‘Happiness comes from within,’ was the interior design mantra after the Barbiecore trend of 2023. But as quickly as we embraced the ‘less is more’ approach, maximalism design was back in.

Then out again as minimalism took hold. When it comes to decorating and styling your home in line with the latest fashions, it can be hard to keep up, so why not give dopamine décor a try?

By following your own decorating ethos, it’s easy to find happiness through design – and no longer need to follow trends.

What’s more, using colour drenching and dopamine decorating in the kitchen, you can find a dopamine hit that brings joy every single day.

The experts at Masterclass Kitchens know all too well that this is a great way to boost your mood for good. After all, this is your space so, if you love colourful kitchens, go for it!

Pictured: Carnegie Claret and Solva Vintage Rose range by Sigma 3 Kitchens Newport

What is dopamine décor?

If you’re not familiar with the term, dopamine décor stems from the TikTok trend for dopamine dressing – the act of wearing bright colours and items you love in order to boost your dopamine levels, the feel-good hormone in the brain.

Dopamine décor is the interiors equivalent, where you gain a sense of pleasure and motivation by experimenting with colour and texture, balancing minimalism and maximalism until you hit that sweet spot that makes you happy.

A home that embraces dopamine decorating is typically based on three principles:

From left: Hardwick kitchen in Vintage Rose and Shelford in Farringdon Grey by Et Lorem / Sutton kitchen in New Forest and Ligna in Farmhouse Oak, by Elmview Interiors

The idea comes from children’s spaces, where they are happiest surrounded by items they love and haven’t yet developed their own interior design tastes. Think vintage décor, kitsch accessories, random colours and materials and that’s the basis of dopamine décor.

It’s ok to add just a few high-quality items to your room or to go totally maximalist. Dopamine home décor takes its inspiration from many muses, including colour drenching interiors, 50s interior design and retro interior design. The only ‘rule’ is that you decorate unapologetically to stimulate your inner child.

Pictured: H-Line Sutton Graphite and Deco Copper Oxide range

How to get that dopamine décor hit

Masterclass Kitchens breaks it down into three simple steps:

Embrace dopamine decor psychology

Colour therapy is key, and there is plenty of inspiration on Pinterest regarding how to bring dopamine colours into your kitchen using mid-century design, pop art and colour drenching. Bold blocks of colour play a vital role but choosing the right colour for you is what makes it work.

Pictured: Carnegie Claret and Solva Vintage Rose range by Sigma 3 Kitchens Newport

Barbiecore for instance is pink all the way, which is said to reassure the nervous system. Red raises your heart rate, creating a sense of urgency. Blue soothes, which is great for productivity, yellow in small doses promotes optimism, green is calming, orange stimulates appetite and social interaction while purple exudes luxury.

Use KonMari to spark joy

Your kitchen colours can help you achieve the mental state you’re looking for but they are unlikely to work their magic if your space is full of clutter. Take on board Marie Kondo’s KonMari method, which is all about removing mess and staying organised and this can be used in the dopamine décor trend, too.

Pictured: Hatfield Scots Grey and Moonlight Blue range by Sigma 3 Culverhouse Cross

To achieve happiness from within, it’s best not to design a room that swallows a lot of time and energy to keep clean. Instead, create a space that encourages you to focus on things you love, such as hobbies, goals and people.

Strip back to dopamine décor furniture such as much-loved pieces or accessories and let them fill your heart with joy.

Go maximalist on cherished items

This look is all about bringing your own personal interior design into your kitchen.

Make it as comfortable as possible and combine vivid colours, patterns and textures, as well as plants for their well-being benefits.

From left: Ashbourne kitchen in Oxford Blue and Scots Grey / Hardwick kitchen in Highland Stone by Pb Kitchens and Bathrooms

Where to buy

Stimulating furniture is at the heart of dopamine décor, so if you need some help choosing your foundation, you can find your nearest Masterclass Kitchens showroom here.

You can also become a Masterclass Insider for free and enjoy exclusive lifestyle guides and design tips. Or read our blogs for further ideas, advice and inspiration.