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This Interior Design Trend Boosts Emotional Well-Being: Dopamine Decor

contemporary bedroom with sliding glass doors and an ocean view

In a wellness-conscious world where personal expression and emotional well-being take center stage, the rise of Dopamine Decor is becoming an increasingly popular request in the world of luxury interior design, where spaces are being transformed to reflect this.

But what does Dopamine Decor mean? “Drawing inspiration from color psychology and our desire for attachment and connection, Dopamine Décor is about curating interiors that make us feel good by stimulating the ‘happy’ hormone in our brains, with spaces that reflect warmth and personality,” says celebrity International Interior Designer, Mark Rielly of ARRCC, who has designed multiple celebrity homes around the world.

contemporary bedroom

This feel-good trend and movement embrace bold colors, playful patterns, and expressive elements that spark spaces that are as uplifting and emotive as they are stylish.

Whether through eye-catching statement pieces, dynamic art installations, or unexpected color combinations, here are a few tips from a celebrity interior designer to embrace your individuality and optimism through dopamine décor.

contemporary living room with white sofas

1. Color as a Mood Booster

Color is pivotal in our moods and emotions, making it an essential tool in creating feel-good interiors. ‘’There’s a reason you have a connection to a color like calming turquoise,’’ says Mark Rielly, interior designer for ARRCC.

Bright, saturated hues are being embraced to energize spaces: red hues for dining rooms, bold orange splashes for living rooms, and vibrant yellow accents for kitchens. On the contrary, softer pastels bring a sense of tranquility and calmness: Cooler Blues and Violets for bedrooms and purple for creative spaces.

“Examples of how these color palettes can be incorporated into a design are through expressive and bold wallpapers and mixing patterned and textured fabric in bold
combinations. For more understated spaces, incorporating color accents in art, throw pillows, and rugs can add a personal touch to an interior.’’

contemporary living room

contemporary dining room

2. Functional Art

What is functional art? “Pieces of furniture, abstract lighting, sculptured elements, and crafted accessories that are artsy but still functional and serve a purpose in the interior space,” says Mark Rielly. Think sculptural furniture, swirly lamps, and abstract ceramics.

contemporary living room with a fireplace

3. Mixing Maximalism with Meaning

Unlike fleeting trends, Dopamine Décor encourages homeowners and designers to break free from conventional norms through a thoughtful layering of elements that reflect personal stories and cultural influences. This design philosophy blends maximalism with meaning, incorporating cherished keepsakes, eclectic furniture, and bold accents to create spaces that feel authentic and dynamic.

contemporary home entry with a sofa

contemporary kitchen

4. Building a fluid space through patterns

Pattern also contributes to our emotions. “This includes choosing alternative and geometric designs through uniquely patterned furnishings for spaces,” says Mark Rielly. Pattern emulates a sense of movement and gives each room a unique personality, allowing a house to become a transitional journey.

contemporary living room

At its core, Dopamine Décor focuses on the emotional impact of design choices. It’s about crafting spaces that stimulate happiness—whether through a splash of sunny yellow, a functional art piece, or tactile patterns that invite interaction.

This design approach moves beyond just aesthetics, fostering spaces that enhance well-being and create a sense of belonging.

contemporary living room

One Kindesign has received this project from our submissions page. If you have a project you would like to submit, please visit our submit your work page for consideration! 

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