The Truth About Shea And Syd McGee From Dream Home Makeover
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Netflix binges are a way of life now, thanks to social distancing, and the latest reality series on the streaming service, interior design show, Dream Home Makeover, already has fans wanting more. More episodes, and more from husband and wife design team Shea and Syd McGee and their adorable daughters, Wren and Ivy (via O Magazine). Watch out Chip and Joanna Gaines, there's a new renovation and design power couple in town and fans are loving them.
What started out as a simple documentation on social media of the renovation of the couple's studio apartment in Southern California back in 2013, resulted in the launch of the duo's design company Studio McGee, a furniture and decor brand, McGee & Co., an Instagram fan base of 2.2 million followers, and a Netflix series that launched on October 16 per Decider. With the simple philosophy of "Make Life Beautiful," the McGees are taking their light and airy design style to the masses by reminding fans that interior decorating and remodeling is for every home, every style and every budget. Shea McGee explained to US Magazine, "It does not matter the size of your home, you can incorporate design principles that we're using at any scale. One of my best tips, I feel like half the time is just clearing stuff out ... and get baskets!"
Shea and Syd McGee met when they were both in college
Shea McGee grew up in Texas, and moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University. During her first week at school she went to visit her brother who was attending nearby Utah Valley University. Much to the chagrin of her brother, she was instantly drawn to his roommate, Syd McGee.
In the couple's upcoming book, Make Life Beautiful, Shea recalls, (via O Magazine), "My brother said, 'My buddy Syd will be there and you're going to like him, but don't, because he's my friend.' As I pulled into the lot, I knew I was in trouble. There Syd was on a skateboard, wearing the skinniest skinny jeans I had ever seen. We went on our first date the next night."
Inseparable ever since, the couple married in 2008, and moved to Southern California into what Shea McGee now calls a "crappy" one bedroom apartment, per House Beautiful. It was there that the design mogul began to explore her creative side, however, and according to the Studio McGee website, "Shea realized that design was where her heart was, so she changed careers."
The pair eventually moved back to Utah where they documented the renovation of their home on social media — and just like that, their Studio McGee brand and business was born.
Shea and Syd McGee work so well together because they play off each other's strengths
Considered by many in the industry as a fairy tale success story, their rise to success and fame was quick, but the McGees worked very hard to achieve their goals. In the first six years of business, before a reality show was even a possibility, the couple was featured in Architectural Digest, Domino, House Beautiful, and Vogue Living, a feat most designers work a lifetime to achieve (via SchoolHouse).
What's the secret to their success? They play off each other's strengths: Shea handles the creative side of the business, and Syd runs the day-to-day as acting CEO, per Realtor.com. As proud husband Syd described to O Magazine, "Shea's superpower is her undying love for design. We always joke, Are you going to run out of ideas? She always comes up with so much stuff — it's amazing. Pair that with her sheer work ethic and determination, that combination is incredible to behold. I do my best to support and keep up with that." Not to be outdone, Shea gushes of her husband's business acumen, "He really listens, but also leads with strength."
Fans are hoping for more color and diversity in future episodes
Season 2 of Dream Home Makeover released on New Year's Day, and although, as People reported, Covid made filming and renovating a tricky process, highlighting that they were left with "a skeleton crew and plenty of iPhone footage from the McGees in order to be in line with Covid protocol." They were able to put 6 episodes together. Shea revealed to the outlet, "It was definitely quieter, but thanks to technology, we made it work!"
For fans, after the success and popularity of season 1, it may not have been enough, however. The rapid growth in their social media followers since the show's airing proves that fans enjoy watching the McGees, but online complaints seem to center around Shea's style lacking diversity, and personal input from the homeowners.
Reddit user honestly_oopsiedaisy explained, "In regards to their designs, they're nice but they all seem the same... Everything was fairly the same as designs in other episodes. To me, there just doesn't seem to be anything especially creative or thoughtful in terms of the furniture or accessories used, while the designs of built ins and stuff are cool and thoughtful. But everything just looks fairly trendy and so far, there doesn't seem to be much variation. Also, it's always light wood! What about the beautiful dark wood furniture?" Reddit user kamih9 simply stated, "Just hoping she would ONE time just do something a bit different. Ugh."
Season 3 could happen as soon as this summer
Aside from the complaints about the design style being a bit homogeneous, Dream Home Makeover has been a huge hit for Netflix. According to Google Analytics, 85% of viewers like the show. Good viewership and positive feedback means a third season is likely, although according to The Cinemaholic, no official announcement has been made from either Netflix or Studio McGee.
As they point out, however, season 1 made its debut in October, and season 2 followed just 4 months later in January. That means, for fans anxiously awaiting more from this dynamic design team, a new season could be as close as this summer!
To stay competitive in the interior design world, Shea and Syd McGee will have to start showcasing a different side to their design and studio, and a third season of their show would be the perfect platform to bring something new to the table. They've already got two adorable little girls as the perfect co-hosts, a successful home furnishing line at Target, and a devoted fan base ready to cheer them on!