Shea McGee reveals the design trend she's following in 2022 – and how to get it right
Romantic textures are set to overtake the McGee household in the new year – this is how to style them the Shea way


As we sit on the fringe of 2022, it is perhaps only inevitable that thoughts are turning to design trends for the year ahead. And, while it is impossible to predict the future, designer Shea McGee has shared her forecast for the seasons to come – and it looks highly romantic.
In an exclusive interview with H&G, the Dream Home Makeover star revealed that she will embrace romantic textures this 2022 – but what does this interior design trend involve? Here, Shea explains all you need to know before flirting with this maximalist movement.
How to incorporate romantic textures – according to Shea McGee
'I'm excited to lean into more romantic textures and prints like ruffles, scallops, floral patterns, and even fringe in the upcoming year,' Shea says. She adds that she will experiment with the trend 'on everything from bedding to styling accessories.'
It is perhaps unsurprising that romantic textures will have their moment next year. Chintz trend shows no signs of wavering – while fringe is evident in stylish schemes on both sides of the Atlantic. However, while these textures may have Shea's seal of approval, the designer warns that styling various patterns and hues can be tricky to navigate.
Scale your space
Explaining how to mix patterns on her blog, Shea recommends playing with scale in interior design to ensure the prints don't compete with one another – especially when styling within a vignette or an entire room. 'For example, if we start with a large-scale print in a pillow combination, we might choose something with a smaller, more intricate pattern to complement it,' she says.
Make a sophisticated statement
While Shea McGee admits that subtle patterns are perfect for completing a design, she suggests 'choosing bold patterns that will add the right amount of detail into your new year scheme. 'Whether it's florals on florals in a kids' space or a sophisticated wallpaper in a powder bathroom, large-scale pattern choices go a long way to make an impact,' Shea adds.
The designer also urges you to mix organic patterns (those with more movement and curves) with geometric shapes to maintain a balance in your room.
If these decorating ideas are Shea McGee approved, who can surely disagree? We expect a bold and beautiful new year ahead.
Make Life Beautiful | $16.39 on Amazon
Plus, you can continue the next year in the right way with Shea's book Make Life Beautiful. Here, the designer and husband Syd share their business secrets and their decorating tips.
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Megan is the News and Trends Editor at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes. As the News Editor, she often focuses on emerging microtrends, sleep and wellbeing stories, and celebrity-focused pieces. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
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