Dopamine, Kitschy and Old Money Home Decor Trends on the Rise

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Design trends are constantly evolving, and the world of home decor is no exception. As we enter a new decade, it’s time to say goodbye to the minimalistic and industrial design aesthetic and hello to bold and vibrant styles.

Three home decor trends that are gaining popularity are dopamine decor, kitschy decor, and old money aesthetic decor.

Each of these styles brings its own unique flair and personality to any space. In this blog post, we’ll explore what these design trends are all about and how you can incorporate them into your own home to create a truly eye-catching and personalized space.

Get ready to learn how to decorate with dopamine, kitsch, and old money in mind!

Understanding the Dopamine Decor Trend

Photo: Mollie Quirk

Dopamine decor isn’t just a trend, it’s a design philosophy centered around the simple principle of filling your space with elements that uplift your mood and make your heart flutter.

The concept is rooted in the idea of dopamine – a chemical in our brain associated with feelings of pleasure and happiness.

So, just as certain experiences or activities can trigger a surge of dopamine, creating a home that is filled with things you love can generate the same positive vibes.

This unique home decor trend defies the norm and encourages homeowners to abandon strict design rules and color schemes. Instead, the emphasis is on expressing your personality and infusing your space with pieces that make you smile, laugh, or remember a special moment.

Photos by Haylei Smith and Jessie Preza / Courtesy Rachel Cannon

The objective is to craft an environment that inspires joy, warmth, and positivity every time you step inside.

This type of decor encompasses everything that brings you joy. Whether it’s a vibrant throw pillow, a quirky lamp, an abstract painting, or a cherished family photograph, if it sparks joy, it has a place in dopamine decor. The idea is to create a joyful sanctuary that feels like a true reflection of you, your taste, and your passions.

In essence, dopamine decor is all about crafting spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also evoke positive emotions. It’s about breaking free from the constraints of traditional decor styles and making your happiness and well-being a design priority.

Elements That Define Dopamine Decor

Credit: Sam Buckley / Alix McIntosh Photography

When it comes to incorporating dopamine decor into your living space, it’s all about finding the unique items and elements that inspire a sense of joy and positivity. There are no hard and fast rules here – only the dictum that your space should be filled with elements that evoke happiness.

One fundamental aspect of this trend is the use of color. Bold, vibrant hues can work wonders in elevating your mood. Consider incorporating these through lively wallpapers, vibrant paint colors, or even multicolored furniture.

On the flip side, if serene pastels or neutral tones soothe your soul, go for those instead. The key is to use colors that uplift your spirits.

Another distinctive aspect of dopamine decor lies in its use of personal memorabilia. Cherished mementos, family photographs, travel souvenirs, and beloved heirlooms all have a place here. These pieces serve as visual reminders of pleasant memories, instantly triggering a dopamine rush.

Unconventional shapes and patterns are also embraced in dopamine decor. Think uniquely shaped furniture or lighting fixtures, quirky prints on textiles, or abstract patterns in artwork. These add a playful and unexpected dimension to your space, keeping it vibrant and interesting.

Lastly, don’t overlook the importance of personal artifacts that have deep sentimental value. Perhaps it’s a hand-knit throw from your grandmother or a cherished book collection.

These items not only add a personal touch but also serve as happiness triggers, making your space feel truly yours.

In summary, dopamine decor is all about being surrounded by what you love. It allows for a high degree of customization and personalization, where every item, every color, and every shape brings joy and positivity into your life.

So, don’t hold back, let your creativity run wild and let your space be a true reflection of your joyous self.

Embracing Kitschy Decor for a Retro Nostalgic Look

Image credit: Esteban Cortez

Let’s dive into the whimsical world of kitschy decor, a trend that embodies a love for the eclectic and colorful. This vivacious style hails from the mid-20th century, putting a spotlight on the unconventional, vibrant, and certainly eye-catching.

Kitschy decor is your ticket to a time capsule, sending you back to a nostalgic era filled with hues and patterns that tickle the fancy.

Defying traditional design norms, kitschy decor dares to play with unconventional design elements and nostalgic charm. It’s a style for the brave, for those who adore the retro aesthetic and find joy in colors and patterns that truly pop.

This is a design style where more is more, and each element adds a lively touch to your space.

So, if you are someone who relishes the idea of a room filled with vintage charm and a touch of eccentricity, kitschy decor is your playground. It’s time to let go of the conventional design rules and let your home tell a vibrant, colorful story of its own.

So go ahead, embrace the kitschy decor and let your home showcase your bold and playful style.

Key Elements of Kitschy Decor and How to Incorporate Them

Photo: C. Dianne Zweig

Venturing into the realm of kitschy decor involves the courage to shake up traditional design conventions with a riot of colors, nostalgic novelties, and an audacious mix of patterns.

Your starting point in this journey should be the vintage marketplaces where you can scout for items that radiate retro charm. From atomic age clocks to mid-century ceramic figurines, these pieces form the backbone of a kitschy aesthetic.

One can’t talk about kitschy decor without mentioning pop art. From wall art showcasing bold graphics to throw pillows featuring vibrant patterns, pop art elements add a punch of color and personality to your space.

Roy Lichtenstein – Whaam!

Don’t be afraid to mix and match, after all, kitschy decor celebrates the wild, the whimsical, and the wonderfully unique.

Wallpapers play a starring role in kitschy decor. Choose designs that are bold and daring – think large-scale floral motifs, psychedelic patterns or kitschy themes like flamingos or pineapples. The more out-of-the-ordinary, the better!

Photo: Sean Twomey/2Me Studios

Don’t restrict these to just the walls, they can also be used on cabinets, dressers or even ceilings for an unexpected twist.

When it comes to accessories, the sky’s the limit. Kitschy decor revels in items that bring a sense of fun and nostalgia. Perhaps it’s a collection of vintage soda bottles, an old-school jukebox, or a funky lava lamp – these retro treasures add layers of charm and playfulness to your space.

And finally, the color palette. Kitschy decor loves to flirt with bold, bright hues. Think technicolor dreams – from popping pinks to sunny yellows, and electric blues. These colors bring an element of joy and energy into the room, instantly lifting the mood.

Creating a kitschy space isn’t about following a set of rules, it’s about breaking them and having fun in the process. It’s about embracing the unexpected and creating a space that’s a kaleidoscope of color, charm and character.

So, step out of your comfort zone and let your home shine with a style that’s uniquely yours. Remember, kitschy decor is not just a style, it’s a state of mind!

The Understated Elegance of Old Money Aesthetic Decor

PHOTO: Sam Bolton

The old money aesthetic embodies a decor style that oozes timelessness and subtlety, a testament to the inherent allure of quality and understatement. In a world that often equates luxury with extravagance, the old money aesthetic brings forth a different narrative.

It narrates the tale of a space steeped in elegance, a space that prioritizes the richness of tradition, materials, and the beauty of pieces that gracefully age over time.

Unlike dopamine or kitschy decor that thrives on vibrancy and eclecticism, old money aesthetic veers towards refined serenity. It silently whispers tales of generations, cherished histories, and a classic charm that never loses its sheen.

Photo: Gunkelman Flesher

There’s a captivating beauty in the understated elegance of this style, a graceful dance between heritage and aesthetics. This decor style gently nudges us to value the rich patina of time, the stories etched within materials and a design language that transcends fleeting trends.

With old money aesthetic decor, you invite a timeless narrative into your space, a narrative that pays homage to tradition yet remains irresistibly appealing.

Incorporating the Old Money Aesthetic into Your Home

Image source: ashstaging

To cultivate an old money aesthetic in your home, begin by selecting enduring pieces that exude elegance and are designed to stand the test of time. Seek out items made from top-tier materials like finely crafted wood, supple leather, or polished marble. These materials not only radiate quality but also hold a certain timeless appeal.

The old money aesthetic thrives on tradition, so consider integrating items that bear a rich history. Antique furniture, classical artwork, or even valued family heirlooms can instantly infuse your space with an air of noble sophistication.

Not only do these pieces add aesthetic value, but they also serve as conversation starters, their stories adding layers of interest to your space.

In terms of color palette, the old money aesthetic gravitates towards subdued, earthy tones. Think deep woods, soft creams, and warm bronzes. These colors create a serene ambiance that is both inviting and comforting, capturing the true essence of old money aesthetic.

Accessories also play a vital role in this style. Select pieces that communicate refined luxury without being overly ostentatious. A beautifully bound set of classic literature, an exquisite porcelain vase, or a vintage silver tea set can all work perfectly in an old money decor scheme.

These items not only add character and depth to your space, but they also speak volumes about your appreciation for quality and timeless elegance.

Remember, the key to an old money aesthetic is in the details – a carefully chosen piece of artwork, a well-worn leather-bound book, or a tastefully chosen antique can make all the difference.

The ultimate goal is to create a space that resonates with timeless charm, an enduring elegance that is both welcoming and inspirational.

So, as you embark on this decorating journey, let the old money aesthetic guide you towards a space that is sophisticated, timeless, and steeped in tradition. Let your home narrate a tale of refined elegance that is, undeniably, ever so enchanting.