There’s a new interior design trend that’s taking London by storm, one flat at a time. For years, people have been living in neutral-coloured spaces (think Millennial Gray or Scandinavian decor) since the muted colour theme has a calming and soothing effect on frazzled minds. But now, people want to add more energy and happiness to their homes, and that’s why Dopamine Decor became a trend in recent months.
This decorating style goes beyond aesthetics as it aims to connect people with positive emotions and happy memories. “[It] brings back memories of a carefree childhood when the bedroom walls had your favourite celebrity posters, playful [signs], electric lights, and objects that elicited a deep sense of joy,” says interior designer Saniya Kantawala. And while it may seem a little extreme for some people, this design scheme makes a home look well put together while adding liveliness to living spaces. Here’s what you need to know about Dopamine Decor, and all the ways to achieve this aesthetic for your London abode.
Douse Your Interiors in Vibrant Colours
Colour is an important element of Dopamine Decor, and one must use it in abundance in order to achieve this interior design style. When choosing colours though, pick ones that evoke a feeling of happiness and give you a sense of comfort. Architect and TV presenter Laura Jane Clark suggests choosing a time of year you’re most comforted with when picking colours for your home. “Different times of the year carry different associations and colour palettes, and it’s good to lean into these when freshening up your interiors,” she says. Going with a seasonal colour theme can also make the look of your interiors more cohesive, so you can go with springtime pastels, bright summery hues, warm autumnal colours, or jewel-like winter tones to decorate your space.
If you’re struggling to make the transition from a neutral color scheme to a colourful one for your home, try adding pops of colour in small doses so you can get a feel for it. For instance, you can start by using poster frames in various colours to display prints or movie posters. You can also add flowering plants or decorative items in certain rooms, or replace throw pillow covers with vibrantly-coloured ones. Once you’re more comfortable with your colour choices, you can add more life to your home by painting the walls or investing in a colourful painting or rug.
Don’t be Afraid to Add Prints and Patterns
Patterns and prints can add visual interest to any room, but many people shy away from them since they think that it might make their homes look dated. To prevent your flat from looking like it’s straight out of a cartoon though, you need to know how to mix patterns in a room. Doing so enables you to create living spaces that feel cheerful and carefree, but not chaotic.
One way to mix patterns well is to ground a bold print with something plain. If you have a floral couch, balance it out with plain throw pillows. You should also start adding patterns from the ground up. Start with a patterned rug, then add patterned accessories and drapes to see how it all goes together. Keep your colour palette simple so that the patterns balance themselves out. This means that if you have a striped coral and white rug, you can have a patterned wallpaper with lots of coral and hot pink in it.
Display Objects That Bring Happy Memories
Got pictures of happy times with your family when you were a child? Do you own lots of memorabilia from your favourite movie franchise or band? Instead of hiding them away, display them in prominent areas. This is a great strategy to personalise your home, and you’ll also get a sense of happiness whenever you see the things that are important to you. Add a display case to your living room to house your treasures, or place them on tables or decorative pedestals to make a style statement.
Dopamine Decor can boost happiness in our living spaces, so why not add colour and patterns to your interiors? Remember to go with a colour scheme that you’re comfortable with, and add patterns and objects that bring you joy. You’re sure to feel happier and more optimistic whenever you’re home.
