The Best of Studio McGee Exterior Design: Timeless Elegance and Modern Sophistication
Studio McGee, founded by husband-and-wife team Shea and Syd McGee, has become a household name in the world of interior and exterior design. Known for their clean, timeless, and effortlessly stylish aesthetic, Studio McGee has redefined how people approach the design of their homes, both inside and out. Their exterior design work is especially renowned for its blend of classic elements and contemporary touches, creating homes that are as inviting as they are visually stunning.
This article explores the best of Studio McGee’s exterior design, diving deep into the key elements that make their projects stand out. We’ll examine their design philosophy, explore signature features, and highlight some of their most iconic projects. Whether you’re planning to build a new home or looking to refresh your existing exterior, this guide will provide inspiration and insight into creating a beautiful and timeless façade.
Studio McGee’s Design Philosophy
At the core of Studio McGee’s work is a design philosophy that prioritizes simplicity, functionality, and beauty. Their approach to exterior design is characterized by a keen attention to detail, a love for natural materials, and a strong emphasis on creating spaces that feel both elegant and livable. Here are some key principles that define their exterior design philosophy:
Timelessness
Studio McGee’s designs are known for their timeless appeal. Rather than chasing fleeting trends, they focus on creating exteriors that will stand the test of time. This means using classic architectural elements, neutral color palettes, and high-quality materials that age gracefully. The result is a home that looks just as beautiful today as it will in decades to come.
Balance and Proportion
One of the hallmarks of Studio McGee’s exterior designs is their sense of balance and proportion. Whether it’s the symmetry of a front façade or the careful placement of windows and doors, every element is thoughtfully arranged to create a harmonious and pleasing composition. This balance extends to the relationship between the home and its surroundings, ensuring that the architecture complements the landscape.
Natural Materials
Studio McGee has a deep appreciation for natural materials, which play a central role in their exterior designs. Wood, stone, brick, and metal are often used to add texture, warmth, and character to the home’s exterior. These materials not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the home’s durability and connection to the environment.
Indoor-Outdoor Connection
Another key aspect of Studio McGee’s exterior design philosophy is the seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Large windows, sliding glass doors, and thoughtfully designed outdoor living areas create a fluid transition between the interior and exterior of the home. This emphasis on indoor-outdoor living allows homeowners to fully enjoy their surroundings and make the most of their property.
Attention to Detail
Studio McGee’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in every project they undertake. From the selection of hardware and lighting fixtures to the design of outdoor spaces and landscaping, no detail is overlooked. This commitment to craftsmanship and quality ensures that every aspect of the home’s exterior is perfectly executed.
Signature Features of Studio McGee Exterior Design
Studio McGee’s exterior designs are distinguished by several signature features that have become synonymous with their style. These elements contribute to the overall aesthetic and functionality of the home, creating spaces that are both beautiful and practical.
Gabled Roofs and Dormers
Gabled roofs are a common feature in Studio McGee’s exterior designs, adding a classic and timeless look to the home. The clean lines and pitched angles of gabled roofs contribute to the overall symmetry and balance of the design. In many of their projects, gabled roofs are paired with dormers, which not only add visual interest but also bring in natural light to upper-level spaces.
Dormers are small roofed structures that project from the main roof, typically housing windows. They are a signature element in many of Studio McGee’s designs, providing both aesthetic charm and functional benefits. Dormers help break up the roofline, adding depth and dimension to the exterior, while also creating additional space and light inside the home.
Neutral Color Palettes
Studio McGee is known for its use of neutral color palettes in exterior design. Shades of white, gray, beige, and taupe are often used to create a clean, cohesive, and elegant look. These neutral tones not only contribute to the timeless appeal of the home but also allow the natural materials and architectural details to stand out.
In addition to the main color palette, Studio McGee often incorporates contrasting accents, such as black window frames, dark wood doors, or metal roofing. These accents add depth and sophistication to the design, creating a striking yet understated appearance.
Shaker-Style Siding and Board-and-Batten
Shaker-style siding and board-and-batten are two exterior cladding techniques frequently used by Studio McGee. Shaker-style siding consists of overlapping horizontal wooden panels, which create a textured and layered look. This type of siding is often painted in neutral tones, giving the home a classic and welcoming appearance.
Board-and-batten, on the other hand, involves the use of wide vertical boards with narrow battens covering the seams. This technique adds vertical lines to the exterior, enhancing the sense of height and structure. Board-and-batten is often used in combination with other siding materials to create visual interest and variety.
Stone Accents and Chimneys
Natural stone is a key material in many of Studio McGee’s exterior designs, often used to accentuate certain areas of the home or as a primary cladding material. Stone adds texture, warmth, and a sense of permanence to the exterior, making it a perfect choice for both traditional and modern designs.
One of the most iconic uses of stone in Studio McGee’s work is in the design of chimneys. A stone chimney serves as a focal point of the exterior, adding a touch of rustic charm and grounding the home in its surroundings. Whether it’s a full stone chimney or stone accents on the lower portion of the exterior, this material brings an organic and timeless quality to the design.
Large Windows and Glass Doors
Maximizing natural light and creating a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces are key goals in Studio McGee’s exterior designs. Large windows and glass doors are often used to achieve these objectives. These features not only flood the interior with natural light but also provide unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
In many of their projects, Studio McGee incorporates floor-to-ceiling windows, French doors, or sliding glass doors that open onto patios, decks, or gardens. This emphasis on transparency and openness enhances the sense of space and makes the home feel more connected to its environment.
Inviting Entryways
The entryway is a focal point of Studio McGee’s exterior designs, setting the tone for the rest of the home. Whether it’s a grand front porch, a cozy entry alcove, or a simple yet elegant front door, the entryway is designed to be welcoming and inviting.
Signature elements of Studio McGee entryways include oversized front doors, often painted in a contrasting color, sidelights or transom windows that allow natural light to enter the foyer, and stylish hardware that adds a touch of sophistication. The entryway is often framed by columns, planters, or lanterns, further enhancing its appeal and creating a sense of arrival.
Thoughtful Landscaping
Landscaping is an integral part of Studio McGee’s exterior designs, contributing to the overall aesthetic and enhancing the home’s curb appeal. Their approach to landscaping is characterized by a balance of structure and natural beauty, with a focus on creating outdoor spaces that are both functional and visually pleasing.
Common landscaping elements in Studio McGee’s designs include manicured lawns, neatly trimmed hedges, gravel pathways, and strategically placed trees or shrubs. Outdoor living spaces, such as patios, courtyards, or garden nooks, are often incorporated into the landscaping plan, providing areas for relaxation and entertainment.
In addition to traditional landscaping elements, Studio McGee often includes unique features such as water fountains, pergolas, or fire pits, which add personality and charm to the outdoor space.
Iconic Studio McGee Exterior Design Projects
Studio McGee has completed numerous projects that showcase their distinctive approach to exterior design. Here are some of the most iconic examples that illustrate their design philosophy and signature features:
The McGee Home
The McGee Home, the personal residence of Shea and Syd McGee, is one of the most iconic examples of their exterior design work. Located in Utah, this home embodies the Studio McGee aesthetic, blending classic elements with modern touches to create a timeless and inviting exterior.
The home features a gabled roof with dormers, shaker-style siding in a soft gray tone, and a contrasting black front door. Large windows and French doors open onto a spacious front porch, creating a seamless connection between the interior and exterior. The use of natural stone on the chimney and foundation adds texture and warmth, while the manicured landscaping enhances the home’s curb appeal.
The McGee Home is a perfect example of how Studio McGee combines traditional and contemporary elements to create a home that is both elegant and livable.
The Dream Home Makeover Project
As part of their popular Netflix series “Dream Home Makeover,” Studio McGee transformed a 1970s home in Salt Lake City into a stunning modern farmhouse. This project showcases their ability to reimagine and elevate existing structures while maintaining the character and charm of the original architecture.
The exterior of the home was completely redesigned with a new roofline, fresh white siding, and board-and-batten accents. Large black-framed windows were added to bring in natural light and create a more open feel. The entryway was enhanced with a new front porch, complete with a wood-paneled ceiling, black lantern-style lighting, and a welcoming front door.
The landscaping was also redesigned to complement the new exterior, with a combination of lush greenery, gravel pathways, and outdoor seating areas. This project is
a testament to Studio McGee’s ability to transform outdated homes into modern, stylish, and functional spaces.
The Park City Modern Mountain Home
Located in Park City, Utah, the Modern Mountain Home is a striking example of how Studio McGee incorporates natural materials and modern design elements into their exterior work. This home is designed to blend seamlessly with its rugged mountain surroundings while offering all the comforts of a modern luxury residence.
The exterior features a mix of natural stone, wood siding, and metal accents, creating a harmonious blend of textures and materials. The use of large windows and glass doors maximizes the stunning mountain views and floods the interior with natural light. The roofline is a combination of gabled and flat sections, adding visual interest and emphasizing the modern aesthetic.
The entryway is framed by stone columns and features a sleek wood door, creating a warm and inviting entrance. The landscaping is designed to be low-maintenance and natural, with native plants and gravel pathways that complement the mountain setting.
This project exemplifies Studio McGee’s ability to create modern exteriors that are both stylish and in harmony with their environment.
The California Coastal Home
Studio McGee’s California Coastal Home project is a perfect example of their ability to create light, airy, and relaxed exteriors that reflect the laid-back vibe of coastal living. This home, located in Southern California, combines classic coastal elements with modern touches to create a fresh and inviting exterior.
The home features a gabled roof with dormers, white board-and-batten siding, and blue shutters that add a pop of color. The front porch is designed for relaxation, with comfortable seating, potted plants, and a swing that invites you to sit and enjoy the ocean breeze.
Large windows and glass doors open onto the backyard, where a beautifully landscaped garden, outdoor dining area, and pool create the perfect setting for entertaining. The use of natural materials like wood and stone adds warmth and texture to the exterior, while the neutral color palette enhances the coastal aesthetic.
This project highlights Studio McGee’s ability to create exteriors that are both elegant and laid-back, perfectly suited to the coastal lifestyle.
Studio McGee’s Influence on Modern Exterior Design Trends
Studio McGee has had a significant influence on modern exterior design trends, with their work inspiring homeowners and designers alike. Here are some of the key trends that have been popularized by Studio McGee:
The Rise of the Modern Farmhouse
One of the most notable trends influenced by Studio McGee is the modern farmhouse aesthetic. This style combines the rustic charm of traditional farmhouses with modern design elements, creating a look that is both nostalgic and contemporary. Key features of the modern farmhouse include gabled roofs, white siding, black-framed windows, and a mix of natural materials like wood and stone.
Studio McGee’s take on the modern farmhouse has inspired countless homeowners to embrace this style, blending the comfort and warmth of a farmhouse with the clean lines and simplicity of modern design.
Neutral Color Palettes with Contrasting Accents
Studio McGee’s use of neutral color palettes with contrasting accents has become a hallmark of modern exterior design. By combining shades of white, gray, and beige with bold accents like black window frames or dark wood doors, they create exteriors that are both sophisticated and eye-catching.
This trend has gained popularity for its versatility and timeless appeal, allowing homeowners to create exteriors that are both classic and modern.
Emphasis on Indoor-Outdoor Living
Studio McGee’s emphasis on indoor-outdoor living has influenced a growing trend towards designing homes that blur the lines between interior and exterior spaces. Large windows, sliding glass doors, and thoughtfully designed outdoor areas are now common features in modern homes, reflecting the desire for a seamless connection with the outdoors.
This trend has also led to an increased focus on creating functional and beautiful outdoor living spaces, such as patios, decks, and gardens, that extend the living area of the home.
The Use of Natural Materials
Studio McGee’s appreciation for natural materials has inspired a trend towards using wood, stone, and metal in exterior design. These materials not only add texture and warmth to the home’s exterior but also contribute to its durability and sustainability.
The trend towards natural materials reflects a growing desire for homes that feel connected to their environment and are built to last.
Conclusion
Studio McGee’s approach to exterior design is characterized by a blend of timeless elegance, modern sophistication, and meticulous attention to detail. Their work has had a significant impact on modern design trends, inspiring homeowners to embrace classic architectural elements, neutral color palettes, and natural materials in their exteriors.
Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, Studio McGee’s designs offer a wealth of inspiration and insight into creating a beautiful, functional, and inviting exterior. By focusing on balance, proportion, and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, Studio McGee continues to set the standard for timeless and sophisticated home design.