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
The light fixtures are one of the features that add style and function in one. For a similar look, these white and brass pendants have been designed in the same style, bringing in those trending curved details.
Every designer emphasizes the need for art in a kitchen, and in this design, a brass-framed lemon painting sits below the oval window. This similar design is from Shea's brand, McGee. & Co., adding a charming detail.
Counter lamps are another must-have feature, especially if you want to nail a layered lighting scheme. In this kitchen, this hand-rubbed antique brass lamp adds a touch of elegance among the neutral finishes.
As Shea said, small details can really elevate your kitchen, and things like utensil holders are one such feature. In this design, a vintage water pitcher has been used – this is a similar vintage option for just $49.
Wood tones play a big part in the layered look of this kitchen, including smaller details like the salt and pepper mills stored next to the cooktop. Get the same look with this set of two made from beautifully rich walnut wood.
The counter stools in Shea's design cover both natural textures and curved silhouettes. This design by Bali & Pari is a more affordable option, but feels very similar, both in style and structure with the woven backrest.
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.
