Studio McGee has been at the forefront of interior design since it launched in 2014. Founded by Shea and Syd McGee, the design studio has created classic, homes that are the perfect balance of timeless and trendy.
Every year the studio releases its yearly trend predictions, and for 2025 Shea and her team have chosen eight styles they think will be huge for the year ahead. Shea is known for her 'anti-trend' aesthetic and doesn't often follow fleeting trends in her own home, nor in her projects. So this list is like the 'anti-trenders' list of interior design trends to follow.
And they are all surprisingly fun. Unexpected maybe – from such a classic design studio. From sea-inspired scenery to romantic silhouettes, cowboy chic to pattern drenching, and there are of course some totally timeless looks on the Studio McGee list too...
1. Romantic silhouettes
Shea predicts romantic silhouettes will be all the rage next year, harking back to cozy, vintage-style interiors. Whilst we've witnessed a romantic revival already this year, there's much more to come of this trending antique style. Designers have been creating contemporary designs inspired by antiques, period architecture, and quaint furniture.
Described as a 'general air of softness', romantic-style pieces encompass effortless elegance and bring a delicate and classic feel. Shea describes the style as 'luxurious, a sweet nod to the simple things in life.' The key foundations of romantic-style furniture are curved lines and quality furnishing fabrics that take inspiration from vintage pieces.
Romanticism is all about creating a soft and inviting space. It's more on-trend than ever to create a collected home, shifting away from 'fast furniture' to create bespoke, curated spaces that feel unique and lived-in.
Whimsical in shape and fluidity, this pendant-style lamp is effortlessly chic and encompasses a truly romantic feel.
Velvet finishes are very romantic, along with English-style country furniture. Stay on trend with this McGee & Co Lucille Roll Arm Chair.
With an ornately carved brass frame, this romantically-shaped mirror is what elegant decor is all about. Try hanging above a mantel or in a hallway.
2. Saturated darker colors
Move over muted, these rich and deep colors are part of the new 2025 staple palette. The Studio McGee team has highlighted that saturated colors will be revived next year. The saturated shades include deep reds, dark browns, and earthy forest greens, described as 'making their way into interior design again.'
The team says the best way to showcase these colors is to fully commit by 'color-drenching', which means entirely painting a space in one shade. We've already witnessed a love for dark and moody colors, but next year will be all about rich and jewel-like shades that encompass both warmth and drama.
Decorating with red is both expensive looking and provides elegance, a shade that interior designers have long loved. Chocolate brown has been a popular shade in recent months, and the love for it will only increase in 2025. Brown has a neutral quality that evokes warmth, and its richness creates a bold statement. The color-drenching method will adopt these saturated colors and entirely cover spaces to create an atmospheric, cozy haven.
Dark paint colors can be scary, particularly when it comes to color-drenching, so if this painting technique is a little daunting to you, try incorporating dark-colored, luxurious accents through furniture or homewares instead.
3. Seasonal surprises
Surprise is a crucial element of design that keeps things fun and fresh, and it's no different when it comes to color. Studio McGee loves introducing the unexpected in their designs, especially unconventional colors for opposing seasons.
While 'winter whites' have long been popular, lighter tones typically synonymous with summer can work just as well in the colder months. Studio McGee highlights cream and sage green as transitional shades that can enhance any space, particularly in the winter, brightening and neutralizing the overall palette. Caramel tones will not only be big for 2025 but act as the perfect backdrop for bold colors.
Dark, moody shades don't need to be limited to winter either. A bold color can create a statement and provide an overall deepness that contrasts against the typical lightness of a summer palette. The Studio McGee team suggests a dark cushion as an easy way of introducing variation, but any homeware or furnishing piece could work, from a rich throw to a moody lamp.
4. Pattern-drenching
The Studio McGee team are really excited about pattern-drenching in 2025. Shea McGee explains, 'It’s something I’ve always wanted a client to give us free rein on.'
The studio has produced some stunning interior creations that enhance the traditional use of patterns by creating full-scale murals of print. While Shea says she wants to use the pattern-drenching method more in her designs, Studio McGee's adaption of fun print must be noted, particularly regarding the 'Bunk Room' in Tahoe Pines where a distinct plaid wallpaper encompasses the room.
Decorating with pattern is a fun way to bring variety and texture to a room and a successful pattern-drenched look can be achieved with some small tweaks. Introduce pattern through upholstery or for a paired-back look, try incorporating various patterned cushions on a plain sofa for a vibrant yet refined look. And if you're feeling brave, go for a full-fledged pattern show-stopper and create a statement wall by plastering on an intricate floral or botanical wallpaper.
This hand-made, block-printed floral cushion cover is whimsical and uplifting in its design. Reminiscent of country style homes, it combines coziness and elegance.
This vertically printed floral wallpaper is sophisticated and minimal in design, making it the perfect backdrop in any space.
This vintage-style jacquard sofa evokes nostalgia and ticks the practicality box, acting as a sleeper as well as a sitter.
5. Embellishments
To truly elevate a space, it's all in the details. Studio McGee outlines some of their favorite subtle yet effective accents that make all the difference to the design of a room.
McGee names the rising trend of 'artful edging', a popular finishing style for furniture and styling pieces. They specifically highlight the bullnose detail that frames and smoothly outlines the edge of the Houston Project kitchen countertop, creating a tailored, sophisticated finish.
Embellishments often tie a look together, creating a cohesive look that is successful in all its details. Studio McGee says they love 'fringe, embroidery, tassels, and scallops' for 2025, particularly when it comes to furniture. These techniques bring an added feeling of consideration and importance to a design, and an important touch of fun and playfulness.
6. Western Cowboy
Focusing on organic materials and a return to nature, Studio McGee named the 'Western Cowboy' aesthetic as one of the big trends for 2025. Described as a 'laidback, country-esque' style, the team says the style is 'Ralph Lauren meets Carhartt and a quiet cottage garden.'
The American preppy aesthetic dramatically contrasts with the rough-and-ready, lived-in look, but both have deeply traditional and classic roots. Combine all of this with the rustic coziness of a wild country setting, you have created a truly Cowboy style that encompasses all things American.
To accomplish the trend, bring in one element of each style to make an authentically themed space. Start with your preppy piece, such as a plaid cushion, and then move onto your organic piece, like a linen sofa or a faux sheepskin rug, and lastly bring in the whimsical, country element. Gingham is a great representative of the cottage-core aesthetic, harking back to simpler times of country walks and picnics.
This long-distance shot of horses in the snow is an accomplished and paired-back piece that would pair well with Western-style decor.
Classically preppy, this gingham-printed Santora Pillow Cover encompasses true patriotic spirit.
Try hanging this faux fur hide on a wall or over a sofa for the ultimate cozy, western look.
7. Color-Blocking
Color-blocking is not a new technique; it's been a popular style in homes worldwide this past year. A fresh take on this tried-and-tested technique is using trending shade ranges for 2025, like the chocolate brown and deep reds, to frame a space and divide it from another.
Studio McGee has used rich dark tones in the bar rooms of their projects, notably The Summit Estate (seen in the image above). The use of rich wintery colors creates a deeply luxurious and warm environment. It highlights the room's contrasting metallic embellishments (in this case the copper light, gold shelving unit, and the door handles on the cabinetry). Color-blocking is by no means subtle, which means the method can be daunting. A top tip is to try painting just one wall to achieve that rich, warm feel without over-committing.
The Studio McGee team uses Benjamin Moore paint in the shade 'Barista' for the bar's walls and 'Stonecutter' for the cabinetry.
8. Inspired by the Sea
Sea-inspired scenery has long been a go-to style, it evokes a sense of calmness and peaceful serenity, a feeling we all long for when relaxing at home. It's no wonder this is a long-established style, and Studio McGee has reported it as a rising trend for 2025.
Shea describes the style as a 'heavy tinge of Americana that feels classic and understated'. Undoubtedly timeless, the nautical, beachy aesthetic is a universal style that can be mirrored in any home across the globe. It's a much-loved style for many reasons, but mainly because of its ability to summon positive emotion and transport you to a place of calm.
Try incorporating rattan furniture for an organic, natural feel that's reminiscent of woven beach bags, sun hats, and sandals. Start with a cream paint or off-white base to create a coziness. Then build on top with muted colors (Studio McGee uses sage green and natural beiges), and bring in your more obvious seaside iconography, pieces decorated with shells, fish, or sailing boats.
This rustic-style frame has been woven with rope to create a nautical, sea-inspired picture holder.
Woven-style doors make up this natural wood cabinet, ideal for hanging clothes or shelving bedding and towels.
Renaissance in style, this stone ornament is the perfect coffee table accompaniment or bedside table decoration.
Studio McGee has predicted a whole range of design trends for 2025, some of which on paper feel decidedly different from the brand's classic style. But all these eclectic trends in fact have roots in a more traditional, timeless aesthetic so despite being 'trends' they aren't going to date anytime soon.
