We’ve all heard the phrase ‘sad, boring beige,’ and if I’m really honest, kitchens are one of those rooms where I think it can really apply. A whole beige scheme – cabinets, walls, and accessories – just sounds like a space that’s crying out for contrast, texture, and some personality.
Which is why I was so surprised to see that the kitchen color palette in Shea McGee’s new kitchen project is a blend of white, gray, and beige. But she’s curated it in such a way that it feels fresh and visually interesting.
And it’s all thanks to the carefully chosen curved details and mix of materials that bring the whole kitchen to life. Here’s how she’s made beige kitchens feel chic for 2025 and beyond.
There’s been a shift this year from the plethora of neutrals that dominated kitchen trends towards a more colorful, characterful aesthetic. And as the era of beige slowly fizzled out, Shea McGee has proved that, in the right design, it’s a color that can still feel elevated.
‘A childhood home reimagined, starting with the heart of it all: the kitchen. We elevated an all-white space with a creamy paint tone to add warmth, while thoughtful curved elements – like the backsplash and the sweetest oval window – bring in just the right amount of charm,’ Shea writes via Instagram.
The homeowners had their heart set on a white kitchen, so she made sure to create contrast and depth in the scheme with smart color choices. She opted for Steamed Milk by Sherwin-Williams for the cabinetry – a warm white hue that reads the perfect shade of beige with the right pairings.
There’s a clear reason why this neutral color works so well in the design. The white wall tiles create just the right amount of contrast that the kitchen cabinetry feels really warm, and in some lights, even reads slightly pink, so it feels a bit richer than the ‘sad beige’ spaces that give the hue a bad rap.
The mix of materials here is also crucial to adding texture and interest to the design. Beige and white alone could end up feeling slightly flat, but Shea has brought a rich wooden kitchen island into the mix, which instantly brings a more tactile element into the design.
Details are really key to ensuring a neutral kitchen like this one feels innovative and dynamic, and it’s something Shea has really paid attention to. The curves of the range hood have been carried down onto the kitchen backsplash to create more dynamic curved detail with the stone.
But for me, the standout feature has to be the oval window in the corner of the space. It’s not often you see unique windows in homes anymore, but Shea saw an opportunity to create a unique feature in the space, and the oval window was the perfect addition – and it feels like a totally original feature.
While it’s a great way to bring in more light, this relatively small feature has had a huge impact on the design. Choosing an oval window rather than a square one adds a softer form to the wall, which balances the hard angles of the cabinets and island.
It’s also created a beautiful spot for a decorative vignette. Playing with form, Shea introduced a large still life artwork leaning against the window frame, styled with an elevated fruit bowl and a charming little counter lamp.
And these elevated details are carried throughout the design from the brass cabinet hardware to the woven counter stools and decorative pots and vases. This kitchen proves that you can never completely write a color off – it really is about how you style it.
Get the look
A beautifully framed piece of artwork is a great way to decorate your countertops. Take inspiration from Shea’s design with a piece depicting lemons – fitting for a kitchen.
Wood Salt & Pepper Grinder Set
Elevating simple kitchen items like this makes a big difference to the overall look of your space. These wooden salt and pepper mills are similar to the ones in Shea’s design.
In this design, a natural, earthy-toned fabric has been introduced for the window treatments. This fabric from Studio McGee’s collaboration with The Shade Store is a timeless choice.
A counter lamp is the one thing every designer says will elevate your kitchen. This gold lamp with a pleated linen shade is a chic yet affordable option.
Natural Woven Hyacinth Counter Stool
The woven bar stools in Shea’s design add so much texture to contrast with the smooth beige surfaces. This stool has that same rustic feel with a comfy, low back.
I love that Shea decided to go oversized with the pendant lights above the island. If you like the white and gold combo, this option is a really sophisticated choice.
This isn’t the first space I’ve seen that makes a case for embracing beige – Emily Henderson’s happy beige bathroom is a perfect example – but it proves it’s still a kitchen color to consider. And if Shea’s design has made you reconsider this neutral hue, make sure you choose the best beige paint for your space.
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