Recently, it's been hard to imagine that gray was ever the epitome of chic. Since character has reigned supreme in the design world, neutrals have taken a bit of a backseat. But, despite big and bold shades becoming the new standard, neutrals are still a classic, timeless choice – even if more playful shades have stolen the limelight a little.

And if one person can confirm this, it's interior designer Shea McGee. Known for her warm, layered, and time-evolved schemes, she's no beginner when it comes to decorating with liveable neutral tones. In fact, Shea says there's always a time and place for neutrals, and she will continue to use them in 2026 and beyond, even if current color trends favor more striking hues.

But it's not just warm beiges and creams (stay tuned for Shea's all-time favorites) that the interior designer is embracing this year. From the powder blue color trend to rich moody browns, in 2026, Shea McGee is open to the unexpected, too.

Shea McGee's Favourite Neutral Paints

While decorating with neutrals might look a little different in 2026, Shea swears by the classics. From creams to off-whites to Shea, nothing beats a clean, crisp base with layers of lived-in character.

'My all-time favorite is Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore,' she says. 'It's a creamy white that makes the perfect quiet backdrop, so your collected furniture, accessories, and artwork get to be the things you actually notice. It's just as good on an exterior or on cabinetry.' Landing on the best cream paint can be tough; you want just the right amount of yellow without it feeling too warm. Shea's favorite, which is also the brand's best-selling neutral, balances the two.

'I'm going to cheat and give you a second favorite too, because I can't not mention Natural Cream by Benjamin Moore,' she continues. 'It's that rare not-gray, not-beige neutral, and it works everywhere: trim, cabinetry, walls. I have it on the ceilings in both my great room (pictured above) and my bedroom, and I've used it in more projects than I can count.'

Bolder Color Trends on Shea's Radar

But it's not just creams and whites that Shea is embracing this year; there are a few unexpected shades in the mix too. Namely, powder room. While the blue isn't exactly a neutral, it retains a balance between vibrant and muted.

A playful blue paint brings whimsy to a recent laundry room (pictured above) designed by Shea. A clever paint choice that quietly elevates the mundane task of doing laundry, it brings heritage charm and nostalgia into a practical, hard-working room.

'Right now I'm loving all things powdery blue. What I love about the color is that it still plays beautifully with warm tones,' she explains, 'so it doesn't have to tip into feeling cold. I recently switched my bedding to this color and have used variations of the color in recent projects.'

'I do lean neutral, but I'm not afraid of color,' Shea says. When introducing punchier hues, it's always wise to start in a small room, and if you really love it, then proceed to use it in other areas of the home. 'I just like to give it a room of its own. A powder bathroom or a bedroom is the perfect place to commit, because it's contained and a little unexpected when someone walks in.'

'I also tend to reach for a more muted version of whatever I'm drawn to,' she adds. Chocolate browns, deep burgundies, and olive greens have the power to feel cocooning yet equally as grounding when styled right. 'Even a color as rich as merlot feels more livable when it's dialed back a notch, so it reads collected rather than loud.'

Shop Shea's Favorite Color Schemes

Shea McGee, admittedly, will always gravitate towards neutrals for grounding her schemes, but powder blues and rich wine reds are firmly on her radar too. Both these colors can work wonderfully as part of a neutral scheme, so if you are looking to dip your toe in some of this year's biggest color trends, they are a good place to start.

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Summer may have only just begun, but as a cold-weather-devoted, fall foliage-loving, and pumpkin spice-obsessed kind of girl, I've always got autumn on my mind. Clearly, so does Shea McGee, as she's (very quietly) just released her brand new fall collection with Target.

One glance at this range and you'll feel transported to a crisp October day at home. Soft neutrals and deep jewel tones set the collection's mood, while heritage florals, muted metallics, and dark marble details establish its luxe undertone. There's an 'old-money'-inspired aesthetic that radiates through the collection, too, with elevated decor details that'll make your home feel regal and sophisticated yet undeniably cozy.

If the collection is any indication of design trends to come, then I'm confident that we're in for a treat this fall. Expect passementerie touches like tassels and fringe to become more prominent, twisted wood and metal details to maintain their popularity, and floral motifs to get a richer, more tradition-inspired update. This collection has it all, and it's everything you need to make your home feel trend-led yet timeless this autumn.

This collection is brimming with fresh home styling pieces that'll elevate your space in subtle fall hues and prints. Think decorative picture frames (like this gorgeous metal and marble pick), refined and tactile pillows (I'm obsessed with this knit bolster-style throw), and elegant, laurel wreath-inspired vases (this tall vase looks so regal).

As for furniture, you'll find everything from cozy yet elegant accent chairs (like this floral-printed model that'll become your living room's statement piece) to smart storage ideas that make multi-purpose furniture look more polished than ever before (check out the Burl Wood Upholstered Storage Ottoman – it's a sure sell-out).

Though this is a fall collection, it would look timeless all year round, ideally pieces for designing a home that never dates. If you're eager to shop the elegant and refined picks from Shea's latest drop, then find our favorites, below.

Shop Studio McGee's Fall Collection at Target

One thing to note about Shea McGee's Target drops – they sell out quick. Some of the stand-out pieces are already out of stock, so if you see something you like, don't wait until the leaves start to turn to pick it up.

And if decorating for fall hasn't even crossed your mind yet and you are looking for chic pieces to update your summer table, then allow me to draw your attention to the Amalfi tableware line that Shea McGee just released at McGee & Co. This lemon-themed launch is sure to enhance summer tablescapes with fun, festive, and fruity flair.

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If Nancy Meyers ever swapped the Hamptons for Arizona, I'd imagine her house would look something like this. East Coast tradition isn't usually associated with desert living, but Shea McGee's latest project proves the pairing makes perfect sense.

While one conjures images of traditional architecture, tailored upholstery, and heirloom-inspired details, the other brings to mind sun-baked tones, natural textures, and a connection to the landscape. Yet when the two come together, under the expert eye of Studio McGee, the result feels both timeless and surprisingly fresh.

That's exactly what happened when Shea unveiled Studio McGee's new home in Arizona. In the recently completed home, Shea and her team blended classic East Coast influences with warm hues, layered materials, and the kind of indoor-outdoor living most of us can only dream about.

Designed to age gracefully rather than chase trends, the result is what Shea describes as having 'East Coast bones and a desert soul' – and after seeing the project, it's a decorating formula I'm convinced deserves far more attention.

The beauty of the aesthetic is that it's less about following a particular interior design style and more about layering the right ingredients. 'East Coast bones, desert soul' is all about contrast. Think warm wood furniture, skirted accent chairs, vintage deco, and blue-and-white ceramics alongside woven textures, aged woods, earthy greens, and collected vintage-inspired details. It's polished, but never precious.

Fortunately, recreating the look doesn't require a custom-built home in Arizona. McGee & Co.'s own collections are an obvious starting point, but brands like Magnolia, Serena & Lily, Lulu and Georgia, and of course, Target's Threshold designed w/ Studio McGee collection, all tap into the same timeless-meets-relaxed mood. From rustic plate racks to house Grandma's collection to tapestries to make an impression in your entry, these are the pieces that help a room feel layered, lived-in, and look just as good a decade from now. Just as Shea intended.

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Designing a new-build home comes with a unique challenge: how do you create a sense of history in a place that has none? For Studio McGee founder Shea McGee, the answer wasn't to imitate age, but to design for it. In Arizona, just outside Phoenix, Shea created a family home that feels layered with character from the moment you step inside. Natural materials, patinated details, vintage finds, and custom craftsmanship all work together to give the house a warmth that belies its brand-new status.

'When you're working with a new build, you get to write the history,' says Shea. 'We wanted this home to feel like it had already been lived in, even on day one.' Inspired by the colors of the Sonoran Desert and shaped by the homeowners' East Coast roots, the result is a house design that balances timelessness with relaxed family living – a home designed, in Shea's words, to look even better in 20 years than it does today.

For Shea, creating a timeless home isn't about trends but about designing for longevity. Because Studio McGee joined the project from its earliest stages, the team was able to influence everything from the architecture and floor plan to the way light moves through the house. Rather than simply decorating completed rooms, they helped shape the experience of living in them.

The setting played a key role. 'The landscape was our starting point,' Shea explains. 'The palette came directly from the environment: warm ochres, soft terracottas, that subtle desert sage. The wide windows were designed to frame the views – we never wanted you to forget where you were.' The result is a home that feels deeply connected to its surroundings without ever feeling cliched. 'People often default to a very specific aesthetic when they design in Arizona,' says Shea. 'But there are so many other ways to respond to this landscape. Texture, material, silhouette. You don't have to announce that you're in the desert; you can just let the land lead.'

Yet the project wasn't shaped solely by its roots. One of the homeowners grew up on the East Coast, and 'she brought that sensibility with her,' says Shea. It was this combination that ultimately gave the home its identity. As Shea puts it, 'it's a home with East Coast bones and a desert soul.'

The approach reflects her 'New Heritage' philosophy – interiors rooted in tradition but designed for modern family life, as Shea describes it. Classic architecture and traditional proportions are layered with earthy materials that will only become more beautiful over time. 'Nothing trendy. Nothing that's going to feel dated in five years.'

'We chose materials and made decisions we knew would age beautifully and develop patina over time,' she adds, noting the hand-drawn parquet floors in the entry – 'You can't half-commit to an entry. We went all in' – the unlacquered brass fixtures in the kitchen, and the vintage finds throughout the home. 'Those are the things that will look better in twenty years than they do today.'

'We sourced things that brought soul to a new build, including a runner in the butler's pantry, a wall hanging tapestry in the entry, woven textiles, and pieces with age and patina,' Shea continues. 'That layering of things collected over time is what gives a new build soul.'

While the palette and mood were shaped by the landscape, the wooden kitchen was defined by the family who would use it. Designed as both a gathering spot and a hardworking hub, the room strikes a balance between being beautiful enough to wow but practical enough to withstand the realities of family life. At its center sits a custom island measuring more than 13 feet long, conceived as a piece of furniture with an open base that displays the family's collections. Opposite, a Lacanche range dominates the wall, while zellige tile, marble countertops, and unlacquered brass fixtures introduce the texture and patina found throughout the rest of the house. 'The vision was for the kitchen to feel like it belonged in the home, not like a kitchen that happened to be installed there,' says Shea. 'There's a difference, and you feel it.'

Yet for all its carefully considered details, one of the room's defining features came directly from the homeowners themselves. The client had a single request: a sink under a window opening directly to the backyard. 'They plan to host a lot in this home, and she understood instinctively that design should serve how you actually live,' says Shea. 'That window changes the whole feel of the kitchen. You're never cut off from the outdoor space. The inside and outside breathe together.' Supporting the heart of the home is an equally thoughtful butler's pantry concealed behind the main kitchen, where porcelain countertops, open shelving, and a vintage runner allow the practical work of daily life to happen out of sight.

For all its thoughtful detailing and careful layering, this was never intended to be a show home. From the outset, the clients – a family with four children and a love of entertaining – wanted a house that felt 'elevated but never stiff.' That balance informed everything from the layout of the main living spaces to the smaller decisions that make daily life run more smoothly. 'The brief was really about family: spaces that could handle real life, but also felt intentional and considered at every turn,' says Shea.

That idea is perhaps most evident in the spaces designed purely for enjoyment. The games room, complete with tongue-and-groove paneling, oversized woven pendants, pool and shuffleboard tables, was imagined as a place where the family could gather, entertain, and make noise without worrying about perfection. 'It's a room that wants to be used loudly,' she notes. 'The gallery wall even has skate decks on it because one of the kids skates. That's the kind of detail that makes a room actually belong to the family.' Elsewhere, practicality is elevated rather than hidden away. The laundry room pairs reclaimed stone floors and soapstone countertops and boasts two washers and two dryers. 'Even utility spaces got the same level of attention. That's always the goal,' she adds.

Throughout the home, Studio McGee looked for opportunities to layer in pieces with meaning and history, introducing a sense of age that new construction often struggles to achieve. Some of those details are immediately visible, such as the custom parquet floor that greets visitors in the intimate entryway. 'You genuinely don't need a rug in here; the floor IS the rug. From there, you move through leaded glass windows into the great room, and the scale opens up completely. I love a house that makes you slow down before revealing itself,' says Shea. Together, this establishes the tone for everything that follows.

Many of the most meaningful details, however, are easy to miss. In the kitchen, heirloom plates once belonging to the client's grandmother are displayed on custom plate racks, woven naturally into the kitchen rather than preserved behind glass. Elsewhere, a piece of the grandmother's needlepoint hangs in the primary bathroom. 'You could come through this house and never notice either of them,' Shea explains. 'But the family will notice them every single day, and that's the whole point.' Even the blue herringbone stone lining the fireplace in the great room speaks to the studio's belief in details that need closer attention. These are not elements that command attention, but they are the ones that linger longest.

The butler's pantry – or 'back kitchen' – may sit discreetly behind the kitchen, but hidden as it may be, it is one of Shea's favorite spaces in the home. 'I know that might seem like a surprising answer, but the butler's pantry is where the philosophy of this entire home lives,' she explains. Designed with porcelain countertops, antique brass hardware, tile extending to the ceiling, open shelving, and a vintage runner underfoot, the room balances utility with beauty in a way that feels distinctly 'McGee'. 'It exists almost entirely behind a door. Nobody sees it except the family and whoever's close enough to be back there,' she adds.

Although the kitchen may be the home's natural gathering place, the adjoining dining area plays an equally important role in the flow of everyday life. Positioned between the kitchen and great room, it acts as a transition between cooking, entertaining, and relaxing, while maintaining the openness that defines the home's layout. Framed by floor-to-ceiling drapery and generous windows, the space is filled with natural light throughout the day. 'Window placement was everything,' Shea explains. 'We designed wide windows specifically to frame the landscape like living art. They're not incidental, they're deliberate. In the Arizona desert, you're managing the sun as much as welcoming it.'

After the openness and activity of the home's entertaining spaces, the primary suite offers a quieter note. 'It's calm. It does what a primary bedroom should do,' says Shea. While the room shares the same warm palette and natural materials found throughout the house, it feels noticeably more restrained. 'The freshness comes from restraint, from not doing too much,' she notes. 'The palette is warm and tonal, pulled directly from the desert. The handwoven textiles add warmth without the weight.' Marble-top nightstands sit alongside collected decorative pieces, while the McGee & Co. Clemence settee at the foot of the bed provides both function and elegance.

The primary bathroom pairs traditional design with natural materials chosen for their longevity and warmth. Arabescato Calacatta marble wraps the floors, countertops, and shower enclosure, creating a sense of quiet luxury, while a vaulted ceiling introduces texture overhead. 'The ceiling gets tongue and groove, which adds warmth to all that stone,' Shea explains. 'The vanity is color-matched to the trim throughout the house, and the shower door is powder-coated to match. Tucked in just the right spot is the client's grandmother's needlepoint – that's the piece that makes the room personal,' she adds.

Perhaps nowhere is the family's personality more evident than in the children's bedrooms. Rather than following a single decorative scheme throughout, Studio McGee approached each room as an individual reflection of the child who would inhabit it. One bedroom features framed drumsticks and a vintage map of Paris for a music-loving son, while another embraces a softer palette with a scalloped headboard for a Taylor Swift fan. Elsewhere, cowboy influences, a gallery wall of meaningful collections, and Morris & Co. wallpaper bring character and individuality to such playful spaces.

'Morris and Co. wallpaper in Lou's room is probably the boldest pattern statement in the house, and even that is rooted in heritage. It belongs,' she continues. For Shea, these rooms represent the most personal side of the project. 'The best projects come from clients who trust you but also bring their own personality to the table,' she says. The children's spaces became a natural extension of that collaboration. 'Those rooms are the most joyful spaces in this house,' Shea adds. 'Every one of them could only belong to exactly that child.'

One of the clearest indicators of a thoughtfully designed home is how much care is given to the rooms visitors rarely see. Rather than treating the laundry and mudroom as purely functional spaces, Studio McGee approached them with the same attention to detail found throughout the rest of the house. Tongue-and-groove wall paneling, soapstone countertops, custom cabinetry, and reclaimed stone flooring elevate the everyday rituals, while generous storage ensures the spaces work hard behind the scenes – 'and two washers and two dryers, because this family is serious.'

While the interiors are rich with texture and personal details, the landscape was the true starting point for this home. The clients envisioned a house that could comfortably accommodate family life and frequent entertaining, and the outdoor areas play an important role in achieving that. 'The deep overhangs aren't just beautiful, they're functional,' Shea explains. 'They invite you to actually use the outdoor spaces, which in Arizona is everything.' The pool sits at the heart of the backyard, extending the home's entertaining spaces beyond its walls.

Despite its scale, the home never feels stark. Instead, every decision appears rooted in the needs of the family that lives here. For Shea, that was always the ultimate goal. 'At home. Not impressed: at home. There's a difference,' she says when asked how she hopes visitors feel when they walk through the front door. 'I want people to walk in and feel the warmth of the materials, feel the care that went into every decision, and feel like this house was made for exactly the family that lives here. More than anything, I just want this home to feel like somewhere you could exhale,' says Shea.

When asked to describe this home in just three words, Shea's answer is simple: 'Rooted. Personal. Earned.' Sure, this may be a brand-new build, but through thoughtful design, meaningful details, and a deep connection to the surroundings, Studio McGee has created a house that already feels as though it has a story to tell – even on day one.

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Forget the strawberries, the blueberries, and even the tomatoes. It's a lemon-girl summer, according to Shea McGee, whose latest drop at McGee & Co. is packed with pieces in this zesty motif.

Dubbed the Amalfi Collection, this table decor range is vibrant and refreshing by design, inspired by Shea's trips to the Italian Coast. Within it, you'll find lemons – the quintessential Italian summertime motif – in every form, from lemon-shaped candles and lemon-painted platters to bowls with lemon forms affixed and faux lemon branches. No longer are lemons just a garnish – Shea's made them the stars of the show on summer tablescapes.

Though lemons are the central theme of this collection, Shea's incorporated other summer table decor ideas in this range, too. Think floral motifs, shell-shapes, gingham prints, and stripe patterns – all details that complement the vivacious yellow lemons and tap into the warm and inviting nature of the Mediterranean decor aesthetic.

This collection embodies the liveliness and playful nature of the summer, and it can make your tablescape sing with seasonal charm. Designed specifically for summertime hosting, these pieces can make your table feel like it belongs at a seaside bed and breakfast in Positano – even if you live in the suburbs of New Jersey.

If you're eager to try tablescaping the Italian way, find the highlights from Shea McGee's Amalfi Collection below.

Shop McGee & Co.'s Amalfi Collection

These pieces from Shea McGee's Amalfi Collection can bring energy and vibrance to your summer tablescape, all thanks to the zesty lemon motif. But in order to balance out the boldness, consider pairing these lemon-inspired pieces with sleek silver tableware – a trend we know will be part of every tablescape this summer.

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With 25,000 square feet to play with, this Utah home surrounded by mountains could easily have felt imposing. Instead, it feels remarkably intimate.

Designed by Studio McGee in collaboration with architect Colton Broadbent of Broadbent Architectural Studio, the newly completed home was created for a family of nine who wanted something timeless yet deeply personal – a house design for gathering, creativity, and connection rather than vast scale.

Yes, there are soaring ceilings, dramatic steel-framed windows, and impressive views of the Provo foothills beyond. But there are also craft rooms, music spaces, a bowling alley, and one very charming striped playroom disguised as a tent.

Ahead of the full reveal, Shea and Colton take Homes & Gardens on an exclusive first look round.

Homes & Gardens: The landscape seems to play as much of a role as the architecture itself. How did the setting shape the home's story?

Shea McGee: The clients had a clear vision – a legacy home for their family of nine, anchored by a classical European aesthetic and built to feel as though it had always been there. The setting shaped almost every decision.

The warm, brick-cut stone on the exterior was selected to settle the home into its surroundings; the steel windows pull the mountain views inside; the entry hall was intentionally framed so that the moment you walk through the front door, the landscape opens straight through to the backyard. This was never meant to be a home imposed on the site. It was meant to belong to it.

Colton Broadbent: From the outset, Jason [the homeowner and Crumbl Cookies founder] wasn’t simply interested in building a home; he was interested in creating a story. He often spoke about wanting a place that captured the essence of his childhood.

The site itself played a significant role in shaping the architecture. The mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, but there was never a desire for the house to compete with the landscape. Instead, we wanted it to feel as though it had gradually found its place there over time. The architecture draws on familiar, time-tested forms, but it is composed in a way that feels fresh and tailored to the family.

One of the central challenges was accommodating an ambitious program without allowing the home to feel oversized or overly formal. Homes of this scale can easily become a collection of features. Our goal was to create something more enduring.

Homes & Gardens: This project pivoted during the design process. How did that shift ultimately shape the final design?

Colton Broadbent: One of the things I love most about residential architecture is that the project you begin is rarely the project you finish. The design process has a way of revealing priorities that aren’t always obvious at the outset. Not only to us as designers, but often to the clients themselves.

When we first began exploring this home, the architectural language leaned somewhat more contemporary. As our conversations with Jason and his wife, Whitney, deepened, however, it became clear that what they were ultimately seeking wasn’t a particular style; it was a feeling.

As that became clearer, the architecture naturally evolved. Rather than asking, 'How can this be different?' we found ourselves asking, 'How can this feel lasting?' That shift ended up influencing almost every major decision that followed.

The final home feels richer because of that journey. The collaboration with Studio McGee and Northland Design was instrumental in that outcome. The architecture established the framework, but the interiors and landscape expanded the narrative, adding texture, depth, and continuity that extend well beyond the walls of the home.

Shea McGee: Every project of this depth has a pivot, and ours came with the dining room. It was originally imagined as a glass-lined pavilion gently set over water – an outdoor room.

As the design evolved and the family’s needs shifted, the pavilion was enclosed in glass and embraced within the home’s more traditional architecture.

The illusion remains. The room still feels as though it’s floating, with the water carrying out beneath the house and through to a cascade beyond. That single decision created some of the most layered views in the home – moments where you can look through one space and discover another. It also shaped the way we thought about the rest of the floor plan: as a collection of spaces revealed gradually, rather than taken in all at once.

Homes & Gardens: Despite the scale of this property, it's surprisingly cozy. How did you approach creating that sense of intimacy?

Shea McGee: A home this size could easily feel grand to the point of being impersonal, so we worked very carefully to bring that feeling down through layering, pattern mixing, cottage-inspired details, and antiques that feel collected rather than precious.

The architecture also allowed for a nice ebb and flow between the grand spaces and the more intimate ones, and we leaned into that contrast. We were intentional about choosing finishes with warmth – oak, for instance, throughout the great room.

We added oak moldings around the openings that create almost a hug effect around the living room before drawing you into the more intimate spaces beyond. That mix is really instrumental.

We filled every corner of the home with personal pieces – artwork and decorative objects that belong to the family – and that's what makes it feel lived in rather than staged.

Homes & Gardens: The home balances the wife’s softer, more cottage-inspired style with Jason’s cleaner, more tailored vision. How did you bridge those contrasting styles?

Shea McGee: The overall aesthetic is classic European with American livability – layered, warm, and quietly tailored.

Whitney leans toward softer, more cottage-inspired moments: the chinoiserie murals in the children’s wing, the romantic ruffled cushions in the craft room, the slipcovered seating, the wallpapered ceilings.

Jason gravitates toward cleaner architectural moves: the limestone entry, the steel windows, the dark-stained tongue-and-groove garage, the rich oak of his dressing room.

The way they meet is the heart of the project. Architectural continuity – the same paneling, the same plaster, the same material vocabulary – held the home together, and within that backbone, each room could lean a little softer or a little more tailored without losing the larger story. The home is neither his nor hers. It’s both, settled into one.

Colton Broadbent: We ultimately landed on a Belgian-inspired archetype because it could hold both sides of their taste.

It can handle Jason’s cleaner, more tailored sensibility, but it also has room for the softer, more cottage-like qualities that Whitney was drawn to. There is a sense of history and craftsmanship in that style, but it doesn’t have to feel overly ornate or out of place.

That became the bridge. The architecture could be rooted in history and European precedent, but still feels restrained, edited, and appropriate for the way they live. From there, Studio McGee was able to carry that story into the furnishings, materials, and layered interior details. It was really a shared story that we kept building together and riffing on as the project developed.

Homes & Gardens: Are there any details in the home that visitors might overlook, but shouldn't?

Shea McGee: So much of what makes this home feel personal lives in the details, and the artwork is where a lot of that comes through. A few highlights for me:

There's a painting of our client's grandmother hanging in the kitchen, and a wall of historical family photos in the mudroom. We also commissioned a local artist to paint a beautiful family tree featuring the family crest and a small rendering of the home itself – it hangs above a George Smith chaise tucked under the stairs, which is one of my favorite quiet moments in the house.

On the finishes side, I love what we did with the stone step details in a few different spots. In the entryway, there's a solid piece of limestone with a chiseled edge, and at the base of the staircase leading up to the kids' wing, there's a marble step. They're small moments most people might not register consciously, but they're the kind of details that make the home feel crafted rather than built.

Colton Broadbent: I hope people notice the spaces between the spaces.

Throughout this home, we paid close attention to moments of arrival, pause, and anticipation. There are vestibules, compressed passages, framed views, and subtle thresholds that help define the experience of moving from one space into another.

A great piece of music is not defined solely by the notes. The pauses matter as well. Architecture operates in much the same way. The moments of compression make the larger spaces feel more expansive. The quieter moments make the dramatic moments feel more meaningful.

There is a kind of cognitive mapping that happens, where your body can sense that you are moving from one type of space into another. As you move through the house, the architecture asks you to pay attention. It makes you feel that something has shifted, and hopefully it sparks a little curiosity about why that space feels different.

Homes & Gardens: From craft rooms to bowling alleys – how important was creating different moods throughout the home?

Shea McGee: If every room hits the same note, you stop hearing any of them. The conservatory is enveloping and a little theatrical – Pierre Frey Chantonnay wallpaper carried up the walls and across the ceiling, two Steinways at the center, a design narrative built around fifteen songs that mean something to this family.

The craft room is cheerful and atelier-like – soft cream millwork, ruffled cushions on the built-in benches, label holders on the drawers.

The theater room is intimate and club-like – lounge seating instead of stadium rows, deep green velvet, plaid lumbar pillows. They’re each true to themselves, but there are threads that carry between the spaces with the materials, inspiration, and color palettes.

Homes & Gardens: We have to talk about the tented playroom. Where did that idea come from?

Shea McGee: When we design kids' spaces, we're thinking about playfulness and youth, but we're also thinking about how a room can evolve over time.

The bunk room is a good example – we chose gender-neutral tones so it could grow and accommodate whoever is staying there. We did a playful design with the cutouts and shaping of the bunks, upholstered headboards, and built-in daybeds.

The star of the children's spaces, though, is the tented room. From the very first time I saw that space on the plans, I knew I wanted it to feel like a play tent inside the home. I'd always wanted to do a tented room, and our client was open to it, so I knew this was the perfect opportunity.

The blue and white stripes feel classic and elegant – every home needs a few moments that feel like surprises, and this is one of them. It is the happiest room. Tented rooms have a rich history, and with a few styling adjustments, this could function as a really inspiring lounge space as the kids grow older.

Homes & Gardens: There's a pattern in almost every room, yet nothing feels overwhelming. What's the secret?

Shea McGee: There's a rise and fall with the pattern throughout the home. Nearly every room features some sort of pattern – whether it's tile work, a textile on a pillow or chair, or wallpaper – but there are also calmer, quieter moments that let the eye rest. The goal was to create continuity and repetition without making every room feel the same.

A lot of the cohesion comes from design details we carried through the main spaces, but in subtly varied ways – the opening around the fireplace is repeated around the kitchen range, cabinet corbels, and in the primary bedroom.

We also took a lot of inspiration from the natural surroundings. You see those palettes and textures pulled directly from the foothills behind the home – many of the dusty, earthy tones throughout were chosen with that landscape in mind. That connection to place is really what holds everything together.

Homes & Gardens: Architecturally, what was most important to establish early on?

Colton Broadbent: If I had to point to a single idea that guided the project from the beginning, it would be proportion.

Large homes are not inherently grand. In fact, size alone often works against the feeling people are trying to achieve. Without careful consideration, larger homes can quickly go from feeling grand to just feeling big.

We use the phrase 'house bloat' internally quite a bit, and this project constantly challenged us to resist it. Every square foot had to earn its place within the larger composition.

From the beginning, we focused on creating hierarchy rather than simply increasing dimensions. Every space needed to understand its role within the larger composition.

A room with a high ceiling, for example, required architectural elements that could help bring the scale back to the individual. Millwork, beams, openings, and material transitions all became tools for creating comfort within larger volumes.

Homes & Gardens: Is there one room or design detail that best captures the spirit of the project?

Shea McGee: Maybe it's because it's one of my favorite rooms in the house, but I think the scullery best captures the personality of the family. It's a large, overflowing space that's incredibly practical but just as beautiful.

The Delft tile on the walls is representative of a favorite trip our client went on, so it's deeply personal. In the center, there's a huge island for baking. We hung copper pots that feel very collected, and a sentimental art piece hangs in the corner. It's so connected to a personal story, but you can also see the vibrancy and life of the family who lives here. To me, it captures everything we wanted this project to be: chic, collected, personal, and a space that actually works for the people who live in it.

Colton Broadbent: There are a lot of spaces I’m proud of in this house, but I find myself returning to the relationship between the dining room and the craft room.

On paper, those spaces serve very different purposes. One is devoted to gathering around a table. The other is devoted to making, experimenting, and creating. Yet their proximity tells you a great deal about the values of the family.

This family is very much about storytelling, inspiration, togetherness, and creation. They wanted a home where their kids could feel inspired, where creativity was part of everyday life. I think that is a really beautiful thing to foster in children.

That connection between family dinner and the craft room really captures the heart of the project for me: togetherness, creativity, and a home that encourages everyone who lives there and visits to be inspired.

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Bathrooms are returning to schemes that embrace tranquility and luxury this year, with a true emphasis on creating spaces that not only prioritize wellness but also feel timeless. And the new Kohler x Studio McGee collaboration makes creating such a space easier than ever.

Just launched, the Kohler x Studio McGee Claude Bathroom Collection has everything you need to create a bathroom that embraces classic style with pared-back restraint, instantly creating a sense of calm.

The collection feels quietly luxurious, offering a high-end look without any fussy embellishments. Think chic washstands, elegant pedestal sinks, and even a freestanding tub, alongside smaller accessories that effortlessly complete a bathroom. Honestly? It's a collection worth knowing if you're planning a refresh this year.

This isn't Studio McGee's first collaboration with Kohler – in fact, the Claude Collection follows six successful launches across kitchens and bathrooms.

But while they have all focused on specific elements of the room, such as the Castia^™ Bathroom Faucet Collection and the Audrine^™ Kitchen Sink Collection, the latest endeavor offers all the essential furniture you need to design a bathroom.

You can furnish your entire bathroom with this collection. Choose between a traditional washstand sink with either brass or silver fixings, an elegant pedestal sink, or a sleek undermount sink to upgrade a vanity.

There are five different toilet designs to choose from, depending on the size and style of your bathroom, and one holy grail bathtub that effortlessly blends into schemes that lean traditional and modern in style. It might just be the hardest-working collection to date.

'Partnering with Kohler allows thoughtful design and advanced performance to come together in a way that feels natural and elevated,' says Shea McGee, Founder of Studio McGee, in the press release.

'With Claude, we created an entire cohesive bathroom collection that feels grounded and enduring, with pieces that draw you in. We designed products that are intentional and innovative while leaning into architectural detail and classic proportions to deliver comfort and functionality expected in a modern home.'

This collection is about more than simply accessorizing your bathroom – it's about introducing core pieces that balance classic style with unrivalled functionality. Each piece is inspired by Kohler's archives, reintroducing key furniture, from toilets to bathtubs, taking pieces that are usually seen as basic essentials and making them feel more refined and elevated.

'Working with Shea allowed us to push the boundaries of what bathroom design can be. She brought a fresh perspective to Kohler’s rich design heritage, helping us translate our archives into something distinctly modern, but classic,' said Margaret Mazz, Kohler Studio Manager.

'Claude demonstrates that advanced performance – especially in a smart toilet – doesn’t have to look technical. It can be beautifully designed, intuitive to use, and grounded in timeless form.'

Shop the Collection

Whether you're planning a simple bathroom refresh or a full renovation, there's something in this collection for every space. It reinforces the idea of a design centered around wellness, rather than following fleeting bathroom trends.

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Interior designer Shea McGee is fluent in the language of rooms – the flow, light, and casually elevated styling that she’s known for as the co-founder of Studio McGee. Her new cookbook, then, is less of a departure than it first appears. In Around The Table: Tables and Traditions For Gathering, available on Amazon, McGee approaches food the way she approaches a living space: with an eye toward how it feels to be there, how people gather, linger, and, ideally, help themselves to seconds.

She begins her cookbook with a line that disarms: 'I am an interior designer, not a professionally trained chef.' It’s a teaser for her ultimate thesis: That the recipes are only one part of the offering, and the real subject is the moment they create.

'I’m not just thinking about flavors – I’m thinking about color, texture, height, composition, and how the whole scene comes together,' she says. The table, in her hands, becomes an extension of the room – another surface to layer, edit, and bring into balance. A platter of salmon scattered with citrus and herbs is treated with the same care as a console styled with books and objects. 'The table is just another room to me. And food is just another form of design.'

The book is organized by season, a structure that feels intuitive once you hear her describe it. 'My whole approach to gathering is shaped by how I’m experiencing the season,' she says. 'What produce is in season, what the light looks like outside, whether we're eating around the fire pit or out on the patio with the doors open.' To McGee, spring is light and bright, summer relaxed and a little improvisational, fall layered and candlelit, winter pared back to soup, bread, and closeness. It is a way of cooking that pays attention to mood as much as ingredients.

Late spring, which happens to be when her book was released this year, is her favorite time to host. 'After a long winter, we’re all coming out of our shells – there is a sense of possibility as everything comes to life,' she says. The menus, she insists, 'almost build themselves,' guided by fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and whatever looks good at the market that morning. There is a pleasing lack of overthinking in that approach, a confidence that the season will carry you.

Though her focus is always on beauty, her idea of the perfect spring party food is sneakily pragmatic. 'To me, the best party food is essentially a portable salad – it should look beautiful, taste interesting, and require almost no effort to eat,' she says. Skewers of blackberry and Gouda, smashed tzatziki cucumbers, whipped ricotta piped onto croissant crostini – each one designed to feel generous without demanding much from the host or the guest.

That ethos extends to the way she sets a table: Bring the outside in, use what you have, and let things be a little imperfect. A few bud vases with flowers clipped from the yard, rumpled linens, a woven element to break up the ceramics – small gestures that add up to something memorable.

There is, throughout the book, a sense that hospitality is less about performance and more about attention. McGee describes a last-minute visit from a friend with a kind of ease that feels aspirational in the best way: a board assembled from whatever is in the fridge, a quick crostini, conversation unfolding in the kitchen. 'Thoughtfulness, not perfection, is always the goal,' she says.

A designer writing a cookbook makes perfect sense when you consider the end goal of any gathering: Never the dish itself, but the room it creates around it.

Blackberry Gouda Skewers

'Color and texture are top of mind when creating a menu. These skewers have a contrast of dark and light hues with a pleasant, toasty crunch from coarse salt and walnuts. It’s essentially a portable salad, easy to eat and transport, whether I’m at the beach, hosting a barbecue, or sneaking a few into lunchboxes.'

Ingredients

• 1 pound peeled, seeded, and diced honeydew melon
• 5 ounces Gouda cheese
• 32 (4 3/4-inch) bamboo skewers
• 5 ounces spring mix
• 1 pint blackberries
• ½ cup walnuts
• Balsamic glaze, for serving
• Coarse grey French salt, for serving

Directions

1. Dice the honeydew into 1-inch cubes. Next, chop the Gouda into ½-inch cubes.

2. Assemble by layering a piece of honeydew, pinch of spring mix, cube of Gouda, blackberry, another pinch of spring mix, and another piece of honeydew on a skewer. Place in an airtight container or cover in plastic wrap, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Meanwhile, toast the walnuts in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant. Finely chop.

4. Stack the skewers in an airtight container for easy storage and transport. To serve, set the skewers on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze, then sprinkle with the toasted walnuts and French salt. Alternatively, let guests dress the skewers on their own.

Tzatziki Cucumbers

'Thanks to a punchy dill vinaigrette and creamy yogurt base, these tzatziki-inspired cucumbers are cool, crunchy, and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients and simple prep, this dish delivers the refreshing bite of tzatziki in an engaging, deconstructed form.'

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• ¼ cup fresh dill, packed
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 lemon
• 2 English cucumbers
• ¾ cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt

Directions

1. In a large bowl, make the vinaigrette by whisking together the oil, sesame seeds, sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Chop the dill, grate or finely mince the garlic, and zest and juice the lemon. Add the dill, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the oil and whisk to combine.

2. Cut the cucumbers into thirds crosswise, then smash each piece with the side of the knife or a mallet. Roughly chop the smashed cucumbers and add them to the vinaigrette. Stir to combine.

3. Add the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt to the yogurt and stir to combine. Spread the yogurt over the bottom of a serving platter or shallow bowl. Spoon the cucumbers on top of the yogurt. Pour any remaining vinaigrette over the top and serve.

Whipped Ricotta Crostini

'These crostini are a simple, elegant appetizer that feeds a crowd. Using croissants in place of a typical baguette yields a supremely buttery toast that delicately shatters beneath each bite of cloud-like ricotta. For a little extra color, finish with flaky salt and a sprinkle of dried edible flowers.'

Ingredients

• 3 ¾ cups (30 ounces) ricotta
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 to 4 large croissants
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Flaky salt, for serving
• Dried edible flowers, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, add the ricotta, heavy cream, and salt. Whip on medium-high speed, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes. The mixture will be light and fluffy.

2. Transfer the whipped ricotta to a piping bag or gallon storage bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.

3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and slice the croissants into ¼-inch slices, just like you would a loaf of bread, to yield about 10 slices per croissant. Nestle the slices onto a parchment-lined sheet pan in a single layer, using two sheets if needed.

4. Brush the croissants on both sides with the oil, then transfer to the oven and bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Flip the croissants, then bake for another 5 to 6 minutes until they are deeply toasted and crisp. Set aside to cool completely.

5. When ready to assemble, cut the tip of the bag to create a ¼-inch opening. Pipe the whipped ricotta onto each crostini in a squiggle motion, then sprinkle with flaky salt and dried flowers (if using). Serve immediately.

Menu of the Moment is a monthly Homes & Gardens feature which taps into a seasonal cookery mindset or food trend, with a selection of recipes inspired by the calendar or zeitgeist, and an interview with the cook, chef or recipe book author about the story behind them, and what brings them joy about cooking seasonally and for the moment.

Brass, gold, and copper have long reigned as the go-to, on-trend metallic finishes. But throughout 2025, as homes became more layered, more colorful, and more inviting, we saw an unexpected shift away from these super-popular warm metals toward cool metals like chrome and silver.

Even the queen of soft, rustic interiors, Shea McGee, has gone to the cool side with both her new McGee & Co. Spring Collection and her Threshold designed w/ Studio McGee line at Target, heavily featuring silver. It’s a design trend that made her top design predictions for 2026. But Shea is very specific that, for her, it’s all about silver – not chrome.

So how does Shea style this cooler-toned finish in her warm, rustic interiors? We spoke with the designer to find out how she’s incorporating this trending material into her projects.

Unlike chrome, which can skew very modern and sometimes cold, decorating with silver yields a softer, more familiar effect in interiors. It's a metallic finish that many associate with traditional decorating trends because of its frequent use throughout design history. Hence, why it's Shea's choice for her softer style.

Compared to chrome, ‘silver reads warmer and more heritage-inspired – it feels softer, more layered, and timeless rather than sleek,’ Shea explains. Typically, its shine is not as sharp as chrome's, and according to Shea, this gives the finish its calm and collected feel.

Shea explains that 'Silver tends to blend more naturally into layered interiors. If your space leans classic or transitional, silver usually feels like the better choice,' she remarks. Silver's soft shine and timeless appeal can enhance a home that already feels lived-in and full of personality. It's an enduring finish with a subtle shine that can add another level of visual interest without disrupting the room's preexisting atmosphere.

Shea is all about softening silver with other materials. This is how we’re seeing these cooler metals styled in 2026. They aren’t in stark white minimalist rooms; this isn’t the silver of the 2010s. If you layer silver with natural materials like wood, stone, marble, and warm neutrals, it adds a slight, unexpected contrast – but one that works.

‘Silver pairs beautifully with wood, stone, and softer textiles,’ Shea explains. See how the shelves above are styled with plenty of beautiful, natural textures and warm shades, and how pops of silver add a freshness among all the tactile layering.

Maybe it’s because warmer metallics seem like such a safe, ‘done’ choice, but silver does offer a more expensive-looking, more elegant appeal. It’s familiar, yet refreshing. Complementary, but striking, too. Silver can invite a level of rich character into a room, which makes it a particularly relevant finish for this moment in design. We are all striving for interiors that sing with character and personality. Silver can deliver both of those things – along with a little bit of shine.

If you’re eager to work this finish into your interior styling, Shea's love of silver is apparent in her own McGee & Co. spring collection and her new range with Target. Shop our favorite picks below.

Shop the Chicest Silver Decor

Silver isn't just reserved for modern spaces that lean cool. Layer it right with plenty of texture and warm colors, and it can be used to add some edge to modern rustic interiors.

I'm currently in the middle of refining my living room layout. While the final pieces are still coming together, I know I want it to be layered, mismatched, and cozy. Much like it was designed by Shea McGee herself.

So, when Shea took to Instagram this past week to share her tried-and-tested tips for creating a perfectly imperfect living room layout, it struck a familiar chord. As Shea well knows, the key to nailing your furniture scheme (particularly in 2026) lies in a delicate balance between symmetry, asymmetry, and finally ditching matching sets.

Here, Shea talks us through her own design process for creating calm and balance in a living room – with a little help from her latest collection.

'When you're designing with symmetry, it's actually important to then break the symmetry,' Shea says in the video, showing us a charming living room that features items from McGee & Co.'s Spring 2026 Collection.

Symmetry is often seen as the key to bringing calm and balance to the perfect living room layout. It gives the eye something orderly to focus on – think matching furniture sets, perfectly paired lamps, and mirrored joinery. But Shea is quick to point out that when symmetry can actually start to feel overly formal – or worse, a little flat.

'So, if I have a room like this [referencing the living room in the video] and I have pairs of chairs on both sides of the room and even a pair of ottomans – I am looking to break it up in some way.'

One of the most effective ways to do this is by mismatching furniture rather than buying into identical sets.

'So, see how I used two different styles of chairs here?' she explains of the layout above. 'If I had done four [matching chairs], I think it would've felt a bit overwhelming and too perfect.'

It's a good reminder that creating a sense of cohesion doesn't have to mean really obvious repetition. Instead, Shea mixes chair styles placed around the coffee table to break up the obvious symmetry and monotony of matching sets.

The same thinking applies to smaller pieces, too. Rather than flanking the sofa with matching side tables, Shea deliberately opts for variation. 'And then also, if you look at what I did next to the sofa, I kept the side tables asymmetrical!'

This styling choice prevents the room from feeling staged, while still maintaining the principles of interior design through scale, proportion, and balance.

But while it sounds like an easier and freer way to pull together a scheme, it actually requires careful curation to create the perfect mix. Here, Shea uses a red thread of tones and textures that are repeated in the soft furnishings, throw pillows, wooden accents, and objects to create a more layered, collected scheme that still feels curated by a designer's eye.

'So look for opportunities to create symmetry, and then after you do that, look for ways to break the symmetry,' she suggests, advising you to use symmetry as a guide and then soften it with thoughtful mismatches and little asymmetric tweaks that make the space feel layered, inviting, and imperfect in all the right ways.

Shop the Look

For those inspired to recreate the look, the living room from McGee & Co.'s Spring collection shows how thoughtfully chosen pieces can work together without matching outright. From mix-and-match seating to the collection of throw pillows, each element plays a role in creating this characterful scheme.

Designing a well-balanced living room layout is of course key to making the room feel right, but as Shea explains, it can often look a little too staged. By starting with symmetry and then intentionally disrupting it, she creates a space that feels calm yet characterful, polished yet personal – and makes it super easy to recreate in the process.

As a dog owner with a home I’ve put real heart and soul into, I’ve spent far too long hunting for stylish dog accessories that don’t undo all my design efforts. So, the first thing that caught my eye in the new McGee & Co. Spring drop was her first foray into pet gear.

Too often, pet pieces feel purely practical – fine for the dog, disastrous for my home's aesthetic. Enter Shea McGee’s spring collection, which finally delivers beds and bowls that feel as chic and considered as the rest of my home.

Practical, polished, and genuinely stylish, these are pet accessories I don’t feel the need to tuck away when guests come over. Below, I’ve rounded up the McGee & Co. spring collection pieces that prove your dog’s essentials can be just as stylish as the rest of your home.

I’ve spent years renovating and carefully curating the kitchen of my dreams – classic cabinetry, warm finishes, and traditional touches that make the space feel timeless rather than trendy. It’s the heart of my home, and every detail has been chosen with intention.

So you can imagine my frustration when all that effort was immediately ruined by an ugly pet bed in the corner and a stainless steel bowl that felt wildly out of place.

What I love most about Shea's approach to dog-friendly design is that nothing feels too kitsch or novelty. Instead, these pieces lean into the same principles McGee & Co. is known for: classic patterns, soft neutral palettes, and a sense of timelessness that works in a layered, lived-in home.

And, they work perfectly with Shea McGee’s ‘Hollywood cottage’ vision for spring. 'This is 'cottage', but with a fanciness applied to it,' Shea explained in a video talking through her top design trends for 2026. Think vintage-inspired florals, classic blue-and-white palette, and ceramics that look collected over time.

From beautifully patterned cotton pet beds that echo traditional textiles, to stoneware bowls and canisters that wouldn’t look out of place on an open shelf, every piece feels thoughtfully designed for real homes. Practical, yes, but never at the expense of style.

Below, I’ve rounded up the standout accessories from McGee & Co.’s Spring collection that prove you don’t have to compromise on your aesthetic to keep your four-legged friend happy.

Shop McGee & Co.'s Spring Dog Accessories

For every style-conscious dog owner, I think this might just be Shea's best drop of the year. As a recently new dog owner herself, I can see why Shea's jumped on the pet designing hype, and if you're up for more inspiration, Shea's pet room from the Gable House project is worth a tour, too.

We’ve all heard of a spring clean or home refresh, but somewhere between the January blues and packing away the last of the holiday decor, my living room (and I) have started to feel a little… flat.

Too bare to feel cozy, too early to lean fully into spring, and in need of something to lift the mood. So this year, I decided to tear up the rule book and give my space a small, feel-good refresh now – purely in the name of a little January dopamine.

And thanks to Shea McGee, I've found the perfect vibe for this transitional period: the Hollywood Cottage trend. First spotted in Shea's 2026 design trend forecast, she's managed to bring this warm yet decidedly fresh aesthetic to life in her Spring 2026 collection at Target. Here's everything I'm shopping to get the look, starting from just $16.

Rather than a full makeover, I’m taking a lighter approach, using a handful of affordable pieces to gently shift the mood of my living room sans Christmas tree.

What I love most about Shea's Hollywood Cottage aesthetic is that it’s not about committing to a whole remodel or buying into a perfectly styled set. It’s an accent-led, timeless look built slowly through texture, tone, and thoughtful details rather than big-ticket furniture swaps. The idea is to add warmth and a sense of elegance, with pieces that feel lived-in and inviting, yet considered.

'Imagine a space with seagrass rugs, slip-covered sofas, breezy, linen drapes, vintage-inspired florals, blue and white accents, and silver,' Shea describes of the look. 'When they're brought together, it evokes a definite mood.'

For my own space, I’m leaning into the small details that give Hollywood Cottage its charm.

Blue-and-white pieces that add freshness and softness, alongside romantic florals to bring a gentle nod to cottagecore style without tipping into twee, and some subtle metallic finishes to introduce just enough glamour.

The beauty of this trend is how collectable it is over time. You don’t need every single piece to make it work – in fact, it’s better when you don’t. Whether you choose one new accent to bring you some January joy or a few key pieces to layer in, think of this edit as a starting point to one of 2026's key interior design trends.

Shop ‘Hollywood Cottage’ Living Room Finds From Target

The best bit about this trend is that it feels cozy enough for now, light enough for the months ahead, and easy to evolve as the season changes. Whether you add one piece from the Threshold designed w/Studio McGee collection or a few, each piece adds up to a home that feels more layered, more inviting, and quietly polished for the year ahead.

We asked Shea McGee a deceptively simple question with a lot riding on it: if you had to bet on one bathroom trend defining 2026 – a finish, a color, a material – what would it be? Given the designer's long-standing affinity for warm metals, her answer caught us off guard. Nickel.

‘I think the polished nickel is going to be the trend of the year because I think people are ready to move,’ she says, pointing to a collective exhaustion with golds, gunmetals, and other aged finishes that – through sheer overuse – have started to do the storytelling for us. ‘We’re seeing so many silver accents in decor, lots of silver frames and silver decorative objects, and I think that as people warm up to the idea of kind of going back to silver tones, you’ll see them go back to those classic polished nickel tones in the bathroom.’

This doesn’t mean ripping out your bathroom vanity tomorrow. Fixtures matter, but even a trinket dish or towel hook can reroute a space towards this Shea-approved bathroom trend.

And as the laws of design tend to play, when one trend rises, another recedes. For Shea, what’s losing its lustre is the wave of hyper-colorful, retro-inspired bathrooms that have dominated the past few years – often paired with the very warm, aging metal accents now on their way out.

‘I think there’s a time and a place,’ she says, spoken like the true future-focused designer that she is. ‘We do lots of colorful, bold, small bathrooms, but when I’m in a primary bathroom, I’m thinking about my client and if they’re going to be mad at me in three or four years,’ she chuckles.

‘No, truly! I mean, I want them to love it for a long time,’ she adds. A bright yellow toilet might thrill today, but time has a way of humbling us. Still, Shea's not advocating for a completely neutral bathroom either. ‘I love to layer patterns, and I love incorporating color into jewel box moments.’ What she's pushing back on is simply color deployed for shock value alone – the best bathrooms feel like you.

‘I think I’ve seen more people go with what they love. And that’s really exciting to me.’

So the 2026 bathroom TL;DR isn’t about chasing the newest trends. It’s about knowing yourself. If a colorful trough sink feels genuine to you, keep it. If it doesn’t, don’t manufacture a personality for the sake of a trend. And when it comes to metals, consider this a sign to give gold, brass, and gunmetal a breather. According to Shea, polished nickel is back, in bathrooms and beyond.

Ahead, a few essentials to help your space shine in the right ways this year.

Shea McGee is often an excellent barometer for where design is going. This time, the needle swings seaside – but not in a coastal-grandmother, wicker-everything way. It’s cooler. See the look play out in her refreshingly whimsical spring 2026 Target collection.

The start of a new year calls for a re-evaluation of your home – what works, what doesn't, and what needs to be refreshed. According to Shea McGee, a new year refresh doesn't have to comprise of a long, convoluted list of things to do. In fact, all it takes is a few simple changes.

In a recent video posted to Instagram, the designer explains her tips on how to successfully refresh your home for 2026, and her advice is refreshingly easy to put into practice. No need for any major renovations, the use of power tools, or paint brushes. Shea's tips are so simple, you could do them all in one weekend. And the results will make your home feel refreshed and ready for the year ahead.

1. Switch Out Your Sheets

Shea's first tip is simple: 'get new sheets,' the designer says. 'I love fresh sheets on my bed, so I start my morning off right.' The best bed sheets have transformative qualities, and there's no better time than the start of a new year to swap your existing sheets for a new, cozier, softer set.

'Bedding brings a fresh energy not just to the bedroom, but to your personality,' says Julia Demer, sheet obsessive and Style Editor at Homes & Gardens. 'It’s my favorite way to shake myself out of a winter design slump – you’d be surprised how much of a difference cotton versus linen can make, or opting for a pinstripe instead of a solid.'

'Sourcing the best begins with my all-time favorite bedding brands: Cozy Earth, Brooklinen, and, if I’m feeling fancy (which is always), Lilysilk,' Julia explains. 'Each offers something distinct (bamboo viscose, iconic percale, perfected mulberry silk), but they all have one thing in common: they stand out for more than just quality or aesthetics. They feel genuinely amazing, no matter what you choose.'

So, if you're looking for that one easy change refresh your home for the new year, this is it. With a simple sheet swap, you can create a cozy bedroom with minimal effort involved.

2. Rework Your Shelf Styling

Shea's second tip is just as simple – restyle your shelves. 'If you have a bookcase, take it all off, only put back the things that you love, and find a few new spots to add some new things to love,' Shea explains in her video.

Organizing a bookshelf is so much more than just stacking books next to each other – in my opinion, it's an art form. Shelves provide blank spaces for decorative objects, trinkets, and books that can infuse your home with personality and speak to your interests.

If you have shelves in your home that could use some reworking, spend an afternoon taking everything off of them to start from scratch. Put back the books you like, and then add some new decorative trinkets: style the entire arrangement differently than before. Take it further too, switch up your coffee table styling, or the styling of your bedroom dresser.

This simple style switch-up will definitely give your home new energy for the new year. Plus, it'll look like you made a drastic change, when in reality, all you did was reorganize.

3. Thrown Down a New Rug

Shea's last idea to refresh your home for 2026 is to swap a rug for one made from natural fibers like jute, sisal, or seagrass. A new rug can give any room in your home a refreshed energy and inviting spirit for the year ahead, so it's definitely an idea worthy of consideration.

'For the new year, I think it's really nice to choose one spot in your home to swap out a rug for a natural rug – like bring in some jute because it just feels free,' Shea explains in her video. Natural fibers for flooring can benefit a room in lots of ways. Not only are they considerably more durable than regular styles, but they add textural appeal to a space, too.

Plus, natural rugs have a way of grounding rooms with a calming elegance. If there's a room in your home that feels busy, consider styling a natural rug on the floor to soften and ground the space. Our Style and Trends Editor Charlotte Olby plans on doing just that in her home this year. 'I've been guilty of always picking up 'hero' pieces in my own home and have been left with rooms that feel like a chaotic mix of color and pattern,' she tells me. 'So, my personal New Year's resolution is to bring in some stylish background pieces. This January, I'm picking up a seagrass rug for my living room to help anchor my myriad of prints and patterns with a grounding warmth.'

The start of a new year acts as a perfect time to give your home a refresh, and with Shea's tips, you can do just that in no time. By changing your sheets, restyling your shelves, and swapping an old rug for a new, natural style, you can give your home renewed energy for the year to come.

When Shea McGee talks, the design world listens – and, more often than not, her interior design trend predictions are right on the nose.

So when I spotted her take to the Studio McGee Instagram to share a few design ins and outs for 2026, I listened up. Shea was quick to confess she 'doesn’t like doing outs,' so, rather than declaring particular trends dead and buried (well, perhaps there's one...), she instead sees this as an insight into the McGee direction for the year ahead. Here's everything she had to say.

Shea's ins all point to a 2026 filled with personality.

Think pattern piled on more pattern, a renewed love for traditional, characterful details, and silver accents stepping in to shake up brass’s long solo performance. It’s less about hard-and-fast trends, more a permission to loosen up a little.

And if there is a villain in her story, it’s the bland uniformity of stark white and cool grays that can make a home feel like a dental practice.

Her 2026 reset points toward warmth, contrast, and character. Eclectic, not themed; collected, not coordinated – music to my ears.

Shea McGee's Design Ins and Outs for 2026

IN: Pattern on Pattern

In the past few years, interiors have played it pretty safe. Shea's first "in" for 2026 is an encouragement to be a little less restrained.

Decorating with patterns is something no designer is a stranger to, but in 2026, Shea wants to see pattern ON pattern with a harmonious mix of patterns, and even a touch of pattern drenching (similar to color drenching, where you wash the entire room in one print).

Mixing stripes with florals or a small geometric with a traditional tapestry print adds depth that a single fabric simply in a scheme can’t manage alone. Start with two patterns that share a color family, then vary the scale so they can mix happily rather than shout over one another.

OUT: Stark White & Cool Gray

While Shea was reluctant to name her "outs", at the top of her list is putting an end to stark white and cool gray interiors.

Decorating with white once ruled our homes, and while we did transition slightly to beige (hello, quiet luxury), neutrals are still out of favor. And of course, gray interiors have been out of style and phasing out for the past few years, and are the quickest way to date a home in 2026.

So in order to avoid flat and joyless spaces, we're taking Shea's lead by warming up schemes with softer yellow-toned or pink-based neutrals and actual color.

IN: Traditional Details

Her second “in,” traditional details, is no major surprise.

We've been fans of antique and vintage details in homes for a while now, so the transition into moldings, heritage silhouettes, archways, and classic design proves that these timeless features are more than welcome in modern homes.

You can take a leaf out of Shea's book and add in some arched walkways and trims in your space, or for smaller accents like turned table legs, wall paneling, and living finishes like unlacquered brass on candlesticks and hardware to bring in some traditional decor pieces.

OUT: Matching Finishes

Her second out is my personal bugbear: matching finishes throughout the home.

A house that coordinates every metal from the front door to the towel rail, each paint color from top to bottom, feels like a soulless showroom – and matching furniture sets are far from the flex you think they are in 2026.

Shea’s mix-and-match approach is far more fun, and it mirrors how most of us really live – collecting and adding pieces over the years from different sources, interior design styles, and eras to keep things interesting and personal.

IN: Silver Accents

Finally, decorating with silver comes in to steal the spotlight from brass.

Whether you choose chrome, nickel, or stainless steel, this chic metallic accent brings a crisp contrast that feels so fresh for 2026.

Shea prefers to introduce silver through small hero pieces like candlestick holders, lanterns, or picture frames, but there's also a big push toward stainless steel kitchens as seen in some of the most stylish homes.

Silver has a way of invigorating cozy spaces and helping provide a balance between vintage or wooden pieces, like a shot of espresso for an otherwise sleepy scheme.

OUT: Themed Interiors

Finally, she's waving goodbye to overly themed interiors, and I couldn't agree more.

A uniform, rigid theme for a home can quickly lean into predictable and, well, a little cringe, depending on how the space is styled. Instead, Shea makes the case for eclectic schemes and collecting things you love to pull your rooms together.

Homes should feel lived-in, layered, and like a reflection of the people that live there, rather than a cookie-cutter formula.

Shea McGee's 2026 ins and outs aren't about policing your cushions or judging your wall paint. Instead, she gives permission to color and pattern, mix in what you love, and embrace the quirks that make a home feel like yours.

When designing any room, it’s the biggest pieces that naturally come first. In the living room, it’s a couch; in the kitchen, it’s your cabinets; and in the bedroom, designer Shea McGee has made it clear it’s the bed.

'When I’m putting together a bedroom look, I always start with the bed selection first because I want to know my client’s preferences. Do they like a cushioned headboard? Do they want the grandeur of a canopy bed? I ask a lot of questions about what they’re looking for stylistically and comfort-wise. This becomes the anchoring focal point of the entire space,' Shea explains in her recent Instagram video, in which she walks through all the details of her own bedroom.

The right headboard or bed frame anchors a bedroom; it’s the focal point of the space. Not to mention, it has to be practically right, too. Delving into all things scale, style, and size-related, Shea shares her tips on selecting the most important piece of furniture in your home.

The first and foremost thing to pay attention to when selecting a frame or headboard is scale. Considering how it will sit in your bedroom is paramount – the last thing you want is a bed that overwhelms your space or doesn't fill the area properly so you have a bed that kind of floats in a sea of wall space. Actually often going bigger than you think can often be the better choice.

Look at the potential space around the bed frame. You likely want your bed to be positioned within the focal point of the room, so note what your eye is naturally drawn to. Are there any windows or alcoves your bed could sit between? These features will help you decide on the size and shape of your bed frame.

In Shea's case, her bedroom features two huge windows that make for the natural position for the bed. As Shea explains, 'With my headboard (Shea has the Walt Bed Tall Headboard in Praline Velvet), I have these two tall windows flanking where our bed goes. So whatever I choose, it’s really important that I get some height in the middle so it doesn’t feel like this big drop in the focal point between the height of my window and what’s happening between them.'

As the largest piece of furniture in the bedroom, choosing your bed frame will inevitably set the tone of the room. To ensure your scheme feels cohesive and connected, always consider your current pieces and what will work alongside them. A vintage four-poster bed might feel out of place among modern decor – similarly, a mid-century wooden frame could clash with a more traditional bedside table or wardrobe.

View your bed as the starting point of the room’s design – it will determine everything else, allowing your later furnishings and furniture to fall into place accordingly. Shea suggests considering the style of your headboard according to your tastes and the look you’re trying to achieve.

Think about your interior design style to ensure your headboard aligns with your other pieces. Lovers of heritage might opt for a tartan-covered bed, whereas minimalists may prefer a sleeker, neutral frame. As Shea says, 'You've got to get to know yourself and what you love. Do you love tufting because you like more of a glam look? Do you like something smooth? Do you like the stately look of a high headboard, or the temporary feel of something low?' There's plenty of exciting headboard trends to help inspire your decision.

Shape, size, and color are all key factors to consider – but pay attention to the material of your bed, too. Whether it’s a textured rattan (perfect in a coastal bedroom) or a smooth leather that’s soft to the touch, think about what would work best both visually and practically.

In the case of Shea’s bedroom, she explains, 'I love an upholstered headboard because, for me, I like to sit up and read, scroll on my phone for a second, do some online shopping. So having an upholstered headboard is a really great start.'

Shop the McGee & Co Bedroom Sale

Creating an effortlessly chic bedroom needn't cost a fortune, these six picks from McGee & Co's 25% off bedroom sale will make designing your dream sleep space an inspiring and achievable mission.

When designing your bedroom, Shea McGee's advice couldn't be simpler to implement: start with the bed, and make it personal. As well as all her practical advice on picking the right position and scale, she makes the very important point of choosing a bed that fits how you use it.

When I spoke to designers about how they rethink their homes after Christmas, it became clear that there is one thing they all agree on: they start looking forward to spring. So while it may still feel like we are coming out of a post-Christmas fog, the timing really couldn't be better for Shea McGee's new collection at Target.

The new pieces certainly create that fresh spring feeling, leaning decidedly coastal with a touch of whimsy through colorful florals and classic ginghams. Some of the pieces read a little bolder than we are used to from the designer known for warm neutrals, but it's a welcome change for the season ahead.

The spring collection features everything from larger furniture items like the Gingham Skirted Ottoman to smaller decorative pieces in the form of Ruffle Edge Throw Pillows and a charming Shell Table Lamp, just to name a few.

There are still plenty of nods to Shea's classic style, with natural materials and textures introduced through the Woven Scalloped Basket and beautifully designed photo frames, as well as a few wrought iron pieces that add a striking contrast to the softer textures.

It's the perfect collection to transition from the deeper tones and thicker fabrics of winter into the lighter, brighter spirit of spring. Here are a few of our favorite pieces we're adding to cart immediately.

The entire collection drops today, so take a look and check out with your favorites – the most coveted pieces always sell out super quick. Plus, these pieces will help to inspire your home's spring colors for the season.

For design enthusiasts, Shea McGee is like our Mrs. Claus. She has a way of making even the simplest festive detail feel impossibly chic and oh-so easy to copy –⁠ and this year, it’s her velvet-trimmed asymmetrical Christmas mantel that’s quickly stolen the show.

After plenty of begging in the comments on her holiday home posts, the designer has finally given us the tutorial we've been waiting on: how to make a bow for our Christmas mantels (and trees and wreaths) the Shea way.

In Studio McGee's latest Instagram video, a blink-and-you'll-miss-it tutorial, she shows us how to perfect her loopy bows for an elaborate yet effortless Christmas vignette. So, if you’re looking to recreate her chic look at home, this little ribbon detail might be your new favorite styling trick.

A few weeks ago, in this Christmas decor video, Shea showed how she brought the entire Christmas mantel to life.

‘I wanted this really huge statement off to one side of my mantel,' Shea explains in the video. Layering up five (yes, five!) garlands to build up her display, she then pulled lengths down to one side to create an asymmetrical design that helps to balance the proportions of her impressive stone fireplace.

To the right of the mantel, she hangs five of McGee & Co.'s McCallister Stockings using Command hooks from Amazon, and finishes the look with a big ivory bow.

While Shea doesn't totally break down the ribbon-tying step-by-step in the video, it's actually pretty easy to follow along. She uses a wide, 4-inch ivory velvet ribbon –⁠ this 4" Ivory Velvet and Satin Wired Ribbon from Etsy is a near match, while Wayfair's Raw Edge Velvet Ribbon gives a slightly more rustic look –⁠ which has enough body to hold its shape while still draping beautifully.

Rather than tying a traditional single bow, Shea appears to make two large, loose bows separately, each with generous loops and long trailing tails. 'Just decide how many loops you want, shape them with your fingers, and it comes together effortlessly,' she advises in the caption.

Then, she stacks them together and secures them with an extra piece of ribbon, creating one ultra-full bow with twice the movement and texture that gets tucked up under her foliage (presumably with another Command hook!).

Against the depth of the greenery, which looks like the McGee & Co.'s Pinecone and Berries Faux Garland and the Norfolk Pine Faux Garland layered together, and her roaring fire, the ivory bow is the perfect finishing touch to add some romance and drama.

The beauty of this method is how adaptable it is. Because the bows are tied individually, you can play with the size of the loops, the length of the tails, and even the direction the ribbon falls –⁠ perfect whether you're dressing a mantel, a wreath, or tying long velvet strands to trail of the branches of your Christmas tree.

Shop the Look

So if you’re looking to add a touch of softness or a hint of romance to your holiday decor this year, consider the bow trend. You can find an edit of 24 pretty bow pieces to shop here, and if you're after more Shea-approved ideas, check out Shea's outdoor Christmas bows for extra drama.

This holiday season, the well-loved Christmas bow decor trend is back and better than ever. Of course, we'll continue to see these delicate details adorn Christmas trees, wreaths, and other indoor holiday displays, but Shea McGee has inspired a new wave of bow styling – this time, outside on the front porch.

The designer recently took to Instagram to share her Christmas porch decor idea that includes a stylish arrangement of bows. Around her front door hangs a bushy strand of evergreen garland, and within that strand are several draping red ribbon bows that add a level of classic Christmas charm to the display. Not only that, but on either side of the door are two miniature trees with matching bows tied on top of them – the perfect complementary detail to Shea's outdoor holiday decor setup.

One of the best things about Shea's outdoor Christmas display is that it's not overly complex in its design. The designer worked with Christmas decor staples – garland, a wreath, and miniature evergreen trees – and simply added some bows to enhance the overall look.

Even with the inclusion of a popular holiday decor trend, this Christmas porch doesn't feel overly trendy. That's because Shea stuck to the classic Christmas color palette of red and green. It's a simple styling moment that makes a substantial impact on the look of the home.

But the best part? This holiday arrangement is extremely easy to recreate. With a long strand of Christmas garland (like this 6' Cedar Pre-Lit Faux Garland) and a spool of red ribbon (this Faux Silk Ribbon from Etsy can get you the same look), you can create your very own rendition of Shea's classically elegant Christmas porch.

Shop The Look

Year after year, you can guarantee McGee & Co.'s holiday collection will sell out really quickly, and stocks are especially low right now as there is a huge 50% off the collection in the McGee & Co. Black Friday sales.

However, I have done some digging to find the pieces that are left in stock, plus a few more buys that will help you recreate her timeless, chic aesthetic in your own porch.

Shea porch takes a classic look that we've so far been seeing all over the most stylish trees of 2025 and takes it outdoors, combining plenty of evergreen and pops of deep red to create a scene that's timeless yet playful. And it's such a simple look to recreate with a handful of ribbon and plenty of greenery.

Kitchen trends are perhaps some of the most fickle; the colors, shapes, and styles that are 'in' are constantly changing, and yet a kitchen is surely the room you want to feel the most stylish, so how many of these 'trends' should you follow anyway? As a Kitchen Editor, I am constantly having these conversations – what trends are fleeting and which are the timeless 'trends' you should actually pay attention to.

My designer sources tend to be the biggest influence on the trends I report on, so when I spoke with iconic designer Shea McGee about her latest kitchen project (a design itself that sparked the emerging trend for curved silhouettes), I was keen to find out which 2026 kitchen trend she is most excited about.

Three distinct styles are at the top of her list, blending enduring style with endless function and unique design. Here's what she had to say about the trends, and why she thinks they are the ones to consider.

Shea McGee's Favorite 2026 Kitchen Trends

'When it comes to design trends, I always look for what feels timeless, not temporary. I love when a design feels current without chasing what’s in,' says Shea. 'Thoughtful details, quality materials, and livable function will always outlast a trend – but there are a few directions I’m really excited about for the year ahead.'

1. Curved and Sculptural Profiles

Curves, curves, curves. We talked about them in our 2026 kitchen trends forecast, and it's a detail Shea is a particular fan of, demonstrated in her latest kitchen project we recently toured too.

'I love how soft, rounded lines bring elegance and ease to a kitchen. They break up all the straight edges and make the space feel more custom and collected – less modular, more designed,' she explains.

There are so many ways to introduce these more organic silhouettes into your kitchen. Take notes from Shea by softening the edge of your kitchen backsplash, or keep things simple with round lighting or curved furniture – the right bar stool, like McGee & Co.'s Molly Stool, can have more impact than you might think.

2. Material Richness and Layering

White kitchens were once the hallmark of a stylish home, but they have been falling a little bit flat recently. Instead, everyone is craving something warmer, more layered, and characterful. And it's a shift in trends that Shea says is perhaps the most exciting.

'We’re moving away from flat, all-white kitchens to spaces that mix natural woods, patinated metals, textured stones, and soft finishes. It’s about depth, warmth, and character – kitchens that feel lived in, not just styled,' she notes.

A few simple changes can take a white kitchen from stark to stylish. Layer wooden cutting boards as decor and marble accessories on your countertops, introduce shelving in an elegant material with brass brackets, or, if it's in the budget, install a freestanding wooden island at the center of your kitchen.

3. People-Centric Layouts and Gathering Zones

'Kitchens are the true heart of the home. I’m drawn to trends and designs that invite people in – kitchen island ideas that double as homework spaces, storage that supports real life, layouts that make everyday living easy,' Shea explains.

There are so many ways you can implement this trend, whether you're planning a remodel or a simple refresh. Comfortable island seating or the return of eat-in areas are great options, creating a small, cozy seating area for dining, socializing, and even as a homework station.

You might also want to consider dedicated zones or stations to rituals you carry out daily, whether it's a coffee bar, a breakfast prep area, or even storage specifically designed for the produce you grow in your backyard.

It's about creating a kitchen that's tailored to you, works for you, and grows with you. As Shea explains, 'That balance of function and beauty is what keeps a space feeling relevant long after the trend cycle moves on.'

Shea has called it – 2026 is the year or kitchens that are layered and offer bespoke functionality. It's an evolution of the lived-in style that has been rising for a while now, but in a more tailored, personalized way.

The chicest kitchens today are anything but minimalist – they feel cozy, inviting, and rich in texture. All-white spaces may be on the sidelines, but warmer neutrals are having a moment – especially in the hands of Shea McGee, celebrated for her layered, timeless style.

Her latest project – a neutral kitchen brimming with thoughtful details – proves that muted tones can be just as striking as bolder palettes. From warm hues to curated textures and layered decor, every element works together to create a space that is both welcoming and effortlessly elegant.

Here’s how Shea McGee and her team at Studio McGee brought this warm, inviting kitchen to life–perfectly in tune with the standout kitchen trends of 2026.

'This project is a full-home remodel of a beautiful heritage property in Maryland – a place with real meaning for the client, since it’s her childhood home. Our goal was to honor the home’s history while making it work for this busy family of five,' Shea explains.

'Before the remodel, the kitchen had all the charm of an older home, but it just didn’t function for the way this family lives now. The kitchen layout had flow constraints typical of legacy homes. With three young boys, the client's main concern was making the kitchen feel both beautiful and truly functional,' she continues.

Despite the good bones of the kitchen, this project required more than just a simple refresh to create an elevated design that offered practical storage and a better flow that worked for the whole family.

Style was still a priority, and Shea embraced the look her firm, Studio McGee, is renowned for. 'In terms of style, we leaned into our signature New Heritage aesthetic – classic, collected, comfortable – and made sure the architecture felt grounded and livable.'

Now, the kitchen is a space that imbues warmth and feels artfully layered. It's pared back in all the right places, allowing the subtle details and charming textures to have their moment.

'It feels timeless yet tailored – rooted in tradition but designed for everyday life. The aesthetic is clean and fresh but layered with warmth and detail, so it doesn’t feel one-note,' says Shea.

'The whites are crisp, the wood island brings in a soft natural tone, and the architectural features (like curves) give it that custom, thoughtful feel rather than a standard fit-out. We wanted the kitchen to feel like it belongs in this heritage home, but also reflects the family that lives there today.'

Curved silhouettes are present throughout the design, from the kitchen backsplash edge to the lighting, and even the charming oval window in the corner of the room. These subtle details remove the sharpness typical of kitchen materials.

'We chose curved forms because they quietly soften the space – especially important in a kitchen where there are so many hard surfaces and straight lines. Curves help the eye move naturally around the room and avoid that feeling of just cabinetry and counters,' she explains.

'We added an arched hood over the stove and continued the curved theme in the backsplash to elevate what could’ve been a very standard white kitchen. It makes the space feel more bespoke, more intentional, and much more inviting. The oval window is so simple, but it’s smart: it brings in light, adds architectural interest, and addresses an asymmetrical kitchen layout. It solves a problem and adds beauty.'

These curvaceous forms are a big kitchen trend for 2026, and this design makes it clear why. The softness they add and the interest they create give even the most neutral kitchens depth and interest. And it's a trend that Shea is enjoying.

'I’m a big fan of how they bring character,' she says. 'But what I’m even more excited about is how curves pair with material richness and layering. When you marry a curved island or arch with warm woods, subtle metals, matte stone, and real texture – that’s where the magic happens. A trend isn’t just a shape; it’s how you integrate shape, finish, and flow.'

There's a real sense of coziness to this kitchen. The curves combined with the natural textures and the warming color palette have created a truly inviting atmosphere – something we have all come to crave as of late.

'We wanted a palette that would stand the test of time – something rooted and warm, not fleeting,' says Shea, choosing Steamed Milk by Sherwin‑Williams for the cabinets, West Highland White by Sherwin-Williams for the walls, and a warm, natural wood tone for the kitchen island.

'Natural materials and finishes were key, like the wood, brass, aged metal hardware, and softer textures in the adjoining zones. We integrated architectural character so the kitchen didn’t feel too new. The oval window balances an asymmetrical layout and adds a tailored detail,' she explains.

But above all, the design is so successful because it works for the homeowners' daily lives. It's tailored to their needs and expertly blends style and function, like the ease of flow around the island into the adjoining pantry and the carefully considered kitchen storage ideas.

'Most importantly, we designed for how the family lives: an island as a gathering spot, comfortable flow, storage that works – so every time someone enters the kitchen, it feels comfortable, not just styled,' says Shea.

'Without good function, even the most beautiful kitchen falls flat. We redesigned walls, optimized flow, and made sure it worked for daily living. Those details really matter.'

Shop the Look

With so many of 2025 and 2026's color trends leaning toward bolder, brighter choices, decorating with neutrals has taken a slight back seat. However, Shea's recent kitchen project is a reminder that neutrals are timeless, and layered with texture and shape, they can be every bit as interesting as choosing a bolder scheme.

It’s easy to make holiday decor look nice when it’s neat. But a good designer’s work rarely plays it safe – and no one understands the art of the unexpected better than Shea McGee. In a recent Instagram video, the designer pulled back the curtain on her asymmetrical Christmas mantel idea, proving once again that imperfection, done right, can feel infinitely more elegant.

‘To get this huge statement on my mantel – which is very large – it needed a lot of garland, so I did five,’ Shea explains, referencing her dramatic cascade of McGee & Co. greenery – a mix of hyper-realistic pine, pinecones, white berries, and eucalyptus. ‘I pulled three into this corner and then did an additional to kind of taper it off on each side, because I wanted that buildup in the corner.’

The vignette is gorgeously undone: one side full and cascading, the other lighter, creating a waterfall-like flow. It reads both sculptural and editorial – a cool, off-kilter balance that looks very impressive but simple to recreate.

As for the stockings, those too, follow the less-is-more philosophy. ‘I get so many questions about how I hang stockings on my mantel because it has this really thick profile,’ she says. Her secret is so simple, you might already have them in your junk drawer: 3M hooks, hidden beneath the garland for a seamless, float-like look. Naturally, she clusters the stockings to one side, balancing the lush fullness on the other.

And because it’s 2025 – definitely the year of the decorative ribbon – Shea completes the scene with an ivory satin bow, doubled for drama and tied loosely to one side in true coquette fashion.

Shop Shea's Asymmetrical Christmas Mantel

You’ve got the blueprint. Now all that’s left is to shop for the ingredients. Ahead, everything you need to recreate Shea’s artfully undone Christmas mantel.

Speaking of rewriting the holiday rulebook, Shea McGee’s proving she knows exactly which traditions to bend – and make look better in the process. Next up: her ten-foot Christmas tree, styled not in the living room, but in the entryway.

When I think about Christmas, I usually start by decorating my living room long before any other room in the house. All the festive celebrations – present-opening, game-playing, and mulled-wine-sipping – happen here, so it’s always made sense to me to put my Christmas tree in this space.

While I’m usually all about tradition, after seeing Shea McGee’s festive entryway, I’m completely rethinking where to place my tree this year. Even though it’s less conventional, Shea’s design proves that Christmas trees aren’t just for the living room.

She’s decked out her entryway with all the classic Christmas decorations – a garland, a tree, and plenty of presents. They give what’s usually just a pass-through space an entirely new feel, perfect for welcoming guests with a festive first impression. And while Shea’s entryway leans on the larger side, her ideas show that no matter how small your space may be, there are plenty of ways to add a stylish seasonal touch.

Shea completely reimagines her entryway by placing a large-scale Christmas tree at its center. Making use of the unused space beneath the staircase, she transforms an overlooked corner into a stylish and festive nook for her tree.

‘There are three ways to go big with your holiday look in your entryway this year,’ Shea explains in her Instagram post. ‘One: why not clear out what you have and put in a large Christmas tree? Decorate it, add presents – we have this beautiful new wrapping paper – and style it with a layered basket. I love how this tree came out.’

While fitting a full-size tree in every entryway might not be possible, Shea shows that even small spaces can feel festive and impactful by simply including a potted tree, like the Faux Spruce Pre-Lit Potted Tree from her holiday collection.

‘Another tip is to do a potted tree,’ she adds. ‘So, we have two trees in one space, and they work together because they’re different scales. If you don’t have room for a ten-foot Christmas tree, do a potted one – like what I have up here. You can place it on your entryway table, leave it as is, or decorate it.’

Embracing timeless Christmas decorating ideas, Shea drapes lush garlands around her bannisters, balancing the greenery with rustic accents – these Bells on Velvet Ribbon from McGee & Co would do the trick – perfect for catching the light and evoking a wintry feel.

‘We finished this look off with bells,’ Shea says. ‘If you don’t have a bannister in your entryway, there are lots of places you can put a garland. You can drape it over your entryway table, hang it on the inside of your door, or maybe you have an arch or opening that connects your entryway to the rest of your home – you can add a garland there as well.’

Shop Shea's Entryway Look

While a Christmas tree in an entryway isn't exactly traditional, Shea has proven that with the right styling and consideration of scale, it can work just as well as it does in a living room. Remember to create a designated area for your tree so it doesn't get in the way, and if you're restricted on space, add a small potted tree or some garlands for pops of greenery.

When it comes to decorating my tree, I’m a bit of a traditionalist. I like to bring out the same decorations year after year. But each new festive season, I do add a few new pieces to my collection to refresh the theme slightly, and Shea McGee has just provided all the inspiration I needed to choose this year’s new style.

Shea has revealed her four Christmas tree looks, designed to inspire the undecided (a.k.a. me). From French country to cozy classic, her tree designs for 2025 nail some of the biggest trends of the season – and recreating them at home couldn’t be easier. Here, I’ve broken down each look and included all of Shea’s recommendations so you can shop them too.

1. French Country

Decorated with dried hydrangeas and plenty of vintage-style ornaments, the first look that Shea presents is the 'French Country' themed tree. Inspired by trees of the past, it's a refreshingly elegant display, featuring an array of pale blues, creams, and golds.

Shea says, 'I'm going to show you how to style four distinct tree looks today. The first is my favorite tree this year. I have old magazine tears from the '90s of these French country trees with dried hydrangeas, and I wanted to do that in a new way this year.'

Using the 9" Norway Spruce Pre-Lit Faux Tree as her tree of choice, Shea covers it in French-style Christmas decor, from golden pears to blue and white china ornaments.

2. Heirloom Family

Shea's second tree is undeniably nostalgic. Featuring a mix of ornaments and a striking color palette, it's a real feast for the eyes. While such an array of decorations could be chaotic in theory, the color palette connects the pieces and ensures the scheme doesn't overwhelm the space.

Shea says, 'In the study, we did our Heirloom family tree. The palette is reds, blues, and an eclectic mix of ornaments. I love this because anything goes, but we bring it all together with a unified palette on the ribbons.'

Shea covers the 9" Snowy Grandis Fir Pre-Lit Faux Tree in strikingly whimsical accessories as well as more traditional metallic ornaments, perfectly balancing old with new.

3. Classic

Embracing timeless Christmas decorating ideas, Shea covers the 9' Grandis Fir Pre-Lit Faux Tree in an array of classic ornaments, from heritage-style bows to garlands of dried citrus.

Shea explains, 'This is our classic Christmas tree look. I say classic because we went really heavy with the red, green, and gold. We've done a few different garlands, we added the citrus and then mixed in this red berry that has a gold leaf surrounding it.'

Shea mixes red, green, and orange tones, creating a vibrant yet classic tree that feels familiar and still elevated. You'll notice all the typical Christmas motifs and more; the longer you gaze at it, the more it unfolds.

4. Magical Wonderland

Last but by no means least is the 'Magical Wonderland' tree, inspired by nostalgic Christmases from our childhood. Featuring whimsical ornaments and striking colors, it's a fun take on tradition.

Shea says, 'And we can't forget the kids. We created something playful and full of wonders: our magical wonderland tree, for all those special ornaments your kids make and bring home.'

Shea uses the 7' Snowy Grandis Fir Pre-Lit Faux Tree as part of her display. Featuring delicately frosted branches, it's the perfect backdrop for the bold pops of color and kitschy decorations that catch the light.

Shea McGee has covered all bases with her four Christmas tree looks. From charming nostalgia to enduringly elegant French country, no matter which one you choose, creating a memorable and uplifting display couldn't be easier with so much inspiration.

When Studio McGee leads a project, every inch of it is always masterfully designed. This was proven with their latest venture, The Gable House. After gazing far too long at the home, I was amazed by every room's charm and timeless style. However, there was one space that stood out from the rest – the rather playful dog room.

I admit, a room designed for pets is undoubtedly a luxury, but that didn't stop me from admiring the space from afar. Similar to a mudroom, this dog room design features gray panelled walls and a chic pet shower (decked out in Bedrosian's Palazzo Castle tiles from Lowes) that's perfect for post-walk cleaning.

While dedicating a whole room to your pet might be a little far-fetched, I think the design is perfect inspiration if you're looking to refresh your utility room, hallway, or even kitchen – and you'll be pleased to know that you can recreate the look with these Shea-inspired pieces.

Shea has dog-proofed the home by creating a designated area for cleaning and general pet-related activities. Although the space is highly practical (it needs to be for mucky pups), it's nice to see that no compromise has been made on style.

Not only is the wall panelling chic, tying in with the home's heritage feel, but it's a clever design choice. Instead of keeping the walls white (a rookie error for a pet room), Shea has covered the panelling in a dark sage paint (Acacia Haze by Sherwin-Williams), the perfect choice for disguising any inevitable paw prints or dirt.

Featuring a marble sink, the cleaning station is not only functional, but it also ties in with the farmhouse style. Easy to wipe, marble is a hard-wearing choice that pairs beautifully with the other tones. The dog bath is charmingly quaint with its statement tile design. It's placed conveniently beside the sink for the owner to use when needed.

Shop the look

While we aren't all lucky enough to have our own dog room, creating a designated pet station is more than possible with the right pieces. From charming dog-themed decor to everyday pet essentials, these chic (and practical) picks will help you create the ultimate pet nook in your home, inspired by Shea's enviable design.

Shea McGee designed a practical yet equally stylish dog room that would excite any pet owner. Finished with wall panelling, a marble sink and a handy built-in dog bath, the room is a pooch's (and owner's) paradise.

If I were to conjure up an image of my absolute dream office space, a heritage-inspired study decked out with antique lighting, mahogany furniture, and a moody color palette would come to mind.

A classic look that radiates timeless elegance, I'm not the only one who thinks this Ralph Lauren aesthetic works exceptionally well in a home office. Shea McGee's recent project proves that the classic Ralph Lauren aesthetic is the best choice for a work-from-home space. Every piece in her design feels sophisticated and luxurious, but the nostalgic plaid wallpaper ideas are what truly give it substance.

Shea creates my absolute dream office using not only timeless furniture, but a dark and moody color scheme and bold wallpaper. It's an inviting and inspiring workspace that is guaranteed to welcome its lucky owner.

Featured in Shea's latest project, The Gable House, the rather striking plaid wallpaper enriches the room in dark green hues. Shea says, 'The office is a pretty stark contrast against the foyer. We have dark green panelling and a plaid wallpaper – it's very Ralph Lauren-inspired.'

Shea has decorated with a moody color palette that couldn't be more in keeping with the wallpaper. The green trim and built-in furniture add to the room's seamless feel, creating an added layer of warmth and snugness. She says, 'We wrapped the entire room in this dark paint color, and then we just layered depth on top of that.' The vintage chandelier, leather desk chair and antique wooden desk add to the luxurious setting, the perfect accompaniments to contrast against the rich color palette.

Shea has been brave with her furniture choices, adding a green sofa and dark wooden furniture. While many would add paler accents to offset the dark walls, these pieces blend seamlessly into the space, adding to the room's dark and moody ambience. Shea says, 'Behind the desk area, we had room for a sofa. Instead of doing a contrast against the deep green paint color, we just leaned into that tone, and we did the Barden sofa from McGee & Co. in a dark green velvet.'

Shop the Ralph Lauren-inspired look

Shea's Ralph-Lauren-inspired office is filled with charming pieces that add to its luxurious feel. From the desk accessories to the timeless furniture, these picks are ones to add to your basket.

A beautiful example of modern heritage style, Shea's Ralph Lauren-inspired home office is breathtakingly snug. From the plaid walls to the green painted accents, everything feels seamless and well-balanced. The vintage accents that are layered throughout the space add to its luxury, creating an effortless, quiet luxury.

I used to think that nothing could be better than a vintage rug. With its innate charm and rich character, how could a new style compare? But that was before I started searching for one for my living room. I quickly realized that finding a genuine vintage rug that isn't slightly damaged or exorbitantly priced is no easy feat.

While there's many reasons as to why you should go through the effort to buy a vintage rug, I knew it wasn't realistic for me – so I began searching for new styles with vintage appeal. And just as I was starting to feel like nothing was right for my living room, I found the one – this Lost Creek Printed Paisley Rug by Shea McGee.

With its subtle fade and aged look, this rug has all the perks of a vintage style without the potential downsides. Plus, its natural blue and beige hues can invite just the right amount of color to any room. But the best part? At its largest size (7' x 10'), this rug is only $200.

There's only one downside to the vintage-inspired rug trend – it's that these styles can end up looking fake, as if they're trying way too hard to look like real vintage. However, thanks to its many glowing reviews, I know that's not the case with this rug from Shea McGee's Target collection. 'It looks even better in person,' one reviewer mentioned, and added that this rug is high quality and looks much more expensive than it actually is.

Because of this rug's vintage appeal, it might look best in a modern rustic home – its new materiality and old-timey look fall perfectly in line with that interior design style. However, this rug is a versatile option that could benefit any room in any style of home. Coastal style, modern farmhouse – whatever it is, this rug is ready to support your room's existing design.

Plus, the styling opportunities are endless with this rug. Of course, you could leave it as is and position it under the furniture in your living room, but it could be more exciting to layer the rug – perhaps with a large jute rug underneath (like this Nuloom Ashli style) for added texture and visual appeal in your space.

It's not every day that I come across a rug that looks this good and is this affordable. However, the Lost Creek Printed Paisley Rug by Shea is proof that well-made vintage-inspired rugs are out there; you just have to know where to look.

Shop More Studio McGee Rugs at Target

Shea McGee's rug collection is full of gems, aside from the Lost Creek Printed Paisley Rug. So if you're looking for something slightly different (but just as affordable), shop three more styles from her Target collection, below.

These rugs promise the charming and characterful appeal of vintage rugs without the hassle that comes along with decorating with antique textiles. But if you're dead-set on finding an one-of-a-kind vintage find, we know just where you should buy antique and vintage furniture and decor online so you can score your dream piece.

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.

Shea manages to create a soft, yet striking space with one clever design choice, enriching the room with that signature lived-in charm we all aspire to have. Let's delve deeper into the formula.

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.

Shea McGee has perfected the balance of luxury and heritage in her Threshold x Studio McGee Christmas collection. Filled with festive pieces that feel both high-end and rustic, Shea's line of chic (and affordable) homewares combines the two most sought-after styles for holiday decorating.

As someone who wants their Christmas decor to blend high-end luxury with heritage coziness, I’m ordering most of my new holiday pieces straight from this launch. The ultimate mix of Ralph Lauren–inspired heritage style and quiet luxury, these are the pieces that will bring this coveted 2025 holiday trend into your home in an instant.

There’s a lot of buzz around the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic right now, and while I love that cozy, traditional look, I’m after something slightly more glamorous and elevated – holiday decor that feels warm and classic but also luxurious. Curated but also effortlessly cozy. These are some easy ways to bring the look home, with the help of Shea's new Holiday collection at Target.

1. Layer traditional prints with cozy textures

Layering is key for this heritage-meets-luxury look. Start with rich, textured fabrics like velvet and faux fur in cushions and throws (there's plenty in Shea's collection, like the Lush Faux Fur Throw and Tonal Woven Boucle Throw Blanket) for an elegant touch, then bring in more classic patterns like tartan and herringbone that nod to a more heritage feel.

Mixing patterns will give any room that curated-meets-cozy feel that’s key to nailing the luxury heritage look. It’s all about balancing nostalgic, classic prints with more neutral, high-end materials to ensure you get the best of both worlds.

2. Mix Materials

Mix materials too. Shea's Target collection is filled with gold, marble, and wood pieces that layer beautifully together to create a scheme that blends classic with chic.

Introduce natural materials such as wood and rattan to give your space a lived-in homeliness that's fitting for the festive season. To create some contrast, bring in subtle luxurious choices such as small pops of marble or metallic that contrast against darker wood textures.

3. Balance nostalgic with chic curations

While heritage charm often calls for nostalgia, modern luxury is about restraint. To achieve this balance, you want to blend plaid with subtle sparkle, pair traditional reds and greens with gold, and add some unexpected marble accents among the evergreen.

Shea's Christmas collection is filled with vintage-inspired pieces that will make fusing the two looks feel easy. Vintage-style pieces, such as brass and gold ornaments and trinket,s will tie your scheme together and tick both the cozy and contemporary boxes.

Of course, Shea's collection is filled with enviable pieces. She has effortlessly combined her modern heritage style with a subtle dose of luxury. While it's not always easy to balance cozy with chic, shopping Shea's collection will help you channel these two classic looks over the holidays.

There’s something undeniably comforting about the smells of fall and winter – the warm spice of ginger and cinnamon, the woodsy richness of mahogany and pine, and the cozy sweetness of vanilla and santal. During this time of year, our homes become the center of gatherings, celebrations, and quiet nights spent indoors, making it more important than ever to create a welcoming, fragrant atmosphere. A home that smells nice not only sets the mood for guests but also elevates everyday moments, turning ordinary spaces into cozy, inviting retreats.

Studio McGee’s Threshold™ home fragrance collection at Target makes it effortless to infuse your home with the scents of the season while keeping interiors stylish. From woodsy, spice-laden candles to soothing fragrance refills, each piece is thoughtfully designed to complement modern décor and create the perfect seasonal ambiance.

A must-have for fall and winter is the Black Pepper and Mahogany 2-Wick Candle, which blends earthy, woodsy notes with a hint of spice, evoking cozy evenings by the fire. For the kitchen or living spaces, the Santal & Ginger Fragrance Refill adds a comforting aroma reminiscent of holiday baking and festive gatherings. Together, these fragrances create an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and inviting.

Katrina Harper-Lewis, Head of Living at Homes & Gardens, agrees: 'There’s nothing quite like walking into a home that smells as magical as it looks. I’ve always loved shopping Studio McGee for their beautiful, thoughtful designs, and their Target fragrance collection is no exception. Each scent instantly fills every room with cozy, festive warmth, creating the perfect atmosphere to celebrate the holidays.'

Beyond scent, these pieces are designed to look beautiful on display. Sleek glass jars, minimalist diffuser bottles, and the best-selling 3-Piece Ceramic House Set bring festive charm to shelves, mantels, and tabletops. Each ceramic house features cutout doors and windows to cast a soft, inviting glow with tealights, making them a guaranteed talking point you’ll want to bring out year after year. The 2-wick candles provide long-lasting warmth, while refill vials and diffusers make it easy to maintain a welcoming fragrance throughout the season.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, celebrating Christmas with family, or enjoying quiet winter evenings at home, Threshold™ by Studio McGee transforms your space into a festive haven. By combining seasonal scents with beautiful, enduring design, this collection ensures your home feels cozy, celebratory, and irresistibly inviting from fall through the holidays.

I am the first to admit I’m not adventurous when it comes to the color I use in my home. Every wall is white (apart from my entryway – which got the special treatment with Cole & Son wallpaper). It’s my decor I like to get playful with, and I always thought that because I cover every surface in my home with books, magazines, crockery, vases, candles – you name it – the walls should remain a plain backdrop.

But. The moody shades that have been on the rise in the color trends of this year have me reconsidering – and a deep purply red has been living in my brain rent-free since the spring. Then, when I saw that Shea McGee, queen of the neutral color scheme, had revealed her latest project and totally color-drenched a room in the exact paint color I’d been considering all year, I knew it was time to start ordering samples.

Shea has only given hints of this new project on her Instagram, and has assured all those asking that the exact paint color she’s used here will be revealed soon. But from the snippets she’s shared, it’s clear this is a color that’s meant to be drenched. Don’t shy away from using these darker shades across all your surfaces – ceilings and woodwork included.

It might sound odd, but I think going all over with a burgundy is actually what makes it more livable. You don’t get the high contrast you would if you left the ceiling white, which, in my opinion, highlights the drama of the color and creates a starkness in the room. Whereas, as you can see in this space, color drenching means the eye has nothing to clash with. The deep purplish red is soothing and cocooning – not unlike a very safe neutral shade.

The styling feels very soft, too. It’s so easy on the eye for such a bold color choice. Soft tans and brushed gold accents bring out the warmth in the paint, and the subtle dark blue elements add to the moodiness. It’s convinced me that my love of neutrals and layering can still work against a bolder backdrop.

Now, what samples am I ordering? And where am I going to use them? I think this color would work well in any room you want to feel snug – bedrooms, living rooms, movie rooms. But I also think burgundy is the kitchen cabinet color right now, and paired with a marble countertop and backsplash, you have the most luxurious combination.

My burgundy experiment, however, is happening in the bathroom. My bathroom is small – it’s also windowless – and like all the other rooms in my home, it’s currently white. I’m having a remodel in 2026, and I want it to feel less stark. I’m leaning into the small proportions and taking burgundy over all the walls, bringing in gold hardware and checkerboard beige-and-white textured tiles to punctuate the space.

In terms of the samples I am ordering, inspired by Shea's burgundy, I have chosen Farrow & Ball's Etruscan Red (a little more reddish brown than Shea's pick, but I think it will look better with the little light my bathroom gets), Little Greene's color of the year, Adventurer, and Benjamin Moore's Radicco.

And if you aren't quite ready for a totally burgundy remodel, these are the picks I would choose to add a pop of this luxurious on on-trend color to my home.

Sweet or savory? Audrey or Marilyn? We all have our archetypes – and thanks to Joanna Gaines and Shea McGee’s perfectly timed Target drops, you can now pick your Christmas personality too. Or at least, decorate like her.

For the Sheas, it’s all about the minimalist maximalist’s Christmas trends, cozying up with shaggy '70s-inspired blankets that flirt with retro style, coquette-coded cushions tied up with bows (literally), and ruffle borders that feel slightly sartorial. These are pieces that feel seasonally appropriate without screaming festive.

The Joannas, on the other hand, get the classic treatment with plaids, cable textures, and traditional holiday motifs that feel straight out of a Nancy Meyers set. Familiar, but elevated. The lumbar pillows nod to the unipillow trend we're loving for 2025, while the chunky weaves recall your favorite grandma-made sweater, reincarnated for the sofa.

Can’t pick a side? Don’t. The beauty of these Target collections is how well they play together. Ahead, the throws and pillows we’re eyeing from Homes & Gardens' two favorite tastemakers to make every sofa, seat, and bedroom corner a little cozier this season.

The best throw pillows and blankets from Shea McGee's Christmas collection

The best throw pillows and blankets from Joanna Gaines' Christmas collection

Like the first sip of cocoa or the toss of a new pillow, it’s the little things that make the holidays feel big. There's more than just pillows and throws in both Joanna Gaines' Target collection and the Shea McGee collaboration, but be warned, these popular collections sell out fast, so don't wait until December to get shopping.

I, like most children, spent my holiday breaks glued to the television, consuming endless streams of corny Christmas movies. Inside those impossibly inviting homes were even more impossibly enchanting trees, which were towering, twinkling, and (one assumes) freshly chopped. But alas, I grew up in L.A., where the only things evergreen were palm trees, and as an adult, I chose to live in New York – a city where I can’t fit a full-sized sofa, let alone a full-sized spruce for my Christmas decorating ideas.

So when I attended Shea McGee’s holiday preview a couple of months ago, I spotted a solution: a faux spruce, pre-lit to perfection and planted in a characterful pot that I immediately wanted to repurpose come spring. Standing a modest four feet tall, it glows even in the tightest of corners – no needles, no watering, and, at just twelve inches wide, no sacrifice of real estate.

It’s not that a mini Christmas tree idea is inherently groundbreaking – it’s that most of them look cheap or inconsequential. Shea’s is neither. The petite spruce has the lushness and hyperrealism of those 8-foot, $2,000 giants, simply scaled down. For the first time ever, I looked at a small faux tree and didn’t cringe about lacking the ceiling height – or budget – for the full thing.

Because it’s both pre-lit and pre-potted, I love that this tree doesn’t need decorating. You can always add more sparkle – the more Christmas lights, the merrier – but minimalists could leave it bare or top it with a single star, and it would still look perfectly styled.

If you, unlike me, have more than a few square feet to work with, the possibilities multiply. These scaled-down trees fill awkward corners, entryways, sitting rooms, bedrooms – even space alongside the hearth – beautifully. Because, as anyone who’s ever watched a Hallmark movie knows, the only thing better than one Christmas tree is... more Christmas trees.

Admittedly, I’m sold. I plan to scoop one up for myself this year. But if you’re still hunting, I’ve rounded up a few more petite (and Shea-approved) trees to bring that festive, cinematic glow to even the smallest spaces.

Mini trees that look like real trees are one thing, but the ones that don’t even try are a statement all their own. Naturally, Shea McGee has mastered both. Her new rattan Christmas trees bring that California-coded coziness to countertops and mantels alike – sculptural, effortless, and just $20.

If you're a fan of Shea McGee, like I am, you would know that her lines of seasonal homeware with Target never disappoint.

Proven with her latest fall collection, Shea has created a line of ultra-chic and charmingly rustic fall decor that feels on trend for 2025 but equally as timeless. At such affordable prices, it's no surprise that when the collaboration first launched, I added far too many items to my cart. But, it seems I'll be going back for more, as the line is now up to 30% off when you sign up for Target Circle.

From cozy furniture to vintage style prints, at such affordable price tags, these are the nine pieces I'll be shopping for to make my home feel sophisticated and cozy, just like Shea's.

Christmas is all around us. Yes, it's only October, but like every year, it's now when all of the best festive decor makes its way to the shelves of home stores everywhere.

If you're a lover of Target, like I am, you'll know that they recently launched their Christmas collaboration with none other than interior design royalty, Shea McGee. As expected, the collection is filled with all sorts of stylish decor to make your home feel festive (and still chic) for the holidays. But, after browsing the many products and adding far too many of them to my basket, there was one piece I had my eye on right from the start – the rather quaint rattan Christmas trees that I instantly pictured sitting happily on my mantel.

Shea and wicker go hand in hand. We all know her wicker witch's hats go viral, and sell out every year (although right now they are in stock and 50% off!). So wicker Christmas trees make sense. And with the smaller sizes retailing at less than twenty dollars, I didn't think twice about adding a trio of them to my haul.

Plenty of rattan has been featured in this year's Christmas decorating ideas, and I can see why. What I love most about the wicker trees is that they perfectly balance festivity with style.

They stray far from the typical kitschy Christmas decorations that define past holidays and feel so on-trend for 2025. Like all good rattan decor, what makes Shea's Christmas trees perfect for the holidays is their rustic style, guaranteed to give your space a cozy, homely feel that's so fitting for this time of year.

Whether you're shopping all three sizes and creating a dramatic display of trees of varying heights along your mantel or simply scattering them across your home for pops of festivity, I can think of plenty of ways I'll be featuring it in my holiday decorating this year. Keep it minimal and place one small tree at the heart of your dining table or, for an added dose of Christmas cheer, try wrapping LED fairy lights around your tree for some drama.

The wicker trees aren't the only wicker pieces in Shea's Target collection or in her own holiday collection at McGee & Co., either. There are plenty more pieces to bring this rustic trend into your home over the holidays.

Shop more of Shea's wicker holiday decor

When I think about bedroom seating, my mind goes straight to the usual suspects – an ottoman at the foot of the bed, maybe a pair of pretty accent chairs if you have the space. But clearly, I haven't been thinking outside the box enough.

So when I spotted how Shea McGee styled this dreamy yet rustic bedroom with rather unexpected banquette seating tucked into the corner, it completely shifted how I think about bedroom seating possibilities.

The best part is, a banquette in the bedroom isn’t just pretty, it’s also incredibly functional. It's chic, it's cozy, and it's totally perfect for sitting down with your morning coffee. Here's why I'm so sold.

'Who says bedroom seating has to be predictable?' asks Shea in the caption shared to Instagram this week. 'We swapped the usual bench for vintage chairs and added a cozy linen banquette in the corner. It’s giving charm, texture, and all the comfy vibes.'

Those stylish armchairs aside, it was the banquette seat that caught my eye from this Utah-based Studio McGee project. Long associated with dining or kitchen seating to create a stylish and comfortable breakfast nook, but in a bedroom, they take on a totally new personality.

Adding a banquette as an alternative to traditional bedroom furniture makes the space feel more curated and versatile, as though you’ve created a private little retreat within the space.

Plus, it helps to zone your bedroom layout in a much more practical way – providing a spot for lounging, reading, or even working from your own tucked-away, comfy corner.

If you’re tempted to try this look, styling really makes the difference.

You want to treat it like you would your bed, and style it up with comfortable throw pillows and blankets that speak to the existing color scheme to make your bedroom banquette feel like a natural extension of the room, rather than an afterthought.

While typically in a dining nook, a banquette might be styled with a dining table and laid for hosting, instead, Shea has paired this relaxed linen seat with a low-profile stone table and floor lamp to create a much more inviting ambiance, reminiscent of a reading nook.

Placement matters, too. Of course, a free corner is ideal for a real cozy feel, but under a window can be just as charming.

Of course, this is a design idea that requires a relatively large bedroom footprint to not only fit the banquette but also create that sense of luxury.

And for the most cohesive look, a custom design like the one created by Studio McGee is going to tuck seamlessly into your intended space and can even be designed to match with your headboard or drapes for a pattern drenching moment.

In a small bedroom, however, you could try to achieve a similar vibe with an armless settee in an unused corner or even at the foot of the bed, styled with a tiny table and a table lamp.

Shop ready-made banquette seats

Below, I've hunted down a few off-the-shelf banquette and bench settees that bring the same charm and comfort as Shea's design. Whether you're looking to fill a sunny corner, beneath a window nook, or simply looking for an alternative to an ottoman, these bedroom seat options are some of the chicest around.

I never would have thought to add a banquette to a bedroom, but now I can’t stop imagining all the cozy possibilities for my empty bedroom corner. It’s proof that sometimes the most unexpected choices are the ones that make a home feel truly unique. As Shea McGee showed so beautifully, a simple swap can transform an unused space into the kind of spot you’ll want to retreat to every day.

Once again, interior designer Shea McGee shows us just how chic fall decor can be – and how it doesn't have to be all plastic pumpkins and bright orange decorations.

In a recent Instagram post, Shea has shared how she's decorating her front porch for fall, fusing her timeless, heritage touch with outdoor fall decor ideas to create a seasonal yet chic display that's easily transitional from fall to Halloween.

The beauty of this look is in its flexibility; with a handful of pieces, you can transform your fall-inspired arrangement into a one-of-a-kind Halloween homage that'll stand proud all season long.

We love that Shea keeps it simple with her selection of pieces. She opts for a luscious garland that feels very fall-appropriate without falling into the overly decorative. Pinning it around her doorway, the garland frames the architecture and sets the tone for the rest of her indoor fall decor ideas.

A long garland can be a nightmare to handle, but Shea cleverly incorporates three individual pieces and frames them around her front door, connecting them to create one impressive centerpiece.

Next, she opts for the matching wreath to give her front door some impact. Decorated with an autumnal burgundy bow, it's the perfect accessory that frames the space, acting as a welcome for guests.

Acknowledging fall trends, Shea ties the look together with transitional decorations that are appropriate for the season without feeling too pastiche. The pair of Wellington boots adds to the country, rustic feel of the display, and the potted fall planters and welcome mat add a subtle autumnal feel that matches the garland.

A seasonal fall display that creates the perfect base for outdoor Halloween decor ideas, Shea then shows us how to add that more spooky feel.

Taking to Instagram to share her favorite Halloween accessory, she proves that all you really need is a couple of festive pieces to make your exterior feel ready for October 31st.

Shea says, 'We've launched these really cute broomsticks at McGee & Co. I love to add levels and textures when I'm styling, and these are a great addition to your front porch look. I can lean them in the corner and they add a little personality. They're also pretty chic, too.'

Tied in with the rustic fall color scheme, the broomsticks are charming and add an element of fun to the porch. They're also so easy to remove once the holiday is over, and don't detract from the overall fall look.

Shea's fall-inspired front porch is festive yet sophisticated. She perfectly balances her heritage style with the playfulness of fall and Halloween styling.

For more seasonal delights, we've just seen that McGee & Co. has dropped a collection of Christmas decor...race you to the checkout before it all sells out!

Hear me out. I know it might only be the second week of September and we're already using the 'C' word – and you might be sick of Halloween chat, let alone Christmas – but when Shea McGee declares it time to start thinking about the festive season, we listen up.

As someone who shops for interiors year-round, I've learned that the most coveted holiday collections sell out long before Mariah Carey defrosts and December comes around. That’s why, when I spotted an under-the-radar drop of McGee & Co.’s new Christmas collection, I knew I had to share the merry news.

From nostalgic tree ornaments to heirloom-worthy tableware and cozy Christmas decor for every room, these pieces are designed to bring Shea McGee's timeless style into your home for the holiday season – and I'm sure they won’t stay in stock for long.

There’s something instantly inviting about McGee & Co.’s approach to holiday decorating this year.

The collection leans into a timeless aesthetic with natural textures, heritage-inspired details, and just the right touch of whimsy. Think wicker trays and tree collars that bring warmth, knitted stockings for your Christmas mantel that feel nostalgic yet fresh, and tree ornaments that feel like pieces collected over the years.

It’s a collection designed for those who want their holiday decor to feel elevated and on-trend, and yet deeply personal – meaning you’ll look forward to unpacking it from the loft year after year.

While there is something for a classic, red-and-green Christmas fan, this collection also has plenty for the more modern decorator.

When Homes & Gardens' Julia visited the brand's Christmas press preview back in August, she set her eyes on all the Christmas trends Shea had predicted for 2025. While Julia breaks it all down in her article, in summary, it was all about the 3 T's: twists, tiny wreaths, and tassels.

Of course, with the products finally landing in stores, there are plenty of these vintage-inspired twists and tassels to be found. But there was another Christmas decor trend that stood out to me from the drop: bow Christmas decor.

Instead of feeling overly sweet or fussy, Shea's bows strike a lovely balance between playful and elegant. From knitted pillows and stockings to brass tree toppers and clip-on ornaments, each piece brings a touch of charm to your festive decorating.

Shea might have brought back plenty of old favorites from her Christmas 2024 collection, but below are 9 of the newest, most on-trend pieces I'm bookmarking from the drop. Hurry, they won't stay in stock for long.

Shop the McGee & Co. 2025 holiday collection

This is a collection that doesn’t just fill your home with festive spirit – it creates traditions you’ll look forward to unboxing year after year. If you’re planning to start your holiday shopping early, I hate to rush you, but the moment is now. The most thoughtful designs always disappear first, and McGee & Co.’s pieces are too chic to leave sitting in your cart for long...

Starting a room design from scratch can often feel like a challenge – there are just so many decisions to make! However, it's the bedroom I often find the hardest, as the precarious balance of style, comfort, and relaxation (all whilst staying true to your interior design style) is not always easy to perfect.

Luckily for me, interior designer Shea McGee recently shared her three top tips for designing the ultimate bedroom. Perfect if you're starting your design from scratch or if you're giving your room a makeover, Shea explains the most crucial elements to consider when exploring how to design a bedroom

The beauty of Shea's rules is their flexibility; they can be applied to any bedroom and will ensure it's well-balanced yet still personal – no matter your style or the size of your space.

1. Select a bed that honors your needs

Starting with the most important piece first, Shea explains how she selects a bed idea according to her client's needs. 'When I'm putting together a bedroom look, I typically always start with the bed selection first because I want to get to know my client's preferences. Do they like a cushion headboard or do they want the grandeur of a canopy bed? I ask a lot of questions about what they're looking for stylistically and in terms of comfort. This becomes the anchoring focal point to the entire space.'

Acknowledging your needs is of the utmost importance, explains Shea. 'You've got to get to know yourself and what you love. Do you love tufting because you like more of a glam look? Do you like something a little smooth? Do you like the stately look of a high headboard or the contemporary feel of something low?'

'With my headboard, I have these two tall windows flanking where our bed goes, and so whatever I choose, it's really important that I get some height in the middle so that it doesn't feel like this big drop in the focal point between the height of my window and what's happening between them.'

She adds, 'I also love an upholstered headboard because, for me, I like to sit up and read, scroll on my phone for a second, do some online shopping. So having an upholstered headboard is a really great start.'

2. Mix and match large furniture pieces

Next, consider the other big pieces in the room. While you might be tempted to go for a matching furniture set, Shea says opting for a contrasting dresser to your nightstand will ensure your scheme feels curated and one-of-a-kind.

Mix and match your bulky pieces, but still ensure there's one common theme between your bedroom furniture, Shea explains. 'Once I have chosen my bed, I look at nightstands and dressers. I like to look for some point of connection between the two pieces but differentiate the leg details.'

'So, in my bedroom, I have our Dana Nightstand and it is an oak construction with a black finish on it and that gave me a real grounding look to either side of my bed to balance out what I have on my dresser which is burlwood. Notice, that I have this piece sitting up on thin legs and this pieces goes all the way to the floor. That allows them to mix and match pretty seamlessly.'

3. Perfect your bedding layers

Shea says the most crucial decor idea in a bedroom is bedding. The beauty of bedding is its transitional nature; it can be changed according to each season and makes all the difference to a one-dimensional space in need of texture. 'The most transformative decor in your bedroom is your bedding. You can change it seasonally to give you different weights and layers and also a different aesthetic.' A chunky throw can be switched out for a lighter linen blanket in the warmer months, as can a brushed duvet cover for a breathable Egyptian cotton.

Opting for effortless bedding and perfecting the 'four layers' will ensure your bedscape is both comfortable and stylish, explains Shea. 'When I am designing a bed look, I really think in terms of four layers that are sitting flat on the bed. I'm looking at the sheet, I'm looking at a coverlet or quilt, I'm looking at a duvet, and then I am also looking at a bed throw at the end of the bed.'

Shop Shea's bedroom must-haves

By breaking down your bedroom design according to Shea's three rules, creating your dream space is more than possible. For more beautiful bedroom inspiration, be sure to explore our round-up of the biggest bedroom trends for 2025.

I know for most people, September 1st marks the beginning of all things fall, from the cozy jumpers and spiced drinks to the colors and decor we fill our homes with. But each year, I'm always the last person clinging to the dregs of summer decorating.

This year has been no different – well, until designer Shea McGee shared her tips on how to elevate your fall decor, and the trends she mentioned have made me so excited to put away the summer pieces and refresh my spaces with moody fall designs.

And the best part? She hasn't recommended any of those seasonal cliches we are so used to seeing (and that can often bore me), instead showcasing classic patterns in rich colors, and subtle ways to elevate more functional rooms. My interest: piqued!

4 ways to elevate your home for fall, according to Shea McGee

New seasons are always an exciting time, with different materials, colors, and designs at the forefront of our home decor. But there's something about fall trends that has everyone more excited than any other time of the year (excluding Christmas, of course).

'Transitioning from summer to fall always inspires a fresh perspective at home. This season, we’re embracing some of our favorite designs with a refined, traditional approach,' Shea notes in her post.

From classic patterns to tactile materials you can bring into every room, these are the 4 approaches Shea recommends if you want to create an on-trend and elevated look with your fall decor this year.

1. Introduce seasonal patterns to cozy spaces

Classic, traditional prints and patterns are big news for fall 2025, and they are a chic way to elevate your rooms for the coming months. In particular, Shea is announcing plaids and stripes as the patterns of the season.

'By layering plaids and stripes in new ways, you can infuse your own personality into spaces in a playful mix or incorporation of pattern. After all, it's not just in the details – it's what we do with them,' writes Shea.

Think throw pillows, blankets, bedding, and even lighting in these timeless patterns. This particular trend focuses on soft furnishings, but you can also bring it into other areas of decor, such as a vase filled with foliage or towels hanging in more functional rooms.

2. Elevate your kitchen with glass details

Decorating for fall doesn't need to be big on pattern, color, or obvious decor. Sometimes, the most subtle details can make a big difference, especially when it comes to decorating your kitchen.

'We love the simplicity that glass adds to vignettes,' she notes. 'It's a charming blend of both closed and open storage, giving an extra layer to styling while keeping things contained and organized.'

There are a few ways to bring glass accents into your space. In a kitchen, pretty drinking glasses displayed on a shelf, a glass vase at the center of a kitchen island, or even a glass countertop lamp for added ambiance can be more impactful than you might think.

In cozier rooms, a glass side table, candlesticks, or even a light fixture in this delicate material can add a new look to your space without spending a fortune. It's about tweaking those details that really elevate the finish of your design.

3. Bring in tactile materials

We often talk about texture in interior design. Particularly those that bring a more tactile element to a space and prevent it from feeling flat and uninspiring. For Shea, this fall is all about embracing travertine decor.

'The natural texture and imperfections of travertine are part of what draws us to this beautiful stone. It feels almost vintage, and if you know us at all, you know we love an old-meets-new look,' Shea explains.

Now, this doesn't mean ripping out your kitchen countertops and fitting in new travertine ones. It's more about small decor items, like a bowl on your coffee table, pendant lights above an island, or statement bookends on your open shelving.

4. Embrace the moodier hues of the season

Perhaps my favorite thing about the fall season, moody colors truly come into their own. They are rich and all-encompassing, instantly giving your home a cozy feel, yet feeling ever so elegant and elevated.

And Shea agrees: 'One of the best ways to infuse warmth into your spaces is through palette. In many ways, it establishes the tone of the room and is the base for layers and details that give depth to your space.'

I love rich burgundy and deep shades of brown in my home, but any dark hue, such as blue, greens, and even accents of black, signals a much cozier atmosphere. I'm tempted to do a full repaint of my small bathroom, but smaller swaps like rugs, upholstery, artwork on the walls, and even table displays can be just as impactful.

From rich fall color schemes to introducing new materials, there are so many ways to elevate your home for fall that don't feel like total clichés. These simple decor switches instantly make a home more cozy for fall, and offer a more timeless look than some past years.

My home is full of thrifted finds and vintage treasures, so I'll admit that I don’t often look to big-box stores for furniture with character.

But when I spotted this Braided Console Table in Walnut from Shea McGee's fall collection at Target, I had to make an exception. With its vintage-inspired twisted wood detailing and rich walnut finish, it has the soul of an antique – but without demanding the endless hours of scouring flea markets.

With fall on the horizon, and my home craving some cozy fall decor ideas in the mix, I can't think of a better way to introduce some warmth than this prime vignette real estate. And the fact that it’s currently $100 off in the Labor Day deals makes it even harder to resist.

Vintage furniture has been inspiring modern furniture trends more and more lately, with the rise in bobbins, dark wood tones, retro lacquer, and skirted pieces being some of the most covetable.

And, of course, Shea McGee is no stranger to a trending design – the collection is awash with vintage-inspired pieces and designs that tap into the burgundy fall trend – but this time, it's the turn of the twist.

Taking to Instagram this week, the Studio McGee designer shared a glimpse of this stylish piece in situ with the caption: 'Twists, braids and rich red hues. These details, in ways big and small, provided the inspiration for the whole collection and add moments of sophistication to your spaces.'

Styled to perfection, Shea McGee's fall entryway styling comes to life with this console as its center. Paired a mix of warming scent, rustic vases filled with foliage, Chunky Dark Brown Baskets, the Large Earthy Table Lamp with Whipstitch Shade, and this chic Upholstered Metal Ottoman, Shea's vignette welcomes in the new season without going overtly kitsch or autumnal.

I think what makes this piece so compelling is how it balances that old-world, heirloom look with Shea's timeless design style. It's versatile to work in an entryway, living room, or behind a sofa in a floating floor plan, while still offering that unique feel that I'm chasing from vintage finds.

And of course, half the fun of a console is the opportunity to create new vignettes that can be switched around depending on your style, mood, or the season, meaning no two consoles are going to feel the same.

The happy shoppers in the reviews note that the table is very heavy, so bear that in mind for assembly, but it does prove that it is a sturdy, quality item designed to last.

For me, this budget-friendly design is proof that you don’t always need to hunt down a thrifted gem to bring warmth and character into your home. Now all I've got to do is beat you to the basket.

Shop more Shea McGee x Target sale finds

If you’re looking to add a touch of vintage-inspired charm to your home without the antique store price tag, the Shea McGee x Target twisted console table really does deliver. It has all the character I usually spend months hunting down at estate sales – and at $100 off, it feels like one of those rare finds you don’t let slip by.

As Labor Day approaches and summer slowly draws to an end, the world of fashion in interiors sees a switch quick enough to give you whiplash. It goes from the pale summery hues of white, creams, sky blues, and butter yellows to deeper, moodier shades that bring a sense of the changing seasons. Burgundy is one such color that we are already seeing in all the new fall launches of 2025.

When I think of fall color schemes, golden mustards, moss greens, and oxblood reds initially come to mind. However, interior designer Shea McGee has predicted that a more sophisticated shade is set to dominate fall trends next season. In a recent post, Shea says, 'We’re loving rich, cozy colors for fall – especially a bold burgundy. It’s timeless and perfect for adding depth to any space.' She includes a duo of enviable projects that both incorporate a luxurious chocolate meets burgundy paint color that I've hunted down and found to be Benjamin Moore's Barista AF-175.

You'll notice (if you're an avid Shea follower like I am) that she features a very similar deep red/brown shade throughout her recent fall collection with Target and her own Fall line at McGee & Co.. From smaller rustic decor to large-scale furniture, the dark maroon crops up time and time again.

So, in a bid to make my home as on-trend as Shea's this fall, I asked color experts for their thoughts on the chic shade and how to use it in the home.

You might think that decorating with burgundy is obvious for fall, but the beauty of the coffee-like red is its many layers. Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International), Benjamin Moore, says, 'Benjamin Moore's Barista is a sumptuous, velvety dark brown with a hint of red, that brings warmth and depth to any space. As a bold neutral, it has the versatility to serve as either a confident backdrop or a more striking accent, making it ideal for creating a focal point in a range of settings from intimate, cozy snugs to expansive, luxurious kitchens.'

You'll notice Shea has used the shade in a walk-through pantry and a downstairs powder room, both of which are smaller spaces. It might be interior design 101 to use lighter colors in tiny spaces, but dark shades can have the same space-expanded effects. Plus a deep burgundy can give a room depth and warmth, feelings that aren't always easy to evoke in narrow spaces.

'For a bold use of this color, envelop the entire room, including all walls and the ceiling, in this deep, rich brown', says Helen. 'The result will be a space that feels unexpectedly larger yet irresistibly inviting. Pair with brushed brass for a golden glow, creamy whites for balance and light, or soft blush accents for a contemporary take on a romantic color scheme.' Much like Helen's suggestion, Shea hasn't held back with applying the burgundy paint and has used it liberally to create a sense of comfort and luxury combined.

Hannah Yeo, Senior Manager, Color Marketing at Benjamin Moore, agrees that going big is the best way to embrace the shade. 'Immerse yourself in a color-drenched space with this rich, roasted coffee brown. A subtle, earthy red undertone adds warmth and depth, creating an inviting atmosphere.'

For a Shea-inspired look that feels heritage and cozy, Hannah says, 'This hue pairs beautifully with leather accents and navy blues. Layer it with wood tones and creamy neutrals for a cozy, grounded look.'

Bold burgundy decor picks perfect for fall

If you aren't on the lookout for a paint project, but still want to bring this Shea McGee-approved color into your home for fall, these are the pieces I would add to my cart.

I hope we see a lot more of this deeply luxurious shade this fall. It's rich, warm, and sophisticated, and couldn't be easier to use in the home, whether you're color-drenching a small space like Shea or scattering small decor picks.

When it comes to transitioning the home from summer to fall, the key is to take things slow. Don't adorn everything in plaid and pumpkin motifs on the first day of September; be subtle with your switches so your home gently and stylishly turns from season to season.

Shea McGee's fall decor ideas that she's been sharing on Instagram are the perfect example of this steady change. In her most recent video, she shares how she's styled her entryway for the fall season using vintage-style decor and furniture from the new McGee & Co. Fall Collection. It's cozy and inviting, and there's definitely a feeling of fall, but it's subtle and stylish too.

Shea says, 'I'm standing in the entryway of my fall shoot, and there are so many pieces that I'm excited to share with you.' From a statement tapestry to a one-of-a-kind console table, this is how Shea styled her entryway in anticipation of the new season.

Beginning with the show-stopper piece, Shea grounds the entryway vignette with the vintage-style tapestry that everyone has been loving since the collection launched. 'I know you can see the tapestry, it's so good,' she says. 'This is a new piece for us, it's woven and detailed. It's inspired by antique tapestries that I love and have collected over the years for clients. It's big, it makes a statement, and I love that it really sets the tone for our entire fall collection.'

Featuring classic fall colors, the tapestry is perfect as it doesn't scream fall, it's a stylish way to honor the season. It's heavy in texture, with a detailed woven surface, giving the empty wall some warmth and a sense of snugness. Note the rattan storage boxes too, which (much like the tapestry) give the area an earthy feel reminiscent of the English country style. Again, all fall feels but no cliché tropes.

It's not just the console table styling that makes the entryway feel seasonally appropriate; it's the table itself. The design might be part of the new fall collection, but it's a timeless piece that would of course work all year round. The darker wood and bobbin details do lean into two of the big trends of 2025, but at the same time, this piece looks like something you could have picked up secondhand in an antique store.

Shea says, 'Below the tapestry is our Heathcliff console table. I love the detail of the bobbin so much that we've incorporated it into so many pieces. We've got a console table, a desk, and even a counter stool. We took the bobbin and added extra bead detail, so this is very special and unique to McGee & Co. Then, we added drawers with wood knobs so they blend in seamlessly. It also has a great shelf for styling.'

And of course, the styling. It's what really gives this classic setup a seasonal vibe, those smaller decor pieces that nod to autumn. From the artisanal vase filled with autumnal foliage to the marble tray holding an autumnal candle, these small pieces are what clearly say 'it's autumn', they give the area depth and create a warm welcome.

Shop Shea's fall entryway decor

Not all seasonal decor needs to be obvious, especially early on, when you just want subtle nods to the shift from summer to fall. Shea's tips for autumnal styling focus on classic pieces that, yes, do have a feeling of fall as they are warm and welcoming, but they are also timeless and don't feel overly styled or cliché.

We’re nearing the end of summer, and in New York City, where I’m currently writing, it’s muggy and hot. So when, in the middle of my habitual Instagram scroll, I saw – amid a sea of Pucci two-pieces on the Côte d’Azur – an image of Studio McGee founder Shea McGee standing beside a Christmas tree, I paused.

She was teasing the debut of her brand McGee & Co.’s holiday 2025 collection, officially launching September 23. This wasn’t entirely out of left field – I’d just been at the brand’s press preview days earlier, sipping an iced coffee in a glass-walled Brooklyn penthouse with the Manhattan skyline as the backdrop, sneaking peeks at hyper-realistic garlands, gathering Christmas decor ideas, and ultimately, walking away with a surprisingly chic canvas tote filled with seasonal goodies – quite unseasonal for a hot New York August morning

Still, the seasonal whiplash was a reminder: we have less time than we think to tap Christmas decor trends this year. People are already buying multiple Halloween costumes. My own winter holiday travel is booked. It's not too early to be thinking about holiday decor.

Which makes a little preemptive Christmas decorating strategy worth it – especially if you want pieces that can stretch from the first hint of the festive season. I won’t spoil the new collection for you, but I will share my biggest takeaways – plus a few pieces to tide you over until launch day.

Shea, ever the interior clairvoyant, never misses – and I have a feeling this lineup will be a bellwether for the holiday interior design trends we’ll all be talking about in the months ahead.

1. Twists

You could also call them braids. This equestrian-adjacent detail is already a Shea McGee house signature, but judging by the sheer volume I spotted at the holiday preview, braided metallic accents are the holiday flourish to have.

Think of them as jewelry for your home. The new collection includes picture frames, trays, and ornaments in gleaming twists, ready to add a hit of glamour to an otherwise quiet holiday table or credenza. Modern heirlooms in the making.

And between us? I’m already plotting where mine will live come January – because this is one of those ‘holiday’ details I fully intend to keep out all year.

2. Tiny wreaths

We usually think of Christmas wreaths as front-door statements or maybe hanging in a window – but Shea made the case for crowning the back of a dining chair with the same festive flourish. There were also wreaths of a different kind: laurels – used as place card holders to direct guests to their seats – with flair.

The takeaway? If you’re stumped on how to finish a piece of furniture or redeem a forgotten corner, put a wreath on it. Make it a moment. Indoors, in unexpected spots, is the move for 2025.

3. Tassels

Tassels are not just a holiday thing. Bullion tassels – the kind you’d spot at old-school cool hotels like The Hotel Chelsea or Château Marmont – have been everywhere lately.

Soon, thanks to Shea, we’ll be able to tassel our Christmas trees, too. Her collection includes bullion tassel ornaments in three colorways – a heritage hotel flourish for the crown jewel of your holiday decor.

But the true power of the tassel is its versatility. I’m thinking door knobs, dresser pulls, even looped into curtain tiebacks – anywhere calling for glamour. Could 2024’s bow be 2025’s tassel? I wouldn’t bet against it.

Hopefully, those options will scratch the holiday itch until September 23rd. I will be sure to let you know as soon as Shea's holiday collection launches. Take it from someone who's seen a sneak peek, it's one you want to have on your radar.

Sure, I love summer – but while I'm certainly not wishing away the light evenings and backyard cook-outs, there is a part of me that's already longing for the crisp and coziness of fall.

And I'm not the only one. Teasing us with pumpkin spice and all things nice this week, Shea McGee has just dropped the McGee & Co. fall 2025 collection in our inboxes, and let me tell you: this might be my favorite collection yet. Tapping into some of the biggest interior design trends for 2025, Shea is declaring this as the season of story and soul.

Sharing the spotlight with Rhonda the chicken and Annie the pooch, Shea has been busy working behind the scenes to bring her favorite fall decor ideas to life over on Instagram.

Filled with transitional, vintage-inspired pieces and a rich, easy-to-layer palette, this new McGee era is fuelled by heirloom details, customization, and sculptural designs that celebrate autumn's artistry.

'This collection is all about heritage-inspired details, cozy textures, and meaningful craftsmanship – pieces that bring a sense of story and soul to your home for the season and beyond,' she explains of the collection.

If the new furniture drops weren't enough to shout about – antique-style bobbin legs, dark rich wood tones, and lots of lovely new upholstery options – it's the smaller accent pieces that have really caught my eye.

With deep burgundy red and rich navy blue throw pillows, kitchen wares, and trinkets to fight over, this collection is filled with cozy, bang-on-trend decor pieces that would feel right at home next to the fireside of a countryside retreat. Or, your own living room.

And of course, true to Shea style, there is plenty to tablescape with, too.

'Harvest season is about bringing the beauty of nature indoors, layering textures and tones that feel timeless, fresh, and inviting,' Shea explains of her vision for the abundant fall table above. 'It’s the art of gathering, where thoughtful details and effortless warmth turn every meal into a lasting memory.'

Shop McGee & Co. Fall 2025

Here's everything on my wish list from the just-landed McGee & Co. fall 2025 collection – from vintage-inspired wall art to sweet decor pieces to elevate your kitchen or dining room, these cozy designs are filled with Shea's signature timeless charm.

While it might feel we're a million miles away from the height of summer, fall is going to be upon us before you can say 'pumpkin spice latte please', so if I were you, I'd start thinking about tucking away some of these sure-to-sell-out favorites sooner rather than later.

With a mix of could-be-vintage investment furniture pieces and small decor accents that you can pick up for under $50, this new collection really does have something for every style and budget.

As someone who's obsessed with interiors, I'm confronted daily with jaw-droppingly beautiful homes that are enviably large and spacious. From shingle beach homes to colossal ranches, my social media feed and my inbox are filled with inspiration, but these projects are huge in scale, with rooms that are much larger than my own. How can I create the same luxurious feel in a smaller space?

Interior designer Shea McGee is a designer whose projects I swoon over, but even she acknowledges that they are big spaces. So in a recent video she asked one of her most frequently asked quetsions, how do you create this same look when you are decorating a small room?

As part of her 'Office Hours' series on Instagram, Shea was posed with a question: 'I love Studio McGee's signature aesthetic, but my home is much smaller than those in your portfolio. Do you have any tips for getting the look in a small footprint?'

Her response was simple; a good set of core design values can be applied to any home, even with the smallest of footprints. These were the four key takeaways to create her iconic luxury but laid-back style in a smaller space.

1. Choose furniture with subtle details

From The Oaks Project to the Summit Estate, Shea has designed some pretty impressive properties. When posed with the idea of replicating the Studio McGee look in a smaller home, Shea responded, 'I love this question because all of the same principles we use when designing our large estate homes can be applied in a smaller scale.'

The first thing to bear in mind when channeling Shea's modern heritage style is furniture. She says, 'I look at shapes of furniture. I'm going with classic foundational pieces that have subtle details.' Whether it's a sofa with a curved back or a low-slung armchair, pieces that are understated with interest are the secret to a high-end scheme in a small space. You want to avoid overly simple, minimal furniture and opt for classic shapes. It's all about hunting for pieces that feel artisanal rather than generic.

2. Incorporate vintage accents – always

The second principle that Shea swears by for a small space (or any space for that matter) is decorating with vintage. No matter the size of your space, Shea says adding preloved touches will make your home feel characterful, eclectic, and one-of-a-kind.

She says, 'I'm looking at mixing in vintage always, whether you're looking at a small, tiny piece of vintage art for a small space or a little vintage stool you can incorporate; those go in homes, regardless of the size.'

Even if your scheme edges on the minimalistic style, adding a small vintage accent, such as an ornate picture frame or wall mirror, will elevate your space and give it some variety that contrasts beautifully with newer decor.

3. Layer up the textures

Texture in interior design is a staple. Shea swears by this technique when designing a small space. She says that layering materials will help to create a timeless scheme that feels curated and cozy.

She says, 'I'm looking at a lot of texture mixing. If I'm using linens in a space, I'm always going to incorporate some natural, rougher textures like a basketweave or a jute, and that will help you get that signature aesthetic.'

If you're an avid fan of Studio McGee like me, you'll know she's a pro at combining soft textures with harder ones. Take Shea McGee's living room remodel, where she created a bright and airy lounge decorated with pale cottons and mixed them with dark wood.

4. Add a romantic flourish

Last but by no means least, Shea says she always strives to incorporate a romantic flourish into her spaces, and this works in small spaces too. Whether it's a living room given some whimsy with a charming ditsy print on an armchair or a farmhouse kitchen with a dose of romance in the form of an ornate wrought iron table, these decadent touches give a space enduring elegance.

Shea is known for her modern farmhouse style, so it's inevitable that you'll find a romantic country-style accent in her designs. She says, 'I always love to bring a little romance into all of my projects, even the modern ones. A subtle floral print or a big floral print, they both go a long way.'

Shea's four design principles can be applied to any home, no matter the size. Her projects may mostly be large scale, but her signiture design style is timeless and versitile and can easily be applied to smaller spaces.

Even as a proud (very, very proud) dog mom, I didn't have dog art on my trending interiors bingo card for 2025. But boy, am I glad we're here.

I've been quietly collecting vintage dog prints from thrift stores and flea markets for years, drawn to their character and charm. So when I saw that designer Shea McGee had included a sweet Pointer pup portrait in her new Fall collection at Target, I felt totally seen. And now I am seeing this adorable style of artwork everywhere, Anthropologie just did a whole collection too!

Taking to Instagram this week, Shea shared a playful video showing off her latest canine design. 'How cute is this little dog artwork? I love it so much,' she gushed. Little did she know, she was speaking something (or someone) into existence with this new product drop...

'This is the only dog I'll have in my home,' she jokes in the video, later revealing the real-life puppy they have just welcomed into their family. 'I once said the only dog I’d ever have in my home was the one in our new Target collection... and then came Gigi,' reads the caption. Gigi, in case you're wondering, is the McGee family's adorable new Cavapoo.

And while we can't all start manifesting puppies into existence via wall decor ideas, we can certainly join Shea in this oh-so-cute trend. The best part is, it feels super stylish too.

Dog art, especially when it’s in a vintage style, adds humor and heart without compromising on sophistication. Whether it’s a stately oil painting of a Labrador or a cheeky little pug in a baroque frame, these pieces have a way of drawing you in and making you smile.

Whether you're a fellow dog lover or simply want to bring a little nostalgic character to your walls, this unexpected design trend is proof that a home with heart (and a waggy tail) is always in style.

Below, I’ve gathered some of the best dog art pieces available right now – from affordable Amazon finds to Anthropologie’s unique picks that look straight out of an antique shop.

From affordable finds to hand-painted treasures, there’s a sweet dog wall art find out there to suit every style and every breed preference. And if you’re looking for advice on how to decorate with vintage art, check out our guide to sourcing and shopping like a pro.

When interior designer Shea McGee shares her favorite kitchen features of the moment, I always take note. Shea has a whole list of go-to kitchen features she's been reaching for in her recent projects (each feels traditional, rustic, and oh-so sophisticated), but one simple yet surprisingly impactful piece of hardware stood out to me as something I could easily bring into my own kitchen, no demo needed – the old fashioned pot rail.

Shea took to Instagram to shout about her spotlight list of kitchen trends – 'elements she's loving right now' – and on that list was the humble, but very chic right now, pot rail. All good farmhouse kitchen ideas feature a pot rail. Traditionally used for hanging pans and utensils within easy reach of the stove, they're a classic way of fusing practicality with style.

Despite being a more traditional kitchen feature, pot rails can transform a newly-built, stark space and give it a dose of character and patina (not to mention they're a nifty kitchen storage idea too). They are also easy to install, no demo needed, and I have found some really affordable options – this was the quick and affordable update my kitchen was in need of.

Taking inspiration from the past, Shea is embracing more traditional kitchen features. In her Instagram post, Shea said, 'Kitchen trends come and go, but some elements never go out of style. We’re spotlighting a few we’re loving right now: Unique countertop edge profiles, integrated sink drains, pot rails as backsplashes, built-in plate racks, and sculleries and butler pantries.'

Each feature can make all the difference to a new kitchen and brings a sense of history, age, and heritage that's so important in this space. However, I love the simplicity of the pot rail. It's a kitchen feature that costs little to invest in, it's fuss-free and easy to fit onto a wall, and it makes a surprising amount of impact, framing a backsplash while still being neatly tucked away.

On Shea's blog, the Studio McGee team shares more thoughts on the fixture; 'We’re loving seeing and using pot rails as a backsplash feature. Spanning nearly the length of the range, this kitchen trend provides the opportunity to bring in some character through styling.'

A classic country kitchen features a pot rail, whether it's above a backsplash like Shea recommends or hanging on a ceiling, you can count on this piece of hardware to create instant character and charm.

Shop chic pot rails

Recreating Shea's rustic country-style kitchens couldn't be simpler with this list of chic yet affordable pot rails that radiate character.

A feature that Shea has been loving, pot rails are a kitchen hardware trend that I don't see departing anytime soon. They are small but mighty and can transform an empty area into a charming display that radiates all things rustic.

Checking the Studio McGee x Target collection has become a part of my daily routine. As a shopping editor and Shea McGee mega-fan, I want to be the first in line for any new drops from her affordably chic range.

So when I learned that the Threshold designed w/Studio McGee collaboration was expanding with new launches today (June 16), I set myself an alarm and got scrolling. And honestly, this might just be my favorite Shea McGee collection yet.

Tapping into some of the biggest interior design trends for 2025, these new-in pieces might just be her most design-led yet. Think rich maroon reds, high-gloss lacquer finishes, tapestry prints, and vintage-inspired details. And all at a Target price point? I'll be racing you to the checkout.

I often have a hard time getting excited about fall or winter collections (don't even get me started on early Christmas) when we're in the middle of summer, but I'm making an exception for this early fall decor drop.

Filled with transitional pieces in rich, warming tones that will look at home year-round, this collection has been designed to offer an update to your home from summer 2025 all the way through to fall.

You might already have noticed that the lacquer trend is making waves this year, but it is typically an expensive designer favorite. Until now. Shea's latest collection features several glossy accent pieces that nod to this glamorous vintage trend, in a rich burgundy shade that helps to punctuate Shea's trademark neutrals.

And that's not where the vintage inspiration ends. You'll also find plenty of twisted and turned wooden designs in the collection that will help you create a luxe, layered vignette at home (without having to set foot in the thrift store).

The latest Threshold x Studio McGee collection at Target features several standout pieces that nod to the lacquered look. Each piece is finished in a deep oxblood hue that feels more like a refined statement than a trend-driven accent. The coffee table grounds a living room with its sculptural oval shape. The console table adds drama and polish to an entryway or behind a sofa. And the side table is a versatile punctuation mark in any room, offering just the right hit of shine.

Offering the perfect balance of nostalgic, timeless style with a contemporary edge, this new collection delivers the perfect excuse for a seasonal refresh that will see you well into fall and beyond.

Whether you're shopping to refresh your living room or looking to bring in some richer hues and textures for the months ahead, Shea's new designs bring a high-end feel home.

Here, I've pulled together my edit of the most stylish finds that I think are particularly worth your attention. But be quick, as always, the best pieces are already selling fast.

Every time Shea drops a new collection, there’s always one or two pieces I regret not adding to my cart fast enough – and I have a feeling this launch will be no different. I’ve already bookmarked my favorites, but the best finds never stick around for long, so if something’s caught your eye, I wouldn’t wait.

And if that wasn't enough, you'll be pleased to know that alongside these new pieces, Shea McGee's summer Target collection has had a bit of a restock with some of her prettiest pieces returning, including Shea McGee's skirted furniture at Target.

Designing a home is large and often expensive endeavour. And unless you are an experienced designer, knowing where to spend more money and where to save it can feel like a minefield.

But interior designer Shea McGee has taken to Instagram to answer everyone's biggest design dilemmas, and she's started her new 'office hours' series off by answering the question we all want to know the answer to: how to decorate a home on a budget.

The secret? Knowing exactly which items should be considered investments for longevity, and which decor pieces can still look beautiful, even at a lower cost. 'I think if we're focusing on a living room and bedroom, I look at things in price tiers and where I'm going to invest,' says Shea in the video.

Here, we take a deeper dive into which pieces in your bedroom and living room Shea says you should invest in, and the less prominent features you can afford to save money on.

Where to invest

When you're thinking about the items in your home you want to invest in, look to the large, focus pieces. For Shea, it's the large furniture items you use every day and that sit at the heart of your design that you should prioritize.

'A sofa and your headboard are where I would invest. So make sure that your sofa is the highest quality you can get, and make sure your bed is a bed frame, not just a headboard that you lean against the wall – try to get the best you can,' says Shea.

And it makes sense – your sofa is the place of relaxation in your living room, and it's a piece that your eye will instantly be drawn to. Equally, your bed quite literally sits at the heart of your bedroom, and if you opt for a frame with a beautiful headboard, it can form the base of the whole room's design.

When you're investing in a furniture item – especially a sofa – try to opt for a style that feels timeless and transitional, so no matter how you choose to redecorate or how your interior design style changes over the years, your sofa will always fit and feel cohesive in your scheme.

Where to save

Good news – there are more areas than you might expect where Shea says it's easy to save money that don't necessarily look as though you've you've opted for a more affordable alternative.

And they focus on the more decorative pieces that you are more likely to want to swap out over time. 'Those accents around the room, like rugs – I think there are a lot of great, affordable rug options out there – as well as accent tables. Accent tables go in the mid-price range, the same with a coffee table,' she explains.

Rugs ground the room and add a lot to the overall look and feel of a room, but they are also part of the walkway and have large furniture items sat on them, so regardless of how much you spend, you will likely want to replace them more regularly than other pieces in your space.

Accent and coffee tables are still an area to save rather invest, but don't go for something too low budget, as the most affordable designs can look cheap. The price will depend on the size and materials, but try to choose designs made from solid wood over plywood or cork, as these won't age well and will end up costing you more in the long run.

You could also shop vintage or second-hand, as you are likely to find quality-made pieces for a fraction of the price you'd find for contemporary pieces. Look to your nearby thrift stores, or even visit your local antiques and vintage markets for one-of-a-kind designs.

Shea's advice is simple – invest in the larger furniture items you use every day, and save on the smaller decorative pieces you're likely to want to swap out over time. And if you're embarking on a larger project, we have plenty more tips on where to spend and save in a home remodel.