New ‘dopamine decor’ trend brings happy vibes

World got you down? A hit of "dopamine decor" might lift the spirits.

The biggest trend in home decorating this fall is an emphasis on happiness, self-expression, color and creativity. Does orange make you smile? Dress your kitchen in the happy hue. Love a variety of styles? Do a mashup.

The look goes by many names. Fashion writer Dawnn Karen referenced the feel-good brain chemical in her book "Dress Your Best Life," holding that "dopamine dressing" — wearing clothes in your own, individual style — gives you positive feelings.

Decorators and influencers say the same thing happens when we throw out old decor rules and step into a space adorned with personal touches. We're more relaxed. More creative.

People are asking themselves what colors and patterns they really love, "and then bringing those features into their spaces — even if it goes against conventional decorating advice or what they might have seen online 10 years ago," says Lauren Phillips, associate director of special projects at Better Homes & Gardens.

The trend toward making rooms more comfortable, functional and personal gained steam during the pandemic, when many people were homebound. And it continues to grow, Phillips says.

"Unused guest rooms are home offices. Formal dining rooms become craft spaces. And 'barkitecture' is having a moment — installing dog baths and other pet-specific features," she says.

Decor is awash in aesthetic "cores" — Barbiecore, cottagecore, coastal grandma, mermaidcore.

"But I don't take it to mean we're bouncing from trend to trend super quickly. To me, it means people are defining their own style, and really getting to the root of the designs they love, even if that's a little more colorful, kitschy or funky," says...