Experts say Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach's color choices make their bedroom a 'relaxing retreat'

The power couple turned their bedroom into an oasis using an unconventional color scheme, and experts say the look is a winner

Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach
(Image credit: Frazer Harrison via Getty Images)

When we talk about 'relaxing color schemes' it's usually similar variations on gray, beige, and other warm neutrals. Though Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach's bedroom is extremely relaxing, it breaks all of these conventions.

Instead, the writer and former soccer player's sleep space is an oasis of color and pattern. Their bedroom revels in cozy texture and a lived-in feeling, from the shiny burlwood dressers to the crinkled blue quilt to the clean, paneled walls. The color scheme Abby and Glennon have chosen is a warm, muted masterpiece full of cool blues, pinks, and tans. Splashes of navy and black add some depth. 

Interior designers say this bedroom color scheme is the perfect choice for creating a relaxing, but not boring, space. Soledad Alzaga, a San-Francisco-based interior designer, tells H&G: 'The cool, muted color palette with a mix of grays, browns, and soft natural tones creates a calming and relaxing ambiance in Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach's colorful bedroom.'

Soledad Alzaga
Soledad Alzaga

San Francisco-based Interior designer Soledad Alzaga has worked on design projects in San Francisco, Sonoma, Atherton, New York, Martha's Vineyard, Los Angeles, Mexico and Argentina.

Soledad continues on the relaxing bedroom, 'These colors are perfect for bedrooms where the goal is to create a relaxing retreat. The use of brown in the pillow, wallpaper, and wood night tables adds depth and warmth, while the stone lamps contribute to the natural, organic feel of the space. The overall neutral, natural colors bring a sense of balance, ensuring a peaceful, cozy space.'

Furthermore, in addition to the relaxing color properties of this palette, the scheme has further benefits. 

'The pairing of mauve and teal in Glennon and Abby's cozy bedroom feels like a chic, modern take on the classic pink and green pairing,' says Kathy Kuo, a NYC-based interior designer.

'The combination feels unique, soothing, and joyful all at once. The muted essence of the colors keeps the pairing from feeling too busy, but the pop of pattern gives it some exciting visual interest.'

kathy kuo home
Kathy Kuo

Kathy Kuo is a celebrated interior designer and international guru within the home and lifestyle space. She has 20+ years of experience in the design industry. 


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When it comes to calm, it's time to think outside the box. Whether its blue and pink or beige and gray, playing with pattern, texture, and different shades can create a space that is both relaxing and visually interesting.

Sophie Edwards
News Editor

Sophie is a London-based News Editor at Homes & Gardens, where she works on the Celebrity Style team. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly excited when researching trends or interior history. Sophie is an avid pop culture fan. As an H&G editor, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset. Before joining Future Publishing, Sophie worked as the Head of Content and Communications at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens and furniture brand. She has also written features on exciting developments in the design world for Westport Magazine. Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.