Consumer Corner
MasterClass Announces New Class with Renowned Interior Designer Shea McGee: Design a Space You Love
Last Updated on May 18, 2023 by Rod Washington
The cofounder and chief creative officer of Studio McGee unveils her full design process, teaching how to transform the look and feel of any space
SAN FRANCISCO /PRNewswire/ — MasterClass, the streaming platform where anyone can learn from the world’s best across a wide range of subjects, today announced that Shea McGee, cofounder and chief creative officer of Studio McGee and host of the Emmy-nominated home improvement show Dream Home Makeover, is joining Sessions by MasterClass, a program offering a structured curriculum where members can roll up their sleeves, get hands-on and learn meaningful skills through step-by-step guidance from world-class instructors and an active community of peers. In the session, McGee will walk through her signature design process to teach members how they can design, furnish and decorate any room in their house to fit their personal aesthetic and spending strategy. McGee’s session is available starting today.
“Shea has revolutionized the home renovation world, inspiring millions to create timeless homes they love living in,” said David Rogier, founder and CEO of MasterClass. “In her session, she’ll break down her approachable design and decoration process, which has never been shared this extensively before, to show members how to create the space of their dreams on any budget.”
Throughout the session, members will learn how to breathe new life into their homes and transform any living space into a warm and cozy oasis by applying McGee’s nature-inspired design principles. In showcasing the full design process from mood board to floor plan to accents, McGee shares her tips and tricks for transforming the look and feel of any room in a home, whether for a quick home refresh or full renovation. The session is broken down into eight sections, including:
- Creating a Mood Board and Design Plan: McGee helps members develop a mood board and color palette to stay organized throughout the process. Members will be able to share their mood board with the community for feedback and ideas.
- Making a Floor Plan: McGee helps members turn abstract ideas into clear and concise interior design plans, showing them how to use a design board, make a floor plan and ensure they’re purchasing furniture that perfectly fits their space.
- Picking and Placing Furniture: McGee walks members through her strategy for placing furniture in a room to achieve a cohesive look that exudes flow and function, no matter the style or budget.
- Crafting Your Personalized Lighting Design: McGee teaches members her signature approach to layering lighting utilizing lamps, bulbs, shades and drapes to achieve the perfect balance in any room.
- Adding Interior Accents: McGee shows members how to add final, personalized touches, such as artwork, pillows and other accessories to bring their dream space to life with personality, charm and character.
“Design changes lives. We can influence our surroundings, frame of mind, the way we live in our homes and how we spend time with the people we love,” McGee said. “After taking my session on MasterClass, members will walk away with one newly designed and decorated room in their home, alongside the knowledge they need to design, furnish and decorate spaces that reflect their personality and style.”
McGee is an interior designer, author and host of Netflix’s Dream Home Makeover, which she cohosts with her partner and husband, Syd McGee. Together, the dynamic duo founded their interior design firm, Studio McGee, in 2014 with a mission to “Make Life Beautiful.” Staying true to that mission, the McGees released their New York Times bestselling book, Make Life Beautiful, in 2020. The McGees reside in Utah with their three daughters.
ABOUT MASTERCLASS:
MasterClass is the streaming platform where the world’s best come together so anyone, anywhere, can access and be inspired by their knowledge and stories. With an annual membership, members get unprecedented access to 180+ instructors and classes across a wide variety of fields, including Arts & Entertainment, Business, Design & Style, Sports & Gaming, Writing and more. Step into Nas’ recording studio, Gordon Ramsay’s kitchen and go behind the big screen with James Cameron. Design your career with Elaine Welteroth, get ready to win with Lewis Hamilton, perfect your pitch with Shonda Rhimes and discover your inner negotiator with Chris Voss. Each class features about 20 video lessons, at an average of 10 minutes per lesson. You can learn and discover at a pace that best serves your lifestyle—in bite-size pieces or in a single binge, on mobile, tablet, desktop, Android™ TV, Amazon Fire TV and Roku® players and devices. Cinematic visuals and close-up demonstrations make you feel like you’re one-on-one with the instructors, while the downloadable Class Guides help reinforce your learning. For those looking to learn by doing, Sessions by MasterClass offers a structured curriculum where members can roll up their sleeves, get hands-on and learn meaningful skills through step-by-step guidance from world-class instructors and an active community of peers. With MasterClass at Work, companies can keep their employees engaged and boost morale and motivation with immersive, short-form lessons from the world’s best.
Follow MasterClass:
Twitter @masterclass
Instagram @masterclass
Facebook @masterclassofficial
TikTok @masterclass
LinkedIn @masterclass
Follow Shea McGee:
Instagram @studiomcgee
Twitter @studiomcgee
Facebook @studiomcgee
SOURCE MasterClass
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Last Updated on May 13, 2026 by Daily News Staff
A Healthier, Greener Home: Eco-Friendly Cleaning Hacks
(Feature Impact) Keeping your home clean doesn’t have to mean filling your cabinets with harsh chemicals or single-use cleaning products. In fact, some of the most effective solutions may already be in your pantry.
By swapping a few everyday products for simple, eco-friendly solutions, you can clean effectively, save money and make your home a little greener. If you’re looking to reduce waste, cut back on toxins and simplify your cleaning routine, natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and lemon can deliver results while also being safer for your home – and the environment.
Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner
Instead of buying multiple cleaners for different surfaces, try a DIY solution that works in many areas of the home. In a spray bottle, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water and 10 drops of the essential oil of your choice – such as lemon, lavender or tea tree – then use it on countertops, sinks, glass and other surfaces to curb grease and grime. Avoid using vinegar-based cleaners on natural stone like granite or marble, however, as its acidity can cause damage.
Let Baking Soda Do the Scrubbing
One of the most versatile eco-friendly cleaners around, baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive that helps lift stains without scratching surfaces. Simply sprinkle baking soda onto sinks, bathtubs, cookware, stovetops or tile grout then scrub with a damp sponge or cloth for a sparkling clean finish.
Freshen Carpets Naturally
Carpets and rugs can trap odors, but a DIY deodorizer made of 1 cup baking soda and 10-15 drops of the essential oil of your choice can replace chemical sprays and keep floor surfaces smelling fresh. Just sprinkle across the carpet, let sit for 15-20 minutes then vacuum.
Use Lemon to Cut Grease and Stains
Lemon juice is a powerful natural cleaner due to its acidity and antibacterial properties. It can leave behind a fresh scent when used to clean cutting boards, remove soap scum and water spots or deodorize garbage disposals. For stubborn grime, mix lemon juice with baking soda to create a paste that can tackle tough surface stains.
Naturally Deodorize Drains
If your kitchen sink smells unpleasant, skip the harsh chemical drain cleaners. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain then add 1/2 cup white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz a few minutes then flush with hot water to help loosen buildup while neutralizing odors.
Polish Stainless Steel with Pantry Staples
Remove grimy fingerprints and give stainless steel appliances a streak-free shine with a simple mixture of 1 tablespoon white vinegar and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Find more DIY, eco-friendly cleaning tips and tricks at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Consumer Corner
Frustration at the Pump: Why Americans are Exploring Electric Vehicles
Exploring Electric Vehicles: For more than one-third of Americans, one simple number is leading them to research electric vehicles: the final tally at a recent gas station fill-up. The pump is no longer just the close of a sale; for a growing number of drivers, it’s where questions begin.
Frustration at the Pump: Why Americans are Exploring Electric Vehicles
(Feature Impact) For more than one-third of Americans, one simple number is leading them to research electric vehicles: the final tally at a recent gas station fill-up.
This, according to new research from Hyundai Motor America, isn’t a hypothetical situation. In fact, 23% of respondents reported it’s happened to them more than once. For nearly half of Americans, pulling up to the pump now brings frustration or outright dread.
Many drivers have a number in mind where the math begins shifting, and once the shift happens, it rarely goes away. The pump is no longer just the close of a sale; for a growing number of drivers, it’s where questions begin.
For 23% of those surveyed, $5 per gallon is where they would start considering alternatives to a gas-powered vehicle. While some say they wouldn’t consider alternatives based on gas costs at all, this meaningful share of Americans points toward a specific tipping point.
Some begin by comparing models or brands while others find themselves on an automaker’s website, further along in the process than they initially expected to be. Most don’t act on this impulse right away, but drivers are increasingly caught somewhere between curious and committed – and 46% of those surveyed said they’d be likely to seriously research an EV.
The desire to leave the pump behind, which an EV would allow for, is a deal nearly half of respondents said they would take. However, the transition isn’t frictionless as charging access and range anxiety remain the top concerns for 28% of potential buyers.
While the move toward electric vehicles is often framed as a long-term decision made with spreadsheets and financial planning, for many Americans, it’s beginning somewhere smaller: a routine fuel stop and an eye-opening receipt.
If you’ve found yourself dismayed at the pump, find more information on electric vehicles at HyundaiUSA.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
eSOURCE:
Hyundai
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
home improvement
Simple Ways to Make At-Home Recycling More Effective
To create a more eco-friendly household, consider these practical tips to help you reduce waste, stay organized and make at-home recycling part of your everyday routine.
Last Updated on May 12, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Simple Ways to Make At-Home Recycling More Effective
(Feature Impact) Recycling is a simple way households can reduce waste and help protect natural resources. While many communities offer curbside recycling programs, some people still wonder if they’re doing it correctly or if they’re missing opportunities to recycle more.
To create a more eco-friendly household, consider these practical tips to help you reduce waste, stay organized and make recycling part of your everyday routine.
Know What Your Local Program Accepts
Recycling rules vary depending on your city or waste management provider. Most curbside programs include items like cardboard, paper, aluminum cans and plastics, but others – such as glass – may require drop-off recycling. Review your community guidelines so recyclables don’t accidentally end up in the regular trash.
Create a Simple Sorting System
Set up clearly labeled bins – separated for paper, plastics and metals – in a high-traffic area like the kitchen, garage or laundry room.
Rinse Before You Recycle
Food residue can contaminate other recyclables and may cause entire batches of materials to be rejected during the recycling process. Quickly rinsing yogurt cups, jars or soup cans of leftover residue helps keep recycling streams clean and more likely to be processed properly.
Break Down Boxes
Cardboard boxes are among the most commonly recycled household materials. Flattening boxes before placing them in the recycling bin saves space and allows collection trucks to hold more.
Compost Food Scraps
Not everything belongs in the recycling bin, particularly food waste. Composting fruit peels, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and eggshells is an easy way to reduce the amount of trash your household produces. Finished compost can be used in gardens, flower beds or houseplants, turning kitchen waste into a valuable resource.
Find more ideas for making recycling a natural part of your household routine at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
