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.
Featuring delicate stripes and florals, this Jacobean-inspired wallpaper is a timeless choice that feels equally as elegant as Shea's. It'll give your dining room an enduring sophistication, particularly paired with rustic wooden furniture and antique lighting.
Classic in shape, the Romany chair is a timeless choice for a dining room. Pair them with country-style tableware for a rustic arrangement that'll make any dining room feel cozy.
No dining table is complete without some elegant glassware. I love the carved details on the Legare set; they feel like a real vintage find that'll instantly add some character to a dining table.
Place the Rasley jar at the heart of your dining table and fill it with delicate stems, just like Shea. With its curved shape and sleek glaze, it's an effortlessly stylish piece that radiates subtle grandeur.
You'll notice a chic white chandelier adorning Shea's dining room. The Piaf fixture will instantly change a room's ambience; with its dainty shades and iron base, it's a sophisticated choice.
No napkin is complete without a napkin ring. These ornate botanical-inspired rings are charmingly delicate and will transform a table setting in an instant. Pair them with some linen napkins for a Shea-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.
