Dopamine Decor Is the Feel-Good Trend of the Year
For Positivity-Enhancing Vibes
While searching for things that make you smile is one thing, creating a cohesive space that ‘feels right’ when all objects are combined is another. (The last thing you want is to put together a home that feels unbalanced, where the sum of the parts produces an effect opposite to what you intended.) To help you a) curate a collection of thoughtful pieces that will truly boost your mood for the long-term, and b) arrange them neatly in a space that feels like home, we asked Living Spaces Interior Designer Pamela Oleson for her hot design tips. Here’s what she said:
“The first element of dopamine-boosting decor is color. Even outside of decor, in clothing, architecture and food, color has scientific evidence of raising dopamine levels. Bring in bright upholstery, because as long as your sofa, chair or loveseat is not neutral, you’ll find your space to feel brighter, more alive and more you — especially when the color contains your personality or holds an element of nostalgia.”
Oleson continues: “My second tip for those wanting to fall into the dopamine decor trend? Decorate around that one large, brightly-colored piece you started with. If it’s a pink sofa, match the rug, walls, curtains and floors — these can all be neutral to bring out the pink focal point, or pink as well. Just make sure each piece is part of a larger, minimal color scheme.”
And finally, the designer states, “Look beyond furniture and decor. A vintage appliance or backsplash, things that require a bit of thrifting or home renovation, are better than quick purchases. In my definition, the dopamine trend isn’t just about the final product, but the process that got you there. Investment of time and creativity heightens the sense of pride you’ll feel afterwards — in a more lasting and meaningful way than fast shopping ever could.”
For a Dopamine Decor Makeover
More Dopamine Decor Inspo
Here’s the shortlist of key essential pieces you need to bring this trend home, as told by our Production Design Manager, Jessica Harris.
The Throw Pillow: “DIY a sham to re-cover mom’s hand-me-down throws. A pattern that only you have, that no one else in the entire world has but you because you made it yourself and with your own vision, fits the entire theme of this trend. The one rule to follow if you do bring out your sewing kit? Make it bright in a bold pattern for a maximalist pop of color! (Hold your own against black — it has no business living in your new uplifting space!)”
The Side Table: “Shapes like tulips, animal legs and mushrooms. The kinds of side tables they don’t sell in stores, because ‘normal’ people don’t buy them. The kind you need to scout for, or even make yourself — that’s where the most feel-good playfulness lives!”
The Living Room Coffee Table: “It’s about what you put on it — fresh flowers, but make them bright orange daisies or a dozen red roses. Or a snow globe from your childhood that reminds you of happy days; a coffee table book on Barbie, or cartoon characters; a quirky glass jar filled with taffy, sour candy or gummy bears.”
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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.
