Dekoraatorikkus

Dekoraatorikkus is a colloquial Estonian term referring to a preoccupation or compulsion with decoration and ornamentation in living or working spaces. The word combines dekoraator (decorator) with the Estonian suffix -ikkus, which denotes a state or condition. It is not a formally recognized medical diagnosis, but rather a descriptive label used in everyday language to describe intense aesthetic preoccupations.

The concept covers a range of behaviors centered on interior design, such as persistent planning of spaces, frequent rearranging and decorating, compulsive collecting of décor items, and disproportionate time and money spent on decorating projects. People who speak of dekoraatorikkus may describe distress or impairment when unable to engage in decorating activities, and conflicts with others over budget, living space, or priorities can occur. The term is often used more informally or humorously, and there is no standardized set of diagnostic criteria.

Causes are considered multifactorial and not well defined within formal psychiatry. They may include personality traits such as perfectionism or aesthetic sensitivity, environmental exposure to design media, social and cultural pressures to maintain stylish interiors, and accessibility to shopping or online marketplaces. In some discussions, dekoraatorikkus is discussed in relation to obsessive-compulsive tendencies or hoarding-like behavior, but it is not classified as a distinct disorder in major diagnostic manuals.

Diagnosis and treatment are not standardized due to the lack of formal recognition. If decorating preoccupation causes distress or functional impairment, assessment for obsessive-compulsive disorder, hoarding disorder, or related conditions may be considered. Treatments, when appropriate, align with guidelines for OCD-spectrum or impulse-control concerns and may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention, financial and lifestyle counseling, and mindfulness strategies.

Cultural use of the term appears in media and online discussions about design enthusiasm and home aesthetics. See also obsessive-compulsive disorder, hoarding disorder, and compulsive shopping.