Spark joy

As the interiors world continues to celebrate dopamine décor, Rupert Oliver of Rupert Oliver Property Agents looks at introducing happiness-inducing hues into our homes...

Dopamine décor or ‘dopamine dressing’ has dominated the worlds of fashion and interior design for the past few years – and continues to do so. According to studies, colour has been proven to impact our wellbeing and activate the release of the feel-good chemical, dopamine, in our brains.

After lockdown, many were desperate to elevate their moods, introducing eye-catching prints and tactile furnishings in an attempt to spark joy. Although the meanings of colour change across the world – deep purple being associated with royalty in the West while red meaning prosperity in China, for example – its ability to shape our mood is universal.

As the new season approaches, it seems as though the celebration of bright and bold interiors is here to stay. So, with that in mind, it may be time to welcome the most joyful trend of recent years into our homes.

The association between brightly coloured decor and happiness is not new; in fact, the idea of certain colours having therapeutic qualities has long been considered. According to Maria Costantino, a lecturer in cultural and historical studies at the London College of Fashion who spoke to Harper's Bazaar: “Colour therapy and chromotherapy have long been of interest to cultures dating back to ancient Egypt and have been integrated into interior and environmental design,” she said. “For example, cool hues are used to enhance concentration, or pale green to instil quietness. Colour is closely associated with emotions; it colours our language – we say we are ‘feeling blue’, ‘seeing red’, ‘green with envy’ or ‘in the pink’.”

For those looking for a gentler way to ease into the trend, it may be worth incorporating a healthy mix of colours. Perhaps start with the paint for which Farrow & Ball is best known – Setting Plaster Pink. Or, if pink isn’t your style, yellow and orange are uplifting, fun and joyful colours that can be incorporated within geometric wall murals or introduced within rugs, ceramics, sofas or accent chairs.

Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue is one of the most popular colours of the moment having become the most Instagrammable paint colours of 2022. “There are many reasons Hague Blue is deeply popular, but most importantly, it shows that dark doesn’t necessarily mean oppressive and gloomy,” explained Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball. “It has just enough petrol green notes in it to stop it from feeling chilly.”

Ultimately, dopamine décor is all about feeling good, not necessarily about bringing bright colours into your rooms. Introduce textures and patterns that instantly make you feel happier; inject your personality onto the four walls around you, and design a space that makes your heart sing.

• rupertoliver.co.uk; 14 Waterloo Street, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4BT

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