TL;DR
Shea McGee designed a new Arizona home to develop more character over time, emphasizing timeless materials and layered details. The project aims for the house to look better in 20 years, not just now.
Shea McGee of Studio McGee designed a new home outside Phoenix, Arizona, with the explicit goal that it will look better in 20 years than it does now. This approach emphasizes longevity and timelessness, making the house a model for future-proof design.
The home, located near Phoenix, was built from the ground up with a focus on materials and details that age gracefully. Shea McGee and her team influenced every aspect of the design, from architecture to interior finishes, to ensure the house would develop character over time.
The design draws inspiration from the surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape, using warm ochres, terracottas, and desert sage tones. Large windows and carefully considered layout connect the interior to the outdoors, emphasizing a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience. The house incorporates vintage finds, patinated details, and custom craftsmanship to create a layered, warm atmosphere that feels established despite being new.
Key features include a custom kitchen island designed as a piece of furniture, vintage textiles, and unlacquered brass fixtures, all chosen for their ability to develop a patina. Shea McGee explained that the goal was to create a home with ‘East Coast bones and a desert soul,’ blending traditional architecture with a relaxed, timeless aesthetic.
Impact of Long-Term Design Philosophy
This project exemplifies a shift in residential design toward creating homes that age beautifully, reducing the need for frequent updates. It highlights the importance of selecting durable, character-rich materials and layering personal, vintage, and custom elements. For homeowners and designers, it offers a blueprint for building homes that become more charming over time, fostering sustainability and emotional connection to the space.
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Design Trends in New Homes and Longevity Focus
Traditionally, new-build homes often rely on trends that can quickly feel outdated. Shea McGee’s approach counters this by emphasizing classic proportions, earthy materials, and layered details that develop patina. The project aligns with a broader movement toward sustainable, timeless design, with an emphasis on materials that improve with age. This philosophy reflects a growing desire among homeowners for homes that remain relevant and beautiful over decades, not just years.
“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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Uncertainties About Long-Term Aging Outcomes
It remains unclear how the house will actually age over the next 20 years and whether the intended patina and character will develop as planned. Long-term assessments will depend on future maintenance, environmental factors, and homeowner choices.
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Monitoring and Future Evaluation of the Home’s Aging
In the coming years, the homeowners and designers will observe how the materials and details age. There may be adjustments or renovations based on how the house develops over time. Shea McGee’s team may also showcase similar projects to promote this design philosophy, influencing broader trends in homebuilding and interior design.
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Key Questions
What makes this home different from typical new builds?
This home was designed with materials and details that are meant to age beautifully, incorporating vintage finds, patinated finishes, and traditional craftsmanship to develop character over time.
Will the house truly look better in 20 years?
Shea McGee believes that with the right materials and layered design, the house will gain charm and character, making it more beautiful as it ages, though actual outcomes depend on environmental and maintenance factors.
Is this approach common in new home design?
This approach is gaining popularity among designers seeking sustainable, timeless homes that age well, contrasting with trend-driven, quickly outdated designs.
What specific materials are used to ensure aging well?
Materials include unlacquered brass fixtures, vintage textiles, hand-drawn parquet floors, and patinated surfaces, all chosen for their ability to develop character over time.
Source: Homes & Gardens
