The McGee Home Remodel: How We Transformed the Exterior of Our Home

Join Shea McGee and Tyler from Killowen Construction for a behind the scenes look at the exterior remodel of the McGee's home! Shea shares her process for adding in more traditional elements to the exterior, ensuring every detail adds charm and personality while maintaining a timeless appeal! Plus, gain valuable insights from Tyler, as he offers a builder's perspective on all the intricate details.
Walls are Benjamin Moore White Dove
Shutters are Natural Tan Sherwin Williams
See what the exterior used to look like here: bit.ly/McGeeHome
Read about the original details here: bit.ly/ExteriorDetailsBefore
Website: bit.ly/StudioMcGeeSite
Shop McGee & Co: bit.ly/McGeeandCo
Shea's Picks: bit.ly/sheaspicks
Join our channel to get access to exclusive perks:
/ @studiomcgee
00:00 Introduction
01:01 The Before and After
02:44 Last Minute Adjustments
04:59 Behind The Design w/Shea
08:28 Construction Details w/Tyler

[@lc6873]

Tyler's contribution MUST be a regular feature on your webisodes. Understanding both design and construction is a win for your audience.

[@lippauli]

Thanks for including Tyler's explanation of construction details (and defence of the shutters 😂.) He's clearly proud of the workmanship involved, bravo!

[@StudioMcGee]

He does amazing work!

[@Vintage_Recreations]

The spheres were wrong because they were the limestone. If they had been lighter, it would have been more seamless, but that would be impossible unless you painted them the same white of the house. And then you would lose that natural stone chic. So while the house and walls are white, the spheres are not going to be right. Notice in your architectural rendering they were white and you only had the line drawing of them, not a darker hue accent there.

[@wilhelmina8843]

Spot on analysis! Sometimes you can’t pinpoint what’s wrong but you know it’s wrong. This was a good analysis of why it was “wrong” in this case.

[@ImaneBou30]

I think having the windows flat makes the house look new, adding some framing around the windows would give the house more character.

[@sunflower312A]

"Sometimes, our plans don't work out according to plan and you have to listen to your gut and just go with it and it might feel like a mistake but also it's just part of the process." - I appreciate how Shea is intuitive and really listens to herself and trusts what she knows in her heart/gut to be true 💓 And it helps to have awesome, dependable people like Tyler and his team 🙌🌟🌟

[@dianewicks8934]

Love the more traditional direction! I'm a trad girl and always embrace a timeless look, rather than trendy.

[@StudioMcGee]

🙌❤️

[@ImaneBou30]

Please don’t make us wait long for the interior reveal!!! Also would be amazing if you spoke about the landscaping.

[@StudioMcGee]

Stay tuned! ❤️

[@emmac5350]

OMG all the updates are beautiful and I am glad you let Tyler discuss all the changes as the contractor of the house and the projects!! It's amazing how some small changes can bring something already beautiful to out of this world.

[@StudioMcGee]

Totally agree! Thank you 😘

[@kerenkroll]

Studio McGee absolutely pinpoints this breezy but sophisticated blend of fantasy (with the hydrangeas and round window) with a welcoming casual, timeless elegance. It's like an idyllic homey dreamscape.

[@Jayla-dj2gj]

When I first looked at your new home the thing that jumped out to me was that the door looked tiny for such a big house. It looked like it needed grand double doors. The remodel to the front really made a difference.

[@barbarajackson3422]

All the exterior details are fabulous! Subtle with such big impact. Hearing Tyler explain, you know construction wasn’t easy and his attention to detail is what makes him such a great GC. I totally understand why Tyler and Shea work so well together. The little things such as stone not matching or the profile being off would draw her attention all the time. Me too! No to the spheres - glad you hit the “undo” button on those. BTW, I actually thought the different patina copper gutter was intentional cause it really looks good and I know thought went in to the mix of old and new. Can’t wait to see the interior💞

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you for such kind feedback! 🤍

[@TheLeenyb]

Pull the spheres to the opposite ends of those walls. They close it in when at opening. Love everything! I think I saw you in our Alys hood and can appreciate your influence!

[@audreysantiago7491]

Shea, First let me say ur Vision of change to ur home is absolutely stunning, u followed ur True North. and a Star was Born. Again Absolutely Stunning !🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you 😘

[@laynalocascio8502]

I absolutely love it. Shea, you’re a doll. Humble, kind, and genuinely VERY GOOD at what you do. I truly enjoy watching all of this. I’m consistently brainstorming of things to do for all of the spaces I work in. I’m overseeing things in more than one location for decor. I have to do it very cheaply, but am always wanting to brainstorm on HOW to make things look right, and look better. Thank you for all of your support for the rest of us! We all need each other! Us girls need another girl’s opinion! 💞💞💞 Thank you!!

[@StudioMcGee]

You are so kind- thank you! 💗

[@franceslovato9842]

Lovely exterior remodel! The added changes are wonderful! BRAVO Shea McGee & team! 👏

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you very much!

[@liruiliy6711]

我是你们来自中国最忠实的粉丝，不远万里买到了你们的书，你们的优秀作品影响了我很多，祝愿你们一直做精彩的作品❤

[@brittanyingrambeauty]

The shutters really made a stir online (lol) but you know what you’re doing and you guys are right….they’re perfect. Great job….per usual. ❤

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you!! 😊

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you so much!❤️

[@jodishores2502]

Tyler's input was terrific!

[@StudioMcGee]

Always is!❤️

[@nicolemangum5023]

I love the swoopy walls. They look so elegant. All of the exterior updates are beautiful. Well done 👍🏼

[@StudioMcGee]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@andreabontempo643]

I love all of it. Those lanterns are gorgeous!

[@marygachiku4187]

I love the remodel. Yours is a real talent. Well done shea and team

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you! 💗

[@katatude]

Congratulations! Your home is beautiful! And, you have never looked prettier and happier. Thanks for sharing and including Tyler's details. Can't wait for the interior tour. Would love to have your involvement in planning our forever home in the future.

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you so much!

[@ginafriend1690]

The finest of everything! ❤

[@mannyperlt1343]

I think this is the most well thought out home improvement I’ve ever seen!

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you! 🥰

[@rosieroberts6738]

Your home is absolutely…STUNNING!!! Thank you for sharing!!!😊🥰😃

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you so much!

[@Vanessadavalos007]

Thank you for sharing and I love the changes. I think the new entrance with the bigger roof and the double columns really does provide a better presence. Everything is well done. I love that you included Tyler because he makes great points about the things we don’t think about when we want things done to refresh a house; such as the mess of having to demo, costs, etc. He gives us that perspective my husband would love to hear to convince me against doing it. lol Those shutters are beautiful, Tyler!

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@StudioE-ID]

Totally agree on the spheres. I couldn’t stop looking at them either 😂 Beautiful renovation. Congratulations!

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you so much!❤️

[@dianejohnson7235]

What a beautiful exterior!! The changes that you made liok like it was always ment to be!!! Can't wait to s÷ the interior!

[@StudioMcGee]

Thanks so much!

[@kaizen_5091]

Porch, fenceline and shutters are a gamechanger. Massively transformed the front exterior and the lanterns and were just the cherry on top.

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@kaizen_5091]

Thank you, for providing non-stop inspo. Love your work! ☺@@StudioMcGee

[@HWInteriors]

Beautiful as always Shea! Can't wait to see the inside 😍

[@StudioMcGee]

Stay tuned!!

[@bambigwen]

I absolutely agree about the spheres.its so beautiful. I have been doing this same thing. We built about 2 years ago, trying to add much needed character without it looks added.

[@erinlee7216]

You are oh so right the shutters are the perfect size❤

[@StudioMcGee]

😘

[@justjuliejohnston]

Love the updates! The porch looks amazing - we have double columns also, and did garland for Christmas, too, which I loved!

[@StudioMcGee]

Yay, thank you!

[@susan8098]

I just want to say like, probably most of us following McGee won't be able to relate to this whole home remodel, because I mean... who among us have the $$$ to even think about having the original house in the first place?? 😂 but we still subscribe and follow, I guess it's sort of like the satisfaction of watching McGees making dreams. We will never have it but it's good to fantasize 🤷‍♀🤷‍♀

[@tanyam3090]

I loved the spheres! Beautiful job either way

[@jimbailey3705]

Looks so much better, great job!

[@kiranbhatti5206]

I loved the look of spheres.

[@juliewilson3383]

Character! Stunning!

[@evaburgess3648]

Makes such a positive difference

[@TheMennomilist]

Tyler is always the coolest contractor. He does great work. What a gorgeous home you have. My goodness. My family of 5 is squished in a 734 sq. foot home. That's like, your garage or smaller. hehe.

[@sophiamusiayar]

I live on the east coast (Charleston & dc!) but lived in Colorado before & this reminds me of the traditional charm I see here on the coast! I’m obsessed! I love the copper lanterns & hydrangeas, everything so so stunning!

[@StudioMcGee]

❤

[@fiammalujan5073]

I actually LOVED the spheres.

[@kiranbhatti5206]

Your house is looking very beautiful from outside now.

[@constantineangelgutierrez1851]

Absolutely fantabulous ❤

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you!!

[@Sprezzatura1]

Absolutely Beautiful!

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you so much!

[@tpdoolin8445]

The front and entrance are beautiful and much more welcoming!! The only change I'd consider is the color of the shutters, which appears on video anyway as needing a bit of a clean. A subdued warm color would draw connection between the brick that's not painted white and all the brass elements and may even compliment the scale of the facade by drawing down the height of the roof, tying it to that beautiful new walkway. The scale of the shutters seems right to me -- shutters that didn't cover the width of the windows would have looked off I think but if the shutters were not folded, they would have extended too far across the facade to the edge. As I'm looking at a still of the front, I see that the windows reflect some dark colors (maybe its the time of day) but a little color on the shutters might also match the width of reflection of color from the windows below them. Regardless, it looks great. Congrats!!

[@tomyum229]

Love the new additions!!

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you! 😊

[@merrywalsh2809]

In place of the spheres, I could see shallow urns with ferns or other foliage in them, or lanterns, atop those columns or without anything on top, as you have done.

[@gwenwade6059]

I love the improvements. Copper guttering we do not have in South Africa.

[@1taylorgibson]

This reminds me of Marty Short playing bridal designer in Father of the Bride, “It’s beautiful, we change it all”.

[@StudioMcGee]

😂😂😂

[@PiersJHA]

Obviously this is a matter of personal preference, but I think a different planter situation flanking the front door would really help finish off the look. The current grey box planters with the conical shaped tress could feel a little too business modern? A more branchy tree choice.. perhaps a Japanese acer with its gorgeous rust coloured leaves, in an antiqued zinc or verdigris copper pot.. GORG! dream home either way

[@TheRachag]

I love the spheres

[@user-nt5sv7jc3e]

More stone on the house or the architectural fencing would look lovely and warmer

[@cfr6835]

it relly was an improvment❤ loved it

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you!

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you! ❤️

[@lindaortolano7837]

Just beautiful! I love all the changes!!! Love the gas lights!!! Great to have such a talented contractor! Hugs! :)

[@StudioMcGee]

❤️❤️

[@mrschi1000]

I would have done lanterns on those posts instead of spheres. It would mimic the lighting at the front door.

[@almaestrada5941]

Love it too sooo beautiful 😍 great job👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you! 😊

[@camilleperry06]

Beautiful! I liked the spheres but either way works BUT having (some) stone on the right to balance the right would offer more flow. Also I feel like the gas light fixtures should be higher (about 4-6”) Gorgeous ❤

[@mdh1974]

Lanterns on a really short pole would be beautiful where u had the spheres b4.

[@kathleenbprichard]

♡ The exterior is stunning! Can't wait to see the new interior designs!! Also, please find a way to get your products to Canada! I want my home filled with McGee & Co items!!! ♡

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you! We hope to be international one day 😘

[@tanyamartsenyuk]

Love the roof over the porch the most but love it all. I loved the spheres but I’m guessing you’re not a fan of round things in general, so that’s why it felt off to you. Especially since your planters are square and linear right next to them sight line-wise. I bet replacing them with curved (and lighter) planters would have made all the difference and the spheres would have looked awesome. Even bushier plants would soften the look too.

[@rasheawhite3644]

I love you, sissy! Y'all inspire me to dream BIG! I like the copper look!🥰💕🌟!

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you!!

[@rasheawhite3644]

@@StudioMcGee Welcome, sissy!🥰🌟🤗☀️

[@jacobbio]

My parents rushed through their home build in 2019 and at the time knew nothing about design/ colors. Hoping to soon go through a refresh

[@StudioMcGee]

We love a good refresh ❤️

[@alyroseee]

Absolutely love the shutters. Will those copper details become discolored over time? I sincerely hope not! They are gorgeous! Beautiful work!!

[@user-wu2xv3xi3e]

None of the copper looks lacquered, so I believe all of the copper will patina to green.

[@suzannebond6424]

Are they copper downpipes??

[@flaviasilvaa]

Just gorgeous exterior ❤ I think if the spheres were white maybe you would keep it I am very curious to see inside , I bet is just wonderful Thank you for your videos 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@tylerwynnmiller2310]

A fire feature on that front walkway in place of the spheres would look incredible

[@loritagreene1075]

I really like the stone and gas lights.

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you!!

[@caseyl2313]

Lovely! But I'm just trying to understand the lantern above the new, oval window...for balance? I plan to use large scale, gas lanterns on my 100 year old Craftsman! Can't wait!

[@StevoJacobs]

This 1080p is killin me, would love to see more 4K videos.

[@druby6872]

Dear Shea 2 words Just stunning Di xx Sydney Australia Downunder

[@StudioMcGee]

😘😘

[@Cocolicious08758]

Love the new look of the exterior. Still on the fence with the copper roof 🤔

[@HannahsQuizzes]

Can't wait to see the interior reveal, beautiful home😍

[@StudioMcGee]

Stay tuned!!

[@jenniferfitzgerald1796]

Those spheres white would have been better. There’s no round circle shapes anywhere else so I think it’s better plain. Love the new swooped walls. The shutters are great too.

[@sarahmarti141]

The shutters definitely look out of proportion

[@ulrikakallqvist9384]

Your house is beautiful, but I don’t understand the gas lanterns. In Europe we try to save gas because of the climate…it seams so unnecessary to have them going all day long when it’s not even dark. Huge American houses must already use so much energy to warm up or cool down. It would be nice if you were more of an inspiration regarding the environment and how people can think about such things. Fore example I think it’s good that you make updates instead of tearing everything down to rebuild… 😊

[@cheryldarfler]

Here in America, they’re not running all the time. You’d only put them on for guests. They’re not an everyday thing. It’s purpose is to create a mood.

[@mybrowneyedgirl9852]

Love the beautiful remodel! Please let us know where your white dress is from? ❤

[@fc4660]

It looks amazing! Congratulations

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you!! 😊

[@arabesque7790]

I agree the balls while lovely are too ‘yellow’ against the white & gray of the house wonder if the shutters would make more of an impact if they were painted a soft gray closer to the colours in the stone work?? Are you wearing Aquazurra shoes? They look like the ones I have. So beautiful.

[@cassandraarroyo2758]

The columns seem a smidgen too wide at the top horizontal piece. Is water sitting up there?

[@wilhelmina8843]

13:37 Tyler: She’s also a shutter snob but that’s totally fine. They are perfect.

[@ytubechannel997]

Prefer the before. It was simple and beautiful. The after is a hodgepodge of addons that don't look well together.

[@squirrelcam3868]

Agree. Our neighbor extended his front patio and added columns. Looked like he was trying too hard to accomplish something that wasn't even needed. Threw off the whole look of the house.

[@boucephales]

Shay it’s gorgeous! Can I ask about that beautiful dress? Please link the supplier. ❤️

[@shannoncrevits3362]

The house looks complete now.

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you!!

[@alyshalight9762]

I think you nailed it before, as there was more warmth, especially with the previous color of the shingles. I do like the front porch area better as it looked a bit neglected before. That said, I completely understand when you've lived with something for a while and it just doesn't sit right with you. I'm noticing a theme: when you have to try to convince yourself to like something, it's probably not going to work. You know in your gut immediately if something clicks or not -- you either light up or you don't.

[@idaslpdhr]

This may sound daft, But to me your upgrade has made the house look grounded and seems to have settled it in, don't know if that makes any sense to you, but that's my feeling, lol

[@CarolynKaplan]

add laterns on the brick wall enclosures on both ends

[@a.kaiser8965]

its busy.. I would take out the planters with the tree cones. I don't know the columns are nice, but depending on the time of day, it looks like they just blend into the color of your house. sometimes it looks like you have one on the left side and two on the right.. the one camouflages.

[@joohsay]

@StudioMcGee Shea for your interior walls.. did you finished the walls with a plaster finish?

[@StudioMcGee]

No, they're Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee at 75% strength! ❤️

[@tdjpopo]

I don't get the gas lantern over the oval window on the side. Doesn't make sense

[@jennifersmith9892]

So much better without the spheres. Looked good on the rendering, but not in real life. Sometimes you have to call an audible. Good call Shea! The house looks amazing. ❤️❤️❤️

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you!

[@paraldaspassion]

Porch and stuff is amazing but for icky copper squaring off that awkward section above the porch highlights a flaw

[@wildesfam]

Could someone tell me what the stone is on the side of the house? It’s the look I’m going for around my fireplace in a new house.

[@StudioMcGee]

It's a blend of two types of stones from Hearth and Home and then we wiped the grout. 🤍

[@jossievillamil6047]

How the color of the roof shingles changed to a darker color?

[@ChazLuce]

Where are the front door pots from?

[@DellaKay]

I loved the before so much better! This is pretty but looks Grandma old lady chic’ inside and out now.

[@kara5958]

Shea, can you link your beautiful dress?

[@StudioMcGee]

Of course! Here you go! ❤️ bit.ly/46t2exl

[@marionandrews176]

Good call on the spheres; too much and looked out of place. The exterior of your home is perfect.

[@StudioMcGee]

Thank you!

[@ctalcantara1700]

I think the sphere could have worked if it was the same color of the wall- that's why it looked good in the drawings and kind off in real life as they were not white like the wall.

[@anetawawrowicz7110]

Now it looks more stylish. You should put two pictures next to each other and "find the difference". At first I didn't notice any 😂😂

[@StudioMcGee]

Check out our Instagram! We posted a before and after 😘

[@erinlee7216]

The spheres.. nope❤