The past few years have been a serious blow to many people’s mental health, what with the pandemic and the ever-growing presence of social media in our daily lives. Work-from-home culture has made people realise the value of a living space that makes you happy and energizes you. Social media, on the other hand, has made “trends” much more visible. Minimalism, for example, had been the aesthetic trend for a while, even if it might not be to everyone’s tastes, and with not much room for creativity. Dopamine decor is a wonderful solution to both these issues—it creates a happy, healthy living space, and is a trend that is all about being You, rather than stifling your own personality.
The wonderful part about dopamine decor is that there are very few things that you can’t do. If it makes you happy, put it in there! It doesn’t matter if your room is a clash of colours and patterns or looks like it was decorated by a 5-year-old—embrace your inner child! If cheesy motivational quotes work for you, hang them on the wall. Anything that makes you smile when you wake up in the morning is fair game. Just don’t feel like you must imitate anyone else, even if they are also following dopamine decor. Let your individuality shine.
There’s no way to get dopamine decor wrong if you know what’s right for you. Just because bright colours and patterns are the general idea, doesn’t mean you should add colours all over your home if you don’t enjoy them. Knowing your limits is important; you don’t want your decor to be too overwhelming even for you! Start by replacing the small things—your mugs, plates, table and bed linen, curtains, cushion covers—and adding small things, like houseplants. That’ll help you understand your preferences for colours and patterns, and then you can move on to the bigger things if you want to, like bright wallpapers!
Opt for colours that uplift your spirits and bring positive energy to the space. Sunny yellow, vibrant orange, serene blue, and fresh green are excellent choices that can infuse energy and happiness into any room. Be strategic in using these colours on walls, furniture, and accessories to create a visually stimulating environment that genuinely boosts your mood.
Another essential aspect of Dopamine Interiors is maximizing natural light and views. Ensuring that your windows remain unobstructed, allowing plenty of sunlight to flood the room. There’s nothing quite like natural light to lift your spirits and increase productivity. Additionally, incorporating views of nature, such as gardens or parks, can provide a calming and visually appealing backdrop, making your home a peaceful sanctuary.
Comfort is of the utmost importance in Dopamine Interiors. Select furniture that not only looks great but is also ergonomically designed for maximum comfort. Soft, plush cushions, supportive chairs, and cozy sofas are essential elements that make your space inviting and conducive to relaxation.
A clutter-free environment significantly impacts mental well-being. I highly recommend keeping your spaces organized and clutter-free as it promotes a sense of calm and order. This, in turn, can help reduce stress and create a more harmonious living space.
Tips
● It would be important to decide on a colour scheme or palette that includes the bright colours you want to incorporate. This will help create a more cohesive aesthetic to your living spaces.
● Follow the 60-30-10 rule when incorporating colours. The dominant colour should cover approximately 60% of the room (walls, large furniture), the secondary colour around 30% (upholstery, rugs), and the bright accent colour around 10% (decorative accents, accessories). This ensures a balanced distribution of colours.
● Layering is important when incorporating Dopamine Decor. Add depth and dimension by layering different elements such as curtains, rugs, cushions, and accessories. Ensure a balance of bright colours throughout the space, distributing them evenly to create visual harmony.
● Ultimately, trust your intuition and personal taste when selecting your Dopamine Decor pieces. Choose items that resonate with you and reflect your personality. Experiment, have fun, and don’t be afraid to take risks with the current decor trend.
Read the full story that first appeared in The New Indian Express dated Sep 3, 2023 here:
