Dopamine Decor Is All About Sparking Joy — Shop the Trend
Few things bring us more joy than decorating a space and making it our own. That feeling of finding the perfect trinket to complete a bookshelf, discovering an area rug that'll tie a whole room together, or shopping out your dream sectional after months of searching; it's priceless. And believe it or not, there's actually somewhat of a science to explain why interior design can bring so much fulfillment to our lives — especially if you lean into brighter color palettes.
Enter in: dopamine decor. If you've been on TikTok or Pinterest recently, you're probably all too familiar with the bubbly trend. The aesthetic essentially relies on the theory that certain patterns, colors, and textures can evoke more joyful emotions, with many having the power to make us happier and even provide a natural dopamine boost with zero enhancers necessary (just a cute table lamp or two). The concept is a sister trend to dopamine dressing, which is all about infusing your wardrobe with mood-boosting colors.
To get a better sense of what the dopamine decor trend entails, we tapped Natalie Papier, interior designer, founder of Home EC., and star of the Magnolia Network's hit series, "Artfully Designed," to share her expert breakdown on the design fad, including how you can best test it out within your home.
What Is Dopamine Decor?
So, how do we go about translating this particular trend from our TikTok feeds and into our actual homes? According to Papier, it's easier than you think, and starts with simply identifying what sparks joy — whether it be a bold shade of yellow, a sharp chevron pattern, or even a piece of artwork with a cool backstory.
"Dopamine decor, for me, means surrounding yourself with art and decor that elicits a deep sense of joy that feels deeply personal to the people living there. Surrounding yourself in your own specific version of joy," Papier tells PS in an exclusive interview. "More than ever before, I am seeing clients that want spaces to feel meaningful whether that's brought in via nostalgia, objects of interest, plants, and even pattern mixing that's pleasing to the eye."
The best part about "dopamine decorating" is that you don't necessarily need to commit to a full design overhaul in order to infuse it into your home; sometimes even the smallest upgrade can transform the energy of a space and help to make it feel more joyful.
"When considering dopamine decor and design, the less moody and the more unexpectedly fun you can get with colors the better. Vibrant and saturated tones, soft-sunny pastels, and also bright whites can really let your art and decor color-pops shine," says Papier.
How to Incorporate Dopamine Decor Into Your Home
With Papier's expert recommendations in mind, we rounded up the best dopamine decor furniture from top retailers like Amazon, West Elm, Target, Anthropologie, and more. These pieces span a range of categories and price points, ensuring there's something for everyone to shop — whether you want to find the best stylish couches, colorful table lamps, or printed area rugs.
Ahead, shop our guide to the best dopamine decor, with selects that are bound to upgrade your home with a mood-boosting touch.
Expert Featured in This Article
Natalie Papier is an interior designer and the founder of Home EC.
![Colorful Wall Art Prints](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/tQkcaHglN3aj9NTfdAJqmkSy2I8=/fit-in/792x767/top/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2024/04/29/910/n/1922794/bfa2b1b74809ed98_netimgdT4c9p.jpg)
Colorful Wall Art Prints
97 Decor Colorful Gallery Wall Art Prints ($10)
If you're looking for a fun way to incorporate dopamine colors into your home (and on a budget), go for something simple yet statement-making like these whimsical wall art prints. The set features mock prints from artists like Matisse and Van Gogh, all of which have been revamped through a brighter, more color-heavy lens.
![Bright Throw Pillows](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/hqo84sC3uFmC13jMFyN2v-CcuIY=/fit-in/792x732/top/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2024/04/29/910/n/1922794/ff975af915133946_netimg1LceOs.jpg)
Bright Throw Pillows
Preppy Room Throw Pillow Covers Set ($16, originally $18)
Even if your home is dominated by a neutral color scheme, these pillows feature cool dopamine designs that are sure to liven up any room — whether you're styling them on a guest bed or as fixtures on your couch.
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Decorative Bud Vases
Eleganttime Bud Vases Set of 10 ($22, originally $28)
Adding these colorful glass bud vases around your home is a simple and affordable way to add a dose of brightness to your life. Each vase has a unique shape and texture pattern, and to make them stand out even more, add a few fresh florals. You can curate them with other pieces in your space and place them on a bookshelf or a coffee table.
![Multicolored Candle Holders](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/vYAl-mtiPEFKQyVYQs0yDeMO3Qc=/fit-in/792x1188/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2024/04/29/910/n/1922794/c8c5782ab55b440a_netimgyXiCrq.webp)
Multicolored Candle Holders
Anthropologie Cut Glass Candle Holder ($48)
These glass candle holders are proof that the dopamine design trend doesn't only rely on loud, neon colors; you can just as easily spruce up your space with softer pastel shades, like the ones featured on these shapely decor accents.
![Colorful Wallpaper](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/uCRuU9Qy-XUE3bSSYXigURJmcxM=/fit-in/792x792/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2024/07/31/902/n/1922794/8222d4ec66aaa11b4d9ba5.26169094_GUEST_a6eb13.webp)
Colorful Wallpaper
Opalhouse Leaves Peel & Stick Wallpaper ($34)
Have an untouched wall or nook that could benefit from a little extra color? This patterned wall paper will help you fill any negative space with a more vibrant flair. Best of all, it has a self-adhesive, peel-and-stick design that's easy to apply and remove accordingly.
![A Patterned Rug](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/TDBUSHfbWYlTX7USEIvY5Ar1IAo=/fit-in/792x1187/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2024/04/29/910/n/1922794/3d5f8449d70a2f5c_netimg0bOpwr.webp)
A Patterned Rug
Urban Outfitters Meadowland Shaggy Rug ($25, originally $49)
Even the most muted room will benefit from having this shaggy rug front and center in it. Available to shop in two by three feet sizing, the rug is adorned with whimsical floral accents that pop off of the piece, thanks to its dark green contrast.
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An LED Mirror
Urban Outfitters Triangle LED Mirror ($69, originally $99)
This LED mirror gives a whole new meaning to mood lighting. Small but mighty, the shapely piece will help to illuminate any space with a warm and inviting light. We love its unique frame and the fact that it can be styled within any room in your home — from the office to the bathroom and beyond.
![A Vibrant Comforter & Sham Set](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/mn2NGMAlnzahck58sjwfTD5UerQ=/fit-in/792x792/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2024/04/29/910/n/1922794/eb5459b9de3a1b94_netimg3zi9Qq.jpg)
A Vibrant Comforter & Sham Set
Opalhouse with Jungalow Reversible Velvet Comforter & Sham Set ($69)
Few products encapsulate the dopamine decor trend better than this reversible comforter set from Target. One side features a multicolored geometric pattern that's bound to spark joy, while the other is adorned with a yellow-colored velvet material that's equally soft and splashy. It's interchangeable, so you can swap it out depending on your mood.
![A Stylish Accent Chair](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/FGY7657f-z-xXO8AHoUZVgrjNOk=/fit-in/792x792/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2024/04/29/910/n/1922794/b9288a35cfe33fab_netimgimYLwp.png)
A Stylish Accent Chair
Willa Arlo Interiors Latonia Upholstered Barrel Chair with Ottoman ($170, originally $180)
As far as dopamine colors go, few are more universally loved (or guaranteed mood-boosters) than a sunny yellow shade. Need further convincing? Style this bright yellow armchair in a corner of your bedroom or living room, and watch your space change for the better.
![A Statement Bookshelf](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/N-tMkAjDVdGVCWWBCzeO1BRZE0Q=/fit-in/792x1187/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2024/04/29/910/n/1922794/40f9823eca9b9725_netimgpBCfvp.webp)
A Statement Bookshelf
Urban Outfitters Alana Bookshelf ($299)
You don't need to overthink the dopamine decor trend in order to embrace it within your home. Sometimes, incorporating something as simple as a colorful table or bookshelf — like this tiered version from Urban Outfitters — can add just enough contrast against a plain white wall.
![A Bright-Colored Daybed](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/SrUMEJEg9lmqHpQIKCviufe9e_8=/fit-in/792x792/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2024/06/30/703/n/1922794/31c4cc4e8ab70608_daybed-west-elm.jpg)
A Bright-Colored Daybed
West Elm Shelter Daybed ($849-$1,699)
This yellow-toned daybed epitomizes dopamine decor with its vibrant, mood-boosting hue. Even better? Its plush, deep-seated cushions give off a comfy, cloudlike feel that you'll love to rest on. Add pillows and blankets in colorful prints to bring even more life to your space.
![A Velvet Sofa](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/AqzhrKa-osdgvyh13DiGPKYlArA=/fit-in/750x562/top/filters:format_auto():upscale()/2024/04/29/910/n/1922794/8b7db9e40c4014f5_netimgTJTbJr.webp)
A Velvet Sofa
AllModern Dario Velvet Rolled Arm Chesterfield Sofa ($1,099, originally $1,399)
Perhaps you're less keen on subtlety and want to dive head-first into the dopamine trend? If that's the case, we recommend shopping out a colorful, statement piece like this sofa from AllModern. The piece feels equally retro and modern, thanks to its rolled arm silhouette and soft velvet composition.
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Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.