Interior designer Shea McGee continues to champion timeless neutrals like Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee but is expanding her palette in 2026 to include punchy colors such as powder blue and deep burgundy. Her approach balances classic warmth with fresh, lively shades that add personality without overwhelming.
- Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore stays Shea’s go-to neutral
- Powder blue introduces softness and playfulness
- Rich colors like merlot add cozy depth in smaller rooms
What happened
Shea McGee, a respected interior designer known for warm, layered styles, has shared insights on her favorite paint colors for 2026. While neutrals continue to be essential in creating timeless interiors, she acknowledges a trend toward incorporating bolder shades in contemporary spaces. McGee specifically praises Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee as her all-time favorite creamy white, ideal for providing a subtle but textured backdrop that complements furniture and artwork.
Beyond neutrals, Shea has embraced powder blue as a playful, yet balanced, accent color that works well alongside warm tones without feeling cold. Additionally, she has introduced richer, muted colors like chocolate brown, deep burgundy, and olive green to infuse smaller rooms — such as powder bathrooms or bedrooms — with a cozy, cocooning atmosphere. This evolving color palette reflects a blend of tradition and experimentation in her design approach.
Why it feels good
Using familiar neutrals like Swiss Coffee brings a sense of calm, clarity, and flexibility to home interiors, allowing other design elements to stand out without competing for attention. The warm, creamy qualities of these shades create inviting spaces that feel both fresh and timeless. They serve as a reliable foundation that homeowners and designers alike can return to year after year.
Introducing softer blues and deeper, muted jewel tones adds personality and emotional richness without overwhelming a space. Colors like powder blue evoke nostalgia and playfulness, creating joyful moments in everyday rooms such as laundry areas. At the same time, subdued deep reds or browns provide grounding warmth, making smaller spaces feel wrapped in comfort and elegance. The careful balance between old and new color choices creates rooms that uplift and soothe simultaneously.
What to enjoy or watch next
Keep an eye on how designers continue exploring ways to incorporate classic neutrals alongside more adventurous colors in 2026. Shea McGee’s trend of using punchy shades in contained spaces — like powder rooms or bedrooms — is a smart strategy for those eager to add vibrancy without overwhelming the home’s overall feel.
Additionally, the rising popularity of soft blue hues and rich earthy tones suggests future projects will lean into harmonious combinations that bring both subtle charm and bold expression. For anyone updating interiors, layering these colors thoughtfully can create spaces that feel collected and deeply personal. Watching how these palettes evolve across design media and home tours will inspire new creative directions throughout the year.