15 dopamine decor ideas to make you happier at home

What makes you happy may be different than what makes someone else happy. Therefore, it's worth experimenting and starting small. 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 redecorate your entire home, so try starting with pretty pillows or cool art. If you want to go a little bigger, try an accent wall or do something a little more unusual,” says Bree Steele of RJ Living.

RELATED: 5 Ways You're Ruining Your Accent Wall

Photo by: Phil Crozier

Dopamine decoration is all about the unexpected. Designer Sasha Malchi embraces the funky by combining a pattern with a bold color to create this eye-catching home bar.

“You can create a big visual impact on walls with wallpaper,” says designer Barrett Cooke of Arterberry Cooke.

Photo by: Sarah Baker

Do you love a color so much that you want to drench the entire room with it? Do it! Jenny Johnston of Jenny Johnston Interiors puts that thinking to the test in this ruby ​​red laundry room.

“Remember, there are really no hard and fast rules when it comes to dopamine decoration. All that really matters is creating a space that feels authentic to you,” says Steele.

Photo by: Sarah Baker

Not all of your walls or furniture have to be flashy for the design to be considered dopamine decor. Try choosing a piece or area you want to highlight, like Reena Sotropa does here.

“Combine bold elements with neutral backgrounds or natural materials. Not much is off-limits, but overuse of certain elements could make rooms less livable. Always strive for harmony,” says Rasides.

Photo by: Phil Crozier

As fun and vibrant as dopamine decor can be, it's important to know your limits when it comes to the trend.

“If you know you need a quiet environment to fall asleep, it may be best to save this decor style for another area of ​​your home, like the living room,” says Rachel Smith, founder of The Crafted Life and author of Colorful living. “It's always best to focus on one room at a time to avoid overwhelming yourself with decisions. Once you feel comfortable with a bright room in your everyday life, you can apply the style to the rest of your home.”

Cooke recommends starting by choosing a favorite color rather than sticking with the renter's white.

“If you're new to using color, start with more saturated neutrals like browns and warm pinks that flatter and add depth to a room, or the blues and greens you see in nature around you.” says Cooke.

Photo by: RJ Guillermo

Avoid plain, neutral floor coverings and use patterned tiles that are guaranteed to attract everyone's attention. Malchi's blue-green-white tiles are not just for walking.

“Our customers were more open to graphic patterns and bold colors in tiles. A simple first step in using bolder tiles is to color block or create wainscoting on a bolder tile and balance that with a more neutral traditional choice,” says Cooke.

Photo by: Sarah Baker

Who says you have to buy new furniture or decorations to brighten up your space? Smith recommends sprucing up what you already have, especially in the beginning.

“Sometimes a little paint and DIY magic can completely transform a piece. Consider painting a wall, painting a piece of furniture, or even reupholstering chairs or a headboard. This way, you can test how you feel in the space without having to completely look around your entire home,” says Smith.

To achieve a bright design, you don't have to paint every surface of a room in a new color.

“Choose one or two focal points, like a statement blanket or patterned sofa, and keep other elements simple to prevent the room from feeling chaotic instead of cheerful,” says Cheryl Clendenon of In Detail Interiors.

Here, Clendenon opts for yellow shelves, a patterned window blind and a glossy blue door.

Photo by: Greg Riegler

Dopamine Decor Not Fully Sold? No problem. According to Smith, the cap is actually a low-stakes starting point.

“I recently painted my ceiling pink and would highly recommend this to anyone looking to dip their toe into dopamine decor before moving forward,” says Smith. “The best part is that a colorful ceiling adds a fun pop of color to any room, but doesn't overpower anything since you actually have to look up to see it.”