What is Dopamine Decor?

(Viewed 5417 times since Dec 2023)

“I love color.
I love flaming reds,
And vivid greens,
And royal flaunting purples.
I love the startled rose of the sun at dawning,
And the blazing orange of it at twilight.”

From the moment we open our eyes, we see the world in terms of its colors. The Sun is yellow, the sky blue, the earth is green, and an orange is orange! In ancient civilizations all over the world, certain colors became synonymous with virtue and remained so for centuries.

Thus red is universally symbolic of strength, life, power, and passion. Black conveys mysteries, death, the eternal void, and unparalleled strength, and white as its complementing half is light, life, and purity. 


The connection between colors and the human mind has been explored for a long time, by artists, poets, scholars, and designers in the modern world. Yoga, the ancient practice of healing and purifying the mind has assigned individual colors to each of the seven Chakras.

To awaken every Chakra, the practitioner meditates on a particular color and receives its energies. From ancient Indian practices, Van Gogh’s wish to “eat yellow paint” with the hope of becoming happier, to “blue” being synonymous with royalty across regions, and red being a timeless marker of the joy and fortune of the newlywed brides in India, the world has been speaking its heart out through colors!

Dopamine Decor: How It All Started

The newest trend in our reliance on the language of colors is Dopamine Decor, marked by vivid colors, overlapping trends, and maximalism that causes a dopamine or happy hormone release in the brain with its eye-catching effect. 

In 2019, psychologist Dawnn Karen came up with the idea of Dopamine decoration, inspired by the vibrant trends of fashion, where colorful clothing is chosen by people as a reflection of their mood as well as a way to enhance their mood. 

According to psychology, colors have a significant effect on the hormones released by our brains, which is why trends like healing with colored light or chromotherapy and dressing in colorful and edgy attire have been a go-to and simple solution for making the day better in an instant.

Drawing on these trends, Dopamine Decor aims to create a vibrant yet comfortable interior, which allows the individual to express themselves through the colors in their surroundings. Each colorful piece, furniture, and decor article is chosen based on the “mood board” of the individual which leads to the creation of unique, dramatic, and personal spaces, that embrace a tired, angry, or anxious person with a spurt of joy.

How did Dopamine Decor become a Trend in 2024?

As the world sought a sanctuary in its home after being hit by the Pandemic, people started looking for ways to create a space that gets them out of the mundane, and gloomy mood of every day. Minimalism, which was a favorite of modern interior designers and clients, as a statement of contemporary taste slowly started giving way to a vivid color palette, contrasting and complementing elements and objects that reminded us of the best time of our lives- our childhood. 

Besides being expressive and hence beautiful, Dopamine decor has several perks, which makes it a beloved trend of interior designers, Gen-Z, and anyone who loves to give their space a personal touch. 

Dopamine decor allows you to decorate your space according to your vision and by yourself! There is no set of rules to be followed, only your heart. You can experiment, contrast, and try different settings and interior decor items before picking the perfect setting that works for you. Your space can become a true refuge for your creative senses. 

Since there are no formal requirements or layouts for Dopamine decoration, it is an affordable style for any interior. You can forget about going above and beyond your means to make a statement and get artwork and decor that reflects your vision. 

You can keep adding little details and elements to your Dopamine decor over time, this interior decor will never go out of style, because it is not based on a trend. It is for you, from you, making it a truly sustainable and timeless way of decorating your space.

Dopamine Decor with Indian Art and Crafts

While browsing the web for Dopamine decor, one is flooded with images of quirky and colorful modern furniture, artworks, and interior decoration. Though the concept of Dopamine decor is a modern trend, there are innumerable colorful possibilities for beautifying your interiors if you are a lover of traditional touch in your spaces.

Let us look at some of the ways you can give your space a traditional and trendy makeover and see how you can include dopamine decor in your space. You can go for an artistic statement with handpainted wall hanging plates that create vibrant visions on the wall.

Created with colorful shades and taking traditional subjects such as gods and goddesses, Nayika (heroine), and flora and fauna as their subjects, these wall-hanging plates as windows to the enchanting Indian culture on your walls.


If you want to go for a colorful and luxurious feel in your space, like the medieval rulers of India, pick exquisite papier mache decor pieces covered in ethereal patterns to combine vibrant appeal and richness in your interiors. From the majestic valleys of Kashmir, these decor objects have intricate and colorful floral patterns all over, that can add hints of fragrant beauty to the corners and tables of your home.


Modern and abstract paintings are a time-tested way to add a serene splash of colors to your space. Inspired by the profound thoughts of the culture and displaying the artist’s vibrant and individual understanding, these paintings are truly synonymous with the concept of Dopamine decor- colorful and personal. 


If you are a connoisseur of traditional touch in your interiors, experiment with Indian folk paintings, which are one of the trendiest decors of the year. Canvases carrying the rich heritage of tribes and indigenous communities, painted by folk artists with rich hues, folk paintings express ancient wisdom with a mesmerizing simplicity that will never go out of style. 


Give a wash of colors to your floor with the delicate comfort of carpets, covered in awe-inspiring patterns to add a hint of colors with a dash of luxury. A favorite of Indian royals and elites, traditional carpets are essentially tapestries of patterns and colors, that are loyal to the principles of dopamine decor while bringing the opulence of India to you. 

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right decor for your home in the vast collections of home decor online is a task that is challenging on so many levels. Nonetheless, decor that suits your budget, taste, and space is the dream. Exotic India offers a rich collection of vibrant and aesthetic modern and traditional home decor, for every home.

Whether it is a pillow cover or a statement modern art piece, our exotic collection is tailor-made to suit your taste. Explore the collection now, and make stay in style with the newest trends, while experiencing the timeless regalia of India.

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About Post Author
Prakriti Anand
This content has been reviewed and written by Prakriti Anand.

Prakriti is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Ancient Indian History from the University of Delhi. Her expertise in Indian culture ensures historical accuracy, cultural authenticity, and ethical representation in every piece she contributes.
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