Trend to Try: A Real-Life Barbie Dream House

In anticipation of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie starring Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie, the internet has gone crazy for all things Barbie. So Barbiecore is embracing Barbie’s aesthetic, which means lots of pink in fashion, makeup and even home décor…because who is Barbie without her dream house?  

If you’re scratching your head about how to bring more pink into your life without it feeling cartoon-ish, fear not, there are ways to make it work. But know that Barbiecore is a celebration of more is more, maximalist style. Embrace as much, or as little, of it as you want. 

Barbie pink is a distinct hue, so don’t feel forced into repeating that same shade over and over in a room. Instead, play with different versions of the color that suit your space and your personal style. Brighter pinks feel more energetic, while softer, pastel versions feel whimsical and delicate.  

The colors you pair it with also make a difference. To add a more classic note, pair it with navy or a deep green to temper some of the sweetness. If you want pink to function as a neutral, choose a color with just a hint of pink or vary the pink tones slightly from an almost off-white to a beige with pink undertones.

Take pink from 2D to 3D by incorporating plenty of texture. Rich fabrics like velvet and suede make pink furniture and accessories feel luxurious and interesting. Texture adds dimension to a room, moving the eye from different surfaces and creating visual breaks, aiding in a more grown-up and streamlined look. 

Another helper is pattern. Using a pattern breaks up large blocks of color or, alternatively, if you use a small-scale pattern, can function almost like a solid color. If you’re worried about a space feeling too saccharine, avoid patterns that feature shapes like florals or hearts.

Kids and teen furniture often comes in bold colors and patterns, so your chances of finding a fun desk, side table, nightstand, lamp and more, increase if you peruse kid’s furniture. Kids' furniture, on average, tends to be less expensive than its adult counterparts. Also, the lower price point might encourage you to take more of a décor risk than you might have otherwise. Just make sure that the measurements are standard so you’re not getting the mini version. It’s never hurts to double check dimensions when you order online. So take your time and look around in unexpected places. Your wallet will thank you.  

Not everything needs to be pink to feel Barbie-esque. Take cues from the mini versions of her dreamhouse furniture and look for some of these style details instead: rounded corners and round furniture, tufting and designer look-alikes. It’s not hard to find modular furniture that feels like it was taken straight from the dream house and upped to adult size. Tulip, barrel or clear plastic contemporary accent chairs are all great options to consider.  

Boring lighting simply won’t do in a room inspired by Barbie. Dial up the drama with a chandelier. Dripping with crystals or metallic and modern, it will cast a soft, flattering glow around the entire room. Decorate shelves with beautiful books, framed artwork, candles and personal objects in fun shapes and colors. Warm gold metallics look especially pretty when they’re paired with pink.