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.
Layer pattern upon pattern with confidence with this petite ottoman. Its rich floral design channels a vintage feel, while the modern feet keep it fresh. Perfect for adding depth to a living room or bedroom, it works beautifully alongside other prints.
Bring earthy sophistication to your layered schemes with this rich pillow cover. The intricate motif against an indigo backdrop adds depth while pairing nicely with solids or brighter prints.
The Octavia pillow cover brings heritage charm with its intricate floral tapestry print. It'll work wonders to elevate a neutral couch or armchair with its rich blue and gold palette, particularly when paired with the matching footstool.
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.
Introduce classic architectural charm with the Ionic Pedestal. Inspired by vintage columns, it’s a decorative piece that works as a base for vases, sculptures, or candles, instantly adding a touch of timelessness to any vignette.
This wooden stool’s bobbin leg detailing and flat top combine practicality with traditional design. Perfect for use as a side table for drinks, a perch for candles next to the bath, or as an accent seat to bring character and craftsmanship to a room.
One of the most stylish candle sconces around, the Hearst taper holder has been created with twisted brass to form a bow-like silhouette on your wall. It'll look super sweet in pairs flanking a mirror or as a solo accent to an empty wall.
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.
A statement piece for tabletops and mantelpieces alike, this clamshell-shaped dish brings sleek, polished silver into your decor. Perfect for serving or simply displaying, it reflects light and adds a subtle sparkle that elevates any room.
Crafted from glass and nickel-finished brass, this hurricane-style taper holder is both fresh and contemporary yet elegant. Its reflective finish and vintage-inspired silhouette make it ideal for adding a metallic pop to your table or entry.
Shallow, practical, and polished to perfection, the Lionel tray brings elegance to coffee tables, dressers, or sideboards. Its sleek nickel finish adds the cool metallic contrast that Shea is highlighting as a fave for 2026.
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.
