With the high-profile release of the new Barbie film, the world seems to be suddenly drenched in pink and glitter. And it seems like our homes haven’t escaped, with the ‘Barbiecore’ interior trend increasing in popularity as everyone strives to achieve the perfect Barbie dreamhouse, domestically.
Bright, fun, and ultra-feminine, the Barbiecore aesthetic is a style trend tha draws inspiration from Barbie’s iconic look. Indeed, it’s all about incorporating everything related to Barbie’s signature style – think lots of pink, frills, glitter, girlish charm and a certain degree of kitsch – into your daily life, with an emphasis on maximalism and frivolity. We just love it.
Those who truly go all-in on the trend boast rooms that are typically plastered in pink, filled with plush fabrics, and decked out with kitschy decor. That said, unfortunately, bubblegum pink and fuchsia don’t travel all that well in the world of interior design, so a light hand is needed to keep your home cringe-free and classic.
If you’re looking for a subtle Barbie-esque pink aesthetic, here’s some top tips to help create your dream Barbie-inspired home look.
Bring On The Pink
Barbie equals pink, so naturally, the colour must figure significantly if you want to evoke even a hint of Barbiecore. Indeed, Barbiecore heavily leans on a pink color scheme. Presuming that most of us don’t want to live in a wall-to-wall world of pink, a good way to include the colour is to add some tasteful pink accents. Here are some ideas:
- Paint one wall in any shade of pink or paint your doors and windows fuchsia.
- Add décor items in various shades of pink: a lamp, vases, painting or more. Remember to spread them around and don’t pair them with too many colours. Let the pink pop.
- Give your bedroom a Barbie makeover with a pink bedspread and cushions or a carpet. If you have the moolah and the space then get an uber-opulent pink bed to wake up like a princess every morning.
- Don’t shy away from other vibrant colors like turquoise, yellow, and purple.
Embrace Sustainable Plastic
The shiny plastic aesthetic is a big part of the Barbie look-and-feel and an interesting way to up the B-factor in your home is to add a few pieces of plastic décor items (preferably in shades of pink or other bright colours). Think a neon pink lamp or a vintage telephone!
Glam Accents
Barbie is all about portraying an over-the-top luxury lifestyle. Managing that look on a budget is not so hard if you strategically use plush and lush fabrics. Cover surfaces with tulle, throw some faux fur cushions around and splurge on velvet upholstery or drapes. Keep the colours soft (you can play around with all the softer shades of pink) and let the quality of the fabric talk.
Crystal chandeliers, sequin pillows, and mirrored furniture will add that touch of glam that is quintessential to the Barbie aesthetic.
Bring In The Kitsch
Despite its stylish and updated looks, Barbie somehow seems to exude a vintage aura. No? Adding a mid-century piece of art, a sculpture or prints nicely framed in oak frames painted pink, can immediately send you back to the peak Barbie era!
Consider Investing in mid-century modern furniture with a twist, opting for pieces in soft pastels or vibrant shades. Consider introducing pink sofas, turquoise dressers, and yellow accent chairs to the mix for some seriously colourful flourishes.
Go Ultra-Feminine
Barbie world – despite being inhabited by men as well – is an uber-feminine space. If the rest of the family allows you to get away with it, then we highly recommend adding frills, bows, ruffles and ribbons to get your home a step closer to Dreamhouse! Add ruffled curtains, put giant bows on your chair backs, and give a frilled underskirt to some furniture pieces like your bed or the sofas…you get the drift.
Barbie loves a good flower arrangement, add bouquets of pink roses, peonies, or any bright flowers throughout your home for a fresh and feminine touch.
Add Some 💗s
In Barbie and Ken’s world love is always in the air and it is also very much present as various motifs in the movie and the books. We totally recommend adding a few heart shape items to your décor to up the Barbie quotient. A few simple and pocket-friendly hearts you easily include are cushions and mirrors.
Read: Barbiecore: The top preppy pink stays to enjoy a picture-perfect holiday
Shiny Lights & Glittery Neons
Bright lights and sunny days are Barbie trademarks. And when the light is pink, it’s even better. Install flashes of pink neon in the form of lighted signs and neon sculptures. For Barbie lovers who don’t want to go overboard with girlish accessories and a palette of pink, neon pink lights provide just the right touch of Barbiecore.
Another option is to add statement lighting fixtures, an elegant crystal chandelier or a more modern light feature would be just the right decoration element to add some B-magic to your home.
Give Miss B The Place Of Honour
Break out your old Barbie dolls and give them centre stage. If you have collectable Barbie dolls or Barbie-themed items, showcase them! Display these items prominently on shelves or in curio cabinets.
What can be a better way to embrace Barbie than to put your treasured childhood memories on display? Oh, and if you have a Barbie Dreamhouse stashed in the closet somewhere, then now is the time to put it on display.
Wallpaper
Another quick and affordable way to elevate your home to Barbie’s standards is to add wallpaper with playful patterns like polka dots, stripes, or floral designs in bright colours. If you don’t want to undertake a long project then even wall decals with iconic Barbie motifs like her logo or silhouette can add a fun touch!
Remember, Barbie is never boring, so don’t be afraid to mix patterns and prints.
Have Fun With It!
Barbie is not like other dolls and a huge part of her enduring charisma is that she exudes positivity and joy. So, no matter what you decide to do with your home, remember to have fun with the design process.
That is the key to bringing a bit of Barbie into your life. Be creative, be playful and please DON’T be afraid to use PINK!
The Bottom Line
Remember, the Barbiecore aesthetic is about fun and whimsy. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and let your inner Barbie shine!