Dopamine Décor: Find Your Happy Place

1.

Neurobiologists Semir Zeki and Tomoniro Ishizu scanned the brains of several subjects, after showing them art they enjoyed, and the rewards section of their brains lit up like the mainstage at Glastonbury. Or maybe a more scientific analogy…

2.

An assistant professor of psychology named Patricia Sampedro Paquel found evidence that enriched environments have many positive effects on the brain, like reducing anxiety and brain connectivity. 

3.

Studies have also found that lighter and brighter workplaces make people feel friendlier, more alert and more joyous overall. Doesn’t that sound nice?

4.

Here’s an interesting one that’ll sway all you home chefs out there… studies have even shown that environments with pleasant lighting (that’s where we come in) and good music can make food taste better!

Our homes are our havens, and we hear a lot about maximalism vs. minimalism. Oftentimes we’re told that having too much colour and visual noise in our homes can actually stress us out more, and that opting for a minimal inspired space is the key to calm.

However, we’ve got the science in our pockets to question if that’s true.

For some of us, it might be true that we’re happier and more relaxed in a toned down, uncluttered space. That doesn’t mean that maximalism or dopamine décor can’t do the same. It also doesn’t mean that you have to pick just one. Basically, you do you, Boo!

The most important thing to remember if you’re thinking about how to amp up the dopamine in your décor is that this isn’t a trend like we’re used to.

The ones where we’re told specifically the what, where and how of adopting the trend in our own homes. It’s about finding the things that make YOU happy and bringing in more of that over replicating what others do.

There’s a good chance you’ll see some crossover between your version of dopamine décor and others' renditions but taking time to consider a few things first will help. That trendy floor lamp you’ve been seeing everywhere? Maybe that really is a cornerstone of your personal style.

Give some thought to the emotions you want your space to evoke. Research for inspiration by looking for décor that sparks feelings of relaxation, energy or romance. The way you want your home to make you feel is the place to start. And remember, each room has a life of its own!

You don’t need to have every room in the same aesthetic or colour scheme, you can tailor each space to how you plan to use it. Start off with colour theory, try swapping your regular LED bulbs for smart bulbs or bring in smart LED strip lights and you can set the colours to whatever you want!

Pink lighting can make you feel balanced and at peace. A blue light is great for stress management and focus. Green, like nature, makes you feel calm and safe. 

Spend some time pondering this question. You might want to play around with a few trends and styles to get an idea of what your perfect interior décor looks like.

Perhaps you’ll discover that you’re not just a Scandi lover after all, and that your perfect interior features dashes of bold modernism or industrial touches. Mixing and matching lighting features can be a great way of introducing different styles.

Think pastel floor lamps, colour-clashing stripes and bold prints and you're dopamine lighting ready!

The whole point of dopamine décor is to love your surroundings. Decorate with your prized possessions, happy memories, family pictures and hobbies.

Use wall lights to highlight the family pictures on the walls, or some art you adore, but also make sure your hobby zones are well lit with fun and functional task lighting.

Embrace accents and pops of colour or pattern.

This is a great jumping off point if you’ve got a favourite colour you want to incorporate but you don’t want to over commit. Try an accent wall, a large piece of art or a lamp in this colour and build from there.

Throw in nods to a pattern you really love with some decorative cushions, a lamp (or ceiling) shade or framed print. 

That way you can rest easy and soak up the joy. Make space for the things you love to do and consider your needs for the space. Decorate around what will make you happy to live in, not just look at.

Creating spaces that allow you, and inspire you, to pursue healthy habits is playing the dopamine long game.

If the kitchen is bright, organised and kitschy then you'll be drawn to getting in there and cooking more. If your desk is well lit and you invest in an ergonomic chair, you're more likely to spend time there accomplishing those goals.

That novel won't write itself, quilt won't sew itself, figures won't paint themselves... you get the picture (which won't paint itself). 

Biophilic design and the dopamine décor trend work together to create joyful, mood-boosting spaces. Incorporating natural elements like plants, natural light, and organic materials to improve wellbeing and connect us to nature.

This complements dopamine décor, which focuses on vibrant colours, playful patterns, and uplifting elements to evoke happiness.

By bringing nature indoors, biophilic design boosts dopamine, enhancing mood and reducing stress. Plants and natural textures help create a calming atmosphere, while bold colours and personal touches add energy.

Combining both trends results in a space that promotes positivity, relaxation, and a sense of connection to the natural world, creating an environment that nurtures both mind and spirit.

Ahh, we feel better already.