One show that I have been loving lately on Netflix is Dream Home Makeover. The show follows dream team couple Syd and Shea McGee of the well-known interior design firm, Studio McGee. I love watching them help their clients incorporate their unique styles into their dream homes. As an interior design expert myself, it’s always fun to watch how other professionals tackle the process. Join me as I revisit some of my favorite makeovers from the show.
Moody and Bright
In episode 1 of Dream Home Makeover, the McGee Team was challenged to redesign a large underutilized space for a couple. The couple wanted a place they could be proud of and bring guests to entertain. They also wanted the room to be both moody and bright. I love how the McGee Team accomplished this. They chose the perfect shade of navy for the board and batten to keep things moody. To add just the right amount of brightness, they left the top part of the wall white. The walls are proof that wood paneling is making a comeback.
I think it’s genius how Shea and Syd transformed this large room into three distinct rooms. One of my favorite changes they made was the fireplace. The original fireplace was set in stone and asymmetrical. The team made adjustments so that the fireplace was symmetrical, making it a great focal point for the dining room.
Bachelor Pad Upgrade
In Episode 3, the McGee team helped a London transplant upgrade his bachelor pad by transforming the movie room in his basement. Before the makeover, he hacked together his own DIY screen. Studio McGee replaced it with a 110-inch screen. They added paneling and cabinetry and painted it all a dark navy to keep the right mood for a theater.
For more home theater inspiration, check out this post.
They may have had a lot of trouble bringing in the cognac sectional into this small basement, but it was totally worth it. I love the plaid carpeting they chose for the room. The UK flag as an ode to the homeowner’s roots was an excellent touch.
Mid-century Home in the Hills
In episode 4, Studio McGee made over a mid-century home for a couple in the hills of Los Angeles. In the beginning, Shea met a lot of resistance from the wife about the suggested design changes. I admired how Shea worked to build and earn her trust. I love how the team incorporated the modern bohemian look that the couple was dreaming about.
One of my favorite changes in the home was the kitchen. I love the black and gold cabinetry with the marble walls. One of the design debates was whether to use marble or wooden shelves. I’m so happy they went with the wood because it looks stunning and truly warms up the space.
Modernizing a Historic Barn Home
In episode 5, the McGee team was challenged to work on the oldest house they ever had to renovate, a historic barn home. The homeowners wanted to make the interior look less like a cabin. The goal was to make it modern without compromising the historical elements of the home.
Shea accomplished this by keeping most of the beautiful wooden beams and structures. To make it more modern they whitewashed the wooden ceilings. They replaced the old stair railings with metal, which I love.
Dream Family Kitchen
For the last episode of Season 1, Studio McGee had 90 days to do a complete kitchen redesign. The homeowners hosted family gatherings often and didn’t like how the kitchen separated sections of their home. The original kitchen didn’t have a great flow to it.
Shea and her team got rid of the awkward angles and created a large island in the center. The team created an opening in the kitchen wall to connect the different areas of the home. My favorite part of the kitchen is the backsplash tiles. I love how the tiles are a mix of white and gray. It makes this all-white kitchen a little more unique.
I hope you enjoyed exploring my favorite moments from Dream Home Makeover. I know it gave me a lot of design inspiration. What were some of your favorite moments from the show?
Warmly,
Megan