Dopamine decor is a playful, happy, feel-good kind of style. Unlike my recent posts about the trends for calming, cocooning spaces, this look combines colourful maximalism with eclectic boho to create uplifting interiors. It is characterised by bright colour, bold pattern, retro vibes, funky prints and fun accessories. Think Wes Anderson meets Willy Wonka. Ultimately this is about home decor that will make you happy, so there are no rules. However, I’ve rounded up some key tips and some of my favourite colourful home decor picks to help you achieve the look.
Bright Colour
The dopamine decor look is all about creating a rainbow of different colours, such as raspberry, lemon, turquoise and lilac. Look for statement pieces such as velvet sofas, colourful cushions and don’t be afraid of painting with bright colours. Remember the care bears and you can’t go wrong!
Get the Look
- Hibiscus cushion John Lewis & Partners
- Orange pouffe John Lewis & Partners
- Yellow chair My Furniture
- Raspberry Ripple paint Rust-Oleum
- Lemon Sorbet paint Rust-Oleum
- Teal paint Rust-Oleum
- Violet Macaroon paint Rust-Oleum
Bold Pattern
Combine blocks of colour with bold patterns such as stripes or checkerboard. If you aren’t sure about creating a paint effect then wallpaper, bedding or cushions can be a great way to introduce pattern into a room.
Get the Look
- Cushion John Lewis & Partners
- Duvet John Lewis & Partners
- Peel and stick wallpaper, MadeofSundays, Etsy
- Tile stickers SarahHoldenInteriors, Etsy
- Mug John Lewis & Partners
- Cushion Kosmology, Etsy
Retro Vibes
Regular readers will know I love a bit of kitsch and dopamine decor incorporates a definite retro vibe, with bright colours, funky prints and bold pattern. The recent Pinterest Predicts trend report highlighted the Kitschens trend, with searches for “kitschy kitchen” up 75%. This look is characterised by “thrifted finds, vintage appliances and jarring pops of paint. No minimalist aesthetic is safe.”
Get the Look
- Yellow chair John Lewis & Partners
- Smeg kettle John Lewis & Partners
- Orla Kiely teapot John Lewis & Partners
- Tala Originals storage tin John Lewis & Partners
- Tala Originals mixing bowl John Lewis & Partners
- Orla Kiely lamp John Lewis & Partners
Funky Prints
Look for bright, statement pieces or create a gallery wall of prints that are fun and make you smile. Curate your own personalised collection, or if you’re not sure where to start Etsy has some great pre-made options. To keep costs down visit charity shops for frames and print your own digital downloads.
Get the Look
- Let’s Stay Home PeachiPrints, Etsy
- This Kitchen is for Dancing LiveOakPrint, Etsy
- Gallery wall set SofestoreShop, Etsy
- Tarot Card prints SourCookieStudio, Etsy
- Gallery wall set BoHoMePrintables, Etsy
- Be Nice Yeah print John Lewis & Partners
Fun Accessories
Look for bright cushions and coloured glass. Add texture with velvet, ruffles or frills. Upcycle charity shop finds with a bit of spray paint. If you have a colourful collection of tableware or shoes why not put them on display?
Get the Look
- Velvet frill cushion John Lewis & Partners
- Vase John Lewis & Partners
- Candle holder John Lewis & Partners
- Bulbholder lamp John Lewis & Partners
- Candlestick candle John Lewis & Partners
- Tiger cushion John Lewis & Partners
For more colourful home decor ideas check out my board on Pinterest.
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