"Even If It Looks Bold to Others, I Like How Happy It Makes Me"... Hooked on 'Dopamine Core' [Segyeneun Zgeum]

Colorful, Soft-Textured Decor Gains Popularity
Experts: "A Way to Find Psychological Comfort Amid an Uncertain Reality"

Editor's NoteGeneration Z (those born from the late 1990s to the early 2010s) is drawing attention as a generation that leads culture and trends in a rapidly changing era and sets new standards across society. In [The World Is Z Now], we explore the lives and values of Gen Z around the world and how they are changing society.

The "dopamine decor" trend, which favors decorating spaces with colorful items and soft textures over muted beige and white, is attracting attention among younger generations. It is seen as reflecting a desire to find joy and comfort in favorite colors and designs amid an anxious and unpredictable reality.

Vibrant Colors Instead of Uniform Interiors... Maximalism Gains Popularity

According to the U.S. business magazine Fortune, maximalist interiors featuring bold colors, varied patterns and distinctive textures are gaining popularity among Millennials & Gen Z in the United States. Minimalist interiors centered on beige were in vogue for a long time, but a shift toward moving beyond that style and expressing individual personalities has recently emerged. Decorating spaces with colorful cushions, rugs with distinctive patterns and expressive ornaments is a typical example.

This trend contrasts with "Cloud Dancer," a shade of white that global color authority Pantone selected as its Color of the Year for 2026. Pantone described Cloud Dancer as "a soft white imbued with calm" and "a symbol that brings serenity to a society that values the importance of quiet reflection."

Cloud Dancer, selected as this year's color. Pantone website

In reality, however, colorful interiors that emphasize vibrancy and sensory enjoyment rather than calm and restraint are attracting attention among younger generations.

Fortune noted, "This is not the first time maximalism has been in fashion. A similar trend emerged in the 1970s." It added, "But today's trend-conscious young Americans want interiors and clothing that boost their happiness, even if they look flashy." Rather than simply keeping their homes tidy, they are adding elements they love to bring joy to their daily lives.

The pursuit of joy through color and texture is spreading beyond interior design into various fields, including beauty and accessories. In particular, so-called "jelly style," which emphasizes soft, springy textures like jelly and vivid colors, is also drawing attention. Examples include flexible phone cases and nail art designed to look soft and jelly-like. In its annual trend forecast, Pinterest Predicts 2026, Pinterest projected that Millennials & Gen Z would lead the jelly-style trend.

Why Are Colorful Designs So Appealing? ... "They Feel Bright and Cheerful"

Jelly-style nail art. Pinterest

Why, then, are younger generations drawn to designs that emphasize vivid colors and distinctive textures? Experts say the trend is connected to a desire to find psychological comfort and enjoyment amid an uncertain reality.

Interior designer Laurie Miller said, "For younger generations who have been through so much, including COVID-19, a complicated political climate and economic problems, jelly style can be calming and motivating." She added that it "lifts the mood and feels bright and cheerful."

Betsy Wentz, who runs an interior design firm, also sees younger generations' interior preferences as reflecting a desire for safety and comfort. "Gen Z and millennials seem to be pushing back against years of uniform interiors and an unpredictable, unstable world," Wentz said. "When life feels harsh and uncertain, people want a home that doesn't seem threatening."

She added, "Jelly style is characterized by rounded edges and rich, vibrant colors. Everything looks so appealing that you want to touch it, squeeze it and hold it tightly in your hands."

Ultimately, dopamine decor is more than just a trend of decorating homes with vivid colors. It reflects a broader desire to find small moments of joy in everyday life through favorite colors and textures. The desire to make the home a space that reflects personal taste and offers comfort amid an uncertain reality is also shaping interior design trends.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.