Bright colors, soothing neutrals, soft textures, and loads of happiness. Consider this your booster shot of joy.

With all the ups and downs of 2021 came a new way to cope. Yes, I’m talking about dopamine dressing, a fashion trend founded in bright colors to boost spirits. If you’re already addicted or just testing the waters, you’ll be pleased to learn the fun has spilled beyond your suit and tie. Dopamine décor is the feel-good trend that will rule the year ahead.

If dopamine dressing is a serotonin suit of armor, dopamine décor is a full dose of medicative merriment. Think of it as lithium for your living room or Prozac for your pantry. It goes beyond the vibrant colors of its fashion sibling to combine multiple sensory experiences into a daily environment of good vibes.

 Even before the pandemic, psychologists understood the effects of color, architectural spaces, and décor had on mental well-being. The past 10 years have seen increased interest in this area, highlighted by Google’s "A Space for Being" exhibit at the 2019 Milan Fuorisalone, an event that measured participants’ biometric data as they walk through a series of rooms. The pandemic further emphasized the need to create sanctuary spaces that offered a respite from the chaos of the outside world.

So what does dopamine décor look like? The short answer is whatever makes you feel good. The biggest takeaway from this trend is how personal it is. Not everyone responds to décor in the same way. While some elements may channel the over-the-top of maximalism, even minimalist can create dopamine-positive solutions in this trend. Though dopamine décor has few rules, here are some of the key aspects to consider.

Set A Mood

If you’re looking to add some dopamine décor in your life, start by selecting a mood. Where dopamine dressing leans toward vibrant colors and bold patterns, dopamine décor has more flexibility. Though much research has been done on how color affects mood—and some generalities can be drawn—there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Not everybody loves chartreuse walls and magenta pillows—nor should they feel they need to use bright colors to boost their mood. And there is no “right” mood you should aim for.  Some spaces will call for energizing colors, while others might call for soothing tones. The important thing to remember is to choose the palette that resonates with you.

Create Touchpoints

Color is not the only thing that affects how we feel. Haptic elements, textural touches, and softened shapes also contribute to our sense of well-being. Texture is created not only by what we touch, but also by what we see. Practitioners of the ancient art of Feng Shui relate such textures to the elements of water, wood, fire, earth, and metal, each with its own properties and emotional expression.

Undulating ripples can remind us of the soothing lap of calm water or evoke a happy silliness when taken to an extreme. Rounded shapes and bubbly forms provide psychological protection from the world around us. And just as an itchy sweater can ruin your day, so too can scratchy upholstery. Perhaps this explains the resurgence of bouclé, a nubby textile that feels cozy and soft to the touch. Textured and sculpted pile carpets are yet another trend that speaks to the need for textural layers in our homes.

Smell Ya Later

Home décor choices typically involve what we see and touch, but these are not the only two senses that affect our mood. The established direct link between our sense of smell and the emotional centers of our brain helps explain why scent can have a powerful effect on mental wellbeing. And, new research suggests that merely listening to the sounds of nature can have a positive effect on our mental health. Before splurging on that indoor Zen fountain or piping in scents of fresh baked bread, think of sound and smell as added layers to support the mood you are creating.

The tech world is already working on this. In August, Apple released their PairPlay app which offers shared immersive experiences played through a single set of AirPods. Tech reporters further cite Apple’s recently filed patent that allows for spatial audio, suggesting the company has plans to integrate sound with their forthcoming AR glasses. As this technology develops, the linking between augmented reality and sound will become a seamless overlay to your dopamine décor.

Will scent be next? The answer is yes. Though odors are more complex to recreate, scientists and tech companies are already working on digital solutions including a smart scent diffuser that can be incorporated with audiovisual experiences.

Nature Nurtures

It’s no shock that biophilic design is having a heyday. The impact nature plays on human health has been well documented. Biophilic design, a concept originally introduced by American biologist E.O. Wilson in 1984, involves the incorporation of natural materials like wood, sunlight and living plants into the built environment. Its use has been shown to promote mental and emotional health, decrease stress, improve cognition, and even lower blood pressure. Further, biophilic design promotes the kind of multi-sensory interplay described above; light, space, sound, scent, texture are all elements considered by biophilic architects.

The Most Important Touch? You.

The most important aspect of dopamine décor is personalization. Adding elements with special meaning, that evoke happy memories, or just make you smile should never be forgotten. It is these personal touches that make a place feel like home.

As the world around us continues to impact mental health, the need to create sanctuary spaces is more important than ever. Dopamine décor looks beyond just how color affects mood to also include multiple layers of happy-inducing vibes. With so many elements and flexible approaches, we won’t be coming down from this trend any time soon.