Shea McGee embraces beachy style – but is the 'coastal grandma' aesthetic still on trend?
Interior designers weigh in on the latest coastal interiors from Shea McGee


Dream Home Makeover's Shea McGee is a huge fan of a coastal look. In a recent Instagram post, she shared her latest muted, beachy look.
The beautiful home is full of stylish coastal details: white linen decorative pillows, natural wood, and brownish stone. A look into the home has us wondering: is the coastal grandmother aesthetic still an interior design trend?
Interior design experts love the coastal grandmother style, which they say is still going strong.
A post shared by Studio McGee (@studiomcgee)
A photo posted by on
Though 'coastal grandmother' has been trending for over a year, experts say the trend is still going strong. Jane Atherton, interior designer and owner of Cottage Fever Interior Design states: 'Absolutely it's still on trend! Bringing elements of nature into your home will always be on trend as it is good for our mental well-being.' Allison Babcock, Sag Harbor-NY-based interior designer, continues, 'This aesthetic is definitely still relevant!'

Jane Atherton is an Interior Designer specializing in Beach Homes with a coastal aesthetic. She also sits on the Board of Directors of a Mental Health Charity. Creating designs that are not only beautiful, Jane ensures that her client's homes bring them joy every day.
The experts say that the textures, and colors of coastal decor will always be in. 'Natural textures such as rattan, seagrass, and rope create an indirect tactile connection with nature, helping to reduce stress,' says designer Jane Atherton.
On the topic of colors, interior designers love the shades introduced by this style. Jane says, 'Warm whites, reflecting light, pair beautifully with watery blues and greens, promoting a sense of peace and calmness. After all blue denotes comfort - just think of your jeans.'
Allison Babcock adds, 'You find the softer palette associated with coastal homes because of the use of sisal rugs and colors such as blue, white, cream, and gray. These colors work really well together and seamlessly with the natural tones of the surrounding area outside the home - sand, ocean, pale green grasses, and sky.'
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.

Allison Babcock is a nationally recognized interior designer based in Sag Harbor, New York. Her aesthetic is crisp, clean and comfortable with a subtle warmth. She attended the University of Richmond, after which she worked at the prestigious firm Cullman & Kravis Associates.
Beyond just believing that this style is still on trend, the interior designers believe that this style is timeless. 'You could really call it ‘classic coastal’ or Timeless/Tailored Transitional. There are ways to add in heirloom items without having them overtake the aesthetic of a crisp beach vibe leaving it relevant in all eras. Coastal interiors will always be timeless because at their root, you are just bringing nature and the surroundings indoors which is everlasting,' says Allison Babcock.
Jane Atherton continues, 'Naturalistic shapes such as driftwood and shells create a visual relationship with nature. Add in the patterns that are found on the coast to reflect the natural world. If it's found in nature, it will work in your home and will always be on trend.'
Shop the fall coastal edit from Studio McGee below, you'll want to feature every one of these items in your coastal living room.

Sophie is a News Editor at Homes & Gardens, where she works on the Celebrity Style team. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly excited when researching trends or interior history. Sophie is an avid pop culture fan. As an H&G editor, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset. Before joining Future Publishing, Sophie worked as the Head of Content and Communications at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens and furniture brand. She has also written features on exciting developments in the design world for Westport Magazine. Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.
-
I'm making this elevated potato salad recipe for all my summer cookouts this year
Featuring charred corn, feta, dill, and pickled red onion, this recipe is a sophisticated twist on a classic and might become a new family favorite
-
My vanity table drawers were a mess until I began using these $2 non-toxic organizing trays – it stopped me from wasting money on makeup duplications, too
Now my vanity drawers are permanently organized
-
Every celebrity home decor collection to shop right now – a comprehensive list from Drew Barrymore to Reese Witherspoon
A home decor brand is the hottest new celebrity accessory. Here's the complete list of every collection, collaboration, and brand you need to know
-
Shea McGee's minimalist home bar offers a refreshingly simple solution for clutter-free storage
Shea McGee's home bar uses a clever solution for superior organization. It's so easy to recreate and will look great in any home.
-
Shea and Syd McGee's festive front porch provides a warm winter welcome – this is how to recreate the chic look
Studio McGee has created their very own winter wonderland outside their home for the holiday season – and we're obsessed with the gorgeous decor
-
Shea McGee's fall front porch decor will be on trend long after Halloween is over – here's why, according to experts
Shea McGee debuts her muted fall porch decor on Instagram. Experts love its minimalist, coastal appeal.
-
Shea McGee loves using this rug hack to bring warmth to the living room – perfect for fall
Interior designer Shea McGee shares this simple rug hack that brings warmth to the living room – and it's perfect for fall
-
Shea McGee shares design expertise on how to style a console table in the living room
Interior designer Shea McGee has shared her expertise on how to style a console table in the living room – we've rounded up her top tips
-
Dream Home Makeover's Shea McGee's vintage Airstream decor is a design lesson for anyone with a tiny home
Shea McGee's most ambitious design project takes shape in this 180-square-foot camper van. Design experts weigh in on their favorite elements