“Dopamine Decor: The Trend in Home Decorating for Happiness and Self-Expression”
Feeling down? A hit of “dopamine decor” might just be the pick-me-up you need. The latest trend in home decorating this fall is all about emphasizing happiness, self-expression, color, and creativity. Whether you love the color orange or prefer a mashup of styles, the key is to surround yourself with things that make you smile.
Fashion writer Dawnn Karen coined the term “dopamine dressing” in her book “Dress Your Best Life,” suggesting that wearing clothes in your own unique style can boost your mood. The same principle applies to home decor – personal touches and unique features can create a space that makes you feel relaxed and creative.
During the pandemic, many people turned their unused guest rooms into home offices, transformed formal dining rooms into craft spaces, and even created “barkitecture” features for their pets. The trend of making rooms more comfortable and personal continues to grow, with people embracing a variety of aesthetic “cores” like Barbiecore, cottagecore, coastal grandma, and mermaidcore.
Social media has played a significant role in loosening the creative reins, allowing people to draw inspiration from platforms like TikTok and Instagram to create spaces that reflect their individual style. Gen Z, in particular, is leading the charge in mixing styles and adding personal spins to their decor.
Designers like Emilie Munroe and Nicole Hirsch are incorporating bold colors and patterns into their projects, creating spaces that exude happiness and inspire curiosity. From exuberant pink-and-black wallpapers to zingy green ceilings, the use of vibrant hues is becoming more chic and livable.
In a world where escape is often needed, designers like Alison Pickart and Clara Jung are creating hideaways within homes. Whether it’s a cozy phone room in a closet or a secret music den behind a bookcase, these spaces offer a retreat from the outside world.
The new decorating rule seems to be: create your own perfect escape. So, if you’re looking to lift your spirits and inject some joy into your home, consider embracing the “dopamine decor” trend and surround yourself with things that make you happy.