The Dopamine Decor style of designing interior spaces has been gaining popularity recently, thanks in great part to Tik-Tok. The generation that created and popularized the Tik-Tok platform has apparently decided to boldy veer from the the "do it this way" formulas that have shaped the interior design world for decades.
Dopamine Decor, in short, is interior design and decor that makes YOU happy. Think splashy colors, mixed patterns, incorporation of the natural world and personally nostalgic artwork and decor. Dopamine is often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter because when dopamine is released, we experience a boost in mood, an increased ability to focus, increased energy and a host of behind-the-scenes health benefits (e.g. better insulin regulation, improved digestion, relaxed blood vessels). Anything that brings you even momentary pleasure can trigger the release of dopamine which is why decorating with your own pleasure triggers is such a great idea.
Color
The use of color is the bedrock of creating a space that brings you joy. Color psychology says that warm tones of yellow, orange. red and pink are the colors most associated with joy, while blues and greens give rise to feelings of peace, calm and security. However, color is also highly personal, which is why "what's your favorite color" is so often used as a get-to-know you conversation starter. If you cherish the memory of your grandmother's yellow teapot, then yellow will likely be pleasurable in your space; but if you associate yellow with a traumatic life moment, you should definitely keep it out of the places that you spend your time. If you're not sure what colors bring you joy, try standing in front of the paint chip display at your local hardware store and pay attention to which color of the spectrum you feel drawn to.
Pattern
Once you've identified the basic colors that bring you joy, it's time to look at pattern and texture. Select patterns with your color base and have fun mixing and matching them. Experiment with geometic shapes, soft curvy lines, florals and animal prints. For texture, you may enjoy a day browsing home goods or furniture stores to discover which textiles you most enjoy. Maybe for you it's velvet, fur and cotton...or maybe leather, canvas and plastics are more your speed. There is no right answer becuase it's about what you love, not about what is currently popular or trendy or worthy of a magazine cover.
Nature
Adding biophilic elements to your interior space has become even more important in a sterile and indoor focused world. Green plants, a sand zen garden on the coffee table, shells in a woven basket, cork flooring and aquariums are just a few of the ways to incorporate nature into your space. Take advantage of natural light with airy curtains, replace bright bulbs for warmer tones and use floor and table lamps in addition to overhead lighting to create layers of illumination.
Personal and Nostalgic
Now it's time to add the decorating touches that are uniquely special to you. Display a friend or child's framed artwork, put out the funky brass lion your aunt left you next to a stack of your favorite books or use a tree stump for a coffee table. Whatever makes you happy can be incorporated into the space to trigger that release of dopamine that increases your overall health and happiness.
If you feel nervous or uncertain in styling a large room, start with a closet or mudroom. Most importantly, have fun...because this style of designing your space is meant to be joyful not burdensome.