Dopamine Decor: The Uplifting Design Trend of the Summer

In a world where mental wellness and self-care are at the forefront of our minds, it’s no surprise that Dopamine Decor has become one of the hottest summer trends to hit the interior design scene. This trend is all about creating spaces that uplift and inspire, promoting feelings of joy and positivity.

dopamine decor joy and positivity

What is Dopamine Decor?

Dopamine Decor is a design philosophy that focuses on creating environments that stimulate the brain’s reward system, releasing the feel-good hormone dopamine. This trend combines vibrant colors, playful patterns, and statement pieces to create a space that’s both visually striking and emotionally uplifting.

dopamine decor - visually striking environment

Why is Dopamine Decor Trending?

With the world slowly emerging from a pandemic, people are craving spaces that promote happiness and relaxation. Dopamine Decor offers a way to transform your home into a haven that not only looks amazing but also improves your mental well-being.

Feeling like dipping your toes into this style? Below are 5 ways you can incorporate dopamine decor into your space, so you can be inspired. Then check out the 10 dopamine decor inspo moodboards to further inspire your style!

5 Ways to Apply Dopamine Decor this Summer:

Add a Statement Light Fixture:

Check out this Modern Artistic Opal Colorful Branch Chandelier by Vax Lamp Room Lights.

Incorporate Colorful Rugs:

I have my eye on this Corner Stripe Rug by West Elm – so fun!

Bring in Bold Artwork:

Brighten your space with this Orange Trees Framed Wall Art by Minted for West Elm.

Incorporate Nature-Inspired Elements:

The bright and cheerful florals and prints on this Floral Layered Bedding Bundle by Anthropologie exuding feelings of freshness, renewal, and abundant joy.

Add Whimsical Decor:

These Summer Fruit Bud Vases by Anthropologie are top-rated crowd-pleasers!

10 Color Palettes to Inspire Your Dopamine Decor

Sunset Dreams

dopamine decor sunset dreams moodboard

Warm oranges, soft pinks, and creamy whites

  • Warm oranges evoke the feelings of sunset’s warm embrace: Sherwin-Williams Tropical Orange (SW 6891) / Benjamin Moore Tangerine Dream (2004-10)
  • Soft pinks add a touch of sweetness and playfulness: Sherwin-Williams Rosy Outlook (SW 6201) / Benjamin Moore Pink Lemonade (2174-40)
  • Creamy whites provide a clean and crisp contrast: Sherwin-Williams ProClassic White (SW 6251) / Benjamin Moore Snowfall White (2152-10)

Tropical Oasis

dopamine decor tropical oasis moodboard

Vibrant greens, bright corals, and turquoise blues

  • Vibrant greens bring the freshness of tropical foliage to your walls: Sherwin-Williams Lime Rickey (SW 6893) / Benjamin Moore Greenery (2155-40)
  • Bright corals add a pop of fun and energy: Sherwin-Williams Coral Reef (SW 6892) / Benjamin Moore Coral Gables (2004-20)
  • Turquoise blues inspire the feeling of a tropical ocean breeze: Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt (SW 6204) / Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue (2062-40)

Berry Bliss

dopamine decor berry bliss moodboard

Rich purples, juicy pinks, and creamy whites

  • Rich purples bring the warmth of ripe berries to your walls: Sherwin-Williams Plum Brown (SW 6271) / Benjamin Moore Wine and Dine(2074-20)
  • Juicy pinks add a touch of playfulness and fun: Sherwin-Williams Raspberry Sorbet (SW 6889) / Benjamin Moore Pink Punch (2174-20)
  • Creamy whites provide a clean and crisp contrast: Sherwin-Williams ProClassic White (SW 6251) / Benjamin Moore Snowfall White (2152-10)

Citrus Burst

dopamine decor citrus burst moodboard

Bright oranges, zesty yellows, and fresh greens

  • Bright oranges bring the warmth and energy of citrus to your walls: Sherwin-Williams Tangerine (SW 6888) / Benjamin Moore Tangelo (2004-10)
  • Zesty yellows add a burst of sunshine and happiness: Sherwin-Williams Optimistic Yellow (SW 6901) / Benjamin Moore Sunny Yellow (2022-10)
  • Fresh greens infuse the feeling of a refreshing citrus breeze: Sherwin-Williams Fresh Mint (SW 6202) / Benjamin Moore Mint to Be (2155-20)

Rainbow Riot

dopamine decor rainbow riot moodboard

Vibrant reds, electric blues, sunshine yellows and bright greens

  • Vibrant reds add a pop of energy and excitement: Sherwin-Williams Fire Engine Red (SW 6861) / Benjamin Moore Race Red (2001-10)
  • Electric blues bring a sense of fun and playfulness: Sherwin-Williams Naval (SW 6241) / Benjamin Moore Polar Blue (2062-10)
  • Sunshine yellows spread happiness and optimism: Sherwin-Williams Sunny Disposition (SW 6902) / Benjamin Moore Sunny Yellow (2022-10)
  • Bright greens add a touch of freshness and vitality: Sherwin-Williams Lime Rickey (SW 6893) / Benjamin Moore Greenery (2155-40)

Coastal Cool

dopamine decor coastal cool moodboard

Calming blues, crisp whites, and sandy neutrals

  • Calming blues inspire the feeling of a soothing ocean breeze: Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt (SW 6204) / Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue (2062-40)
  • Crisp whites add a sense of freshness and clarity: Sherwin-Williams ProClassic White (SW 6251) / Benjamin Moore Snowfall White (2152-10)
  • Sandy neutrals bring warmth and coziness to your space: Sherwin-Williams Sand Dollar (SW 6203) / Benjamin Moore Sand Dune (2154-40)

Floral Fusion

dopamine decor floral fusion moodboard

Soft peaches, delicate pinks, lush greens and sunny yellows

  • Soft peaches add a touch of warmth and sweetness: Sherwin-Williams Peachy Keen (SW 6890) / Benjamin Moore Peaches and Cream (2174-30)
  • Delicate pinks bring a sense of femininity and grace: Sherwin-Williams Rose Petal (SW 6200) / Benjamin Moore Pink Lemonade (2174-40)
  • Lush greens evoke the feeling of a blooming garden: Sherwin-Williams Fresh Mint (SW 6202) / Benjamin Moore Mint to Be (2155-20)
  • Sunny yellows spread happiness and energy: Sherwin-Williams Optimistic Yellow (SW 6901) / Benjamin Moore Sunny Yellow (2022-10)

Desert Dream

dopamine decor desert dream moodboard

Warm terracottas, soft sage, and creamy whites

  • Warm terracottas are inspired by the views of sandy dunes: Sherwin-Williams Terracotta (SW 6894) / Benjamin Moore Terra Cotta (2001-20)
  • Soft sage bring a sense of calmness and serenity: Sherwin-Williams Rainwashed (SW 6211) / Benjamin Moore Sage Trail (2155-30)
  • Creamy whites add a touch of freshness and clarity: Sherwin-Williams ProClassic White (SW 6251) / Benjamin Moore Snowfall White (2152-10)

Jungle Jaunt

dopamine decor jungle jaunt moodboard

Lush greens, vibrant pinks, and exotic oranges

  • Lush greens conjure the feeling of a dense jungle: Sherwin-Williams Lime Rickey (SW 6893) / Benjamin Moore Greenery (2155-40)
  • Vibrant pinks add a pop of excitement and adventure: Sherwin-Williams Raspberry Sorbet (SW 6889) / Benjamin Moore Pink Punch (2174-20)
  • Exotic oranges spread happiness and energy: Sherwin-Williams Tropical Orange (SW 6891) / Benjamin Moore Tangerine Dream (2004-10)

Unicorn Sparkle

dopamine decor unicorn sparkle moodboard

Pastel rainbow hues with a touch of sparkle

  • Pinks add a touch of sweetness and innocence: Sherwin-Williams Rosy Outlook (SW 6201) / Benjamin Moore Pink Lemonade (2174-40)
  • Baby blues evoke the feeling of a clear sky: Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt (SW 6204) / Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue (2062-40)
  • Happy yellows spread joy and energy: Sherwin-Williams Optimistic Yellow (SW 6901) / Benjamin Moore Sunny Yellow (2022-10)
  • Refreshing greens call to mind the feeling of a lush meadow: Sherwin-Williams Fresh Mint (SW 6202) / Benjamin Moore Mint to Be (2155-20)

Remember, when using bold and vibrant colors, it’s essential to balance them with neutral shades to avoid overwhelming the senses. You can use these colors for accent walls, furniture, or decor to add a pop of color to your space.

Happy decorating with Dopamine Decor!