What Studio McGee and Restoration Hardware taught me about design

At a recent holiday, my room overlooked the ostentatious yet magnificent outlet of the famous design store- Restoration Hardware. The concrete loft chic building stood tall through its industrial charade. The opulence met my eyes through slivers of its linear chandeliers that peeked through their stellar windows. I stood in awe, sipping into my golden cappuccino, relishing more of what I saw than drank.

A walk through the store’s manicured gardens reflected the showmanship of the Palace of Versailles. The concept of symmetry greeted me. The mirrors and brass accents under crystal geodes left an impression. The lack of color and restraint through neutrals eased me into a state of luxury. Many times I thought about the correlation between neutrals and luxury. How designers carefully contrasted the softness of the classic white couches with clean lines of mid-century industrial tables. The idea of contrast worked well through texture. The softness made the concrete feel just a little bit harder. Yin and Yang were at play.

The warmth of wooden tables with golden embellishments made me think of Shea McGee’s take on interiors. In a recent interview, she spoke about using restrained palettes with traditional patterns. Mixing designs and letting them work their magic with no formulas. Blending through layering and textures. It seemed to work here through a different format.

As an avid learner of design, I carefully observed two of my favorite interior brands. I could think of five guidelines that made me love what they do. Let’s hope they agree with you as well.

So, here it goes -

Less is more.

This powerful line can be attributed to our lives as well. We don’t necessarily have to infuse our favorite styles from top to bottom in our rooms. Traces of it with fewer objects could do the magic. The idea of starting with a neutral theme and then working with layering through time could give it the elegance of luxury. The monochromatic low slung couches at the Restoration Hardware galleries make it easy for us to linger on the few brass plates that headline a coffee table. The major accessories are mirrors, books, and a few pieces that let the customer move with ease from one room to another.

When we start with less, we can work with additions over time. An airy neutral base could be the perfect start. McGee adds warmth by bringing in pops of color that just feel right as meager add ons. The idea of less will help the person experience a room, leaving space for them to process and enhance at their pace.

Combine Styles with Restraint

Studio McGee’s design could be thought of as classic Biophilic with influences of modern rustic. In many of her projects, we see clean Scandinavian lines, understated Boho prints with tassels against warm oak hardwood floors. Everything merges into one cohesive visual. The layering of patterns helps the feminine become one with the masculine components. Sheer white curtains at Hardware blend seamlessly with the wide array of Italian bedding and Belgian linens.

The trick is to blend one style with another that meets at the center. It gives us time to wonder about the style process. Restraint usually is orchestrated many times to make you feel a certain way. Almost like a hidden sensuality between the product and the customer.

Seek Nature

The two design mediums take on greenery with ease. Scale is amplified through the use of big trees. For example, we see the use of one massive Fiddle leaf tree from the ground to the ceiling in many of their projects. The use of dry flowers in glossy ceramics standout at various McGee households. The idea of using greens as an accessory is inexpensive and the best stand-alone in any setting. The use of soft moss on ceramic planters is a signature look at Hardware that greets the eye from their beautiful walkways.

The use of wicker, rattan, and seagrass could provide warmth to a room. Especially for people who are on the move and need storage solutions. Wooden accents and shades of green imbue a rustic simplicity and understated elegance in our homes. These are without a doubt a favorite part of my design. Having grown up in India, I observed many small-scale businesses using these materials to create the most decadent designs through generations of legacy and craftsmanship.

Seeing these designs cross borders and reaching parts of the West gives me abundant joy and a feeling of pride.

Big is Majestic

A casual glance at their designs and one could get swooned by the use of their oversized ceramics/vessels as potential handicrafts. It's easy to observe a majestic piece at their foyer or on a chest by their luxurious bedstands. Big paintings with long mirrors could also be a great addition to expand the size of a room, giving the room a sense of character through scale. Numerous small-sized artifacts as opposed to bigger statement pieces could lose their importance in a crowd.

Depending on the size of your room or future home you could always think of choosing a piece as a form of investment. A Makrana lamp, Grecian bust, or an ancient carved wooden door could give a room all the magic it needs.

Lighting is powerful

Restoration creates warmth through its layers of lighting. From floor lighting to beam lights, we see terraced light all across their buildings. The Boston outlet of Restoration boasts of nearly 150 plus chandeliers designed by the famous Ross de Alessi. The fact that designers choose curators to design lighting speaks volumes on this aspect of planning. As decor enthusiasts, we could make a note of this fact. For example, the placement of ambient versus task lighting in a certain space could speak volumes on why a certain fixture is designed for a purpose.

Lighting with functionality works on various levels to create a mood for the brand. For example, Restoration uses height and level through sconces and lamp shades to convey an image of luxury through scale. McGee on the other hand displays oversized gold pendants or seagrass fixtures to invite cohesiveness and warmth to their varied designs.

Inspiration is key

Restoration Hardware has worked on its image of presenting a gallery to its customers. It conveys luxury through scale and minimal grandiose for a select audience no doubt but welcomes inspiration for everyone who walks through their doors. McGee too attracts a high clientele but wins the heart of a well-rounded customer base through her relaxed, airy clean vibes.

The two wish to inspire through their approaches. Whether it’s through their paper catalogs or glamorous presets on Instagram, the consumers are drawn into their attempt. The highlight however is their presentation that charms you no matter what. I hope you get equally inspired by all that you see.

As a lover of both these designs, I feel a sense of ease as I walk through their stores. As a customer, I am not yet bored of their ‘Restrained colorlessness or Neutral approach’. I enjoy every bit of information through their beauteous spectacles.

Whether it is symmetry, space, or style, the mind wants to work with a framework of ease. Invite it today, just a little, through design. Restoration and McGee did that for me!