AP – World got you down? A hit of “dopamine decor” might lift the spirits.
The biggest trend in home decorating is an emphasis on happiness, self-expression, colour and creativity. Does orange make you smile? Dress your kitchen in the happy hue. Love a variety of styles? Do a mashup.
The look goes by many names. Fashion writer Dawnn Karen referenced the feel-good brain chemical in her book Dress Your Best Life, holding that “dopamine dressing” – wearing clothes in your own, individual style – gives you positive feelings.
Decorators and influencers say the same thing happens when we throw out old decor rules and step into a space adorned with personal touches. We’re more relaxed. More creative.
People are asking themselves what colours and patterns they really love, “and then bringing those features into their spaces – even if it goes against conventional decorating advice or what they might have seen online 10 years ago”, said associate director Lauren Phillips of special projects at Better Homes & Gardens.
The trend toward making rooms more comfortable, functional and personal gained steam during the pandemic, when many people were homebound. And it continues to grow, Phillips said.
“Unused guest rooms are home offices. Formal dining rooms become craft spaces. And ‘barkitecture’ is having a moment – installing dog baths and other pet-specific features,” she said.
Decor is awash in aesthetic “cores” – Barbiecore, cottagecore, coastal grandma, mermaidcore.
“But I don’t take it to mean we’re bouncing from trend to trend super quickly. To me, it means people are defining their own style, and really getting to the root of the designs they love, even if that’s a little more colourful, kitschy or funky,” said Phillips.
There’s lots of inspiration on the Internet. “If, 15 years ago, we all wanted the picture-perfect kitchen we saw online, today it’s all about taking a trend or beautiful interior that you see on TikTok or Instagram and pulling out the details you love,” said Phillips.
“Gen Z is on the cusp of becoming our new homeowner,” said Amanda Kruse of Upspring PR, a New York-based marketing firm for real estate, design and interiors.
And they’re more likely to mix styles for a personal spin, she said. – Kim Cook
