I like the sound of Dopamine Decor, and expect that using the feel-good hormone in the name of an interior style would mean that entering such a living space would kindle in you happiness, joy, and all things bubbly.
Dopamine Decor is a subtrend of the Maximalism design style that we’ve written about so much. The latest post is about maximalist decorating as the Filipino Christmas look of choice to create the backdrop for an authentic Pinoy Pasko. Follow the link, and check if you didn’t forgot to add a burloloy or two. It will coax you to get in the Christmas mood even more, as JMC’s “Whenever I see girls and boys selling lanterns on the street…” float in the air.
Maximalism has the overall aesthetic of “more is more”. It may blend different design styles, like historical and modern styles, to express one’s personality and create that feeling of abundance and boldness.
A Maximalism Sub-Style
As mentioned, Dopamine Decor is a sub-style of the overarching design style Maximalism. The emphasis is mood-boosting…using colors, textures, and patterns to make a happy, vibrant home.
How do you create this style?
- splash vibrant happy colors all around your space that would immediately lift your spirit. Check out the Boysen website or Boysen app to discover some of the thousands of paint colors that are available.
- mix different textures that would make you want to reach out and touch the objects in the room
- choose bright and cheerful colors for upholstery
- create an eclectic gallery wall
- layer rugs of different colors and textures
- get colorful window treatments
- bring out the happy colors with good lighting
- bring in flowers and plants because they always make a room come alive
Other Design Styles
Another sub-style of Maximalism is Cluttercore, which I wrote about four years ago.
What’s the difference between the two sub-styles?
Cluttercore is curated clutter, with the focus on the word curation. There’s all that stuff, abubot, and burloloy you own but you become intentional about what to display when you create a layered look. Organized chaos, so to speak. It is also known as Curated Maximalism.
There’s still another trend I wrote about and that’s the Messy Girl aesthetic, a style where the intent does not prioritize traditional design rules but more the personal expression to create a “lived-in” feel, whatever that may mean to the owner.
There’s also Curated Kitsch, which is more about quirky, playful, and whimsical items that one puts together to create a fun, eclectic vibe.
All these styles belong to the overarching design style called Maximalism.
To summarize, Dopamine Decor is all about creating a home that amps up the feel-good vibe. The minute you enter the door, you get that rush just by looking at saturated, mood-boosting colors—like sunny yellow, warm pink, fresh green, vibrant blue—coating your walls or drenching your home furniture and accessories. Sensory stimulation is evoked through the different textures found in your home.
Cluttercore is all about personal storytelling that transforms your home into a visual narrative woven by the things you’ve collected. Your home evolves organically with mismatched items you’ve accumulated through the years, like stuff you’ve picked up from a trip, as well as repurposed or upcycled things you’ve thrifted or inherited.
What to Do with All These Design Trends
It may be helpful to some, and you may also find it interesting, to read about the different interior design styles that are just cropping up here and there.
Seriously though, just be chill about all that you read about home styles. Just listen to your heart. You know what you’d like your home to look and feel like. Besides, it is not possible to follow trends when it comes to creating your home. This is not fast fashion. and even following fast fashion is not sustainable.
For 2026, be wiser and discerning about creating your personal space, and come up with something authentically yours that gives you lots of joy!
Visit a Boysen Mix and Match Station to explore the thousands of paint colors from Boysen. Choose the location closest to you in this link.
