Interior design has been slowly saying goodbye to its sad beige era in favor of trends and styles that create characterful, colorful, personality-filled spaces. We want homes that feel like us and bring us joy through pieces that deliver a dose of dopamine.
Dopamine decor is personal, and each of us will have our own version of joyful decor, but typically it is the vibrant colors, playful prints, and designs that don't take themselves seriously that deliver on the dopamine. And we have seen plenty of that in our favorite brands’ recent collections.
IKEA's new GREJSIMOJS collection collection is up there with their most playful collection yet, and yes, it's technically designed for children, but the whole IKEA style book reflects the same sentiment of this new range – be more playful. Anthropologie's new collections are getting more and more joy-inducing too, with its dog motif collections, colorful French-inspired bistro kitchenware, and an aplomb of animal prints, fringe, and ruffles.
Even the usually very chic and restrained Zara Home has just launched a playful new café collection that's my personal perfect idea of a dopamine hit, with adorable cups, coffee makers, and retro-inspired accessories.
As characterful and personality-driven interiors take the reins as a top trend in 2026, it only makes sense that dopamine decor is coming back into style. People are eager to design homes that truly feel like theirs – especially after years of cookie-cutter minimalist interiors dominating. By embracing color, pattern, shapes, and textural details, your interiors can lean into the dopamine decor trend – making your home a direct reflection of everything that makes you happy.
If you're ready for your interiors to radiate vibrant energy, shop some of our favorite dopamine decor picks below.
The Round is Homes & Gardens' collection of the must-have pieces shaping styles, trends, and ideas. It brings together thoughtfully curated products that express a single moment – offering readers inspiring ways to style their homes through seasonal themes, emerging looks, and everyday pieces.
