Since 1959, Barbie has empowered us to embrace and interpret the world of fashion on our own terms and, like Barbie, our personal style also extends into our interior design landscape. As the Barbie Movie hits the big screen, there’s never been a better time to embrace the kind of home we all dream of inhabiting in our own real world.
The iconic Barbie Dreamhouse was first launched in 1962 amidst a shifting aesthetic we now celebrate as mid-century design. The evolution of its considered colour palettes, functionality and fun design are as relevant today as ever. Who doesn’t want to channel a little of Barbie’s interior style? There are so many that do, an entire design trend of Barbiecore has emerged. And was it just us who were thrilled to see (spoiler alert!) a return of Barbie’s campervan?
Barbie 2023 does not shie away from a whole lotta pink, reportedly causing an international run on a certain shade of fuchsia house paint while the movie was being made. While some say the colour pink creates a calming environment, we’re not suggesting you embrace the colour quite like the set design on the Barbie movie. But, if you take a closer look, you’ll find that the Barbie Dreamhouse walks a decidedly deliberate design path. Still not convinced? Take a tour of Barbie’s Dreamhouse via Architectural Digest’s Instagram feed.
A little pink goes a long way in the home and with the simple addition of a pink carafe here or a velvet ottoman there, pink can be a fun way to inject your surroundings with a little love and femininity. Take a petal from the book of production designer Sarah Greenwood – there are plenty of savvy and seriously practical design ideas squeezed into a small space in the latest Barbie Dreamhouse and we think there’s style to steal. After all, “Humans only have one ending. Ideas live forever.”
Here’s how to create your own Barbie Dreamhouse
01
Shell velvet bedhead in Petal, queen, Temple & Webster
$799
Wake up every morning feeling like a fashion icon with this chic and comfy velvet bedhead. Sweet dreams included.
02
Rusty Rose garden hose, Garden Glory
$159
Dirt-repellent and UV protected to prevent sun damage, this is 20 metres of sheer PVC style, designed to adorn your home’s facade or fence. Think of it as hard-working jewellery for the home.
03
Kartell Lou Lou Ghost chair in Transparent Pink, Space
$270
An icon for an icon, albeit in a diminutive size. The perfect addition to your little one’s space, you’ll be surprised just how comfortable this chair is.
04
Koo ‘Maddie’ round piped velvet cushion in Pink, Spotlight
$30
With petal-like folds and pretty-in-pink shade, popping this cushion onto a bed, chair or sofa will take any room directly to Barbieland.
05
J’ai Soif Carafe & glass in Pink, Maison Balzac
$89
Address daily hydration like the French do with a touch of class… or should we say glass? Made from super-strong borosilicate glass, this carafe and glass won’t crack at high temperatures so will withstand tea too. Just add water (or not, like Barbie!)
06
Outdoor sun lounger bed with canopy in Pink, Oz Hammocks
$260
The perfect companion to poolside pleasure, we think this is kinda cute. Big enough for two, we can see ourselves ‘beaching’ for hours on this lounger, safe from the sun.
07
Shanaya velvet armchair and matching Ottoman set in Pink, Temple & Webster
$329
Cut to the heart of Barbiecore in one swift statement with this voluptuous velvet pair. Primp your hair at a dressing table, set it beside a hall stand or pop it in front of a picture window to perch and wave to your neighbouring Barbies.
08
Basil Bangs ‘The Weekend’ beach umbrella in Mineral, The Iconic
$199
Beautifully structured, Basil Bang umbrellas are made of tough stuff and pack a style punch to boot. Put this one in your car boot for beach visits and picnics alike.
09
Smeg retro style 2 slice toaster in Pink, Appliances Online
$237
Morning toast made in this benchtop pop of colour is the best guarantee you’ll get to have the, “Best day ever!”
10
Marisol 3 seater fabric sofa in Blush, Interior Secrets
$2895, (was $3220)
Barbie Dreamhouse or not, this curvy couch has us in raptures and would look sensational paired with a textured rug, or navy blue cushions for timeless, sophisticated style.
