Dopamine décor: In with the bold

Out with the old, in with the bold. In a world where minimalism once reigned supreme, a new trend has emerged and captivated both designers and homeowners.

Enter dopamine decor, a vibrant and invigorating approach to decorating our homes that celebrates colour and individuality. Have hues like Resene Funk and Resene Kashmir Blue at the ready. This trend is not just about creating visually stunning interiors – it's about infusing spaces with joy and a real sense of personality.

Gone are the days of sterile interiors that lack character and warmth. We’ve bid farewell to bland and uninspiring spaces, instead opting for environments that stimulate the senses and uplift the spirit. If you have a certain hue you love, but are yet to incorporate it into your home, embracing elements of the dopamine decor trend might be for you. Sometimes all it takes is a small injection of colour to lift the energy of a room.

Plenty of celebrities have embraced dopamine decor and bold colour choices, from actress Reese Witherspoon's sunny California retreat adorned in cheerful hues, to singer Harry Styles' eclectic London pad filled with quirky accents and bold patterns. But what sets dopamine decor apart isn't just its aesthetic appeal, it's the profound impact it has on our wellbeing. Studies have shown our environment plays a crucial role in shaping our mood and mental state; colours, textures and patterns all influence our emotions and behaviour. Perhaps the trend is a response to the tumultuous times we live in, with homeowners seeking refuge and solace in their surroundings. Maybe it's a natural evolution of our desire to live more mindfully, choosing to surround ourselves with colour and beauty in an increasingly chaotic world.

One of the defining characteristics of dopamine decor is its fearless embrace of colour. At its core, dopamine decor is characterised by vibrant hues, playful patterns and eclectic furnishings that encourage a sense of optimism. From energising yellows like Resene Bright Spark to invigorating oranges like Resene West Side, each hue is selected to evoke feelings of vitality. Think accent walls adorned in rich tones, furnishings upholstered in sunny yellow fabrics and accessories in complementary. Combining bold hues in a way that feels cohesive and harmonious can be a daunting task, the key lies in thoughtful curation and strategic placement.

In our dopamine decor-inspired bedroom, the dreamy Resene Kashmir Blue on the left wall alongside a panel of Resene Chocolate Lounge set the scene. The playful Resene Funk contrasts the two hues beautifully. A batten headboard adds further fun to the bedroom, without interfering with our bold wall colour choices. We created a soft ombre effect using Resene Urbane, Resene Martini, Resene Tom Tom and Resene Almond Frost.

To recreate the ombre headboard, prepare a bare slatted wooden screen with a light sanding and wipe off the sanding dust. Apply a coat of Resene Quick Dry. Divide the screen into four equal horizontal sections, then starting from the top, paint each section in the following order: Resene Urbane, Resene Martini, Resene Tom Tom and Resene Almond Frost. The gradient of tonal but distinct colours adds a little more depth to the space.

Texture also plays a significant role in dopamine decor – interesting accessories, plush rugs, tactile fabrics and natural materials like wood create spaces that feel inviting and comforting. Layering textures will ultimately add depth and dimension to a room. We used a mix of reimagined antiques, soft furnishings and stacked books. We painted a large basket in Resene Martini, small planters in Resene Spindle and a vase in Resene Midnight Express. A bedside table in Resene Streetwise, a chic slate blue, pops against the ombre bedhead.

No dopamine decor space is complete without a little artwork. Creating your own abstract piece is a great way to tie together the colours and themes of your room. We used Resene Kashmir Blue, Resene Funk, Resene Streetwise, Resene Midnight Express, Resene Spindle, Resene Caffeine and Resene Chocolate Lounge. To create a piece like this, tape off geometric shapes or organic patterns on a canvas, then fill in each section with your chosen colours. Experiment with layering and blending to achieve a dynamic composition. Once dry, remove the tape to reveal clean lines and crisp edges, resulting in a one-of-a-kind artwork that serves as the perfect focal point for your dopamine-inspired space.

Bold colours can be intimidating on their own, but keep in mind that when paired with complementary hues, they can create harmonious combinations. A handy tip is to have a look at a colour wheel and look for shades that complement each other, such as pairing a rich navy blue like Resene True Blue with a vibrant orange like Resene Hyperactive. Trust your instincts and enjoy the process. The beauty of channelling the dopamine decor look is each decorator’s interpretation will be unique. Our homes should be an extension of ourselves, and this is the ideal trend to channel that thought.

Colours and products mentioned in this article

Styling by Moneuan Ryan. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2024