We’re Calling It: Summer’s Big Design Trend Is Dopamine Decor
Ten products to give your home an instant vibe shift.
Published May 10, 2023 5:00 AM
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Sometimes you walk into a room and you can just feel your energy shift. Whether that’s a cafe coated in pastels, a friend’s art-filled abode, or, on the flip side, a fluorescent doctor’s office, our surroundings have a direct impact on our mood. This is the thought behind popular trends like the Marie Kondo method (it has to spark joy!) as well as the more recent social media–fueled “dopamine decor.”
The concept came out of the pandemic, as people sought an escape from doom-scrolling through punchy colors, funky silhouettes, and maximalist prints. Suddenly, blobby candles, wavy mirrors, flower-shaped pillows, and jewel-toned sofas—essentially, anything that ignites a smile—took over our feeds.
The trend is showing no sign of slowing down in 2023—6 million people and counting have used the hashtag #DopamineDecor on TikTok. So as temperatures rise, so can our spirits. It’s the perfect time to inject a little joy (and a lot of color) into our spaces. Not sure where to start? Check out these dopamine decor items from Walmart. The best part? They’re all under $200.
Something Curvy
Setting a groovy mood with their shapely silhouettes and sunset shades, this set of three unscented pillar candles is the perfect small accent if you aren’t ready for a full dopamine dose quite yet.
Something Bright
Keep a neutral sofa or chair feeling lively with vibrant, interchangeable accessories, like this ombré velvet throw that can stand up to spills (it’s machine washable!).
Something Patterned
What’s cheerier than a patterned pillow? A 3D-patterned pillow. The playful tassels and fuzzy trellis motif on this one are calling for funky-shaped friends (think: flower or sphere shapes).
Something Shiny
A gold bar cart is the ideal warm-weather accessory—glowing in the sunlight and acting as a shiny stage for your icy beverage of choice. Just imagine it at dinner parties on the deck or poolside—lockable casters make it a breeze to relocate.
Something Floaty
The weather is warming up, but on the hottest days, you need to stay cool and protected. Keep the sunlight sans sunburn with sheer marigold drapes.
Something Warm and Fuzzy
Statement seating is a hallmark of dopamine decor—all the better when it feels like a cloud. This pillowy faux sherpa chair will meld effortlessly with any decor you already have on hand.
Something Creative
Art for your floors has taken over Instagram and TikTok feeds, from squiggly rainbow rugs to snake-embossed styles. This one is just like having a (super-durable) prized piece underfoot.
Something Transportive
Joy doesn’t just come from aesthetics—it’s an all-around sensory experience. This iridescent fragrance warmer disperses enchanting scents like papaya and citrus or coconut palm and plumeria (sold separately) without taking up much space (it’s just 3.5 inches in diameter).
Something Striped
The ideal vessel for citrusy big-batch drinks—or seasonal floral arrangements—this stoneware pitcher provides the perfect hit of color for your table.
