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Shea McGee designed a new-build Arizona home to develop character over time, emphasizing materials and design choices that age well. The house aims to look better in 20 years than it does today, blending desert inspiration with traditional elements.
Shea McGee, founder of Studio McGee, designed a new-build home in Arizona that is intentionally crafted to look better in 20 years than it does today, emphasizing materials and design choices that develop patina over time. This approach aims to create a residence with lasting character and timeless appeal, blending desert influences with traditional craftsmanship.
The home, located just outside Phoenix, incorporates natural materials, vintage finds, and custom craftsmanship to evoke a sense of history despite its new construction. Shea McGee explained that the design process involved shaping a house that feels layered with character from the start, rather than merely imitating age or trends.
The architecture and interior design reflect the landscape, with wide windows framing desert views and a palette inspired by the Sonoran Desert’s warm ochres and soft terracottas. The house also integrates East Coast sensibilities, resulting in a design that balances regional influence with timeless elegance.
Key features include a large kitchen with a custom island designed as a piece of furniture, a double-height great room with layered textures, and vintage elements throughout. Shea McGee emphasized that choices such as unlacquered brass fixtures and hand-drawn parquet floors were made to age beautifully and develop patina, contributing to the home’s future character.
Why Longevity and Character Matter in Home Design
This project demonstrates how thoughtful material selection and design can create a home that ages gracefully, offering lasting aesthetic appeal and emotional value. It highlights a shift toward homes that are built with longevity in mind, rather than fleeting trends, which is relevant amid increasing interest in sustainable and timeless architecture. For homeowners, this approach offers a way to invest in a property that gains character over time, potentially increasing its value and emotional significance.
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Design Philosophy and Influences Behind the Arizona Home
Designing homes to look better over time is a core principle for Shea McGee and Studio McGee. The project reflects a broader trend of prioritizing materials and craftsmanship that age well, moving away from trend-driven decor. The house’s design was influenced by the desert landscape and the homeowners’ East Coast roots, blending regional inspiration with traditional design elements. The project was completed recently and has been featured in Homes & Gardens, showcasing this approach to timeless homebuilding.
“When you’re working with a new build, you get to write the history. We wanted this home to feel like it had already been lived in, even on day one.”
— Shea McGee
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Remaining Questions About Longevity and Future Aging
It is not yet clear how the materials and design choices will perform over the next 20 years, or how the house will visually evolve as it ages. Long-term assessments will depend on the homeowners’ maintenance and environmental factors specific to the Arizona climate.
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Next Steps for the Home’s Development and Public Reception
The house is now occupied and will serve as a case study for how well such design principles hold up over time. Shea McGee and Studio McGee may showcase future projects that adopt similar approaches, and the homeowners’ feedback will provide insights into the practical longevity of the design. Further documentation or updates are expected in industry publications and design showcases.
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Key Questions
What inspired Shea McGee’s approach to this Arizona home?
Shea McGee was inspired by the desert landscape’s colors and textures, blending regional influences with traditional craftsmanship to create a home that feels layered and timeless.
What materials were chosen to ensure the house ages well?
Materials like unlacquered brass fixtures, hand-drawn parquet floors, vintage finds, and natural stone were selected for their ability to develop patina and improve with age.
Will the house truly look better in 20 years?
While the design aims for this outcome through careful material choices and craftsmanship, the actual aging process depends on maintenance and environmental factors. Long-term results are yet to be observed.
How does this project influence future home design trends?
This project exemplifies a shift toward designing homes with longevity in mind, emphasizing materials and architecture that develop character over time, which could influence broader industry practices.
Is this approach suitable for all climates?
The principles of choosing durable, aging-friendly materials are adaptable, but specific climate considerations must be taken into account to ensure longevity in different environments.
Source: Homes & Gardens
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