Absolutely believes we all need a little piece of Wes Anderson eccentricity in the home – and that’s why Essex influencer Kate Rose Morgan has grabbed the attention of so many. For hers is a home that makes you smile, full of the fun things in life, with a colour palette that is simply bursting with positivity.
So when we heard that she was releasing her debut book, Dopamine Decor, we decided we had to get our fix and sit down in her happy space to discover more about her and uncover some interiors inspiration.
Inside the Colourful World of Dopamine Decor with Kate Rose Morgan
When did you first start to develop an interest in interior design?
I’ve always loved home decor, even as a kid I would love it when my mum treated me to new bedding or when I had my bedroom room painted a different colour. I really started to get into it when I had my own place, and I could experiment more.
Have you always been a happy-go-lucky person with your approach to life?
I’ve always tried to embrace the fun things in life. I’m not a very serious person.
How long have you lived in Essex for and when you started sharing room transformations online, was it from this home?
I’ve lived in Essex all my life. I grew up in Harlow and then moved to Southend on Sea when I was 20. I started sharing my home on Instagram in 2019 with the home I’m in now.
What spurred you on to start sharing things online?
When we first moved into our home it needed decorating, so I started to document it on Instagram to show friends and family and just to look back on. I never imagined that people would start following along.
What was the initial response like to what you were uploading?
People have always been so supportive and really lovely about my home. It’s a wonderful community. My followers give me confidence to try new things.
From the very early posts, was it all about the dopamine trend?
I have always decorated my home in ways that make me happy. When I first started to post my home there weren’t too many homes on the internet like mine. I think that’s why it gained so much attention. But now I feel that people have warmed to the idea of making our homes more fun and to decorate our homes in colours and styles that bring us joy. That’s what Dopamine decor is all about. It’s about making your home your own sanctuary that brings you joy.
For those who don’t know much about the trend, how would you describe it?
I describe it as fun, colourful and to listen to your inner child when making choices. What would your younger self want? Growing up shouldn’t mean we have to become boring.
Can you explain in what ways you have incorporated the trend in your own home?
Fun decor pieces like cowboy boot vases, poodle lamp disco ball planters, drinking my everyday coffee from fun mugs like pink poodles – even my kettle is a strawberry.
What is your favourite room and why?
My kitchen has to be my favourite room because it’s where we spend the most time. We have pink kitchen cabinets, a vinyl wall, cupboards full of fun kitchen ware and it is full of colourful decor pieces. I really love 1950s pastel kitchens, so I took a lot of inspiration from that era.
When did a conversation start about writing a book on the trend?
About two years ago I was contacted by Penguin about writing a book on my home and how I decorate.
How did you find putting together Dopamine Decor?
I really enjoyed the process, it was great to finally be able to write everything down and answer people’s questions I’ve had over the years. It’s been an amazing opportunity.
What kind of things will we find in the book?
You will find my tips and tricks on how to create your very own joyful home. I have split the book into three easy stages for you to complete your own dopamine home. I have included tips for renters, giving you colour confidence, room inspiration, low budget transformations and ways to get you started if you’re a complete beginner.
Given the subject matter, are you hoping people read it and have a huge grin on their faces?
Oh absolutely, I hope this book will bring them joy as much as I enjoyed writing it. I want this book to be their go to every time they think about decorating. The book is jam-packed with tips and tricks, and with all the colourful pictures and details, it’s a feast for the eyes!
For someone just starting out on embracing the dopamine trend at home, what tips would you offer them?
Start small, like painting a piece of furniture or a feature wall in a colour that you love. If you don’t fancy painting, you can bring in colourful furnishings like rugs, cushions and playful items such as vases and picture frames.
What does the future hold for you?
I want to continue my quest to encourage people to embrace colour and decorate their homes in ways that bring them joy. We spend most of our time at home, so I want people to fully embrace their home life.
Follow Kate @kate_rose_morgan and Dopamine Decor is out now
