The term ‘dopamine decor’ has been popular lately. It refers to adding bright, colorful pieces to your home to create a feel-good space. Amanda Foster, the founder of Foster Decor Consulting, says, ‘Dopamine decor is about injecting your personality into every corner of your home and setting a happy, party-like atmosphere. It’s about breaking the rules, thinking outside the box, and incorporating elements that make you smile, laugh, and feel alive.
‘Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when embracing dopamine decor. Foster recommends hanging colorful macrame wall decor, adding a fun neon sign with a fun phrase, or displaying some mismatched vases.
Have fun experimenting with different styles. She suggests heading to thrift stores and flea markets to find interesting pieces full of character.
‘Ditch the matchy-matchy look and instead, mix and match pieces from different eras, styles, and price points,’ Foster says. ‘Layer a vintage rug over a jute rug for added texture or mix and match throw pillows in different patterns and colors.’
Below, we’re sharing 10 examples of dopamine decor. 01 of 10: Go Rainbow. Design by Foster Decor Consulting / Photo by Jasmine Gonzalez. Rugs don’t have to be boring. This rainbow-colored rug is fun and functional and will be the talk of your next dinner party.
02 of 10: Say Yes to an Accent Wall. Mary Patton Design. The wall behind your bed is a great place for a bright and bold accent wall. Use a wall covering that you love. This cheerful floral print will put you in a good mood.
03 of 10: Add Quirky Touches. Alvin Wayne Interiors. Fresh flowers brighten up your space. Grab a bouquet that complements your favorite art piece. Decorate with quirky accents like a cake-shaped candle.
‘The invisible string holding the decor together is you,’ Sarah Storms, the founder of Styled by Storms, says. ‘It is all your favorite things.’
04 of 10: Think Outside the Box. Erin Williamson Design. Think outside the box and embrace colors and shapes that spark joy, even if they’re unconventional. This green and funky sofa with purple and red throw pillows brings texture and color.
Continue to 5 of 10 below.
05 of 10: Go the Extra Mile. Studio Peake. These Matisse-like prints are colorful, and their frames are too. Use them as inspiration to add more pep to your home.
06 of 10: Embrace a Theme. JLA Designs. If you have a specific theme in mind for a room, go all in with decor accents.
Dopamine Decor: The Uplifting Trend You Need to Know—Get the Look Dopamine decor is a vibrant and uplifting trend that can transform your home into a space that boosts your mood. This New York City-themed wallpaper pattern, for instance, adds instant intrigue to a bathroom, ensuring a smile each morning as you brush your teeth. Get Personal with Nostalgic Mementos A key element of dopamine decor is embracing nostalgia. By filling your space with personal mementos from your life, your home becomes uniquely yours. Pamela Nast, 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.” Mix Patterns for a Creative Space Jenna Gross, founder of Colordrunk Design, describes a dopamine-fueled space as one that “indulges creativity and lets the imagination run wild.” It’s characterized by a mix of bold furnishings, eye-catching patterns, and textural touches that come together in a truly one-of-a-kind space. Hang a Piece of Quote Art Cheeky quotes are a central part of dopamine decor. An oversized print can make a statement against a backdrop of bright butterfly patterned wallpaper, as seen in this example. Display a Disco Ball for Unexpected Joy While disco balls aren’t a common sight in kitchens, adding something unexpected to your home is part of the dopamine decor philosophy. “Dopamine decor is all about embracing the unexpected and making a statement,” says Foster from Foster Decor Consulting. 42 Colorful Kitchens That Are Anything But Neutral For more inspiration, explore 42 colorful kitchens that defy neutral color schemes.