There’s an inextricable link between decoration and emotional wellbeing. Colours can make us happy. Patterns have the power to make us smile. And certain textures make us feel comfortable and safe. We’re in the era of positive and mindful self-nourishment, and dopamine décor is the trend on everyone’s lips.
So what defines dopamine-driven interior design? Is it comfort? Beauty? Connection? Or is it simply about choosing things that make you feel your most nurtured self? This rising trend rejects the neutrality and impartiality of grey and instead focuses on bringing mood-lifting colour and playfulness back into our homes.
Here are some ways you can release the feel-good chemicals in your brain through fun interior hues. Dopamine boost incoming…
Bold colours, but totally curated
An Abstract Feeling wall mural
Bye-bye minimalism. Hello, colour! Dopamine décor speaks to us emotionally…and if we’re honest with ourselves, what makes us happy isn’t grey. Or beige. Or cream. Yes, neutrals are perfect for creating a blank canvas and helping us “declutter”. But they don’t stimulate our senses like bold hues do.
Of course, that’s not to say we should all be gung-ho with paint samples. Placement matters. Balance matters. Getting the dopamine home trend right takes a lot of thought and curation. Pick furnishings carefully if you choose a wonderfully colourful and abstract wall mural.
If you decide to clash prints and colours, take a considered approach. Small efforts to coordinate furniture with fabrics and décor with wall art will pay off. This could be as simple as picking out certain shades and running with them across your whole design concept.
Or, for proven hues, stick with blue
Another way to level up your home with dopamine décor is to let science lead the way. That’s right; some colours have been backed by research on awakening the happy hormone.
Blue is considered to be the most calming colour, helping you relax and enjoy your surroundings – it can even give you a better night’s sleep according to some colour experts! There’s also some anecdotal evidence that it is calming enough to lower blood pressure.
What we know for certain is that blue makes people feel more safe and comfortable. That’s not to say that blue has to be boring though. You can bring blue into your home with other colours to excite the senses, and there are so many shades of blue you can experiment with.
Opt for marine blues to get that nautical touch, lean towards teal to hit the latest interior trends, or dip into duck egg for all things fun and whimsical.
Dopamine décor in the kitchen
Mediterranean Summer wall mural
When it comes to the happy home trend, there seems to be a lot of focus on the kitchen. And this means collecting anything that puts a smile on your face. Is it just us or are the viral Lenox Spice Village storage pots completely addictive? *gasps at cost of whole set*
Kitchens are getting a major dopamine makeover in 2024 – we’re talking bold prints and wallpapers, explosions of mood-lifting colours, plus plenty of cute, kitschy vintage collectables.
The number one rule is to choose nostalgia over slick or polished styling. It’s okay to break a few rules here; not everything has to be uniform. So, don’t be afraid to explore eclectic trends and confidently select fun and playful designs.
Tons of texture for sensory input
It’s no secret that connection makes us happy. Whether it’s people or things, we all like to feel present in the moment. Through texture, we can enjoy a more immersive experience with our surroundings. This is why layering can work wonders for a dull, one-dimensional space.
The dopamine home trend inspires us to adopt texture at every opportunity. This includes the illusion of texture too. Simply exploring textured elements by sight can be enough to stimulate us. So feel free to combine texture-effect murals with an array of fabrics, soft furnishings and surfaced materials with patterns or markings.
Brightly coloured wood panel wallpaper is a great example of how you can create a 3D illusion. Or for something unapologetically indulgent – marble, agate and geode murals can be a great addition to your home.
A flourish of flower power
Dreamy Summer Flowers wall mural
Every year, the botanical design trend grows from strength to strength, evolving in newer, more exciting ways. This is because, quite simply, nature helps us feel grounded and connected. Just looking at plants has a positive impact on our mental wellbeing.
But for that sought-after dopamine kick, it’s all about powerful florals and colourful floral walls. The vibrant colours are exactly what our brains need to feel stimulated and alive. Furthermore, floral fractals (the shapes we see in a flower’s petals) are soothing to the mind, instantly boosting our comfort and happiness levels.
The good thing about florals is they come in so many varieties when it comes to interior design. You can invest in traditional floral designs (as seen with murals from William Morris), kitsch florals that allow for a little vintage indulgence, watercolour florals that make ideal feature walls, or retro florals that bring oodles of colour into your space.
Get funky, get retro
The fun and playfulness of dopamine décor is what attracts so many people to the concept. It can be an invitation down memory lane or a free pass to explore design elements that you wouldn’t ordinarily choose.
Funky décor and retro wall murals are a quick win for dopamine addicts because they bring a sense of novelty and excitement – and, dare we say it, even silliness – to the modern home. This happiness-led trend puts pleasure before pretention, and enjoyment before refinement.
At Wallsauce, you’ll find several contemporary artists who create retro-inspired murals, including Nicola Evans, Sally Franks, and Shandra Smith. And all of their works are bright, awe-inspiring, and there to spark feelings of joy. With beautiful murals, you can quickly transform a room through colour, giving it a new lease of life and that much-needed dopamine boost.
What type of décor makes you feel happy? Let us know your ultimate dopamine interior design tips in the comments below…
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