These are the exact paint colors (and wallpapers) that Shea McGee in her most recent renovation project – timeless neutrals that achieve the modern rustic aesthetic

This modern home is filled with timeless neutral colors, from warm whites to rich browns

calming bedroom with neutral color scheme and four poster bed
(Image credit: Studio McGee)

If you're an avid follower of the latest Studio McGee projects, then its recent project named The Oaks is no doubt serving you plenty of modern rustic decorating inspiration.

The San Antonio, Texas home proves to us all how modern buildings can feel just as rich and character-filled as heritage homes, thanks to Shea McGee's (the design studio's co-founder) eye for curating layered and relaxed interiors, not least through the timeless color palette.

From the carefully selected wall colors to the use of wallpaper, the room color ideas are the perfect backdrop for this neutral home, as uncovered in the design studio's Oaks Project Paint Guide. Below, we've rounded up the specific paint shades used throughout this modern-meets-rustic home, from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and more.

1. Futon, Sherwin-Williams

living room with neutral color scheme

(Image credit: Studio McGee)

Sherwin-Williams' Futon is a soft off-white paint that was used as the main color throughout the home. Providing a clean backdrop, as seen in this living space, this gentle hue works as a blank canvas for the home's decor while bringing enough warmth to feel welcoming.

2. Kobai, Schumacher

bedroom with neutral color scheme

(Image credit: Studio McGee)

In the primary bedroom, a neutral wallpaper was used to add interest. The design is called 'Kobai Panel' in the color 'Neutral' from Schumacher. This is an effective way of adding a sense of texture to the room's neutral color scheme while enhancing its calming feel.

'We wrapped the entire bedroom in a mural wallpaper. It’s the perfect complement to the wood tones in this space,' Shea McGee says in the Studio McGee blog post.

3. Natural Linen, Sherwin-Williams

bathroom with neutral walls, cream dresser with sink, curved square mirror

(Image credit: Studio McGee)

Sherwin-Williams' Natural Linen is a light beige paint that was used on the bathroom cabinets in this bathroom suite. Subtly warming, this paint color feels a lot less harsh than white paint while still allowing the room to feel light and airy.

4. Cocoa Whip, Sherwin-Williams

locker cabinetry painted light brown with parquet flooring

(Image credit: Studio McGee)

Another Sherwin-Williams shade to feature in The Oaks Project is Cocoa Whip, a soft brown paint that was used across the mudroom's storage cabinets. This earthy brown feels perfectly aligned with the latest color trends, which favor warming browns as a 'new neutral'. Here, it adds more depth to the lighter neutral tones that feature throughout the home.

5. White Dove, Benjamin Moore

laundry room with neutral cabinets, textured walls and black countertops

(Image credit: Studio McGee)

Benjamin Moore's White Dove is an incredibly popular white paint that feels fresh and undisturbed. In The Oaks Project, it was used across the cabinets in this modern rustic laundry room, but there are many other ways to decorate with White Dove, a go-to for many designers.

6. Rock Bottom, Sherwin-Williams

living room with dark green walls, neutral decor and large windows

(Image credit: Studio McGee)

Moving onto dark paints, Sherwin-Williams' Rock Bottom is a dark gray-green paint that feels moody and sophisticated. In this space named the home's 'morning room', Rock Bottom was used to color drench the space, creating a cozy and snug feel.

This paint color falls into the category of in-between colors that have seen lots of appeal in recent months, adding more interest and depth than traditional, straight-down-the-middle hues.

7. Rockport Gray, Benjamin Moore

living room with neutral walls, tv mounted on the wall, built-in shelving, brown sofas

(Image credit: Studio McGee)

Lastly, Benjamin Moore's Rockport Gray is a mid-gray paint that doesn't feel too cold as is often the risk with gray paints. Here, it was used on the walls, adding just enough depth to help it feel cozy, perfect for a relaxing room like this.


Which of these paint colors is your favorite? From light neutrals to darker tones, each of these shades feels timeless, pairing well with many interior design styles, from modern to traditional.

Paint & Color Editor

Emily is H&G's Paint & Color Editor, covering all things color across interior design and home decor. She joined the team in the summer of 2023, having studied Fashion Communication at university before working in various creative roles ahead of making the leap into interiors. She lives in Glasgow where she loves admiring the city's architecture, frequenting her favorite coffee spots, and sourcing vintage furniture for her tenement apartment. Emily's interior style is inspired by the simplicity of midcentury design, mixed with more playful modern pieces that inject small (but bold) doses of color.

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