As someone who’s obsessed with interiors, I’m confronted daily with jaw-droppingly beautiful homes that are enviably large and spacious. From shingle beach homes to colossal ranches, my social media feed and my inbox are filled with inspiration, but these projects are huge in scale, with rooms that are much larger than my own. How can I create the same luxurious feel in a smaller space?
Interior designer Shea McGee is a designer whose projects I swoon over, but even she acknowledges that they are big spaces. So in a recent video she asked one of her most frequently asked quetsions, how do you create this same look when you are decorating a small room?
As part of her ‘Office Hours’ series on Instagram, Shea was posed with a question: ‘I love Studio McGee’s signature aesthetic, but my home is much smaller than those in your portfolio. Do you have any tips for getting the look in a small footprint?’
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Her response was simple; a good set of core design values can be applied to any home, even with the smallest of footprints. These were the four key takeaways to create her iconic luxury but laid-back style in a smaller space.
1. Choose furniture with subtle details
(Image credit: McGee & Co.)
From The Oaks Project to the Summit Estate, Shea has designed some pretty impressive properties. When posed with the idea of replicating the Studio McGee look in a smaller home, Shea responded, ‘I love this question because all of the same principles we use when designing our large estate homes can be applied in a smaller scale.’
The first thing to bear in mind when channeling Shea’s modern heritage style is furniture. She says, ‘I look at shapes of furniture. I’m going with classic foundational pieces that have subtle details.’ Whether it’s a sofa with a curved back or a low-slung armchair, pieces that are understated with interest are the secret to a high-end scheme in a small space. You want to avoid overly simple, minimal furniture and opt for classic shapes. It’s all about hunting for pieces that feel artisanal rather than generic.
Colin King Acacia Wood 3-Leg Side Table (14″)
This petit wooden stool feels classic in style but still interesting. It’s simple, but its smooth surface and organic shape make it a lasting piece that will level up any reading nook or bedside.
The Clegg Chair is an elegant style that’s interesting without overwhelming. With a unique arm shape and iron feet, it’s bound to make a living room feel sophisticated and refined.
Sconset Side Table (Black Marble)
You can count on marble to elevate a space, and this Sconset side table will do just that and more. Decorate it with a bud vase and a stack of books for an eclectic and timeless arrangement.
2. Incorporate vintage accents – always
(Image credit: Studio McGee)
The second principle that Shea swears by for a small space (or any space for that matter) is decorating with vintage. No matter the size of your space, Shea says adding preloved touches will make your home feel characterful, eclectic, and one-of-a-kind.
She says, ‘I’m looking at mixing in vintage always, whether you’re looking at a small, tiny piece of vintage art for a small space or a little vintage stool you can incorporate; those go in homes, regardless of the size.’
Even if your scheme edges on the minimalistic style, adding a small vintage accent, such as an ornate picture frame or wall mirror, will elevate your space and give it some variety that contrasts beautifully with newer decor.
Shea says vintage accents like tiny art will always elevate a space. This framed print feels like a true gem; it’s whimsical yet sophisticated and will cheer up any wall it’s placed on.
You can’t beat a vintage style mirror. They bring life to your walls and provide a sense of dimension and depth. This classic style is simple but still interesting. Its unique shape and wood frame make it a timeless piece that will stand proud for years.
Shea says vintage stools are a no-brainer buy that she always incorporates in her design projects. This one feels like an antique; its bobbin legs and dark finish make it an elegant choice.
3. Layer up the textures
(Image credit: McGee & Co.)
Texture in interior design is a staple. Shea swears by this technique when designing a small space. She says that layering materials will help to create a timeless scheme that feels curated and cozy.
She says, ‘I’m looking at a lot of texture mixing. If I’m using linens in a space, I’m always going to incorporate some natural, rougher textures like a basketweave or a jute, and that will help you get that signature aesthetic.’
If you’re an avid fan of Studio McGee like me, you’ll know she’s a pro at combining soft textures with harder ones. Take Shea McGee’s living room remodel, where she created a bright and airy lounge decorated with pale cottons and mixed them with dark wood.
Marinella Oversized Waffle Throw
A waffle throw will give a bed or sofa some much-needed texture and contrast. This dark brown style radiates warmth and luxury and would look best paired with some patterned gingham pillows.
Bellevue Velvet Pillow Cover
Velvet is a luxurious texture that beautifully contrasts with rougher materials like rattan or jute. Pair this classic style with a linen sofa and jute rug for a considered, Shea-inspired arrangement.
It’s not just soft furnishings that can provide texture; basketweave decor creates the perfect punch against lighter materials. Shea swears by this style when decorating as it gives a scheme the right amount of variety.
4. Add a romantic flourish
(Image credit: McGee & Co.)
Last but by no means least, Shea says she always strives to incorporate a romantic flourish into her spaces, and this works in small spaces too. Whether it’s a living room given some whimsy with a charming ditsy print on an armchair or a farmhouse kitchen with a dose of romance in the form of an ornate wrought iron table, these decadent touches give a space enduring elegance.
Shea is known for her modern farmhouse style, so it’s inevitable that you’ll find a romantic country-style accent in her designs. She says, ‘I always love to bring a little romance into all of my projects, even the modern ones. A subtle floral print or a big floral print, they both go a long way.’
Estelle Block Print Tablecloth
Create a Shea-approved tablescape with this block printed floral tablecloth that radiates romance and charm. Pair it with gold accents like cutlery and candle holders for a stylish set up that entices guests.
Isolde Velvet Block Print Pillow Cover
Shea says she likes to incorporate floral prints wherever she can. This dark and moody textured pillow cover is the perfect way to add some opulence and romance to a room without going too pastiche.
50 x 60″ Throw Allover Jacquard Floral Multi Color – Threshold™ Designed with Studio McGee
This jacquard throw feels like a vintage find. Woven with muted colors in a bold floral design, it’s a romantic and charming accessory that will elevate any sofa or armchair.
Shea’s four design principles can be applied to any home, no matter the size. Her projects may mostly be large scale, but her signiture design style is timeless and versitile and can easily be applied to smaller spaces.