Dopamine Decor: The Ultimate Way to Uplift & Personalize Your Space
Energize & redefine your interiors.
When you come home, your interiors should give you an instant boost of happiness and feel-good vibes through decor, color palettes, patterns, and textures. The dopamine decor trend helps you hone in on what you love and gives you permission to decorate in a way that fuels your happiness. So without further ado, here's what to know about dopamine decor and how to get the look in your own home.
What Is Dopamine Decor?
(Shop this image: pink abstract wallpaper, modern nightstands, panel headboards, abstract bedding, and abstract throw pillows.)
Simply put, dopamine decor is anything that activates the dopamine neurotransmitter/hormone in your brain that makes you feel happy, motivated, and satisfied. It could be a specific color, pattern, decorative piece, furniture item, or really any decor that gives you a warm nostalgic feeling. This feel-good style is basically the interior design version of dopamine dressing, which is wearing colors and clothing styles you love instead of adhering to specific fashion trends or norms. Dopamine inspired–interiors usually have bold colors, multiple patterns, and whimsical decor – but you can tailor it to be whatever you want, just as long as it brings you joy!
How to Infuse Your Home With Dopamine Decor
So, how do you activate feelings of happiness and motivation through decor? Follow these steps to learn how.
1. Start With Bold Color Pops
(Shop this image: tall white bookcases, green barrel chairs, pink stripe throw pillows, people wall art, and blue velvet sofas.)
Color captivates the eye and has the power to evoke certain emotions, which is why establishing a color palette is so important with this decorating style. To stimulate the dopamine neurotransmitter, we recommend incorporating vibrant shades of orange, red, blue yellow, pink, and shades of green like lime or chartreuse that help to energize the room. Rainbow color schemes are also popular when decorating with dopamine style because the spectrum of color is whimsical and pleasing to the eye.
Use bold wallpaper, area rugs, and statement furniture pieces (like sofas) to get started on your color journey.
Tip!
Have another specific color or shade that you love? Base your dopamine color scheme around it!
2. Create a Fusion of Pattern
(Shop this image: orange geometric wallpaper, yellow abstract wallpaper, gallery wall art sets, and black modern vases.)
Another way to boost dopamine through decorating is by indulging in patterned pieces! From color-blocking designs to geometric patterns, to abstract prints, to floral motifs, you can include any patterns that stimulate your eye and add a bit of joy to your space. Feature one as the main pattern and then work in one or two secondary patterns for a bit of contrast. Extra points if these patterns feature the bold colors discussed in the first step. Use wallpaper, artwork, decorative pillows or floor coverings, or decorative vases to work a little pattern into your life.
(Shop this image: statement table lamp, painted mugs, pink plates, and white drum-style tables.)
When choosing decor, it should be anything that gives you an instant sense of joy. This could be posters of your favorite music artist or film, collectible items, family heirlooms, or a random figurine you found that immediately grabbed your attention. When in doubt, opt for decor with a playful, abstract edge like the tripod table lamp pictured above to infuse your space with fun energy. This translates to decorative objects, stovetop tea kettles, planters, pouf ottomans, handmade decorations, and even artwork.
Tip!
We also recommend combining groups of artwork with personal photos so you'll be reminded of your family, friends, or fun memories every time you glance at the display.
4. Indulge in Statement Pieces
(Shop this image: yellow chaise lounge chairs, checkered rugs, green-framed wall mirrors, gallery wall art sets, and modern globes.)
When decorating to achieve dopamine, you're also encouraged to go for statement furniture pieces or appliances that match your vibe – even if they aren't on trend or matching with your existing scheme. Think vintage-inspired accent chairs, abstract-shaped tables, and bold-colored velvet furniture. As for appliances, this could mean investing in a retro refrigerator, opting for a colorful countertop appliance as opposed to chrome or stainless steel, or installing a classic clawfoot tub!
(Shop this image: purple boho rugs, green shag rugs, mid-century modern rugs, patterned pillows, and embroidered pillows.)
You can never have too many floor coverings and stylish throw pillows when decorating to achieve dopamine. These pieces are easy to swap in/out whenever you feel your room needs a fresh boost of energy. Throw pillows are especially helpful when you're just getting started with dopamine decorating because you can easily change up the colors, patterns, shapes, or embroidered designs until you achieve a curated and eye-catching collection.
(Shop this image: yellow headboards, red bedding, animal print pillows, round blue pillows, and purple wool pillows.)
Make your bedroom your happy place by creating a dopamine-fueled decor scheme. Pair a vibrant patterned headboard with sheets, bedding, and throw pillows of different colors, patterns, or textures to give your bed a personalized feel.
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Start shopping for your version of dopamine decor!