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What if you ditched the clean lines and white kitchens in favor of something a lot bolder? This is exactly what many homeowners are currently doing, and they’re proudly sharing their striking results on social media. This trend is known as dopamine decor, and it’s gaining popularity in 2025. According to designer Niko Rasides of Nicholas Anthony, dopamine decor is all about expressing oneself through home design: “Dopamine decor focuses on creating joyful, stimulating spaces using colors, patterns, and tactile elements. Its name is inspired by dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter, emphasizing visual and sensory cues that boost your mood.”
Since the trend is all about individuality, each outcome is unique, making scrolling through them quite enjoyable. We spoke to several interior designers about this trend, gathering some feel-good ideas and tips that might just motivate you to give it a try.
Start small. What brings you joy may differ from what makes others happy, so it’s worth experimenting on a smaller scale. Not all dopamine decor designs have to be super bright — take Reena Sotropa’s coral and white patterned wall, for example. “You don’t have to revamp your entire home; start with pretty pillows or cool artwork. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try an accent wall or something unconventional,” suggests Bree Steele of RJ Living.
Experiment with patterns. Dopamine decor is all about surprises. Designer Sasha Malchi merges patterns with bold paint colors to create an attention-grabbing home bar. “You can make a significant visual impact on walls with wallpaper,” notes designer Barrett Cooke of Arterberry Cooke.
Remember, there are no rules. If you adore a particular color and wish to immerse the whole room in it, go for it! Jenny Johnston of Jenny Johnston Interiors demonstrates this in a ruby red laundry room. “Remember, there are no strict rules with dopamine decor. What matters most is crafting a space that feels true to you,” emphasizes Steele.
Strive for balance. Not every wall or piece of furniture needs to be bold for it to qualify as dopamine decor. Follow the lead of Reena Sotropa in choosing one element to stand out. “Balance striking elements with neutral backgrounds or natural materials. While there are few restrictions, excessive use of certain elements may make spaces less inviting. Always seek harmony,” advises Rasides.
Take it room by room. As exciting as dopamine decor may be, it’s essential to know your boundaries with this trend. “If you prefer a tranquil setting for sleep, it’s best to reserve this decor style for another area in your home, like the living room,” advises Rachel Smith, founder of The Crafted Life and author of Colorful Living. “Focus on one room at a time to avoid overwhelming yourself with choices. Once you feel
Written by Rachel Mae Smith and published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Crown Publishing Group, the text offers valuable advice for creating a colorful and vibrant living space. Instead of sticking to a standard white palette, the author suggests selecting a favorite color as a starting point. For beginners, saturated neutrals like browns and warm pinks or natural blues and greens are recommended to add depth and flatter a room.
Functionality is key when designing a space, as emphasized by the importance of ensuring every piece of furniture serves a purpose. Combining practicality with visual appeal, designers advocate for comfortable and purposeful furniture arrangements. Art that brings joy and supports independent artists can be a focal point in a room, while bold and patterned tiles can add a unique touch.
Mixing unrelated patterns and styles is encouraged, with an emphasis on creating a balanced and visually appealing space. Furniture makeovers are another budget-friendly option to refresh a room, offering the opportunity to experiment with colors and textures. Choosing a focal point, such as a bold ceiling or patterned sofa, can help achieve a bright and joyful design without overwhelming the space.
In summary, the text provides practical tips and creative ideas for adding color and personality to a living space, encouraging readers to embrace their unique style preferences and create a space that brings them happiness.
Are you ready to revamp your interior design? Why not mix patterns, textures, and different eras of furniture and lighting all in one room? According to Gilmore, don’t shy away from this bold approach. In fact, he encourages it, stating, “Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and textures or even different eras of furniture and lighting.”
If you’re considering a change but not fully committed to a complete overhaul, consider starting with the ceiling. Smith suggests, “I recently painted my ceiling pink and I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to dip their toe into dopamine decor before going further.” Adding a pop of color to the ceiling can inject a fun element into any room without overwhelming the space, as it remains a subtle accent that requires a deliberate upward gaze to appreciate.
While repainting a wall is a straightforward way to refresh a room, incorporating textures can also provide a colorful boost to your living space. Sarah Hargrove of The Collective advises, “Start by incorporating vibrant colors, playful patterns, and tactile textures that resonate with your personal style.” She further suggests exploring whimsical wallpapers and vivid rugs as options for clients looking to embrace this trend while maintaining an air of sophistication.
Photo by: NativeHouse Photography
Photo by: Emery Davis Photo
If you are in need of inspiration, consider these ideas to breathe new life into your living space. From mixing varied design elements to experimenting with textures and colors, there are numerous ways to infuse creativity into your home decor. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the beauty of diverse styles coming together harmoniously in your space.
