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Every Little Thing by April Jeppson

I’ve been surrounding myself with items that spark joy and lift my spirits for years. I used to have the most blah living room with beige walls, brown couch and tan carpet. I realized it was impacting my mood in an adverse way, so I changed it. I now have the most gorgeous bright raspberry colored walls and floral rug in that space. It’s been over seven years since I painted, and I have zero regrets.

This experience taught me how important my surroundings are. How something as simple as the color of the wall could have such an impact on my well-being. It gave me permission to have fun with decorating and to not be so afraid about messing up. I mean, even if I hate it, I can always just paint it again.

Have you ever seen something and just knew you had to have it? I’ve felt this way with shoes, the giant cheese curd burger at Culver’s and most recently the tape dispenser that sits on my desk. If I need something, I can wait weeks before I actually buy it. If something excites my senses, I can rarely resist.

When I first heard about the KonMari Method, I was intrigued. The principal is that you should discard items that no longer “spark joy.” When you hold an item, you should get a “little thrill as if the cells in your body are slowly rising.” That’s how you know it’s worth keeping.

I have in no way mastered this method of tidying up. In fact, I’m horrible at decluttering and getting rid of things in general. However, I am great at purchasing items that spark joy. I love discovering whimsical items that turn ordinary tasks into enjoyable ones..

Dopamine decor is a design trend that focuses on creating spaces that create happiness and intensify your energy level. Dopamine is the feel-good hormone, so in essence, you’re decorating in a way that makes you feel good. I was actually on the hunt for some fun but useful additions to my office when I stumbled upon this concept. As I scrolled through the photos, I fell in love.

These are my people. This is my style.

I don’t know if I’ve ever been on trend in my life. I know what I like, and then I just go for it. I know it’s not for everyone, but I don’t decorate for them, I do it for me. I’m the one who spends countless hours in these spaces, and I want these hours to be as enjoyable as possible.

So let me tell you about this tape dispenser. I want you to picture a cat laying on its back and playing with a ball of twine. Do you see it? The way they use their back paws — so cute. Now instead of twine, picture a roll of tape and instead of a kitten, picture a tyrannosaurus rex.

I never stood a chance.

Albert Lean April Jeppson is a wife, mom, coach and encourager of dreams. Her column appears every Saturday.