Dopamine Decor: New Interior Design Trend

If you really think about it, how you design your home, even your bedroom, is going to have an impact on how you feel. Have you ever gone somewhere, anywhere, and just felt very happy, calm, or even just uncomfortable? You couldn’t put your finger on it, but something was there, and whatever it was, it was causing you to feel how you were feeling. Well, that just might be the interior of the space itself. It sounds crazy, but those things can really have an impact. In your own home, you shouldn’t follow trends; rather, you should decorate what makes you, well, feel like you. Now, this is actually where Dopamine Decor comes in; now, sure, this is technically a trend, but honestly, this is a trend that everyone can get behind. It’s about decorating your room or any space where it makes you feel happy. There are even studies on this and how certain elements in our environment can trigger the release of dopamine - the "feel-good" neurotransmitter in our brain - we can create a space that looks not only beautiful but also positively impacts our emotions and mindset.

So, how can you use Dopamine Decor to spruce up your bedroom? Here’s exactly how!

The Psychology of Dopamine Decor

So it was already brushed upon a bit right above, but it’s still a good idea to go more into this. What exactly is the psychology behind dopamine decor? Well, for starters, this isn’t necessarily an aesthetic, but it would be easy to mistake it for one like Barbiecore or Maximalism- the similarities are there. But this is more about choosing what you like and how it can help release dopamine. So here’s the basics to it:

• Color psychology plays a crucial role in determining the mood of a space.
• The layout and arrangement of furniture can also influence mood; for example, clutter can make you feel overwhelmed.
• Personal touches create a sense of belonging and contentment within your room.

For the most part, these are things that are usually incorporated inherently, you pick a layout that’s easier for navigating your bedroom, you pick colors that you love, and you add personal touches to make it feel like this space belongs to you. But with dopamine decor, there’s just a bit more thought that goes into it.

Choosing Hues that Trigger Dopamine Release

So, if you went ahead and looked up “Dopamine Decor” on Google, TikTok, or wherever, you’re going to find giant splashes of color. There is so much pink, so much neon, so many contrasting colors, too. Basically, bright colors that aren't typically used in decor that’s exactly what you’ll find. So technically, when it comes to dopamine decor, you can choose whatever colors you want. It’s really about making you happy. But color psychology still needs to come into the mix; again, there’s some science behind this.

• You’ll want to select colors like yellow, which are associated with happiness and energy.
• Incorporate shades of blue for a calming effect that promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Even bright blues work with this!
• Use vibrant greens to evoke feelings of nature and growth, making it feel like a mini botanical garden.

But in general, when it comes to dopamine decor for your bedroom, understand that color plays a crucial role in influencing our emotions and mood. When choosing hues for your bedroom, opt for colors that trigger dopamine release, which will massively help create a happier environment within your bedroom.

Lighting Effects in Dopamine Decor

It’s not really a surprise that the lighting in a space is going to make you feel a certain way. But it’s not only about making you feel a certain way; it’s also going to affect how your bedroom or any other room is going to look. Think about ambient lighting for example and how that can instantly make a room feel comfortable. In order for that much-needed dopamine to be released into your brain, you’re going to want to look into the different lightings that enhance dopamine. Seriously, not all lights do this, like those ugly and cold fluorescent lights.

• Natural light: You’re probably already aware of the studies (or maybe picking it up yourself) on how natural light improves mood and productivity. So go ahead and open up those curtains and let some light in during the day.
• Warm lighting: Look on TikTok, YouTube, and even on Instagram, and you’ll see for yourself how much content there is about warm lighting. Warm lighting can create a cozy atmosphere that promotes relaxation and comfort.
• Dimmer switches: Okay, so this might be more of a luxury, so no pressure if you can’t make this happen for your bedroom. However, being able to adjust the lighting can really have a calming effect. Some lamps come with this option, and even smart lights such as Philips Hue give you an app where you can dim the light to the color of your liking through an app.

What’s the Textures for Dopamine Decor?

What do you think would release dopamine in your brain, soft, plushy textures or something cold and hard? That’s right, softness! When it comes to dopamine decor for your bedroom, the bed itself is going to be the pinnacle of it. So, obviously, it needs to be soft. You’ll want to go for plush throw blankets, and fluffy duvet covers with both a soft texture and cute design; the more throw pillows, the better, and don’t forget to add a throw rug or two, too.

Speaking of which, layered textures are also going to massively help; having too much of the same fabric and texture is going to appear off. So it’s going to help to just mix it up like hints of sating, something chunky too, but in general, you want this to look and feel sensory-rich. Dopamine decor is all about inviting to touch, and so the elements that are incorporated need to engage the senses.

Sprucing Up Your Desk with Dopamine Decor

Chances are, the most productive space in your bedroom is your desk, right? This is probably the area where you get the most work done. Well like other aesthetics and designs, when it comes to dopamine decor, you’re also going to want to incorporate the same elements for productivity. Basically, your bedroom needs to have zones designated for relaxing (your bed), reading (a chair or nook), and working (your desk).

Having a solid layout does go hand in hand with getting that hint of dopamine to release. Another thing is that clutter and dopamine decor don’t go well together, just as minimalism and dopamine decor go together. It’s about having enough and having it right, just like your desk. Your desk still needs to be, well, a desk for work, but at the same time, it shouldn’t be boring. You should add stuff that’ll make you happy.

But what about color? You can still make this vibrant with color, too! It’s not just the desk or even the cushion itself you only need to think of, but you can even look into the mouse pad and add some color to that; there are plenty of keyboards and mice out there that you can either add stickers to or buy that’s colorful, and the same goes for a wrist rest too. Fill up color wherever you can, even on your desk!

How Sentimental Items Can Elevate Your Space

What makes you happy? What items in your bedroom make you happy? Dopamine decor for your bedroom is all about adding things that make you who you are. So incorporating sentimental items like family heirlooms, photos, or gifts into your décor can create a sense of connection and belonging in your space. When you look at these, you’re going to remember that special memory, that positive emotion.

Don’t Forget the Scent

Okay, maybe this doesn’t count, but it still deserves some attention; when it comes to releasing dopamine, it’s not 100% about the look and feel; you still need to think about scent, too! Candles and wax melts are honestly the best way to go, but pick your favorite scents, such as incense, or some fragrant flowers like lavender or roses. But again, you really can’t go wrong with candles, especially with your favorite scents like vanilla, strawberry jam, or even chocolate chip cookies.

It Can Still Be Functional!

Again, everything can still be entirely functional! You don’t have to fill up your bedroom with stuff that’s just going to collect dust. There’s not really a right or wrong way to go about dopamine decor; it’s more about filling the room with stuff that will get the dopamine release.

So this could be just a simple but cute drinking glass you use, swapping out your box of tissues with something more vibrant, but the same can even be said with the storage solutions you use for your bedroom, too. In general, cuteness, dopamine-filled decor, and functionality can seamlessly go together.

Dopamine Decor FAQs

Is Dopamine Decor the same as Maximalism?

While both Dopamine Decor and Maximalism embrace bold colors, patterns, and eclectic design elements, they are not necessarily the same thing. Dopamine Decor is a specific aesthetic that focuses on creating vibrant and energetic spaces that evoke feelings of joy and excitement.

Maximalism, on the other hand, is a broader design philosophy characterized by an abundance of decor, layers, and textures, often with a mix of styles and influences. While Dopamine Decor may incorporate elements of Maximalism, it is more narrowly focused on creating dynamic and uplifting environments. So, to sum it up, they are similar, but they’re not exactly the same either.

Can You Be Minimalist and Still Do Dopamine Decor?

Technically yes, because again, the whole point of this is to fill your bedroom or even your home with colors and decor that you love. So if you love the minimalist look, then you can still strategically place items and use colors into the room that will still get that dopamine to release.

Can Dopamine Decor Work in Small Spaces?

Yes! Dopamine Decor can work in small spaces with some strategic design choices. It’s really about space planning because you don’t want the space to feel overwhelmed in the slightest. So try to focus on incorporating bold colors and patterns in moderation, that’s the key.

 

How can I incorporate Dopamine Decor into a Dorm?

When it comes to dorms or even rental spaces, you will be limited in what you can do, especially when it comes to the walls. It might help to look into temporary wallpaper, peel-and-stick tiles, or even just use Command Hooks to make a renter-friendly gallery wall. In general, you’ll need to either focus on easily removable decor or find other ways to make your space align with the aesthetic, such as the bedding or accessories.