In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Shea McGee needs no introduction. The Salt Lake City designer and author of The Art of Home has gained international fame for her rustic yet modern approach to interiors. “I like spaces that feel cozy,” she tells Business of Home. “So I incorporate lots of warmth and natural materials into large spaces.”
Currently in the midst of renovating her own home, McGee designed her mood board with the lofty living room in mind. “Our entryway is very intimate—the ceilings are about 10 feet high—but when you walk under a barrel arch and into the living room, they rise to 25 feet,” she says.
A tactile assortment of organic textiles and earthy finishes draws the scheme together, but not without the occasional zip of a rich blue hue. “There’s a dimensional quality to the flat lay,” says McGee. “Pieces that are meant to be touched and that have a story behind them.”
Here, the designer breaks down the details—from brass scissors to ceramic bud vases.
1. RUPERT LEATHER LETTER TRAY BY MCGEE & CO.
“This tray is both functional as a catchall and beautiful in a rich, camel-colored leather.”
2. BLANCHE PEWTER PICTURE FRAME BY MCGEE & CO.
“I love having personal moments throughout my home. Every time I pass by this beautiful pewter frame, I’m taken back to that moment with my family.”
3. VINTAGE ARTWORK FROM ETSY
“This tiny vintage landscape art piece was sourced from Etsy. I love the depth it provides with its thick brush strokes. The muted palette fits the vibe of my living room.”
4. SQUARED BRASS SCISSORS BY MCGEE & CO.
“These brass scissors are a simple styling accessory that is tactile and introduces an element of patina and age. I love styling with objects that are meant to be picked up and touched.”
5. VINTAGE BRASS BELLS
“A trio of vintage brass bells are a conversation piece used for styling. I love the depth their patina provides visually.”
6. TRAVERTINE MARBLE BOWL BY MCGEE & CO.
“In an effort to bring in more natural materials, this travertine bowl pulls double duty. The thick edge carries a lot of visual weight, and I love how the realness of the bowl, with its uneven and pebbled surface, acts like a piece of art.”
7. VAGABOND IN NO. ZFVGBWN-03 BY ZAK+FOX
“This is a Zak+Fox fabric that I used to reupholster a vintage ottoman.”
8. BYRON CHAIR IN CHAI UPHOLSTERY SAMPLE BY MCGEE & CO.
“I’ll be bringing two of these into my living room in our chai mohair velvet.”
9. VINTAGE MAGNIFYING GLASS
“This magnifying glass serves only one purpose—as a piece of visual interest.”
10. LAFAYETTE PILLOW COVER BY MCGEE & CO.
“The delicate floral pattern of this linen pillow cover is the perfect combination of whimsy and sophistication. I love how block printed fabric isn’t perfect, but rather you can see the touch of the artisan who made it.”
11. WILHELMINA SLIPCOVER SOFA UPHOLSTERY SAMPLE BY MCGEE & CO.
“I will be using this slipcovered sofa to complete the U-shaped arrangement. It’s important to mix the legs of your furniture pieces. In this scheme, one is a swivel, one has exposed legs and the last one is a tailored slipcover that meets the rug.”
12. BARDEN SOFA UPHOLSTERY SAMPLE BY MCGEE & CO.
“This sofa will be flanking the Byron chairs—I love how the playful tufted cushions pair with the classic styling of the wood and brass-capped legs.”
13. VINTAGE CERAMIC BUD VASE
“It’s all in the details. This small ceramic bud vase I picked up during my travels fits the overall vibe of the space with its rich textural quality and of-the-earth materials.”
14. VINTAGE MATCH HOLDER
“A simple match holder adds one more texture to the space. Layering is essential when you’re creating a space that feels sophisticated and thoughtful.”
Homepage photo: A flat lay by Shea McGee | Courtesy of Studio McGee
