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Shea McGee lights up when she talks about design—yes, even window treatments. At a party in Los Angeles celebrating the launch of her new collection with The Shade Store (out now), the Studio McGee founder animatedly described her palette of fabrics as if recapping the juiciest plotlines of her latest TV binge. When I joked that we could pivot to chatting about shows instead, she waved me off with a smile. “Oh no, I love talking about this.”
It’s easy to see why. Her warm-meets-minimalist style has become synonymous with modern interiors. It’s a look that gets pinned and shared and emulated because its foundation feels perennially fresh. Even McGee’s projects from a decade ago make it onto today’s vision boards.
And now, with a collection of seven new fabrics designed in partnership with her longtime go-to source for blinds, drapery, and shades, she’s making it easier than ever to bring her finishing touches home. Here, she shares how she approaches window treatments, her favorite tricks for styling kitchens and outdoor spaces, and the one thing she always keeps in mind when tying a room together.
On Getting Window Treatments Right
“I’ve used custom treatments in every home I’ve designed—my own, the ones on our Netflix show, and client projects. It’s that last layer that brings the room together,” McGee says.
For her first collection with The Shade Store, McGee leaned into subtle textures and tonal neutrals—florals, ginghams, solids, and plaids—that can be easily mixed and matched throughout a home. “I wanted fabrics that feel warm and inviting but still add a little personality. The window can really become a defining feature of the room,” she says.
On Where She’s Most Excited to See the Collection
“Everywhere, honestly,” McGee says. “Kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms—window treatments make such a transformative impact.”
The goal, she explains, is always to complement and elevate what’s already happening in the space, whether that’s through the softness of drapery or the tailored structure of a Roman shade. “It’s the difference between a space that looks unfinished and one that feels layered, lived-in, and complete,” she says.
On Styling Kitchens for Summer
McGee’s biggest advice when it comes to kitchen trends: tread lightly. “You want your kitchen to have longevity, so I recommend adding seasonal touches in ways that can easily be swapped out,” she says. Lately, she’s gravitating toward vibrant printed plateware or colorful cookbooks to bring in a pop of color.
As for the windows? “Our collection makes it simple to create a timeless yet on-trend look. Neutral tones and subtle textures allow other elements in the kitchen to shine,” she says.
On Outdoor Privacy Solutions
If there’s one thing McGee avoids, it’s anything that feels too utilitarian. Basically, she’s team skip the privacy screen—unless, of course, you’re a fan of them like we are. Instead, she approaches outdoor privacy as an extension of the home’s interior. “I love layering in planters filled with greenery or using outdoor drapes to subtly divide a space,” she says. “You want privacy solutions that blend seamlessly with the outdoor aesthetic, not something that stands out in a bad way.”
On How to Tie a Room Together
McGee always starts by thinking through the purpose and feel of the room—and yes, window treatments play a big part in that. “Consider the light, privacy, and insulation needs, and make sure your treatments extend your overall design vision,” she says.
Texture is key. “I love using natural materials like woven wood or linen to add depth and warmth,” she notes. And balance is everything: “If your walls are bold, go subtle on the windows. If your furniture is understated, let the windows add a little color or pattern.”
It’s these kinds of small choices, she says, that ultimately make a space feel cohesive—and personal.