At the heart of the dopamine décor trend is an uplifting aesthetic that creates a space that triggers a dopamine rush.
The latest interior design trends are ruling the roost on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok, with the hashtag #dopminedecor going viral and racking up over 155 million views on TikTok. For the uninitiated, dopamine is called the happy or feel-good hormone because it is a messenger to the brain responsible for feeling joy and happiness.
Naturally, dopamine decorations aim to bring happiness to the forefront. While it may look different for everyone, in general, dopamine-infused décor is often colorful, fun, and full of personality.
What is the dopamine decoration trend?
Dopamine style is a cozy interior design trend currently loved by decorators, hobbyists, and homeowners. But what does dopamine have to do with interior design?
The dopamine decor trend is the antithesis to last year's minimalist, neutral, and gray color schemes, which some described as drab and lifeless. Easy-going designs that encourage color, creativity, and relaxation are at the heart of this decorating trend. You let go of ideas and expectations of how a space “should” be, and instead gravitate towards what brings you joy.
Read more: What is kitschy design?
Dopamine decor trend ideas for feel-good interiors
To follow the dopamine interior trend, simply focus on decorating your space with colors, furniture, and home decor that make you happy.
Although the decoration of dopamine is subject to the unique taste of the individual, several characteristics and design features occur. Here are some ideas to help you.
1. Keep the base neutral and the accents bold.
Contrast brings unexpected playfulness without chaos to the eye. Stick to soft, earthy tones for walls and floors, while incorporating bold, fun colors for accents and decor. Mood-enhancing colors like red, fuchsia, yellow, and tangerine bring tons of dopamine into the room.
2. Add texture and finish
In addition to uplifting colors, textures and paint finishes can also influence how a cozy and happy space feels. Layer shapes, patterns, and different materials to add a bit of interest.
Every little detail matters, like replacing a standard outlet cover with a new cover made from old brass, a plush sofa, or the texture of uneven pebbles on the floor.
3. Consider wallpaper
Give your walls a dopamine hit with wallpaper. This is an easy way to make your space more inviting, livable, and enjoyable. There's nothing more uplifting than having happy printed wallpaper all over your room.
Additionally, introducing textured or patterned wallpaper will break up the bold color combinations and make the space feel less overwhelming.
Read more: Stone wallpaper ideas and designs
4. Create a comfort zone
Dopamine decor trends may be eye-catching, but they're not complete without embracing comfort. Creating a relaxing comfort zone is a must, especially when it comes to dopamine decoration of multipurpose spaces.
Consider large comfortable upholstered chairs for larger rooms, or floor cushions or bean bags when space is limited.
5. Hang items that make you smile
Dopamine decorations keep your space personal by giving you the freedom to create it to your liking. From photos to artwork to memorabilia, we'll display items that remind you of fond memories. It can also mean incorporating elements into your space that breathe life and happiness into your space, like houseplants. After all, that's what dopamine decoration is all about.
The key is to rediscover items that spark joy and create consistent designs that are exciting and fun, rather than messy and chaotic.
Design should be fun, and the dopamine decor trend brings a ton of that. Successful decorating with dopamine means enriching your space with pleasing colors, patterns, and objects. It may seem overdone to some, especially when compared to Japan Day style and other minimalist designs. But this seemingly random style hides a thoughtful element.
