New Winter Collection: Shea McGee's Living Room Breakdown

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Choosing Large Furniture Pieces

The foundation of any living room design starts with the largest furniture pieces. In her living space, Shea begins with a classic velvet English roll-arm sofa featuring brass casters, a more traditional piece that adds elegance to the room.

To balance this, she introduces modern Clegg chairs in a textured linen fabric, creating a dynamic contrast between the traditional and modern elements.

At the center of the room, Shea places a large organic modern coffee table with interesting leg details and a round shape.

Not only is this table visually appealing, but it’s also practical—especially for families with children, as the rounded corners provide safety. Shea emphasizes how this round table breaks away from the expected rectangular form, offering a fresh and contemporary feel.

How to Create a Cohesive Color Palette

A key component of the room's design is the Vanderwood rug, which ties the space together with a blend of golden tones, creams, and grays. This rug serves as a neutral yet warm base that allows for the layering of various colors and textures throughout the room.

Shea explains how the pillows and textiles coordinate with the rug, with subtle hints of green, blue, purple, and red. Though the colors are subdued, they bring life and depth to the space. Even in a largely neutral room, these small bursts of color help create a cohesive color palette that feels unified but not flat.

Round Coffee Table Styling Tips

For styling the round coffee table, Shea recommends grouping three sets of objects. On the table, she uses different heights and textures, including a tray filled with objects, a vase, and a set of taper candle holders in a bronze and copper finish. (Priced at $36 they're probably some of the most affordable pieces in the collection.)

This combination of colors and textures adds warmth and visual interest to the room. By using a mix of materials that tie back to other elements in the space, the coffee table becomes a focal point without overwhelming the design.

Bookshelf Styling Tips

The bookshelves behind Shea are another opportunity to tell a personal story through decor. Shea encourages selecting objects that spark a memory or represent personal experiences.

For example, a small horse figurine could remind someone of a cherished memory from a family vacation. Thoughtfully curated objects create a more meaningful and cohesive look.

Shea also advises using picture frames sparingly. While frames are a classic way to display memories, they should be spaced thoughtfully across the shelves to avoid clutter. Balancing personal items with neutral decorative pieces helps maintain the overall design aesthetic while keeping the space personal.

Choosing Decorative Pieces

When choosing decorative pieces, Shea emphasizes the importance of mixing materials and shapes. She points out the vases styled on the bookshelves, which feature varying glaze and handle details. Ranging from $48-88, these vessels are actually very competitively priced compared to other home interior brands.

Shea loves using unexpected objects like a marble hand sculpture or polished stone accents to add an organic touch. Incorporating asymmetrical shapes, such as a woven bowl, alongside glossy ceramics creates textural contrast and visual interest.