The term ‘dopamine decor’ has been trending lately. It refers to adding bright and colorful pieces to create a feel-good space. Amanda Foster, founder of Foster Decor Consulting, says dopamine decor is about infusing your personality into every corner of your home and setting a happy, party-like atmosphere. It means breaking the rules, thinking outside the box, and incorporating elements that make you smile, laugh, and feel alive.
When embracing dopamine decor, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Incorporate whimsical, quirky, or edgier elements. Foster recommends hanging colorful macrame wall decor, adding a fun neon sign with a fun phrase, or displaying mismatched vases.
Adding a New York City-themed wallpaper pattern to your bathroom can instantly add intrigue and make you smile every morning as you brush your teeth. Embracing nostalgia is a key element of dopamine decor. Filling your space with personal mementos from your life makes it uniquely yours. Pamela Nast, the founder of Pamela Nast Interior Design, suggests, “Imagine entering your living room and being greeted by a collection of treasures from your travels. Displaying these souvenirs can instantly transport you back to those joyful moments.” Mixing patterns and colors creates a truly one-of-a-kind space that indulges creativity and lets the imagination run wild, as Jenna Gross, the founder of Colordrunk Design, explains. “Bright colors, unique art, fun patterns join together in a space filled with bold furnishings, eye-catching patterns, and textural touches.” Cheeky quotes are a key component of dopamine decor. An oversized print against a bright butterfly patterned wallpaper, as seen in Colordrunk Designs, holds its own and adds a touch of humor. While disco balls aren’t commonly seen in the kitchen, adding something unexpected to your home is part of the dopamine decor philosophy. As Foster from Foster Decor Consulting says, “Dopamine decor is all about embracing the unexpected and making a statement.”