How To Enhance Your Home With Mood-Boosting Dopamine Décor
Dopamine décor has become a popular term in interior design recently – it seems that many of us are seeking an elevated dose of joy and optimism both within and on our walls. Below, three interior experts share their favorite ways to add personality-driven lifts in your home, without compromising on style
Don’t treat it like a trend
“People are craving character and optimism in their spaces, something that carries an emotional connection for them. We wouldn’t necessarily call it a trend – for us, joy has always been a fundamental part of good design,” says Angus Buchanan, founder and creative director of Buchanan Studio, on why he believes dopamine décor has become such a buzzword in interior design.
“I think people are looking for a pick-me-up,” concurs Lauren Geremia, founder of Geremia Design, of its rise in recent times. “Finding that lift in the spaces we inhabit can be very comforting in times of chaos.”
Design with feeling
“Start small and start with what feels honest,” advises Buchanan. “A joyful space doesn’t need to shout, it just needs to feel lived-in, authentic and personal. Introduce one piece that sparks something for you – it could be a color you’ve always loved, a print that lifts the room, or a shape that breaks away from the expected. But above all, choose things you’ll still want to live with in five or 10 years’ time. That’s the difference between trend and intention. It’s less about decorating and more about curating a mood and designing with feeling: playfulness, comfort and curiosity.”
Inject personality and evoke emotion
“I believe the home is one of the most important places for self-expression,” says interior designer Marta de la Rica. “When a space truly reflects someone’s personality, it naturally generates joy. It’s not just about aesthetics, but about creating an environment that expresses who you are.”
“For me, dopamine décor starts with emotion,” she continues. “I love bringing it into a space through joyful color combinations – especially unexpected pairings like mustard yellow with dusty pink, or terracotta with a splash of Klein blue. I also love working with handmade pieces: objects with soul, a bit of imperfection or a story behind them. They immediately bring warmth. And layering textures, mixing vintage finds with contemporary design, and always leaving space for something playful, are my favorite ways to inject personality into a room.”
Ask yourself what brings you joy
“Dopamine décor isn’t about following rules – it’s about creating a space that lifts your spirit,” adds de la Rica. “Add a bold cushion, a whimsical lamp, an artwork or even your child’s drawing. [The best thing] is that it suits so many styles: from eclectic and vintage-inspired to more minimalist spaces that need a touch of surprise.”
“I always recommend including things that you love and not worrying so much about what people think or what is popular in a given moment,” suggests Geremia. “Design should be something intrinsic to your character, history and associations – it should make you smile.”
Bring in the art of surprise
“We work on a lot of projects that involve children’s participation – we love to get the whole family involved!” says Geremia. “The result is often surprising and fresh, sparks a lot of happiness and feels especially personal in the end.”
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