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What is dopamine decor?
If you frequent the interior design corners of social media, you may have heard of the term dopamine decor in the last few years. Similar to maximalism, it started to pop online in early 2023 when TikTok users started posting videos of extremely colorful interior design. Typically utilizing bold primary colors like pink, yellow, blue, and green, these settings are believed to spark dopamine based on scientific research that associates bright colors with an uptick in dopamine production in the brain.
Science aside, it’s easy to see what’s attractive about dopamine decor. It’s unapologetically bright and happy, tossing neutral trends like “millennial gray” out the window in favor of a playful aesthetic. It feels joyful and fun, often accentuated by messy, bold art and unusual furniture and accessories. And perhaps best of all, it’s a design style that’s accessible to all budgets.
The Rachel Henderson Studio on TikTok is a perfect example of the dopamine decor vibe. In this video, she talks about the rainbow aesthetic and how it boosts serotonin for her. More than 2,900 people liked this post, so it clearly resonates.
A rainbow aesthetic, forever and always ☺️🫶🌈🎨 #dopaminedecor #colourfulhome #colorfulhomedecor #happyhome #homedecor
If you’re interested in getting in on this trend, our picks can pave the way. From large furniture to small touches, here are five of our favorite dopamine decor pieces starting at just $20.
Sotenas Armchair, Red, $299 at Ikea
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When it comes to affordable places to find dopamine decor, Ikea is king. Even before the trend took hold, the retailer carried plenty of pieces that fit it. You could easily redo a whole home in the dopamine decor style with Ikea’s help, but we especially love the Sotenas armchair. Available in Hakebo red and Hakebo yellow, this low-sitting chair is wide enough to sit cross-legged in, making it a terrific pick for a cozy reading corner. Ikea originally launched this piece in 1969, created by Swedish designer Gillis Lundgren. Consider adding it to your cart for just $299.
Artloge Iridescent Coffee Table, $159 at Amazon
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One of the fun things about embracing dopamine decor is that you can add the kind of statement-making pieces into your space that you might normally only see at a cafe or an art gallery. The Artloge Iridescent Coffee Table is available at Amazon for $159 and is a perfect example of this. Made of acrylic with an iridescent finish, it’s like having a rainbow in the middle of your living room, which is just about the most dopamine-rich idea there is. Don’t be surprised if you spend an hour sipping your coffee and just watching it change colors in the morning light.
Andy Warhol Blue Cat Art, $20 at Walmart
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When painter Andy Warhol made his big debut at Ferus Gallery in Los Angeles in 1962 with his now-iconic Campbell’s Soup Cans paintings, they were referred to as pop art. But pop art and dopamine decor are heavily related, so you can easily hang it in your dopamine decor-inspired home, and it will work perfectly. This cat print, for just $20 at Walmart, is from Warhol’s work in the mid-50’s and was gifted to friends rather than sold, making originals quite rare.
Related: Ikea’s new limited-edition farmhouse duvet set is just $30
Sarag Fluffy 5X7 Rug, $38 at Walmart
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If your home is mostly neutrals and you don’t know where to start with dopamine decor, a rug is a perfect way to introduce bold color. The Sarag Fluffy Rug from Walmart is not only affordable at just $38, but it’s also cozy for bare feet thanks to its deep pile. In addition to this brilliant yellow, there are several other bold color options, like the purple and Rose Red. If looking at the rug makes you happy, it’s a good sign you’d enjoy leaning even further into the trend.
Grejsimojs LED Table Lamp, $40 at Ikea
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If you’re attracted to unusual decor pieces, you’ll adore this $40 dog lamp from Ikea. This playful piece is dimmable, making it perfect for any place in the house where you want ambient lighting. It also remembers the last brightness you set it on, so you never have to set it again once you find the perfect lighting level. And it’s adorable, so it’s also a great conversation starter.