Dopamine Decor Is The New "Eclectic"

Trendspotting: What’s Hot in Home Decor Right Now (And Why You’ll Want More)

By Chad Patillo

Every so often, the design world shifts—not with a bang, but with a vibe. Subtle at first… a butter-yellow bowl here, a checkerboard chair there… and then suddenly, bam—you’re seeing it everywhere. That’s where we are right now. Vintage lovers, resellers, estate sale hunters—this is your time.

There are a few trends heating up the scene, and lucky for us, they’re all right in our wheelhouse. This post gives you a peek at what's rising—and in the coming days, I’ll break each one down in more detail, one post at a time. Stick with me. There’s treasure in the trends.

1. The Butter Pat Revival

Those tiny vintage dishes? The ones once overlooked or passed over in favor of “sets”? They’re hot. Butter pats are staging a full comeback—used as salt cellars, ring dishes, charcuterie flair, and just plain decorative eye candy. Nostalgic, dainty, and endlessly collectible.

(Coming soon: Why butter pats are trending and how to sell them right.)

2. Dopamine Décor: Curated Chaos

Design is having a feel-good moment. Dopamine décor is all about decorating to spark joy. Think bold colors, vintage finds, playful patterns, and emotional value over perfection. Around here, we call it curated chaos—and I was doing it before it had a name.

(Get ready: This one’s going to be a series—because joy deserves more than one post.)

3. Butter-Yellow Is the New Neutral

Blame it on Martha Stewart’s now-iconic 1970s kitchen making a comeback. Soft, sunny yellows are warming up walls, textiles, and tableware. It’s cheerful without being childish, cozy without being boring. And it pairs beautifully with vintage wood, worn metal, and antique linens.

(Stay tuned: I’ll show you how to style it, source it, and sell it.)

4. Gingham Goes Bold

This isn’t your grandma’s apron (although that might work, too). Gingham is having a moment—showing up on couches, lamps, and statement walls. Olivia Rodrigo wore it to Wimbledon, and now designers are putting it in living rooms.

(We’ll break it down and show how to flip or style gingham-patterned treasures soon.)

5. City Glow vs. Cottage Flow

Two design aesthetics are emerging on opposite ends of the spectrum—and both are powerful:

City Glow: Neon, bold art, graffiti-inspired prints. Urban expression.

Cottage Flow: Earth tones, florals, calming textures. Nature meets nostalgia.

Both tell a story—and both have buyers.

(Which one fits your style? Watch for upcoming breakdowns of each.)

What This Means for You

If you’re a reseller, decorator, estate sale junkie, or just someone who loves a good story wrapped in vintage charm—these trends are your toolbox. They give you:

Language to use when selling

Styling inspiration for booths and photos

A reason to dig deeper and get creative with your finds

And if you’re a shopper? Let this be your guide to building a space that actually feels like you.

Coming Up on the Blog:

I’ll be deep-diving into each of these trends—one per post. Each will give you historical context, how-to styling tips, and insider advice on sourcing, selling, or simply enjoying the vibe.

So if one (or all) of these trends struck a chord, make sure you’re subscribed or following. We’re just getting started.

Until next time—

Stay curious, stay colorful, & Much Love