10 dopamine decor items to make any room a happy place

You may have heard of dopamine dressing; now let us introduce you to its home decor cousin - dopamine decor. Vibrant colours, bold patterns, electric prints, and tactile textures define this trend.

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter or a chemical messenger, is known to induce feelings of happiness in the brain when activated. It helps with many important functions such as memory, sleep, mood, and more. Just as wearing bright colours has a positive impact on the brain, research suggests that decorating our homes in vibrant colours and playful designs has a similar effect. 

While it may seem overwhelming, dopamine decor is an easy decor trend to achieve. You don't need to colour your room yellow to achieve this trend. The trend is used to make the room your happy place; personalisation is the key when it comes to this trend; pick things that make you smile. 

Start with colours and objects you love the most, designs and prints that feel exciting, and little trinkets such as a curtain holder, charms, and plushies. All of these can be little bits to look forward to. 

TIPS TO ACHIEVE DOPAMINE DECOR 

1. Start small

It's better to start by dipping your toes rather than landing headfirst. Starting with tiny knick-knacks that lay the foundation for a bigger setup can help you ace this trend. This whimsical house-shaped bookend is one way to start.

Who needs flowers when the vase itself is so pretty? Smaller decorative accents like candlesticks and vases can work well if you don't want to completely redesign your space.

2. Pattern party

Opting for cohesive patterns throughout the house alone conveys a tale. They can be something as simple as stripes to something as extravagant as toile. You can use patterns in several ways, from them being painted across the living area to table-scaping like this floral dining set, which is set to bring spring freshness to even the simplest of meals.

Adding throw pillows and cushions to the seating areas can turn even the plainest corners into spellbinding nooks. These printed and embroidered pillows by Hyppy depict just that.

Touch is the second-most important sense when it comes to a dopamine-styled interior. The simplest way to join the dopamine décor trend is to use designs that appeal to multiple senses.

Experiment with colours and patterns. White and black don't scream cheerful for most; move away from monochromes and add a bit of colour to your room. Use stripes to add a touch of whimsical decor, or adorn the living spaces with bright colours and beautifully printed wallpapers.

3. Minimalistic magic 

Like to keep things simple? Don't worry, dopamine décor is still open to you. As demonstrated by this flowing sculpture, Scandinavian designs align well with the dopamine decor trend, which emphasises making the correct decisions rather than going for the maximum.

4. Embrace shapes and sizes 

When the colour and textures are boring, decor can become interesting using shapes, experiment with them. Choose objects with fun shapes like fun-shaped chairs and seating arrangements, plushies, and circle tables like this one can give an instant dopamine boost. 

5. Focus on ceilings, walls and floors 

Organised clutter is one way to adorn your surroundings in a way that pleases you. Gallery walls help with just that. Adorn walls with bright posters, frames and other motifs. Choose things attached to cherished childhood memories, favourite movies, beloved travel destinations, and more to add a touch of personalisation. After all, nothing quite makes one happier than a touch of nostalgia.

Add rugs into the mix; there is so much you can do with them. They are fit to adorn both the ceilings and the floors and come in a wide variety of prints, shapes and textures to choose from.

Go crazy with prints, patterns and statement pieces to elevate any corner of your as dynamic as you are. 

Text by Tasneem Patanwala

Edited by Sabrina Mathews