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Dopamine Decor Is the Uplifting Trend You Need to Know—Get the Look

By
Sarah Lyon
sarah lyon, writer for the spruce
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.
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Published on 06/05/24
colorful patterned filled room

Colordrunk Designs

The term "dopamine decor" has been having a moment as of late and refers to introducing bright, colorful pieces into the home to create a feel-good space.

"Dopamine decor is all about injecting your personality into every corner of your home and setting the vibe for a happy, party-like atmosphere," Amanda Foster, the founder of Foster Decor Consulting, says. "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 a bit outside the box when embracing dopamine decor. It's all about incorporating whimsical, quirky, or edgier elements, Foster says. 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 a bunch of different styles as you wish, too. She recommends heading to thrift stores and flea markets to source interesting pieces that are 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 at play so that you'll have plenty of inspiration to go off of as you embrace this style in your own home.

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  • 01 of 10

    Go Rainbow

    rainbow colored rug and bright accents

    Design by Foster Decor Consulting / Photo by Jasmine Gonzalez

    Rugs certainly don't have to be boring. This rainbow-colored number is equal parts fun and functional and is sure to be the talk of your next dinner party.

  • 02 of 10

    Say Yes to an Accent Wall

    bright floral accent wall behind bed

    Mary Patton Design

    The wall behind your bed makes for an excellent place to go bright and bold with an accent wall. Paper it with a wall covering that speaks to you—this cheerful floral print is sure to put you in a good mood even early in the AM.

  • 03 of 10

    Add Quirky Touches

    fresh flowers and bright art print in living room

    Alvin Wayne Interiors

    Fresh flowers will brighten up your space in an instant. Grab a bouquet that complements one of your favorite art pieces to keep the happy hues going. Then, decorate with quirky accents like the cake-shaped candle styled on this coffee table.

     "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

    accent mural and green sofa

    Erin Williamson Design

    Think outside of the box and embrace colors and shapes that spark joy, even if they're a bit unconventional. This green and funky sofa brings some texture and a pop of color when paired with the purple and red throw pillows.

    Continue to 5 of 10 below
  • 05 of 10

    Go the Extra Mile

    bright matisse style prints in colorful frames

    Studio Peake

    Not only are these Matisse-like prints colorful, but their frames, are too. Use them as inspiration to go the extra mile and bring additional doses of pep into your home wherever you can.

  • 06 of 10

    Embrace a Theme

    nyc themed wallpaper in bathroom

    JLA Designs

    If you have a specific theme in mind for a room of your home, go all in by incorporating details through the decor accents. Here, a New York City-themed wallpaper pattern adds instant intrigue to this bathroom and is sure to make you smile as you brush your teeth each morning.

  • 07 of 10

    Get Personal

    personal items displayed on bookshelves

    Laquita Tate Interiors

    One element of dopamine decor is embracing nostalgia. With that, fill your space with personal mementos from all throughout your life so that your space feels uniquely you.

    "Imagine entering your living room and being greeted by a collection of treasures from your travels,"Pamela Nast, the founder of Pamela Nast Interior Design, says. "Displaying these souvenirs can instantly transport you back to those joyful moments."

  • 08 of 10

    Mix Patterns

    layered colorful room with pattern and texture

    Colordrunk Designs

    "Bright colors, unique art, fun patterns, join together in a truly one-of-a-kind space that indulges creativity and lets the imagination run wild," Jenna Gross, the founder of Colordrunk Design, says.

    It's filled with a mix of bold furnishings, eye-catching patterns, and textural touches.

    Continue to 9 of 10 below
  • 09 of 10

    Hang a Piece of Quote Art

    fun quote wall art

    Colordrunk Designs

    Cheeky quotes are a key component of dopamine decor. This oversized print holds its own against the bright butterfly patterned wallpaper.

  • 10 of 10

    Display a Disco Ball

    disco ball in kitchen

    Design by Foster Decor Consulting / Photo by Jasmine Gonzalez

    While disco balls aren't commonly seen in the kitchen, there's nothing wrong with adding something unexpected to your dopamine-filled home.

    "Dopamine decor is all about embracing the unexpected and making a statement," Foster says.

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