Designer Ingrid Fetell Lee, on her highly recommended website The Aesthetics of Joy, explains that picture frames are typically black, white, wooden, or, at most, silver or gold in art galleries. These neutral choices are traditional and, without much thought, we often replicate them in our homes.
But why not experiment with something more colourful at home? Lee was inspired to do so after seeing a botanical print framed in lemon yellow. Although she had always been concerned that a brightly coloured frame might overpower the artwork, she suddenly realised that a vibrant hue could actually enhance the impact of the piece. She was right – the joy she felt from the print was intensified, and the experience of it was all the more fulfilling.
Personalise your decor to get a "dopamine effect"
Happiness in decoration is about what makes us smile, evokes pleasant memories or helps us unwind. Fetell Lee experienced that "dopamine effect" from the yellow frame, which has likely piqued your curiosity. Here, you'll discover more ideas to bring a smile of happiness to your home when you least expect it. The interior designers at Emmme Studio, known for their joyful projects, incorporate personal memories and play with natural materials to create this effect. After all, it’s all about personalising your décor to make it truly yours.
Personal objects and natural materials provoke happiness
As you may know, dopamine is a neurotransmitter that enhances both our physical and emotional well-being. For Emmme Studio, nothing sparks as much dopamine as interior design that "responds to the specific needs, concerns and tastes of each individual." A "dopamine-driven décor" is, therefore, rooted in what motivates us or evokes positive memories. "For some, a breakfast bar might bring joy because they cherish that part of the day, while for others, a spacious kitchen designed for socialising with friends brings happiness." Recognising that different things bring joy to each person, "having personal items that remind us of fond memories, warm colours and natural materials all contribute to creating a cosy home" – and, of course, will generate that sought-after "dopamine effect."
A splash of colour inside drawers and cupboards will put a smile on your face
Fetell Lee is a true advocate of decorating tricks that evoke happiness. One of her favourites is a technique she calls "hide and reveal", which she uses to create “a joyful surprise.” She applied this idea in her own home by painting wide yellow stripes on the inside of a cupboard. Take inspiration from the image and incorporate it into your own space. Of course, when you're busy with other tasks, you might not always think about how you've decorated the inside of a drawer or cupboard. However, just like Fetell Lee, every time you open it, you'll experience “an explosion of joy.”
A nice piece of furniture, painting the mouldings or the grouting of the bathroom tiles can achieve that "dopamine effect"
We often paint the walls and leave the trim white, but why not try the opposite, as Fetell Lee suggests? It’s quicker, requires less effort, and, most importantly, it’s a fantastic way to personalise a room. If you're feeling adventurous, why not paint the ceiling, install a skirting board in a colour that catches your eye, or even repaint the bathroom grout in a shade that complements the tiles? You could also treat yourself to that lovely piece of furniture you’ve had your eye on, such as the vanity table Emmme Studio selected for a client's home. Much like the yellow frame we mentioned at the start, it's these little touches that personalise your décor and introduce that "dopamine effect" – those details that truly make us happy.