Colour has been proven to impact our wellbeing.
It can alter our mood and has the potential to influence everything from decision making and our perception of time passing, to temperature, taste and emotion.
We recently explored the benefits of dopamine dressing, which is set to be one of 2022’s biggest trends – and this celebration of the bold and bright has now extended to our homes.
Enter dopamine décor.
This look is sweeping through the interiors world, as we move away from more neutral palettes, although, these too have mood altering qualities of their own – and, depending on your taste, may actually boost your serotonin levels.
But the 2022 version is very much rooted in a world of colour, where all of the old rules go out of the window.
Pinterest – a haven for interiors inspo – report an increase in search terms related to the trend, with an 85% increase in people looking for ‘colourful living room ideas’ and a fourfold increase in ‘bright bathroom’ searches.
And it seems that you can’t log on to Instagram, without being bombarded with images of homes employing skilful use of colour, to varied effect.
Why bright interiors are so popular
Surrounding ourselves with certain colours can absolutely affect how we feel and, after the rough couple of years we’ve all had, it’s safe to say we deserve some joy.
‘Dopamine is essentially the “feel good” chemical our bodies produce when we’re experiencing something pleasurable, therefore dopamine decor is design that makes us feel good,’ explains Emily Harnasz, interior expert and founder of Swish.
‘During the pandemic we have all found ourselves spending more time at home and there has been an increased interest in how we can make our homes more interesting and enjoyable places to live.’
The look is all about creatinga feeling, a good vibe, an uplifting atmosphere and positivity – it should feel energetic and dynamic, according to Jo Littlefair, co-founder and director of Goddard Littlefair.
‘Be it through pattern, colour, metallics or playful artwork, this is decor to put you in a good mood, make you excited and live in the moment.’
Jo explains that interiors can act as a ‘balm for the soul’ – a place of escape from everything else that’s going on it the world.
Colour is incredibly emotive and we have deeply rooted associations with certain colours and tones, she says.
‘Layered onto this is a joyfulness when you see colour and pattern mixed together in a skilful way that makes your heart sing a little’, says Jo.
‘It’s experiencing something refreshing and just a little bit different or unexpected that gives us all mental lift.’
Seek out inspiration
To achieve the look you’ll need to be brave and bold with colour and look to clash prints with a maximalist approach, saysAvalana Simpsom of Avalana Design.
However, if you’re not sure where to start with your room makeover then seek out some inspiration.
‘I always find that hotels are a great reference point when it comes to dramatic wallpaper and colour combinations,’ Alvana tells Metro.co.uk.
She adds that you shouldn’t be afraid to translate hotel style on to a smaller scale in your own home. ‘You can take inspiration for all parts of a design – from walls, furniture, lighting and other finishing touches,’ she continues.
‘And beyond hotels you could look to fashion, nature and social media for design inspiration.’
Don’t feel confined to using dopamine decor on your walls though.
‘Look to incorporate feelings of joy with pops of colour and shape using decorative accessories, lampshades, furniture accents and playful vases.’
In terms of colour combinations, Alvana suggests that lilac and orange are pushing pink and grey aside this year – and together, evoke a happy mood and positivity.
How to make it work for you
The key to successfully achieving this trend is to be mindful of the proportion and placement of certain colours and patterns you use, suggests Emily,
‘For example, yellow is an uplifting, fun and joyful colour, but using this everywhere will start to have the opposite effect and feel overwhelming, agitating and harsh.’
She recommends using a healthy mix of colours, to ensure things don’t get too jarring.
For example, perhaps go for a bold wallpaper pattern but tone it down with a simple complementary colour on the ceiling, or in soft furnishings.
‘Be mindful of the types of colours you use in certain rooms, think about how you want to feel in each space and choose colours and patterns that reflect this,’ she says.
For example, perhaps don’t go for a zingy and bold theme in a bedroom for example – as this might be too stimulating and have a negative effect on your sleep.
‘The golden rule here? Follow your heart! Find the colours that make you happy and incorporate them into your home to boost your mood every single day.’
Our favourite pieces
If you want to give your home a dopamine boost, but aren’t quite sure where to start, we have some fun items to give some inspiration.
Checkered moroccan rug
If 2022 is anything to go by, it seems clear that the rules ahve changed: Pink and green should always be seen.
It’s this year’s new pink and red – and this fun rug is a way of updating your home, without spending a fortune.
Buy it here for £78.
Colourful ribbed pillar candles
These two tone Habitat Haus candles are an easy way to add a pop of colour to your living space – and can be grouped together for extra impact.
Buy them here for £14.95.
Tibetan tiger throw
This Goodbond Tibetan tiger woven throw is packing a massive punch in terms of colour combinations, and is enough to add personality to the plainest of rooms. Conveniently, it’s also giving some good advice.
Use as a throw, or a wall hanging – depending on how much prominence you want to give it.
Buy it here for £240.
Geometric bedding set
Habitat have some gorgeous, affordable things to bring some dopamine to your home.
This duvet set, in a geometric, arch print is lovely – and would work well with contrasting colours, such as blue or lilac.
Buy a double set here, for £26.
Love wins neon sign
This Oliver Bonas neon sign is a sure-fire mood booster – and is one of a few neon block options on offer.
As well as being highly Instagrammable, these pieces bring daily light and colour to your home.
Buy it here for £95.
Green glass table lamp
This green glass table lamp comes with a rafia strand shade, which lets the light filter through softly.
There’s also a pink version, if that’s more in-keeping with your scheme.
Buy it here for £125.
Orange metal dome light
While we’re on lights… a dramatic ceiling fitting can work wonders to add a statement to any room.
This Nordic inspired pendant looks more expensive and designer than it actually is.
Buy it here for £87.
Neon wave mirror
Ok, ok, this Ultrafragola neon wave mirror is just a little bit out of our price range… but it’s essentially a work of art.
And is available in seven beautiful colours.
Buy it here for… £985.
Bold wallpaper
Made.com have an incredible range of bold wallpapers – and this green and white one is especially visually pleasing.
Imagine with some orange, yellow or pink colour blocking?
Buy it here for £55 a roll.
Velvet cushion
If you like your soft furnishings to come with reassuring words, this one from Ian Snow is for you.
The red beading on the blue velvet is a subtle use of colour, but very lovely.
Buy it here for £55.
Pink LED curve wall light
A more calming shade of pink, this would look lovely as a bed reading light, either side of a double bed.
Maybe even against a blue or green wall…
Buy it here for £36.
Blue candle holder
This glass, royal-blue candlestick from London Works is an easy way to update your home.
It would look incredible with contrasting candles – or, a monochrome pattern.
Buy it here for £18.95.
Splatter candles
Like these! These candles in the blue holder, or any colour for that matter, would be divine.
Buy them here for £14.
Red and prink throw
This Linnea Andersson throw from Arket is giving Matisse inspired shapes, and comes in seven different colourways.
The perfect way to jazz up any sofa or bedroom – and spark joy in the process.
Buy it here for £69.
Pom pom curtains
These lightweight cotton curtains from Anthropologie come with playful tassels and a subtle stripe pattern.
Available is several different colour ways, including teal and pink, and pink and green.
Buy them here for £88.
Liberty vase
Handmade and hand-painted in Spain, by a family of skilled artisans, this vase is shaped using traditional time-honoured techniques.
Something about this colour combination and the subtle gingham pattern is so pleasing to the eye.
Buy it here for £55.
Orange fruit basket
This fruit basket is an easy way to bring some colour into your kitchen – and would look particularly lovely with pink or blue tones, for a real serotonin boost.
Go on, give your bananas a treat.
Buy it here for £20.
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