3 Design Lessons We’re Loving from Shea McGee’s Nostalgic New Tile Collection

Published on July 24, 2025

If summer has you dreaming of a slower pace—roadtrips, sleepaway camp, sifting through flea markets—you're not alone. That wistfulness is exactly what spurred Shea McGee to design her latest collection of ceramic tiles for Ann Sacks: Ashton Meadows by Studio McGee. “This collection was inspired by nostalgia—a return to the romantic and playful moments of the past,” says the multi-hyphenate interior designer and star of Dream Home Makeover.

Hallmarks of Nostalgic Style

We are smitten with the collection's earthy colors and mix of shapes, including a sweet diamond pattern. But our favorite detail is the whimsical scallop edge finish, which McGee designed based on the rippled edge of a vintage letterpress postcard. “I wanted to create something that reflected the same amount of charm as a handwritten note,” she says.  We've got her top tips for channeling the past—in a way that feels fresh for today.

Ashton Meadows by Studio McGee

1. Mix & Match

“I love to mix and match in a way that feels cohesive—either by keeping a shape consistent or a colorway consistent,” says McGee. In this kitchen, she paired deep red and creamy white tiles to create a color-blocking effect while mixing flat and scalloped edge tiles for interest.

“The field tiles above the stove keep things clean and classic in the main space, while the scalloped tiles in the pantry bring in a playful twist. If everything had been the same, you’d lose the element that makes the pantry feel like its own special moment,” she says. A check-pattern skirt under the sink in the butler's pantry adds to the vintage appeal.

2. Highlight Architecture

Whether rounded or squared off, an archway is an opportunity to create a focal point by framing it with tile. “They introduce texture and dimension that elevate the design to an entirely new level,” McGee says, noting that it’s also an easy way to create a custom, one-of-a-kind look without breaking the bank.

Plus, it's a surefire way to set a historical tone—just picture the kitchen in Gosford Park. “I love how tiled archways evoke a sense of history and charm while softening the overall aesthetic of a space,” she says. You can fully tile an arch, as McGee did in the kitchen, or pair it with molding for added contrast, as she did in this bathroom.

3. Grout with Intention

It’s easy to default to white grout—especially with white tile—but think ahead and consider how the space will age. "A pure white can often look stark and not hold up well in high-use areas like a shower,” says McGee. In this green and white tiled bathroom, she opted for a richer, cream-colored grout. Not only will it show dirt less than a crisp white, but it also softens the coolness of the color palette. 

Also consider what visual effect you're hoping to achieve. Choosing a contrasting grout color will play up the shape of your tile, while a monochromatic grout-tile combination creates a more seamless backdrop.