hosting is such a big part of the holidays and these rooms see a lot of action so should be decorated for the occasion.
Shea explains that to give her dining room a more festive feel she made a simple switch. 'I swapped out the pillows on my upholstered dining chairs for a holiday-themed one, and I love how it adds a beautiful berry tone to the space.'
This room is also all about the festive foliage. An unconventional way of incorporating foliage indoors, Shea pops large wreaths on the windows. Interestingly, she also uses mini wreaths on the backs of each chair, which frame and set each guest's place at the table. In Shea's reel, she also positions a wreath on top of a mirror that hangs above the sideboard. This is a great style tip if you want your wreath to feel fuller and larger.
Shea uses these cute little Blueberry & Juniper wreaths on her chairs, making the table look unified and grand. Try hanging these on framed pictures too to add a touch of festivity to any room.
Gingham is a classic print, reminiscent of cozy country cottages. This Nevelyn Fringed Tablecloth is maroon and cream, which makes it the perfect base to match red and green Christmas decorations with.
Try placing these broderie cushions around your dining table for a whimsical, cozy touch. White pairs well with any color, so go for it with your table's Christmas decor.
An inviting entryway
Shea says, 'I love decorating with antique silver for the holidays, because it makes my home feel more charming and nostalgic. I used antique silver pieces throughout my entire home from my entryway to my Christmas Tree.' You can see Shea's gone for some antique-style candles that match the silver mirror and metallic tree ornaments.
She's also placed another wreath on the mirror to make a dramatically festive centerpiece that sits above and frames the sideboard.
Festive foliage around every entrance
Wrapping a garland around a doorway is an easy way to add a festive flourish to more practical rooms like entryways, or in the kitchen as Shea has done here.
Shea has woven dried oranges throughout this leafy garland. You can style garlands however you like by adding flowers, fruits, or a string of lights. Her expert tip is, 'When styling garland in an open-concept space, I recommend sticking to no more than two different styles to keep the look cohesive and balanced.' Shea uses the Faux Winter Evergreen Garland around this entryway and weaves a dried orange garland within it for a pop of color.
Remember to place adhesive or garland hooks around your designated area so it hangs securely all season.
The ultimate cozy living room
Shea's living room doesn't just house the tree. She has also decorated the mantel and her coffee table to create a really cozy and inviting set up, that sits so naturally with the rest of the room's scheme.
Let's start with the Christmas tree. Shea has opted for a neutral and metallic color palette, using a variety of McGee & Co ornaments. Very on trend this season, she's incorporated a variety of velvet bows and hanging icicle ornaments amongst the branches. The combination of them together creates a dramatic draped effect that catches the light and gives the tree variation.
Going for the ultimate pairing of a garland and stockings, Shea's mantel is decked out with all the classic Christmas motifs. Shea combines several garlands around the fireplace to create a really full look. Interestingly, she brings the garland up in the middle, to create a unique border that falls perfectly at the edges.
Create a memorable ornament for future Christmases with this Tassel Picture Frame Ornament. It's easy to slot your favorite photo inside so it can hang proudly on your tree.
Shea uses a classic green garland like this one around her mantel, door frames and porch. Pair this one with lights or other foliage for a real wintery feel.
Adding metallic tones is a good way to vary a color palette. Shea uses candle holders on both her mantel and dining table, and says she loves antique-style pieces.
A cozy farmhouse kitchen adorned in greenery
As you can see, foliage is a common theme throughout the house. A top tip is to use repeated elements (like garlands or wreaths) to create a unified look that encompasses Christmas.
Shea's kitchen is reminiscent of the classic farmhouse style that involves a variety of textures and materials. She says, 'I love going all out with holiday decor throughout my home, but in the kitchen, I take a more subtle approach to keep the space easy to cook in.'
Shea has used the classic garland technique around the door frame, creating festivity in a more neutral area. She's paired it back compared to the living and dining spaces but has hung some wreaths above the oven and on the back door.
Arranging seasonal foliage in a vase is an easy and sophisticated way of bringing Christmas into the kitchen area while still keeping things practical. Shea has used typical festive colors by selecting red flowers and berries. The McGee & Co Maple Leaf Stem evokes autumnal vibes with its dark burgundy leaves.
Shea's home is filled with chic and classic holiday decorations and her tour has made it all the easier to replicate in your own home. Bonus – Shea's own store, McGee & Co. is currently offering up to 50% off for Cyber Weekend so you can shop all the pieces she used around her own home for less.
