I Once Shied Away from Wallpaper, But Then I Saw Shea McGee's Latest Project – It's Breathtakingly Serene and Surprisingly Subtle

Proving that wallpaper needn't feel scary, Shea McGee covered her recent dining room project in an elegant print that's convinced me to give pattern a try

interior designer shea mcgee photographed for the mcgee and co fall collection 2025 sat by a bobbin dark wood desk on a neutral chair wearing jeans and a knitted jumper
(Image credit: McGee & Co.)

Whenever a new design lands from interior designer Shea McGee, I'm quick to pay attention. So, when she shared the elegant dining room in her latest project, I was (as always) in awe of the design, but I couldn't take my eyes off one thing in particular – the timeless wallpaper.

Proving that dining room wallpaper ideas can bring beautiful character to a space without being too overpowering, Shea's chosen floral design (MH Fabric - Juniper from Acres) quietly sings in the background yet works effortlessly to bring the whole design together.

Featured in Shea's latest project, The Gable House, despite being an open-plan space that connects to the kitchen, the wallpaper zones the dining room, giving it its own sense of identity. Not to mention, it creates the illusion of more height, making the space feel grander and more impactful.

Shea explains, 'We carried softness into the space by doing wallpaper on all the walls. We don't have room for a lot of furniture, and so I love wallpaper to give that interest for us.' Edging far from a traditional dining room, Shea has been clever in choosing an intricate print in a muted colorway, which brings some much-needed contrast without overwhelming the room, only adding to its soft, tranquil vibe.

When I first laid eyes on the dining room, I was struck by its serene quality. From the delicate drapes to the whimsical tableware, the space has been layered with soft touches that come together in harmony. 'We did drapes around all the windows. I can see that it helps fill out and give some nice softness and layers. We have our Romany chair from McGee & Co as well as these great Slipcovered Chairs.'

Let's not forget the power of the pale palette. Although the dining room edges on the smaller side, Shea has been wise to decorate with neutrals. The soft creams, whites, and pale blues open up the space, creating the illusion of more space and airiness. It's the perfect palette to balance the intricacy of the wallpaper.

Shop the look

There's no denying that Shea's dining room is effortlessly elegant. The wallpaper frames the space beautifully, creating a subtle sense of sophistication. However, with some timeless furniture and tableware, it's more than possible to recreate Shea's vintage-inspired look.


The dining room in The Gable House is breathtakingly serene, but there's no denying that the wallpaper is what brings it all together. It's ornate up close, but from afar, it's the perfect subtle flourish that contrasts against the paler accents and rustic furniture.

Eleanor Richardson
Interior Design News Editor

I am the Interior Design News Editor at Homes and Gardens, covering mainly US-based designers and trending news stories. My love for interiors began when I interned in an interior design studio, working on commercial and private spaces. My passion grew while working in production, where I sourced beautiful locations for photoshoots and campaigns. Outside of work, I enjoy collecting antique decor and mid-century furniture for my home.

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