Gen Z is rejecting millennial beige and embracing the colorful ‘dopamine decor’ trend. Designers say it’s a coping mechanism

On Dec.

4, 2025, Pantone announced its Color of the Year for 2026: a shade of white called Cloud Dancer.

It was the first time in the program’s history, which dates to 1999, that Pantone chose a white.

The company described Cloud Dancer as “a billowy white imbued with serenity” and “a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection.” It all sounds lovely.

It’s also at odds with much of what has actually taken off in design, decor, and style this year.

Pantone pitched its white as a way to “build atmospheres of serenity and spaciousness, providing a refuge of visual cleanliness.” Meanwhile, many Gen Zers and millennials are going maximalist in their homes and wardrobes.

Rather than a billowy white, a large cadre of consumers want bold colors, plenty of texture, and lots of layers.

This isn’t the first time maximalism has had a moment; 1970s style leaned that way, too.

But today’s trend-conscious younger Americans are thinking beyond looks.

They want decor and outfits that boost their sense of well-being, even when the aesthetic is over the top.

“In 2026, we’re going full-on gummy,” according to Pinterest Predicts 2026 , the platform’s annual trend forecast.

“Gen Z and Millennials are behind this ASMR overload—think bendy phone cases, elastic cheek tints and probiotic treats that have that spring-back bite.” Pinterest also expects rubberized nail art and 3D jewelry to catch on, and it reported searches for “gummy bears aesthetic” up 50%.

From ‘dopamine decor’ to ‘gummy bear aesthetic’ Terms like “dopamine decor” and “gummy bear aesthetic” are everywhere lately, and you likely have an innate sense of what they mean.

For context, Fortune spoke to two interior designers whose earlier careers in mental health give them an unusual read on how the way we appoint our spaces, and even our outfits, affects how we feel.