Make Life Beautiful

Great Book

Was disappointed there were no photos within the book and that the actual book is smaller than expected. Overall, I did not pay full price for the book which is a plus and the book looks lovely as a decor item on my shelf. Lovely book cover.

I've been a fan of Studio McGee for years, and this book gives the origin story of Shea & Syd and how they've built Studio McGee / McGee & Co while also building a family. I love how honest the two of them are about their individual differences, and I also love how they love and support each other, recognizing that their differences help make them such a successful team (in business and life!). This book is easy to get sucked into and easy to apply some of their lessons learned to myself -- you don't have to be an interior designer to learn from Shea and Syd that every team needs a balance of detailed planners (Shea) and optimistic risk-takers (Syd). It's incredible to think what they've accomplished together over the past decade, and I'm excited to see where the next decade takes this endearing power couple. When so many "business" books can feel like pedantic "how-to's" this book is refreshingly approachable. Enjoy!

Nice.

I loved this book — it felt like a conversation about good design with a friend

People who enjoy this couples designs must have pushed this to The NY Times best seller list. It is a disjointed auto biographical story, his view - her view , of their life together and a design business they built - mainly because of her Instagram prowess. It quickly becomes a tiresome and boring read. Should have didn’t more money on a better ghost rider. I would have thought the lesson they learned from their first wed design disaster would have bleed over to this book deal. And if they wrote it themselves….well self-explanatory. The description led me to believe you would be getting practical advice on entrepreneurship and design/remodeling tips. As others have stated, not one photo. They each give different narrative of a remodel project with zero photos. How do I envision a process or a look with no photos. I am returning the book. I skimmed through and saw no advice or insight to justify the hefty price. I also think the 1500+ 4 star reviews are very misleading as most reviews I saw were 1&2 stars. Don’t waste your money on the book. A subscription to House Beautiful is a better investment.

I'm giving this 4 stars just because I feel bad about all the other poor reviews! And I'll blame myself for not reading the description carefully enough. I, like many others, completely thought I was ordering a coffee table book full of glossy interiors and exteriors that I could page through for inspiration. I know that's what Instagram is for, but sometimes it's nice to hold an actual book in your hands. When the box came I knew there was something suspicious when I saw how small and lightweight it was. When I opened it, it was barely as long as a hardcover novel, and it's all text. I love reading, so don't get me wrong! It just wasn't what I was expecting! I'm going to keep it and read it because I think Shea's work is beautiful and I think stories like this are motivating. Just don't buy it if you thought you were going to page through like a magazine and drool over the pictures.

Like many others, I discovered Shea and Syd after binge watching the Netflix show. I'm a designer and don't usually watch any of the reality home improvement shows. They're often not based on reality. But I started watching this show because it seemed more real. From the surface, the couple seemed to have it all. Their life looked like they had lots of money to start their company. Their children and family seemed so idyllic. Like they had no problems at all. I wanted to learn more, so I found the Studio McGee website, their Instagram account and their Youtube videos. I started devouring all of their content and finally bought the book. I was so surprised to find out their journey was not easy at all, and was shocked that they sold everything to start their business, and even moved their home! I can't tell you how refreshing it is to know their path was fraught with failures and disappointment. I'm so glad they told their story because the TV show doesn't convey their challenges much. The book goes in depth behind their business, gives a lot of great lessons, not just for entrepreneurs and designers, but for anyone who may be scared about going after their dream and taking risks. Kudos to Shea and Syd! What an inspiration!!!

Excellent

I was excited to receive this book as I love all of the McGees home designs from their Netflix series to their Target home wares! I was a bit surprised it was more of a novel than a book with pictures! However as I began to read their story of how it all began & how their love for design catapulted them onto their interior design business - I realized this was more advantageous than just looking at home decor pictures. I feel more empowered to live a beautiful life and not just have a designer home! A good read and uplifting as well!

BOM

Pas d illustrations juste des explications sur la décoration

Best book I have bought this year. I love this couple, their NetFlix and now also their book. Wish they would consider writing another book about how to start designing a new home. Where to place which furniture and wall cabinets etc so more practical, but LOVE this book! 💫 Anne Singapore