Ever Wonder How Designers Really Shop for Decor? Shea McGee Spills Her Secrets

Whether you’re designing a room from scratch or want to change up your existing decor, sourcing the perfect accent pieces is often overwhelming. This is especially true if you’re on the hunt for a hidden gem, or you have an open space just begging for a cool piece that you cannot seem to find.

Shea McGee, the interior design superstar behind the beloved Studio McGee, is here to help. As someone who values transparency in the design world, you can find her often sharing some of her favorite tips for sourcing home goods. In her recently released book, The Art of Home: A Designer Guide to Creating an Elevated Yet Approachable Home, McGee has dedicated guides for how to source everything, from home decor to lighting to furniture and more.

We asked McGee to give us a little peek at what we can find in the pages of her highly anticipated design bible, and here’s what she shared when it comes to sourcing the perfect home decor.

Meet the Expert

Shea McGee is a New York Times bestselling author and the creative visionary behind Studio McGee, Inc. She founded the business out of a spare bedroom with her husband, Syd McGee, in 2014 and has since grown into one of the most prolific names in the industry. As a designer, entrepreneur, and mother of three girls, Shea has inspired millions to make life beautiful.

Find Great Inspiration

These days, the internet and social media seem to be the go-to places for finding great design inspiration. But sometimes, McGee likes to keep it a little bit old-fashioned. If you feel like your algorithm is starting to get repetitive, try picking up a design book or two—McGee says her studio is piled high with her favorites.

“I refer to these books often and tag pages with sticky notes of details to file away as inspiration,” she says.

This is especially important if you’re not sure what you want‚ you just know what you love. Then, you can use what you find to create your mood boards. “In my book, there is an entire section devoted to my design process,” McGee says. “Mood boards help me narrow all the imagery I love into a cohesive direction for the homes we design.

Buy What You Love, But Shop by Category

We’ve all walked into a store, saw something we love, and promised to find a spot for it later. Sometimes that works well, but other times, it can be a catastrophe. Whether the colors are off, the measurements don't fit, or the aesthetic doesn’t feel quite right once you get the item home, it’s a common mistake.

McGee notes that one great way to avoid this in terms of your home decor is to always shop within certain guidelines—especially if you’re planning to style something like a coffee table or shelves.

“I am a big believer in buying what you love, but there are a few key items I always want to have when styling,” McGee says, who notes coffee table books, baskets, and items with different heights are her personal must-haves.

Yes, You Can Find Great Vintage Pieces Online

If you feel like great vintage finds only come from flea markets and local vendors, it can be disheartening if you don't live near any local options. McGee says not to fear—her favorite places for hidden gems are actually found online. Most specifically, she loves the vintage retailers on Etsy.

"After working hours, I often peruse for the perfect treasure,” she says.

Incorporate Seasonal Trends Sparingly

Wherever you’re going for your home decor, McGee says one rule is key to follow: trends should be included in small but mighty ways. This is especially true of holiday decor—and, to be honest, a lot of what ends up trending on social media.

“Trends are fun, but I find that they are best used as accents rather than the main pieces of a room,” she says.

This way, by thinking of trends as fun accent pieces, you're less likely to end up regretting a trendy item in the near future.

When All Else Fails, Go to Target

There is, of course, no shame in ever going to a big-box store for your home decor. Target is, of course, McGee's personal favorite spot for picking up beautiful items that won’t break the bank—her own line included.  But she also knows first-hand that many items are made with elevated materials.

“We work collaboratively with their team to incorporate elevated materials like marble, travertine, and natural wovens for a more luxurious look and feel,” she says.

Read Next: 11 Designer-Approved Places to Look for Decorating Inspiration

Read the original article on The Spruce.