Faith Hill and Tim McGraw's Tropical Guest Bedroom Proves This Controversial 'Dated' Color Scheme Belongs in the Modern Home

Forget the old coastal clichés: Designers reveal how to blend stark white with rich cyan for a nature-infused oasis

Faith Hill and Tim McGraw
(Image credit: Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)

As we embrace the warmer months of 2026, refreshing the home for summer hosting becomes top of mind. White is the simplest of colors, but, as anyone who has set off on the quest for the perfect shade can attest, it is also one of the trickiest to get right. This is especially true for a bedroom color scheme – in a sanctuary where comfort and relaxation are key.

While color theory can feel complicated, a few basic principles can guide your seasonal refresh. Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball, explains the enduring appeal of a crisp palette.

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Despite its reputation for being cold or clinical, a white bedroom can possess incredible depth. The secret lies in layering textures to mimic the richness of the season. Consider incorporating tactile elements like a patterned jacquard fabric, or mixing finishes – such as pairing a matte wall with gloss paint on the ceiling. These subtle contrasts create visual interest that makes a monochromatic room feel vibrant rather than flat.

'If someone wants a bedroom that's very calming, I would say stay completely in the neutral world with a more monochromatic look,' suggests interior designer Kelly Wearstler.

'However, if you want a splash of energy, then include one incredible piece of art or a colorful rug to create interest and personality.'

In Faith Hill and Tim McGraw's Bahamian retreat, Ray Booth introduced vibrant accents of cyan and teal to mirror the surrounding sea, perfectly channeling a breezy, tropical aesthetic.

Uplifting yet serene, teal offers a beautiful contradiction for a summer interior. It blurs the boundaries between blue and green, striking a balance between playful and sophisticated when used as an accent color against a white backdrop.

'Teal is a member of the cyan, or green-blue group, and is widely associated with positivity, happiness, and stability,' explains Helen Shaw, director of marketing at Benjamin Moore.

This balance of energy and tranquility makes it perfect for a seasonal update. Tobias Lewis, head of brand at Valspar, attributes this to the soothing shades found in nature.

'Colors that have a biophilic nature, such as blue and green, evoke a stress-relieving and mood-boosting atmosphere. This makes teal – a deep, cyan-green shade – ideal for rooms to wind down in, including the bedroom.'

Bringing these outdoor-inspired tones inside is the perfect way to ground a bedroom, making it a peaceful, nature-infused haven.


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Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.