A design trend that lets you throw out the rules and do whatever makes you feel good? Here’s why people are embracing dopamine style and surrounding themselves with things that bring them joy.
Dopamine style is trending! But what exactly does this feel-good hormone have to do with decorating? “With dopamine decor, there’s an emphasis on cheerfulness, self-expression, color and creativity — all the things that put a smile on your face and boost your mood,” says Amber Guyton, an interior designer and founder of Blessed Little Bungalow. “The key is creating a cohesive design that’s fun and stimulating but not cluttered and chaotic. You don’t want your home to look like Pee-wee's playhouse!” Ahead, designers weigh in on 21 ways dopamine decor can happy-up your home.
Choose a color you love, something bold that gives you joy, then pick out an object to be the room’s focal point, like a textured wall, chair, art or drapery. “Build up the room around items in that color along with accessories in contrasting hues,” suggests Guyton.
Bold colors and lively prints and patterns define dopamine style, but it’s important to include neutrals like wood furniture and stone to ground the space. “The eyes need a place to rest,” shares Megan Evans, founder of Megan Evans Interiors.
Touch is arguably the second-most important sense when it comes to a dopamine styled interior. “A soft, velvet sofa creates a feeling of comfort,” says Guyton, who also loves to play with leather, mohair, boucle and corduroy, while also adding contrasting textures like natural fibers. “Shaggy rugs in animal and geometric prints add to an already tactile experience,” she adds.