Have you noticed the vibrant pink vibe in the air this summer? The trend, known as “Barbiecore” is inspired by the new Barbie movie, and it’s taking over fashion, interior design, and beauty trends around the world. Think bold, colorful accents without excess clutter (minimalism meets maximalism) with a hefty dose of nostalgia thrown in.
Mattel introduced the Barbie Dreamhouse in 1962, as a single-level, midcentury modern cardboard toy. Over time, it has evolved and expanded, becoming a vivid backdrop for play and creativity, complete with plenty of pink accents, and in later years, an elevator and waterslide.
I have a special place in my heart for Barbie and her Dreamhouse. It’s how I discovered my passion for experimenting with shapes, colors, and textures without the limitations imposed by the real world. And it’s not just me! The internet and social media are full of stories from interior designers who also attribute their interest in their chosen careers to Barbie’s Dreamhouse.
In fact, I was interviewed recently for Business of Home on this very topic! It’s a really fun read—you can find it here.
As a child, my parents allowed me to put my Dreamhouse plans into action. My dad helped me transform an extra closet in his den into a life-size Dreamhouse. He added wood shelves, which would become the floors of the house, and we created an elevator with rope and heavy cardboard. I drew and painted on the walls and had “reveals” for my very patient parents. It was like my own Barbie Brownstone!
For me, it wasn’t just about decorating, however. It inspired a lifelong interest in building and construction and gave me the confidence to bring the things I saw in my imagination to life. In honor of Barbie and her Dreamhouse, I have rounded up three of my favorite Barbiecore finds that are for grownups, but will have you feeling like a kid again!
Barbie Diamond Drinkware
Get that Barbie Dreamhouse feeling at home with this officially-licensed set of whiskey glasses from Dragon Glassware. The set comes with one gold metallic and one magenta glass, embellished with signature Barbie branding on the base. The unique shape allows your drink to aerate as it is poured and swirled inside the glass; perfect for whisky, bourbon, scotch, wine, and more! Made of crystal clear, lead-free, high quality glass that is dishwasher, refrigerator and freezer safe. Great for gift-giving, or a stunning addition to your home bar or drinkware collection.
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Barbie Dreamhouse 60th Anniversary T-Shirt
Celebrate Barbie with this breathable cotton-blend graphic tee that features a relaxed fit, slightly longer hem and a colorful front and center graphic. With a relaxed-fit and slightly longer hem, this cotton/polyester blended knit shirt fits true to size. It is also easy to care for — just machine wash and tumble dry!
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Barbie Dreamhouse Pink Paint
The true Barbie pink you’ve always wanted but could never have—until now. For the first time ever you can create your own Dreamhouse. Backdrop paints are low-VOC, and low-odor, and all Backdrop Interior Standard Finish paints are made with an acrylic resin for maximum durability. They are also optimized for self-priming, have high pigmentation, quick drying times, and superior coverage.
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