Forget the drab, minimalist interiors of the past — a new wave of interior design is sweeping across Britain, and it’s all about joy. Gen Z homeowners are embracing what’s being called dopamine décor, a trend that encourages people to fill their homes with colour, pattern, and textures that make them feel good.
It’s less about following a strict aesthetic and more about personal pleasure. If it sparks joy, it fits into the room.
The trend has exploded online, with over 34 million posts on TikTok, building on the popularity of “dopamine dressing,” where people choose outfits that boost their mood.
What Dopamine Décor Looks Like
At its heart, dopamine décor is about creating happiness through your surroundings.
Monika Puccio, director of buying at Sofa Club, told us, “This trend is about surrounding yourself with things that make you feel alive and energised.”
From pastel walls to bold patterns and playful furniture, the trend encourages self-expression and creativity.
It’s about making your home feel like a space where you can smile, relax, and recharge.
Celebrities Getting In on the Trend
Even celebrities are taking notice. Kimberley Walsh has become one of dopamine décor’s biggest advocates, adding warm pastel shades to her own home.
“I’m loving dopamine décor — adding soft pastels like this boosts happiness and positivity in my family spaces,” she said.
Walsh recently launched her own Blush Rose paint with Wickes, a new shade of pastel pink inspired by the trend.
Priced at £14 for 2.5L, it joins her existing palette of Blue Haze and Subtle Sage. “Dusty vintage pinks have always been a soft spot for me,” she added.
“They lift the mood instantly, bringing little sparks of joy to any space.”
The Science Behind Colour and Mood
Dopamine décor isn’t just a fad — it’s rooted in neuroscience.
Research from neurobiologists Semir Zeki and Tomohiro Ishizu shows that looking at aesthetically pleasing environments activates the brain’s reward centres — the same areas triggered when you fall in love.
It’s not just dopamine that comes into play. Serotonin regulates mood, oxytocin gives comfort, norepinephrine adds excitement, and endorphins support overall well-being.
Studies even suggest that vibrant, bold spaces enhance sensory experiences — a good book or a box of chocolates just feels better in a joyful room.
Oxford’s Crossmodal Lab calls this cross-modal perception, meaning the way we process one sense can influence how we feel through another. So a bright, playful living room can literally make everyday experiences more enjoyable.
Bold, Playful, and Full of Life
Monika Puccio explains, “Colour, texture, and pattern can have a tangible effect on our mood.
Certain shades stimulate positive emotional responses, and playful combinations remind us of creativity and freedom.”
After years of muted, minimalist interiors, homeowners are craving optimism and self-expression.
From statement furniture to unexpected colour pairings, dopamine décor is all about making spaces feel lively, personal, and fun.
Accessible and Rule-Free Design
One of the reasons dopamine décor is so appealing is its accessibility. There are no strict rules.
Homeowners simply need to fill their spaces with colours, patterns, and textures that lift their spirits.
Puccio says, “People are focusing less on rules and more on how their interiors make them feel.
That’s what makes dopamine décor powerful — it celebrates individuality, joy, and the emotional connection we have with our homes.”
The Takeaway
Whether it’s a pastel pink wall, a statement sofa, or quirky decor, dopamine décor is transforming houses into spaces that don’t just look stylish but make people genuinely feel happy to be at home.
In uncertain times, a joyful, personalised environment can be a sanctuary — one that uplifts, energises, and inspires every day.
