A quarter of homeowners are embracing ‘dopamine decor’ to brighten their homes in anticipation of the darker winter months. A survey of 2,000 adults who own their homes revealed that 57 per cent feel their interior design directly influences their mood during the darker seasons.
Four in ten get bored of their bland white, grey and beige colour schemes, with the living room the top spot for a burst of brightness. Bedrooms and dining rooms are also likely to be given a colourful shake-up. Cushions, striking wall art and bold throws emerged as the top purchases for enhancing mood. Meanwhile, 18 per cent are daring to experiment with patterned wallpaper for the first time.
Caroline Woolmer, head of design at Lust Home, which specialises in vibrant colour and pattern wallpapers and commissioned the research, said: “Dopamine décor is really the natural evolution of the dopamine dressing trend – where people use fashion to feel brighter and happier.
“It makes perfect sense that this thinking has moved into our homes, especially in winter when we spend so much time inside. Bold colours and playful prints can energise us and instantly lift a room. “
“Wallpaper is the ideal way to create happy walls,” she adds. “Whether it’s a full room, a ceiling or just one feature wall, it has such an impact and gives that warm, fuzzy dopamine feeling.”
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Two thirds are determined to make their homes feel cosier as the cold weather approaches. For that reason, for 35 per cent, this season presents an ideal opportunity to abandon the beige and embrace bolder hues.
Floral motifs, tropical prints, and abstract patterns are deemed the most invigorating. Meanwhile, sunny shades such as yellow, orange, and pink are considered top choices for dispelling winter blues.
However, despite a strong desire for transformation, about 63 per cent express apprehension about incorporating brighter patterns and colours. Among these, 38 per cent worry their homes might become too ‘busy’, while 27 per cent fear their new décor might clash with their existing furnishings.
Colour expert, Karen Haller, added: “It’s easy to stick with ‘neutrals’ because they can feel safe. But if bold colour feels like a natural way to express your true personality, remember it doesn’t mean going from beige, grey or white to a cacophony of colour overnight.”
She suggests starting with small accents such as wallpapering the back wall of a bookcase or in a small nook, or even bringing some colour to a door.
“These little splashes of colour can build confidence and transform a space without taking you out of your comfort zone,” she said. “It’s about choosing what feels right for you and how you want your home to feel. The most important thing is to choose colours that make you smile and bring you joy. If they lift your mood and give you those feel good feels, then they’re doing their job.”