Mariah Carey's unusual bedroom colors have unexpected calming effects – and experts swear by her palette

The prevailing trend in bedding is that it should be calming. However, 'calming' sometimes seems to be a stand-in for only colors like white, beige, tan, and gray. This need not always be the case.

In Mariah Carey's tan bedroom, a deep gray silky duvet and patterned dark red pillows add an air of warmth and coziness to the space that could never be accomplished with more neutral colors. The depth and heat of the colors bring an aesthetic value to the room, but design experts say her sheet colors may also improve sleep.

'The mixture of a deep, dramatic shade like red with the coolness of the gray duvet has a grounding effect,' says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor of Homes & Gardens. 'The mixture is so unexpected; it has an element of hominess that creates an incredibly calming effect in Mariah's bedroom. The relaxing bedroom idea is different from the typical bedroom schemes we see.'

Jennifer Ebert

Jen is the Editor (Digital) of Homes & Gardens. Before starting this position, she had completed various interior design courses at KLC Design School, as well as working across Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer.

'Gray is always considered a relaxing color. Its coolness its neutrality, and its proximity to nature make it an essentially calming shade. The red adds some warmth that almost gives the room a rosy glow,' continues Jennifer.

The textures in Mariah Carey's space further the effect of the colors that make the bedroom feel calming. 'The sumptuous sateen of Mariah's gray duvet cover provides a certain opulence to her room that makes you ready to curl up and get ready for bed. When paired with the woven, shimmery fabric of the red pillows, it creates an oasis of textures that is oh so cozy.'

Carlin Van Noppen

Carlin Van Noppen is a Connecticut-based interior designer and the founder of Fig Linens and Home, a luxury linens boutique based in Westport. She has over 20 years of experience providing design expertise for beautiful homes across the United States.

The bit of pattern on Mariah's throw pillows increases the warmth of the space. Carlin adds: 'No pattern at all can feel a bit clinical, while too much pattern can feel overly busy. Mariah Carey strikes the perfect balance in her space with a flat, unpatterned duvet and a touch of pattern on the pillows to bring a splash of life to her room.'

Shop the Look

A calming bedroom can come in many forms and colors. Mariah Carey's bedroom is more proof.