We chase more antidotes to how we feel than ever before, with conversations around how to optimize our mental and physical health—not forgetting niche offshoots like longevity science, biohacking and neuroarchitecture—entering the mainstream. It should then come as no surprise that "dopamine decor" has seen a surge in interest. The interior design philosophy sees the aesthetic of a room, including its colors, textures and objects, as being imperative to the mood of its residents.
After all, dopamine is the neurotransmitter in the brain associated with the positive chemical responses pleasure and reward. Interestingly, unlike other trends that center on uniformity and copied aesthetic cues, pursuing dopamine decor is highly individual because what sparks joy for people largely differs based on their personality and experiences. Two studies help support the science-backed name of the trend.
Research from 2011 showed that viewing beautiful art activates one of the brain's key reward centers tied to dopamine release, the medial orbitofrontal cortex. Later, a 2019 large-scale study provided quantitative evidence to show that people are happier in "beautiful" surroundings. Tracee Murphy, a seasoned interior designer and founder of Trade Mark Interiors, spoke with Newsweek about the decor philosophy and how to put it into practice.
She calls design "deeply psychological," and something that influences how we feel. The designer reiterated that dopamine decor centers around individual tastes, simply because what sparks dopamine release in one person may not for another. For this reason, it does not mean the back of the "millennial greige" aesthetic, a design trend which favors minimalist interiors and neutral tones, despite this often being discussed on social media.
However, when it comes to optimizing a space for calm and ease, there are a few design notes that Murphy wants budding home stylists to know, as they can work for a broader spectrum of people. "You don’t need a major renovation to change how a room makes you feel," she said. "I always encourage people to start with one question: 'How do I want to feel when I walk into this room?' Maybe it’s energized, peaceful, inspired or simply happy to be home.
"Once you identify that feeling, you can begin making small, intentional changes." She went on to say that, from a psychological perspective, feeling safe in our environment is fundamental to our well-being. "Our homes should give us a place to decompress from the outside world, and thoughtful design can help support that," she said. "I look at a room through several lenses, including color, lighting, spatial flow and connection to nature.
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