Dopamine decor is a fairly new design trend, but it’s becoming increasingly popular with people looking to embrace a truly transformative approach to decorating. Taking its name from the happy hormone, dopamine decorating is the way to go if you’re looking to put a personal stamp on your living spaces.
When it comes to dopamine interior design, anything goes. Daring colour contrasts and clashing textures are fair game here. In fact, anything that will spark joy or evoke happy memories is embraced by the dopamine decor trend.
Have you found other design trends too limiting? You might like certain colours and elements of Scandi-inspired spaces, but for many, the end result is too sparse. With dopamine decor, you’re free to pick and choose what works best for you. However, choosing the right colour palette is key to pulling off dopamine decorating to perfection.
In the market for uplifting tones to transform your space? At Tikkurila, you’ll find plenty of premium shades to leave you feeling inspired.
What is Dopamine Décor?
While many other design trends keep things fairly neutral, the same can’t be said about dopamine dressing and decor. Here, every square inch of your space counts. Whether you’re using bright colours to overhaul your walls or using tactile furnishings to add texture to your floors, dopamine decorating aims to evoke feelings of happiness and boost serotonin levels at every opportunity.
If something isn’t sparking joy when you get home at the end of the day, it doesn’t have a place in a dopamine-inspired interior. Everything from scatter cushions to sofas can be swapped out for more dynamic designs to make you feel happier.
However, don’t make the mistake of assuming dopamine decorating is a free-for-all. To execute this trend successfully, you’ll need to start thinking like an interior designer. Rather than spending money on second-rate items you don’t really need, every last item should be considered carefully. It’s fine to fill your living room with fabulous pieces, but every last one should be a thoughtful purchase.
The good news is you don’t have to spend over the odds to indulge your creativity. Vintage pieces are the perfect fit with a dopamine-inspired interior. Provided they’re triggering a positive reaction, it doesn’t matter how old a chair or table is.
Colour choices also play a major role. Juicy oranges, fiery reds and zesty yellow paint colours are all effective ways of getting that dopamine hit. However, you don’t need to use dramatic colour schemes to unleash the potential of this trend. If you’re head-over-heels for certain hues, they’ll always be welcome in dopamine design.
The Benefits of Dopamine Décor
In the fashion world, people have been playing around with dopamine dressing for years. By swapping out tired wardrobe staples for more vibrant designs, the wearer enjoys an instant mood boost. The same colour therapy principles apply to dopamine decorating.
Does returning home at the end of a long day fill you with dread? It shouldn’t. Your home is your sanctuary. No matter what time of day it is, the right colour scheme can invigorate a space and bring the same uplifting energy to the people who are using it.
You can use dopamine colours and elements in every corner of the home as a way to keep your mood elevated at all times. Looking to improve sleep quality? Paint your bedroom in a neutral tone, but pick out one wall to get the dopamine treatment to get you out of bed in the morning.
Practical Tips for Implementing Dopamine Decor
Still confused about dopamine décor? We’ve put together some useful tips to help you pull off this design trend flawlessly.
Incorporate Mood-Enhancing Colours
Walls and surfaces painted in vibrant colours will brighten up your day and lift your spirits. While dopamine décor gives you more flexibility when it comes to palette pairings, the colour theory basics can be applied here.
Reach for attention-grabbing colours if your rooms need a refresh. Certain colours like citrus shades are always safe bets. If these old favourites don’t go far enough for your liking, bring in a dash of lime green or punchy pink paint shades.
Although colour drenching works well in dopamine interiors, you don’t have to replace your existing décor palette entirely. If you’re not ready to say goodbye to a beloved neutral, use it as a backdrop for a rainbow of dopamine flourishes instead.
Maximise Natural Light
Most rooms suffer from a lack of natural light. While bright colours and reflective surfaces can go a long way in compensating for this, nothing beats the dopamine-boosting properties of UV rays.
Look for ways to introduce natural light wherever possible. Are you limited to relatively small windows? Ditch those heavy curtains and blinds and use lightweight voile panels instead.
If you’re drenching your walls with saturated colours, choose a lighter hue for the ceiling. A coat of pure white will turn your ceiling into a reflective surface, brightening things up considerably.
Play with Biophilic Design
The biophilic design trend also plays well with dopamine decorating. While dopamine details will increase your energy levels and bring vibrancy to your space, biophilic elements will serve as an essential stress-buster.
Simple ideas include introducing blue hues and more greenery into your home. A handful of indoor plants can be effective at reducing anxiety levels. If you’re looking for something more dramatic, try a living wall instead.
Create Comfort Zones
Dopamine decor might be eye-catching, but it should also embrace comfort. Rugs and upholstery can bring texture to your interiors, but you’ll want to go further when making your spaces as inviting and comfortable as possible.
Creating comfort zones for relaxation is a must, especially if you’re decorating a multi-functional space. Set aside some room for a reading book or chillout corner. Avoid those barely-there rocking armchairs synonymous with Scandinavian design and go for large upholstered seating. If space is limited, think about using an oversized bean bag or floor cushions instead.
Choose Shades That Complement Your Space
Settling on the perfect colour palette requires plenty of thought when it comes to dopamine decorating. The size of your room plays a big role. It’s tempting to reach for saturated colours, but a neon yellow might prove too overwhelming in a larger space. Try using a dialled-down alternative if you’re looking for an all-wall colour. Alternatively, use those saturated shades to subtly inject colour instead.
You also need to think about the aspect of your room. In a north-facing space, shades like green, teal and red will all work well. In a south-facing space, play around with pink, yellow and blue colours.
However, it’s also important to create flow. If your home has an open-plan arrangement, consider the colour schemes of adjacent rooms. You might be happy with contrasting walls, but it’s a good idea to create a common thread that ties every corner of your home together.
Our Favourite Dopamine Décor Colour Palettes
Ready to flood your home with colour? Below are just a few dopamine colour palettes to get you started.
Uplifting Yellow, Pastel Blue and Pure White
Yellow is a go-to colour in dopamine decorating and perfect for a smaller space. If you’re keen to drench your interiors with a more vibrant shade, try using something like Banana J302. This uplifting shade will instantly make a room feel warmer.
Blue is always effective at balancing out yellow and makes a welcome addition to any dopamine interior. A pastel shade like Forget Me Not H353 might look traditional enough, but this beautiful blue isn’t lacking vibrancy. Finally, use a pure white like Paper F497 for upping the reflective properties of doors and ceilings.
Vibrant Pink, Calming Blue and Off-White
Looking for a more daring combination of colours? Punchy pinks are the way to go. Flamingo K319 is one of the most dopamine-friendly colours in our collection. A dream pairing of pink and red, this one can be used as a daring all-wall colour, but also works well alongside more neutral tones.
Once again, blue is your friend when balancing out this eye-catching shade. Go with something like Cumulus Y354 if you want to bring a calming quality to your interiors. Looking for something other than a pure white to take care of those finishing touches? A warm neutral like Calla G503 is the ideal choice.
Burnt Orange, Velvet Yellow and Cream
Citrus shades are another staple of dopamine decorating. A burnt orange like Folklore S315 will instantly up the colour temperature of your rooms. If you want to stick with citrus hues, use a velvet yellow like Joy H303.
While colour drenching a space with zesty shades can be effective, you will need something a little more pared-back to round things off. A mid-tone cream like Wedding Shawl is a good choice, with its yellow undertones pairing nicely with the punchier colours you’ve picked out for your palette.