Dopamine Interiors, the social media trend, is overtaking minimalism this winter, as evidenced by platform data
Catawiki experts share a practical guide to recreating the dopamine interiors aesthetic alongside a dedicated auction live from 16th to 25th January
Amsterdam, 15 January Minimalism is out. This winter, design is getting emotional. That is what data on Catawiki shows: searches for the key term minimalism have dropped by 70%, marking a move away from restraint and toward interiors that lead with expression rather than rules. Enter dopamine interiors: a mood boosting mix of colour, texture and playful form that is spilling out of social feeds and into everyday living spaces.
To bring this aesthetic to life, Catawiki, the leading online marketplace for special objects, launches a dedicated dopamine interiors collection alongside an expert-backed guide to recreating this mood-lifting aesthetic. It’s a colourful, character-driven counterpoint to the winter blues – and a timely one, too. According to Catawiki’s in-house design experts, it only takes a few well-chosen shifts, either in colour, texture or atmosphere, to infuse a space with joy. Here are their golden rules for recreating Dopamine Decor at home:
Start small: statement objects, big impact
You don’t need to repaint the walls or redesign the entire room. One sculptural or colourful object can shift the energy of a space entirely. Catawiki interiors expert, Annick van Itallie, calls this “jewellery for the home”. Think a bold table lamp, a playful glass vase, or a striking lounge chair placed in contrast with a clean backdrop. For smaller spaces, treat areas like hallways or bathrooms as “jewel box” moments where colour feels immersive and intentional.
Vaso Venini in Murano glass, up for auction until the 25th of January on Catawiki
Avoiding the overcrowded feel: the dopamine design formula
Though dopamine interiors may look eclectic, there’s a method behind the joy. Fiammetta Fulchiati, Catawiki interiors expert, suggests using the 60–30–10 rule: 60% base colour, 30% secondary tone, and 10% for your wildest accent. This creates balance and cohesion. Couple that with geometric repetition, such as multiple round forms or striped elements, to create visual rhythm. Finally, always include a grounding, neutral visual element, like natural wood, monochrome textiles or a white ceiling, to give the eye a place to rest.
B&B Italia Mario Bellini Camaleonda couch in corduroy, up for auction until the 25th of January on Catawiki
Think multisensory: texture and light matter
Colour is only part of the story. Soft textures like velvet or chenille evoke comfort and warmth, while high-gloss finishes and reflective metals introduce energy and a sense of “newness”. Pieces that interact with light like tinted glass, lacquered surfaces or polished chrome, offer novelty and movement, both key drivers of dopamine in interior design. “Soft velvets, shiny chrome, or even glass: these different textures trigger a positive emotional response,” explains Fiammeta.
Artemide Nessino table lamp by Giancarlo Mattioli, up for auction until the 25th of January on Catawiki
Catawiki experts Annick and Fiammetta joined forces to shape a definitive list that captures the essence of dopamine interiors. Their selection of five standout objects reflects the aesthetic’s energy, emotion and playful spirit — offering inspiration for anyone looking to bring the trend home.
Kartell goes Sottsass – a playful tribute to Memphis design and bold geometry
Space age yellow lounge chair by Ahti Kotikoski (1960s) – a curvy icon of optimism
Gaetano Sciolari chrome Sputnik chandelier – shiny, sculptural lighting at its best
Vitra Marshmallow sofa – an icon of joyful seating, colour and comfort
Murano striped glass lamp by MIMU Interior – where light meets vibrant pattern
While dopamine interiors feel current, the trend is deeply rooted in historic movements known for bold expression, optimism and experimentation. It is what explains Annick, “Dopamine interiors borrow the playful colour-blocking and asymmetry of the 1980s Memphis Group, the futuristic plastic curves of 1960s space age design, and the shine, symmetry and glamour of 1920s Art Deco. What we see now is a remix of sorts: vivid, feel-good design that feels nostalgic and refreshingly new at the same time.”
The Dopamine Interiors auction is live exclusively on Catawiki from 16th to 25th January 2026.