It's an old saying, but it still rings true: the kitchen is the heart of the home. Whether you're an accomplished home cook, love to hang out with friends, or simply spend time preparing meals for your family, you'll likely spend a lot of time in the kitchen. That's why it's important to solidify your design plans for this space.
Designing a successful kitchen is also about striking the perfect balance between beauty and functionality, two elements that, when combined, create a space that feels great to live in. But striking this delicate balance is easier said than done, so we asked Shea McGee for some advice.
With her husband, Syd, Thea has built an interior design empire, heading up Studio Maggie and homewares brand Maggie & Co., and now she's taking audiences into the kitchen to Around the tableis a new web series from Studio McGee, and over the course of seven episodes you'll find Shea making everything from sheet pan chicken to chocolate chip cookie bars in her own home kitchen with the help of some special guests.
Kitchen design tips from Shea McGhee
Because a functional and well-designed kitchen can make all the difference when it comes to putting dinner on the table. H&G We sat down with Shea to find out her best tips for designing a kitchen that will last. Here's what she had to say and what she loves about her space.
(Image courtesy of Studio McGee)
For someone who loves to cook, how important is it to have a stylish kitchen design?
“I think it's really important for anyone who cooks to love their kitchen design, and maybe even more so for people who don't necessarily enjoy cooking. It's the same idea as a beautiful laundry room: creating a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing space to perform tedious tasks may be the easiest way to make that task more enjoyable.”
“Studio Maggie's mission statement is 'Making Life Beautiful,' which is a phrase that has many meanings when broken down. I love to romanticize and make even the most mundane activities beautiful, and enjoy every moment that comes my way.”
How do you design a kitchen that is not only beautiful but also functional?
“If you're building a new kitchen, think carefully about how you use it, what items and spaces you need to make that process easier, and where in the kitchen you should place them to allow you to move quickly. If you're making small changes to an existing kitchen, consider incorporating beautiful and functional elements, such as adding display hooks, shelves, baskets or trays to exposed walls, combining open and closed shelving in an existing pantry, and placing small items like jars, utensil holders or paper towel holders on the countertops.”
(Image courtesy of Studio McGee)
What features are essential for a busy family kitchen?
“A good workspace, with a functional flow from appliance to appliance, is important. We always think about how the space will be used together with our clients. You don't want to have to walk across the kitchen every time you want to go to the pantry, and if you have a large family home who likes to have guests over for meals, it might be nice to have two dishwashers.
“When designing a kitchen to entertain guests, make sure there are plenty of places for them to sit, because as we all know, people tend to congregate in the kitchen.”
How do you keep your space organized and ready to cook?
“Organization is very important because the kitchen is one of the places in the house where you use different utensils and dishes and cook food on time. You need to be able to access certain items quickly.”
“One of my favorite architectural ways to organize a kitchen is to install a 6-inch shelf above the backsplash. I call it a salt, pepper, and spice station. I store the items I use every day in pretty jars so they're always close at hand.”
(Image courtesy of Studio McGee)
What are your favorite materials to use in the kitchen?
“I almost always use some type of stone for kitchen countertops. Marble is timeless and has rich curves. Soapstone also has a unique texture. I like to add butcher block to pantry areas for a classic, warm look. If you have a second kitchen space in a larger home, concrete countertops are a great choice.”
What do you like most about your kitchen?
“I love marble countertops. They are the epitome of form meets function. Not only are they the perfect prep space for rolling out dough or baking with my girls, they're also easy to clean and stay cool to the touch. Plus, they provide the most beautiful backdrop to all the food I create.”
(Image courtesy of Studio McGee)
What is the most functional part of your kitchen?
“I love the look of farmhouse sinks, but they can get messy easily. I love the drip edge detail, which is often done in wood under farmhouse sinks. It catches spills while you're doing the dishes and protects your cabinets. In my home, I wanted to do this differently, so I did a marble drip edge all over the bottom. Not only is it functional, but I love the look it gives to the space.”
“A lot of people don't buy pot fillers because they think they'll rarely use them. I have one in my kitchen and use it surprisingly often to fill vases. It's something to consider when redesigning your space.”
Is there anything else you'd like to share about kitchen design or Around the Table?
“I love both home and food, and this short video series brings the two together for both seasoned home chefs and newbies looking to get started. Whether I'm showcasing my personal recipes or those of my guests, each video includes delicious food and dining styling tips. I also share where I sourced my favorite components for each tablescape, like napkins and flatware.”
“It's all about inspiring people with confidence by offering an effortless approach to every aspect of dining. I love teaching my audience how to confidently create memorable experiences in an upscale, yet approachable way.”
Recommended kitchen products from McGee & Co.
Fontaine melamine platter
Whether you're looking to renovate your entire kitchen or just keep it simple, Shea's tips for creating a stylish and functional space are invaluable. With special attention to organization and durable materials, your kitchen space will be ready to support your culinary endeavors for years to come.
