Make Your Home Your Feel-Good Place With Dopamine Decor

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Published: February 26, 2025

Learn how the colors, accessories, and lighting in your home can improve your mood.

Home design is embracing a new look -- one that's centered on the way it makes you feel. The idea is that if your home doesn't feel good, it won't look good -- at least to you. It's called "dopamine decor," and it's generating buzz across social media for bringing "happy design" home.

 Dopamine, the "feel good" hormone, was originally channeled into "dopamine dressing" -- wearing bright colors and bold patterns to boost your mood. Now that same idea is entering home design, urging you to fill up your home with special items that bring you joy and a dopamine rush.

 The idea is grounded in research. For example, when study participants looked at artwork they considered beautiful, the activity in the reward center of their brains (the same area of the brain that's activated when you're in love) increased significantly, according to research from neurobiologists Semir Zeki and Tomohiro Ishizu. Other studies also found that colors affect our psyche. Warm-colored interiors evoke excitement, and cool-colored spaces offer more restful, spacious feelings.

 What Is Dopamine Decor?

 Dopamine decor often combines bold colors, playful patterns, and expressive design, a counter to the once-trendy, matchy-matchy style of minimalism -- characterized by simple lines and neutral color palettes.

 The idea is to celebrate self-expression and creativity. "Adding dopamine decor to your home creates a space that feels bright, energizing, and uniquely personal," says James Mellan-Matulewicz, creative director of Bobbie Beck, a U.K.-based design and print studio. "By incorporating vivid colors with textures and decorative furnishings, this trend helps make your home an inspiring mood-boosting place to be."

 Your space should give you a "sense of euphoric bliss that hits the moment you walk in," says Matthew Coates, principal architect and managing partner of Coates Design Architects + Interiors in Los Angeles.

 7 Ways to Embrace Dopamine Decor

 Dopamine decor often gets lumped in with maximalism and over-the-top styles. But it doesn't have to be. You can channel dopamine decor without going to extremes. Especially if you're planning to sell your home in the near future, real estate agents would likely advise you to focus on pops like accessories and plants. Here are seven tips from the pros to choose from.

 Spice Up Your Color Palette With Dopamine Decorating

 Dopamine decor often gets associated with loud, vibrant colors, like saturated colors of electric blue, hot pink, or even bright yellow. But choose the colors that inspire you.

 Think about what's your power color. "Some people swear by wearing a 'power color' that makes them feel incredible," Coates says. "It's the same idea for interiors. If bold colors energize you, swap out throw pillows, a rug, or even a lampshade for something in a vibrant, mood-boosting hue." This could be trying out a wall color or an accent wall, or even painting the ceiling vibrant colors like fuchsia, mustard yellow, turquoise, or lime green to energize your space, Mellan-Matulewicz suggests. Or, try color blocking a wall in multiple colors, using contrasting or complementary colors to create blocks of color to dress up the walls.

 However, maybe you're more at peace surrounded by softer tones. In that case, lean into pastels or warm, earth shades, Coates says.

"The key is choosing colors that make you feel something -- not just following whatever's trending on Instagram," Coates says. "It's your home. Make it a reflection of what brings you joy."

 Bring in Statement Furniture

 Mix up your space's neutral furniture with a more attention-getting piece. Mellan-Matulewicz suggests energizing the space by using a brightly painted buffet or vanity table or even a sofa in an unexpected color. Or, try a quirky chair: a swing or egg chair hung from the ceiling in a bedroom or lounge space.

 Colorful furniture may do the trick more than repainting an entire room. For example, paint a colorful cabinet or have a colorful backsplash accent in the kitchen to bring "happy hues without overwhelming the space," says Alecia Taylor, an interior designer at CabinetNow.com.

 Accessorize to Accentuate Dopamine Decorating

 Art and home accessories can be another quick dopamine boost, Coates says. "I always tell people to decorate with things that spark happy memories or bring instant joy," he says. Coates recalls working with a client who loved vintage New Orleans posters because they reminded him of the "good ?ole days" growing up in Louisiana. So, Coates recommended framing a few posters and placing them prominently in the hallway. "Just like that, the space became an extension of his happiest self," Coates says. "That's the magic of dopamine decor. Your home should feel like you."

 On a similar note, Ellie Trebino Kelm, design manager at Mixbook, an online photo book service, has noticed an uptick in people turning to DIY projects using personal photographs. For example, they've created photobooks or nostalgic keepsakes.

 That could also include surrounding yourself with happy memories by creating a gallery wall displaying cherished photographs of the family or from vacations. Such "DIY decor adds a personal touch and sentimental value that mass-produced items simply can't match," says Kelm.

"While it's fun to lean into trending pieces, covering your home with what's ?popular' might not always feel authentic," Kelm adds. "Instead, focusing on items that bring you joy will result in timeless decor you'll cherish for years to come."

 Add Dopamine Decor-Friendly Texture Touches

 Experiment with textures and materials, such as velvet, fringe, tassels, embroidered cushions, or mirrored or iridescent finishes. They can add a playful touch, Mellan-Matulewicz suggests. "There's a growing embrace of whimsical elements, including retro-inspired furniture, unique patterns, and quirky statement pieces, all of which bring personality to interiors," he says.

 Mix in textured laminates, fluted wood panels, or high-gloss surfaces in kitchen or bathroom cabinetry to create depth and interest while also keeping the foundation timeless, Taylor says.

 Gold and metallic accents also can bring a shiny texture and depth to the design. Gold light fixtures, brass hardware, gilded picture frames or metallic fittings can work in modern and vintage settings, Mellan-Matulewicz says. Swap out cabinet handles in finishes like brushed gold, matte blue or even pastels -- a simple way to add more personality to your decor, Taylor adds.

 Use Playful Patterns to Punch Up Dopamine Decorating

 Don't succumb to always matching. Mix prints and patterns. Wallpapers, upholstery, or even artwork in geometric shapes or whimsical florals can liven up a space.

 Mix and match bold patterned wallpaper or wall murals, like a bold checkerboard and stripe pattern or an abstract print. "It'll bring a fun focal point to your room," Mellan-Matulewicz says.

 Lighten Up Your Mood

 Natural light and sunlight infusing an interior space may help raise your dopamine levels. Studies have shown that spaces filled with natural light can boost happiness and even increase your productivity when working from home. Maximize the daylight entering your home from windows.

 Also, pay attention to your home's lighting. "Good lighting can completely shift the mood of a room," Coates says. "Swap out harsh overhead lights for warmer bulbs or add a fun, quirky lamp for a cozy vibe."

 If you want to channel more creativity in your space, try colored LED lights, Coates suggests. Add them under cabinets, behind TVs, around ceilings, or even to light up your outdoor and entertainment spaces.

 Also, Coates loves to install dimmers on lights so he can control the temperature and brightness of the lights. "It's one of my go-to tricks. It's instant mood control at your fingertips."

 Incorporate Plants and Greenery

 Make houseplants your new BFF. "They bring life, offering that subconscious boost that comes from being surrounded by nature," Coates says.

 The power of plants is proven: Studies show that actively interacting with indoor plants can improve your mental and physical health, even lowering your stress and blood pressure, as well as offering a sense of comfort.

"Incorporating biophilic design by adding fresh herbs in the kitchen, living walls, or wood grain cabinet finishes can bring warmth and connection to nature indoors," Taylor adds.

 Try One-of-a-Kind Home Decorating With Dopamine Decor

 Individuals can channel dopamine decor differently. But at its root, it's a break from uninspiring spaces (yes, we're talking about you, all-white kitchens and all-gray decorated rooms!) Dopamine decor is about creating a home with more personality and self-expression, whether that's through color, textures, lighting, patterns, or nostalgic decor.

"Dopamine decor isn't about following a strict formula," Coates says. "It's about curating a space that makes you happy every single time you walk into it." In essence, it's about creating your happy space.

Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

Home Trends for 2025: Value-Added Insights

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Published: December 20, 2024

Real estate pros and home designers weigh in on hot home design trends that may have timeless appeal – and the ones you need to approach with caution.

Home trends can be hot one minute but not so hot the next. So, how can you tell which home design trend will survive or even be a classic someday versus one that might fade faster than you can say “carpeted bathroom.”

It’s important to think about why that distinction matters. Home renovations, appliances, and furniture are expensive, and you don’t want to waste money by having to undo a project. In addition, you don’t want to live with features that look outdated or could even hurt your home’s resale value one day.

As the 2025 home design predictions flood in, use caution before jumping on the latest home trend. Consider that 2025 is embracing a “maximalist,” colorful, extra-personalized aesthetic. That’s a big shift from what had been trending — more neutral, less busy, minimalist interiors. (You know, the ones that real estate professionals tend to favor for resale.)

“I always advise not to overdo a home with trends, as they can be liked by some but not by all,” says Krisztina Bell, a home stager and owner of No Vacancy Home Staging in Atlanta. That advice is particularly important when selling a home, she adds. Plus, as designers and real estate pros can attest, “we never know exactly which trends will have staying power,” says Cindy Raney, founder of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury’s Cindy Raney & Team in Fairfield County, Conn. “I wasn’t sure if brass was here to stay a few years ago and can confidently say we still love it.”

Balance is key in “expressing personal style with home design trend choices and at the same time maintaining broad buyer appeal for eventual resale,” Raney explains. “Some trends have long-term potential, while others can quickly date a space or limit its resale value.”

You can avoid a pricey trend misstep by checking out real estate and staging pros’ insights about the staying power of these seven home design trends for 2025.

#1 Home Trend for 2025: Brassy Fixtures

Brass metals are making a comeback. The last run featured shiny, polished brass that coated kitchens and bathrooms in the 1980s and 1990s. But the more modern look is brushed gold or unlacquered brass. These versions are less shiny and more smudge-proof than past iterations. Brass has re-emerged as on-trend for lighting fixtures, cabinet pulls, and faucets. It’s also getting mixed alongside other metal finishes, like matte black, chrome, or brushed nickel.

Will it last? “It’s adding that bit of flair and an upscale feel to a home,” Bell says. Still, don’t overdo it. Over the years, “brass and gold hardware come back ‘in’ trending-wise and then you see it go right back out of style,” she adds. “But it seems brass and warm brushed metals are still going strong. They are hanging around when it comes to decorating and even staging a home. When it comes to selling a home, I really don’t see it as a make or break in a sale. It can always be changed out.”

Verdict: Has staying power, especially when used as an accent

Tips:

• Get the right finish: Use unlacquered brass or brushed bronze.

• Combine brass with other metals: Options include matte black, chrome, and brushed nickel.

• Focus on bathrooms and kitchens: “In Atlanta, we are still seeing the use of all colors of metals. Gold, brushed gold, and brass are trending in bathrooms, specifically in the lighting and the sink and cabinet hardware” Bell says. “It’s becoming a focal point, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.”

  
  

#2 Home Trend for 2025: Biophilic Design

Biophilia may sound like a medical condition, but it’s actually a trend centered on increasing a home’s connection to nature. And it’s the top trend that designers, contractors, and homebuilding professionals are identifying for the new year, according to Thumbtack, a home professionals site. You can try out this home trend by adding more plants and greenery, filtering in more natural light to the interior, or embracing neutral, earthy color palettes and materials.

Homebuilding giant Taylor Morrison also says they’re committed to the trend for 2025. The homebuilder will focus on the number, size, and location of windows to improve indoor-outdoor connectivity. For example, they’ll use windows that extend to the floor.

Will it last? “The principles behind this design trend will certainly stand the test of time,” says Kendra Sinclair, Thumbtack’s home trends expert. But biophilia will likely evolve beyond just bringing in plants, according to Danielle DeBoe Harper, senior creative style manager at Moen. “We are seeing a greater application of incorporating nature inside the home,” she said, speaking at a Kalco-sponsored webinar.. “It’s making rooms look less cookie-cutter from others, like with a pebble-shaped stool or organic textures. Wellness and biophilia will remain huge in design, and [biophilia] will intersect with smart home technology and wellness.”

Verdict: Has staying power

Tips:

• Focus on plants: “Using plants and eco-friendly materials are great options,” says Ashley DeHart, a real estate pro at Realty from DeHart in Fresno, Calif.

• Consider maintenance: “Be mindful of anything that has a high level of maintenance, as it could be a deterrent for buyers,” DeHart warns. Greenery — like snake plants, ferns, or cast iron plants — can be low-maintenance houseplant alternatives, Thumbtack notes.

• Think outside the plant box: Bring in other home elements, like a tree stump side table, dried flower arrangements, raw stone plinths, and coffee tables, Sinclair says. Or add art that references the outdoors.

  
  

#3 Home Trend for 2025: Wallpaper

Houzz, a home remodeling and design platform, predicts that “richly patterned wallpaper” will be a hot trend in 2025. Bell says she’s seeing more unique, bold-patterned wallpaper featuring geometric shapes or metallic shine. The wallpaper is popping up in smaller areas, like the powder room, or used on the “fifth wall” — the ceiling. “Wallpaper is making a huge comeback. It’s taking on the design world as it adds depth and texture to a room instantly,” she says.

Will it last? “It’s a great way to display a unique personality in a room,” Bell says. “But when it comes to selling a home and staging a home in some instances, wallpaper that has more than three colors and a bold pattern may not be to the taste of potential home buyers. Wallpaper in overly busy patterns or in bold colors could eventually date a home,” she cautions.

Verdict: Proceed carefully and use in small areas

Tips:

• Be selective about colors and patterns: Keep the wallpaper neutral and choose an easy-on-the-eyes pattern that’s calming, Bell says. That’s especially true if you plan to sell your home soon.

• Be careful where you use it: “We suggest [wallpaper] could make an appearance in a bathroom or maybe just on an accent wall. It does seem sellers are wanting to make their homes a bit more memorable to buyers,” Bell notes.

• Think about its positive impact on a room: It can add instant depth and texture.

#4 Home Trend for 2025: Wood Accents

Wood elements, like ceiling beams, trim, millwork, wall paneling, and cabinetry, are adding natural wood tones back into interiors. Natural materials are gaining prominence in home remodels. Eighty percent of home professionals are identifying natural wood (untreated with paint) as one of the top construction materials for 2025, according to Thumbtack’s 2025 home trends report.

Warmer oak tones are back on trend, says Jessica Shaw, director of interior design with the Turett Collaborative in Toronto, Canada. “Oak has had a stronghold with our clients in recent years. But I’m seeing a shift toward more of a French oak and more amber tones [from Anigre wood], which of course was so ubiquitous in the ’90s.”

Will it last? Shaw says she believes the rise of warmer oak tones will remain strong well beyond 2025. Whether it’s a warmer or a darker finish, wooden tones “will forever add warmth and organic richness,” adds Becky Walter, design manager for the custom-build home company Sineath Construction in Asheville, N.C.

Wood textures bring warmth and character to interiors and can complement styles from modern to traditional, notes Raney. “Its timeless appeal often resonates with home buyers too,” she says.

Verdict: Has staying power

Tips:

• Build richness in your space: Wooden elements can be used to increase the perceived “richness” of a space, says Walter.

• Use it as an accent: “Pops of accent wood in places — such as hardware, accents, and inlays — create a preciousness to wood. [Wood accents] elevate this material to new heights,” Walter adds.

• Consider what you pair it with: To avoid the finish from ever appearing outdated, “context is key,” Shaw says. “When paired with modern architecture, a neutral palette, and furniture with contemporary silhouettes, [wood finishes] will naturally feel timeless and of the moment.”

  
  

#5 Home Trend for 2025: Hidden Storage

Homebuilder Taylor Morrison’s 2025 trends include paying more attention to “everyday entries” for storage. These might include a small vestibule or hall with a small alcove for shoes, a key drop, or a backpack valet. The builder is also moving laundry rooms, some with more storage space, to the same floor as the primary suite.

More storage is coming to kitchens, too. Larger pantries are outfitted with cabinets and countertops to accommodate more food prep. Also, storage is being added throughout the home, like washing machine cupboards at the top of stairs and laundry zone bathrooms, Houzz notes.

Will it last? “Expanded storage is highly practical and appeals to buyers who value organization and functionality,” Raney says. “These spaces are adaptable for various needs, making them a strong selling point.” Indeed, storage adds utility and clutter control — essential for managing potentially cluttered and messy parts of the home. Those include laundry rooms, kitchens, and mudrooms, Walter adds. Homeowners are more interested in storage, organization, and stocking up in these back-of-house rooms, she notes.

Verdict: Has staying power

Tips:

• Avoid too much customization: Watch out for overly customized or niche layouts, like too many built-ins that could crowd a room, Raney advises.

• Use flexible solutions: “Focus on creating flexible, well-designed storage solutions that work for a range of preferences,” Raney adds. That will make a home’s storage not just convenient but also a future selling point.

• Pay attention to messy parts of the home: Homeowners and home buyers want storage in entryways, but also laundry rooms, kitchens, and mudrooms.

#6 Home Trend for 2025: Calming Outdoor Retreats

Several 2025 home trends reports note an increase in online searches for more “calming and peaceful vibes” in homes. For example, Pinterest searches for “zen house” were up a whopping 405% over the past year. And searches more than doubled for a “cozy reading room,” “cozy sunroom,” and “serene color palettes,” like in blues and greens.

The trend is also heading outdoors. There’s been an uptick in home renovation projects geared to creating calming spaces outside, according to Thumbtack. Projects include garden spaces and the addition of small ponds and fountains.

Will it last? “This one is amazing for resale,” Raney says. “Outdoor living spaces continue to be a top priority for buyers, offering an escape and a place to entertain.” Features like ponds or fountains can add a “unique, tranquil element,” she says. Also these outdoor sanctuaries — which may also include fire pits, comfy seating, and raised garden beds — can offer “a restorative and reflective spot at your home,” Sinclair adds.

Verdict: Has staying power

Tips:

• Go for a cozy but zen vibe: Consider serene color palettes, a sunroom, or a reading room.

• Think about maintenance: “Installing native plants in your outdoor space sets you up for more sustainable garden spaces,” Sinclair says. “By factoring in systems like water pumps to keep ponds and fountains full, hardwired landscape lighting to keep you outside as the sun sets, and underground drip water irrigation to help plants thrive, you can truly appreciate your outdoor retreat.”

• Combine beauty and functionality: “Decorative screen panels, pergolas, plantings, and other structures add an element of both beauty and functionality” and privacy to outdoor areas, says Joe Raboine, vice president of design at Oldcastle APG, an outdoor materials company. “Sound gardens and water features add audible privacy from neighbors or street traffic.”

#7 Home Trend for 2025: Colorful Bathroom Suites

More colorful interiors will mark a stark contrast to the all-white and neutral bathroom suites trend, according to Houzz. Its designer and remodeling survey predicts more green in bathroom color schemes, alongside shades of brown, pink, and blue, even for vanities, tubs, and basins. Hues of teal, mint, and lilac are adding a more retro style but with a modern twist.

Will it last? “Colors like green and teal tap into nature-inspired design, creating a calming effect,” Raney says. “When used thoughtfully, they can make a bathroom feel unique and modern. But bold fixtures in less common colors may polarize future buyers, as many still prefer neutral designs for bathrooms.”

Also, while non-neutral colors are gaining popularity, they’re not yet mainstream. A separate survey, Houzz’s 2024 U.S. Bathroom Trends Study, shows that white and off-white are still the most popular color for countertops, shower walls, and interior walls.

Verdict: Proceed cautiously and use color for accents or walls only

Tips:

• Use accents: Try bringing in more colorful accents, like towels or artwork, or even painting the walls a bright hue.

• Be careful with fixture colors: Avoid choosing sinks and tiles in colors like black, pink, purple, or blue.

• Keep costs in mind: The average bathroom renovation could cost $35,000, according to the National Association of REALTORS® “Remodeling Impact Report.” So, “proceed cautiously, especially if you are thinking of selling in the next few years,” Raney says.

Where to Start With 2025 Home Trends

If you’re looking to incorporate a home design trend or two and want a low-risk starting point, Raney has suggestions. Experiment with bolder designs in smaller areas of your home, like home offices, powder rooms, or guest bedrooms. They’re easier and less costly to redo if styles change, she notes. On the other hand, for more expensive home trend projects, like kitchens and bathrooms, choose more neutral colors for the design and fixtures.

Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.