Dopamine Decor is the design approach that can actually change your mood
A new luxury interior design approach is said to transform spaces into an oasis of wellbeing. But will it really make you happier?
As the growing wellness phenomenon takes over domains that include interior architecture, the so-called Dopamine Decor effect is becoming increasingly popular in the world of luxury interior design, according to Cape Town-based international interior designer Mark Rielly of ARRCC Design.
Described as a sensory experience that aims to create an environment that not only dazzles visually but also stimulates positive emotions, Dopamine Decor includes the integration of plants, bright colours and unique decorative elements, supposedly allowing designers to transform spaces into an oasis of wellbeing.
According to Rielly, the Dopamine Decor approach also moves beyond aesthetics, fostering spaces that enhance wellbeing and create a sense of belonging.
“Drawing inspiration from colour psychology and our desire for attachment and connection, Dopamine Decor is about curating interiors that make us feel good by stimulating the ‘happy’ hormone in our brains, with spaces that reflect warmth and personality,” says Rielly.
A director of ARRCC, Rielly has designed multiple celebrity homes around the world. He says the feel-good trend embraces bold colours, playful patterns and expressive elements that spark spaces that are as uplifting and emotive as they are stylish.
Rielly has provided some tips below designed to allow decorators to embrace individuality and optimism using this approach, whether it’s with the use of eye-catching statement pieces, dynamic art installations or unexpected colour combinations.
4 ways to bring Dopamine Decor into your home
1. Colour as a mood booster
Colour plays a pivotal role in determining our mood and emotions, making it an essential tool in creating feel-good interiors.
There’s a reason you have a connection to a colour such as calming turquoise.
Bright, saturated hues are being embraced to energise spaces; red hues are appearing in dining rooms, along with bold orange splashes for living rooms and vibrant yellow accents for kitchens.
By contrast, softer pastels bring a sense of tranquillity and calmness; cooler blues and violets are used for bedrooms, and purple for creative spaces.
Examples of the way these colour palettes can be incorporated is through the use of expressive and bold wallpapers, or bold combinations of patterned and textured fabric.
For more understated spaces, incorporating colour accents by using art, throw pillows and rugs can add a personal touch to an interior.
2. Functional art
What is functional art? Pieces of furniture, abstract lighting, sculptured elements and crafted accessories that are artsy but still functional and serve a purpose in the interior space. Think sculptural furniture, swirly lamps and abstract ceramics.
3. Mixing maximalism with meaning
Unlike fleeting trends, Dopamine Decor encourages homeowners and designers to break free from conventional norms through a thoughtful layering of elements that reflect personal stories and cultural influences. This design philosophy blends maximalism with meaning, incorporating cherished keepsakes, eclectic furniture and bold accents to create spaces that feel authentic and dynamic.
4. Building a fluid space through patterns
Pattern also contributes to our emotions. This includes choosing alternative and geometric designs for spaces through using uniquely patterned furnishings.
Pattern emulates a sense of movement and gives each room a unique personality, allowing a house to become a transitional journey.
At its core, Dopamine Decor focuses on the emotional impact of design choices. It’s about crafting spaces that stimulate happiness – whether that’s through a splash of sunny yellow, a functional art piece, or incorporating tactile patterns that invite interaction.
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