'Dream Home Makeover': Syd and Shea McGee's tips will help you get the dream decor you've always wanted

Inspired by Studio McGee to give your own home a makeover? These tips are just what you've been looking for
Shea and Syd McGee (Netflix)
Shea and Syd McGee (Netflix)

If you feel like redecorating your own home every time you watch an episode of 'Dream Home Makeover', we understand completely, the urge is real. Shea McGee really has a knack for creating stunningly beautiful spaces that spark a sense of both awe and envy. While there are some Shea classic go-tos, such as white paint on everything, accounting for a ton of natural light, wood accents and flooring and mix and matching, there's a lot more that does into creating spaces the way she does. The first step is often being able to break it down visually before you get all creative. If Shea has taught us anything over the past two seasons is that design is a combination of creativity and system. You need to understand the space first. If you're seriously considering a home makeover (it's a great quarantine activity) or just want to shake things up a bit, here are a few tips, tricks, ideas and hacks from ' Dream Home Makeover' and the experts over at Studio McGee themselves.

Make things interesting by using texture



 

Interestingly enough, we see Episode 3 of Season 2 start with Shea and Syd unboxing a statement lamp fixture that's similar to a wicker basket. Instantly you can tell that it would add a lot of character to any room, especially one minimally designed like the way Shea does.

Shea often lets organic pieces like wood and stone keep their natural texture too as it helps create the perfect contrast when seen alongside modern designs.
Studio McGee claims that they often use baskets to style rooms. Elements like these help break the monotony, thanks to its fun texture. While it's functional for storage, accents like baskets help add depth to a place. Which leads to the next tip which is :

Decor should be a combination of functional and pretty



 

Studio McGee prides itself on being anything BUT boring, so the amount of care that goes into picking out interesting elements to spruce up a space is endless. Shea lives by this rule, we see it in both Episode 2 and 4. In Episode 2, Shea adds a fun, industrial-esque tap while in Episode 4, she uses a lovely oaky brown cabinet to display the family's chinaware.

We also often see her place a fruit bowl in the center of an island, adding a pop of color to the room.

Family photos make for lovely decor elements



 

Shea often uses photos while decorating a space, regardless of the space. Photos in general add a warm, homey touch to it all. Studio McGee advice here is pretty clear - photos help make spaces intimate. And while we're often drawn to larger photos, consider smaller pieces instead - it lets you get creative with frames.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The ‘All’s Fair’ cast return for a second season of divorce cases and personal drama. Here’s when new episodes arrive, where to watch and what to know about before the finale.
2026-11-04T16:46:27.000Z
'Batman: Knightfall Part 2' unveils a first-look clip as Azrael takes up the cowl after Bruce Wayne is left paralyzed by Bane.
2026-11-04T16:27:06.000Z
Owen Wilson returns to the green in ‘Stick’ Season 2. Here’s your guide to Apple TV’s weekly episode rollout, streaming details and finale date.
2026-11-04T15:48:30.000Z
'Trinity,' starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Richard Madden, follows a naval officer who suspects the US Secretary of Defense is at center of a conspiracy.
2026-11-04T15:21:56.000Z
An upcoming ‘Chicago Fire’ episode welcomes a familiar face from ‘Chicago Med,’ marking a One Chicago milestone.
2026-11-04T14:59:11.000Z
Milo Ventimiglia and Justin Hartley could reunite on 'Tracker,' with the show’s producers also discussing bringing 'This Is Us' stars together.
2026-11-04T13:58:31.000Z
After tracking down F.R.I.D.A.Y., Ultron presents himself as an ally
2026-11-04T08:47:31.000Z
'VisionQuest' reveals the Client's real identity, and it is deeply connected to Ultron
2026-11-04T07:14:07.000Z
'VisionQuest' features Paul Bettany playing three characters in Episode 7 titled 'Immolation'
2026-11-04T05:39:20.000Z
‘Phony’ episode 4 deepens the mystery surrounding Ellen’s identity as Sonny investigates rumors of a dead body buried in the woods
2026-11-04T03:54:30.000Z