About Shea McGee
Shea McGee is a household name in the world of modern interior design, celebrated for her ability to create spaces that feel both elevated and inviting. As the founder of Studio McGee, Shea has profoundly shaped contemporary American interiors with her signature blend of classic and approachable aesthetics. Studio McGee’s meteoric rise—launched in 2014 alongside husband Syd McGee—has led to hundreds of design projects across the country, the birth of the McGee & Co. retail brand, and more than five million social media followers. Shea’s mass appeal is further cemented by her hit Netflix series, “Dream Home Makeover,” now entering its third season, where she brings her vision to life for families of all types and tastes.
Central to Shea McGee’s philosophy is the belief that beautiful, high-end design should not be reserved for the elite. She advocates for an accessible, practical approach to styling a home—one that champions functionality, lived-in comfort, and attainable luxury. This commitment to democratizing good design underpins all her ventures, and it is exactly why “The Art of Home: A Designer Guide to Creating an Elevated Yet Approachable Home” stands out among today’s home decorating books. Shea’s expert eye, authentic voice, and proven ability to translate design principles into actionable steps make this book a must-consider for anyone seeking a harmonious and welcoming home environment.
Overview of The Art of Home
“The Art of Home” is more than just a collection of pretty pictures—it’s a comprehensive, 408-page manual crafted to guide readers through the process of designing every major room in the house. Published by Harper Horizon in September 2023, the book quickly earned the distinction of New York Times Bestseller and rose to the #1 spot in Home Decorating on Amazon. Its success is a testament to both Shea’s credibility and the widespread appetite for design resources that are as functional as they are inspirational.
This product is designed for a broad audience, from design novices eager to elevate their first apartment to seasoned homeowners looking to refresh their living spaces. It aims to be both a practical resource—filled with step-by-step guides, project examples, and actionable tips—and a visual centerpiece, worthy of display on any coffee table or bookshelf. With detailed chapters dedicated to entryways, living rooms, kitchens, offices, kids’ rooms, and utility spaces, it covers a remarkable breadth of the home while remaining grounded in Shea’s signature style: elevated, yet always approachable.
Book Design and Presentation
Physically, “The Art of Home” is as substantial as it is beautiful. Measuring 9.24 by 1.53 by 11.27 inches and weighing a solid 5.2 pounds, it commands presence on any surface—making it an ideal coffee table book. The hardcover edition exudes a minimalist, modern charm, with an understated cover and spine that pair effortlessly with a range of décor styles, from Scandinavian-inspired spaces to classic and transitional interiors. The tactile quality is immediately noticeable, with thick, high-quality paper that resists dog-earing and brings vibrancy to the book’s full-color photography.
The binding is robust, engineered to withstand repeated flipping and browsing—a necessity for a book that promises to be both a visual reference and a decorative staple. Numerous users have praised the book’s build, noting that it holds its form even after months of being stacked, displayed, or leafed through by guests. However, a small percentage of reviewers have reported issues with shipping and packaging, stating that their copies arrived with bent corners or minor damage due to insufficient protection during transit. Still, the overwhelming majority find the book pristine and well-suited for both display and practical use.
From a design perspective, “The Art of Home” succeeds in every aspect: it’s visually arresting, durably constructed, and sized to make an impression. Whether layered atop other decorative books, propped upright on a shelf, or laid flat for guests to peruse, it elevates the look of any room while inviting conversation and exploration.
Content Organization
Shea McGee’s expertise is evident not only in her design sensibility, but also in the logical, reader-friendly structure of this book. The content flows seamlessly from foundational design principles to detailed explorations of specific rooms, mirroring the natural journey most homeowners take when styling their spaces. Each chapter is anchored by a particular area of the home—entryways, living rooms, kitchens, offices, children’s rooms, and utility spaces—with step-by-step guidance for analyzing, planning, and executing design projects in each.
What sets this product apart is its blend of actionable instruction with personal narrative. Shea weaves her own stories and professional experiences throughout, helping readers understand not just the “how” but the “why” behind each choice. The step-by-step guides are detailed yet accessible, breaking potentially overwhelming projects into manageable parts. The use of bullet points, checklists, and clear subheadings ensures that even the most inexperienced decorator can follow along without feeling lost.
Many customer reviews highlight the clarity of Shea’s voice and the practical nature of her advice. One user notes that the “organization makes it easy to find and apply concepts,” while another emphasizes how the structure facilitated real-life home upgrades. For those seeking both inspiration and clear instruction, “The Art of Home” excels as a teaching tool and motivational resource.
Key Features and Highlights
Among the many features that make this book a standout in its genre, several are especially noteworthy:
Full-Color Photography: Nearly every page is adorned with lush, professionally shot images, capturing the essence of Shea’s projects with clarity and warmth. These visuals serve not only to inspire, but also to illustrate key design concepts and demonstrate real-world applications.
Real-Life Project Examples: Shea pulls back the curtain on actual Studio McGee designs, offering readers an inside look at her creative process. The inclusion of before-and-after shots, floor plan diagrams, and material selections helps bridge the gap between high-level inspiration and practical execution.
Actionable Design Tips: Each chapter includes concrete advice for creating spaces that balance style and comfort. Shea demystifies intimidating topics like color theory, furniture selection, and lighting, always grounding her suggestions in practicality. Whether you’re arranging a gallery wall or selecting the right rug, you’ll find step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips.
Personal Stories and Epilogue: The book’s epilogue and scattered anecdotes add a personal touch, reinforcing Shea’s empathy and passion for helping others create welcoming homes. These stories humanize the process and create a sense of camaraderie with the reader.
Unique Elements: Features such as the “Design Process” overview at the outset, curated product spotlights, and a well-chosen mix of high and low-budget ideas distinguish this book from others in the category. It’s equally valuable for readers seeking a single statement piece and those embarking on a top-to-bottom home transformation.
User Experience and Practical Value
The true litmus test of any design guide is its impact on real homes—and “The Art of Home” delivers resoundingly positive results according to over 2,500 Amazon reviews, averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars. Verified buyers frequently praise the book’s ability to inspire bold changes and thoughtful upgrades in their living spaces. One reviewer shares, “It’s not only good for décor but the content in the book itself has great home décor inspo! Great for a coffee table book!”
Examples abound of readers using Shea’s advice to reimagine entryways, declutter cluttered family rooms, and experiment with paint or accent pieces. Both beginners and seasoned decorators find value here; some note that the step-by-step breakdowns demystified intimidating projects, while professionals appreciate the nuanced approach to layering textures and balancing scale.
Notably, the book is as much a tactile, decorative object as it is a resource. Many users display it prominently in living rooms, on coffee tables, or as part of a stacked book vignette. It consistently garners compliments from guests and sparks conversations about design. The book’s versatility is evident—it serves as a go-to reference during a renovation, a source of daily inspiration, and a finishing touch in styled spaces.
While a handful of users experienced delivery issues (bent corners or scuffed covers), these concerns are largely attributed to packaging rather than the book itself. For the vast majority, this product arrives as promised and quickly becomes an indispensable part of the home.
Visual Inspiration
Perhaps the most immediate impact of “The Art of Home” is its breathtaking visual presentation. The photography is not only beautiful but thoughtfully curated, presenting a diverse array of rooms, color palettes, and styles. From sun-drenched, minimalist kitchens to moody, layered living rooms, the book offers an impressive breadth of looks—each one grounded in Shea’s commitment to comfort and timeless appeal.
Readers consistently comment on how these images spark fresh ideas. One reviewer describes it as “a source of inspiration to renew my home,” while others note how flipping through the pages encourages them to experiment with new layouts, materials, or color combinations. The imagery also functions as a practical learning tool, showing rather than telling how to achieve specific effects.
Importantly, the visuals are not limited to grand, high-budget spaces. Shea showcases a spectrum of homes and budgets, reinforcing her belief that style is attainable for everyone. For readers seeking both aesthetic inspiration and actionable steps, the synergy between text and photography is invaluable.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional print and binding quality; durable enough for daily use and prominent display
- Visually stunning, with rich full-color photography throughout
- Clear, organized content suitable for all experience levels
- Actionable, practical advice grounded in real-world design scenarios
- Personal stories and approachable tone make the content relatable
- Versatile as both a reference guide and a decorative object
- Broad coverage of room types, ensuring relevance for most homeowners
Cons:
- Some customers reported shipping issues resulting in minor damage; packaging may need improvement
- The size and weight, while ideal for display, may make reading in bed or on the go somewhat cumbersome
- Those seeking ultra-advanced design theory or highly technical architectural detail may find it geared more toward mainstream audiences
- Occasional reports of fingerprints or smudging on the cover due to its matte finish
Overall, the advantages far outweigh the drawbacks. Most negatives relate to handling and delivery rather than the quality of the book’s content or design.
Final Recommendation
In summary, “The Art of Home: A Designer Guide to Creating an Elevated Yet Approachable Home” by Shea McGee lives up to the considerable hype. It is a superbly crafted book that delivers both inspiration and instruction in equal measure, making it a valuable addition to any home—whether you are embarking on a full-scale renovation or simply refreshing your décor.
This product is ideally suited for homeowners, renters, design enthusiasts, and professionals alike. Its approachable tone, actionable advice, and visual richness make it stand out in a crowded field of decorating guides. The price point offers excellent value given the book’s length, quality, and enduring appeal as a display piece. While minor shipping concerns exist, the experience for most buyers is overwhelmingly positive.
For anyone looking to transform a house into a home—or simply enjoy a beautifully made coffee table book that sparks creativity and conversation—this guide comes highly recommended. It’s not just a book; it’s an invitation to imagine, experiment, and truly enjoy your living space.
