Does your home make you happy? It’s a simple yet incisive question aimed at revealing whether you truly enjoy your sanctuary.
If you quietly confess that, actually, you don’t love your house or apartment, then ask why not. What’s the problem? How can you change your mood towards your home?
Ambivalence or disappointment are emotions that don’t usually bubble up when you’ve bought a home, but they can appear after several months. If that happens, you’re probably suffering a degree of buyer’s remorse.
But you can remedy the situation using an interior design approach called Dopamine Decor.
It’s a philosophy for furnishing your home to make you feel good – just like a dopamine hit from going to the gym, or finishing a jog around the park.
For inspiration, check out social media platforms like Pinterest and TikTok, using the search term “Dopamine Decor”. Design blogs and websites are equally good sources.
You can try niche magazines, such as Design Milk, or buy the book Happy Inside: How to Harness the Power of Home for Health and Happiness by Michelle Ogundehin.
Others will find inspiration in art galleries, their own memories and childhood nostalgia.
Below, we’ve listed the key elements of adopting a Dopamine Decor approach.
- Colour Power: Vibrant hues such as yellow and orange can promote energy and enthusiasm, while calming blues and greens can induce relaxation and tranquility. Consider your personal preferences.
- Be Bold: Use playful patterns and textures. Geometric prints, floral motifs and abstract designs create visual interest and stimulate the senses. Textures such as velvet, faux fur and woven fabrics offer tactile appeal.
- Make A Statement: A single, eye-catching piece of furniture should be a focal point in each room.
- Get Personal: Show off your passions, hobbies and memories with photos, travel souvenirs and artwork.
- Get Green: Plants, flowers, or natural materials like wood and stone are wonderful additions that lift the spirits or create serenity.