The phrase ‘dopamine décor’ went viral last year and has generated just as much interest through this year too. It’s all about adding colour and joyful touches to your surroundings.

As we move into the colder, darker months, many of us find ourselves drawn to the warmth and comfort of our homes. With shorter days and a lack of sunlight, it’s natural to crave spaces that uplift our spirits and keep us feeling energised. This is where “dopamine décor” comes into play. A rising trend in interior design, revolving around creating environments that evoke joy, optimism, and positivity through bold colours, playful patterns, and thoughtful design choices that boost our mood.

Dopamine, often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone, is responsible for feelings of pleasure and motivation. The concept of dopamine décor taps into this psychological effect by using vibrant, cheerful elements to stimulate the brain’s reward system. In interior design, this trend manifests in bright, energising colour palettes, unexpected combinations of textures, and quirky decorative pieces that spark joy and curiosity. Think bright yellows, bold pinks, and energising blues that draw the eye and lift the mood.

As we approach the winter months, when many of us might feel the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or simply the low energy that comes with long nights and cold weather, dopamine décor becomes increasingly relevant. With fewer opportunities to spend time outdoors in natural light, it’s important to create spaces indoors that help maintain a sense of happiness and vitality. Incorporating jazzy and joyful design elements can help counteract the seasonal gloom, offering a burst of energy even on the greyest days.

The beauty of dopamine décor is that it can be tailored to personal taste while still achieving its mood-boosting goal. For some, this might mean splashing a vibrant colour onto an accent wall or introducing a colourful piece of furniture. For others, it could be a matter of adding playful touches through artwork, cushions, or rugs in bold patterns and cheerful hues. Even small accessories like colourful ceramics or a patterned throw can inject a sense of fun and brightness into a space.

While this trend leans heavily on bold colours, it’s important to strike a balance. The idea isn’t to overwhelm a room, but to carefully choose elements that bring energy without creating a chaotic or overly stimulating environment. Too much colour or too many contrasting patterns can lead to a space feeling cluttered, which may have the opposite effect. Instead, the trend invites us to curate joyful moments in our interiors—small bursts of vibrancy that bring smiles and inspiration.

As we head deeper into the winter season, this trend offers a timely reminder of the importance of creating a home that feels like a refuge—a place where we can recharge, find joy, and stay energised despite the darkness outside. Dopamine décor is not just about aesthetics; it’s about promoting well-being through design, encouraging us to use our living spaces to support our mental health and uplift our spirits when we need it most.

This trend allows all of us (not just us interior designers!) to take control of our environment and use it as a tool for happiness. Whether through bold colours, playful textures, or imaginative decor, this trend reminds us that our surroundings have a profound impact on how we feel—and that with the right design choices, we can brighten even the darkest winter days.