Dopamine Decor to Make You Smile
Get in, cutie. We’re making our home our happy space…
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Known as the “happiest design trend ever” according to HGTV, dopamine decor remains a top trend. Based in decorating with joy and cheer in mind, this is one design style that speaks to my whole heart. Maybe I’m a maximalist. Maybe I’m allergic to beige. Whatever it is, I decorate my whole home with little pops of color and happy feelings.
On an internal team call with an agency once I had to sit in a different room than usual and a colleague said, “I love seeing your background. It’s like you live in a dollhouse.” And, y’all, I’ve never felt such a rush. I like kooky, playful touches in my home design. I bought the dinosaur head above almost 15 years ago and it remains one of my favorite things (and a big, ol’ conversation starter). My family loves dinosaurs and dragons and disco and my husband has collected rocks for nearly 30 years so why not incorporate all of that into my happy home?
I’ve always leaned toward little trinkets, printed wallpapers, and splashes of bright paint that make me happy but after spending so much time at home during COVID lockdown I went full JOY in my home. Every room has color and some thrifted finds, Etsy purchases, or fun DIYs that make me truly love my space. You don’t have to spend a fortune to decorate in a happy way. I love to repurpose old things with spray paint or adding strips of disco tape to make things sparkle. Dopamine decor isn’t about buying something new constantly to get that shopping rush, but just leaning in to what you love and creating a space that makes you happy - maybe that is gray walls with a few fun accents! Maybe it is a bright purple ceiling with a chandelier that looks like bubbles! Maybe you care about fancy things! Maybe you don’t (I kinda don’t)! It is all about what makes YOU happy, and that’s why it is great.
My house is not big or brand new (she’s 52 years young, honey!) but she sparks major joy for me. Want to add a little dopamine decor touch to your space? Here are a few happy, poppy items that are currently on my wishlist…
-To the windows! Windows are the eyes of the home, right? Slap some false lashes on ‘em with this honeycomb stained glass, bright and bold curtains, or privacy film that casts rainbow light (I have these on all my basement windows!).
-To the walls! Get those walls feeling HAPPY with gorgeous purple paint (this is the color on the main wall of my house!), a big wall sticker that can elevate an entire room pretty easily, scalloped border adhesive, yummy cookie wallpaper, pastry tart light switches, or a set of quirky prints.
-Hit the floors! Walk on happiness with a colorful runner, a smiley throw rug, or some swirly zig zags.
-And all the places where you splish, splash, or relax! Add a touch of joy to bathrooms with checkered washcloths and kitchens with a strawberry tea pot and a flashy kitchen disco sign. Get comfy with flowery pillows or a buttery waffle throw blanket.
-Don’t forget all the delicious knick knacks! My shelves n’ walls are calling out to me to find space for this sprinkle balloon dog, rainbow vases, a trophy goldfish, a birthday cake matchstick holder (I already have a cowboy boot!), and an ice cream cone cookie jar.
Want more of my kooky, joyful finds? You can find me on ShopMy and Pinterest where I am always stashing all my dopamine decor picks and other things. Whether you are a minimalist or a maximalist, a lover of cheetah print or neutrals, your home should make you happy! How do you decorate to make your home your fave space?
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