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The hyper-pink aesthetic that’s associated with the famous Barbie doll has slowly crept up into the world of interior design. The trend of decorating your home to make it as if it’s part of Barbie’s fantasy world has seen a big surge in popularity thanks to the filming of a live-action movie based on the beloved children’s icon. There’s no secret that Barbie loves to dress herself and her entire home in pink. However, the concept of barbiecore when applied to interior design isn’t as simplistic as just using a ton of pink items.
Barbiecore takes inspiration from the hyper-pink home of the beloved doll but it goes one extra step to embrace the characteristic quirky, playful, and flirty vibes of Barbie’s space. There’s a strong association between barbiecore design and the free-spirited joy of childhood. The aesthetic attempts to create a pleasantly carefree space that makes it clear how the owner doesn’t take things too seriously. Although bright pink tones are frequently used by barbiecore enthusiasts, other elements such as floral cushions and retro furniture can also make an entrance.
There are actually different ways to try out the barbiecore interior design trend for your home besides just covering everything in hot pink. You can dial down the garishness and introduce softer elements or more sophisticated colors if you prefer. If you’re not familiar with the barbiecore trend but wish to embrace its decorative powers in your home, take a look at the following inspirational ideas. We’ll explore the best ways to channel the unapologetic confidence of barbiecore design and create a unique look.
1. Floral Wallpaper
Colorful retro elements are often encountered in barbiecore interiors. A vibrantly-colored floral wallpaper seems like an excellent addition if you prefer a bold style approach. Consider a color scheme that is based around a fun tone of pink mixed with contrasting shades that quickly draw attention to the wall. By embracing such vibrant colors, your bedroom can suddenly appear to bear a close resemblance to Barbie’s signature aesthetic. A bold floral wallpaper can feel a little intimidating at first, but it could be a great first dive into this playful trend.
2. Pastel Palette
If you love the idea of a softer barbiecore look, consider opting for a pastel palette. This retro-styled kitchen shows off a dreamy look thanks to its pastel pink color scheme suffused in plenty of ambient lighting. The pink furniture is beautifully paired with the pink walls while matching accessories bring a sense of cohesiveness to the entire design. Although there’s a serious pink punch provided by this room, the pastel vibe prevents the space from appearing too garish. We also like the focus on multiple textural elements that also soften the impact of the color.
3. Subtle Pink Statement
Bringing the authentic vibe of barbiecore into the bedroom seems relatively easy compared to other rooms in your home. The bathroom could be more difficult to dress up in hot pink but there are still ways to embrace the trend without overwhelming the space. If you want to maintain an air of elegance and sophistication in the bathroom, a simple pink touch is more than enough to make a subtle barbiecore statement. Instead of painting the walls in bright pink, you can choose to add only a specific element of playfulness while selecting a more muted shade style.
4. Hot Pink Mirror
When it comes to barbiecore, you might be easily tempted to play around with hot pink. While that’s welcomed in this aesthetic, it’s recommended to start small before you introduce too many brightly-toned elements. A single décor piece that features Barbie’s favorite color should suffice to get a nice taste of hot pink. Take a look at this glamorous mirror that seems to encapsulate the authentic feel of barbiecore focusing on confidence and self-assurance. Checking out your outfit in the mirror can be made much more exciting by a glossy hot pink frame.
5. Unexpected Color Combination
Although barbiecore tends to use a fairly specific color palette, you can create a sense of freshness in the space by opting for some unexpected combinations. For example, bubblegum pink can appear lovely together with the rich brown tones from a kitchen dresser. Notice how the pink is so seamlessly incorporated through botanical motifs to prevent any color clashing. It’s a refreshing solution to infuse a vintage kitchen with barbiecore appeal. It’s safe to say that pink is a lively color that can put a smile on your face, especially when it’s used in an unexpected place.
6. Gold Accents
Looking to go all the way with a barbiecore makeover? It’s important to remember the importance of picking the right accessories if you’ll be dressing the room with lots of hot pink elements. The addition of stylish gold accents can infuse the room with great energy while introducing a sense of luxury to the space. It’s the perfect bold match for a kitchen that draws heavy inspiration from Barbie’s magical world. Aside from gold hardware and select decorations, consider incorporating colorful glassware packed with ornate details to further emphasize the rich barbiecore vibe.
7. Retro Appliances
Barbiecore works much better in a retro space as opposed to a modern one. That’s not surprising considering how the interior design style is inspired by the carefree times of playing with Barbie dolls during childhood. Recreating even a little of that long-forgotten era can form the ideal setup for a barbiecore look. A great method involves the use of retro appliances. No need to focus on the fridge or the stove. Even small retro appliances, such as a toaster, can quickly remind you of Barbie’s dreamhouse. The pastel pink color tone makes a stunning impression together with the rounded shape and mid-century details.
8. Dark Barbiecore
Some bold design styles attempt to give barbiecore a darker edge. Instead of the glowing pink look full of vibrant joy, you can try a more unexpected approach. Complement the warmth of pink walls with black or dark blue furniture that raises the level of sophistication for the entire room. This kitchen feels surprisingly elegant despite the clear influence of barbiecore. Dusty pink walls conjure up an atmosphere of youthfulness that’s beautifully paired with darker elements and accents. The result is an inviting place packed with distinctive personality in a mix of pink and black.
9. Flower Power
If you wish to bring a sense of cheerfulness to the bathroom, it’s a good idea to evoke the hippie vibes of the 60s through a colorful floral wallpaper. This design style offers a clear barbiecore feel considering how it’s the era when Barbie came to life in popular culture. Emphasize the barbiecore décor style more effectively by pairing the retro print with a salmon pink color scheme that offers great contrast. It allows for the floral accent wall to stand out in a whimsical way. Don’t forget about mixing in gold fixtures to keep a nice glamorous effect.
10. Tropical Plants
Barbie’s world typically appears to enjoy a never-ending summer. Bring that same relaxing vibe to your living space by opting for summery elements such as tropical plants. A tall indoor tree works wonderfully to add some depth to your barbiecore bedroom. You can create an authentic barbiecore look without having to rely on a ton of pink. The cream-toned walls provide the perfect background to show off natural greenery while the bed takes center stage through its scalloped headboard and delicate pink color. There’s a beautiful contrast between the modern furnishings and the rustic ceiling style.
11. Hot Pink and Turquoise
When decorating a barbiecore interior using hot pink, it’s a good idea to use a plain white background to avoid an intimidating look. If you love the appeal of different bold color shades together, barbiecore’s characteristic pink style seems to work flawlessly with turquoise. These two intense tones can appear very playful when combined on a white background. Hot pink elements and turquoise accessories manage to evoke the nostalgia of childhood quite effectively. There’s no need to go overboard with this color mix because the right decorations can provide an effortless barbiecore vibe.
12. Accent Chair
A touch of barbiecore in your home office can always be welcomed to break the usual monotony of this space. There are no strict design rules that you have to follow for an office area installed in your home. Take advantage of this freedom by opting for a gorgeous pink accent chair such as this one from Amazon. The matte velvet upholstery delivers a plush sitting experience while forming a luxurious textural contrast with the glossy metal legs. Complete your barbiecore desk with some matching pink accessories or anything else that evokes joy.
13. Maximum Glossiness
The sheen of your décor pieces can be considered an important aspect in terms of recreating an authentic barbiecore aesthetic. Although matte surfaces can also provide some barbiecore charm when using the right colors and textures, it’s safe to say that glossy finishes are closer to the dreamlike vibe of the style. Think of elements like shiny fixtures and well-polished surfaces. This is recommended to make bold colors and funky patterns stand out more effectively. Intense neon pink elements will easily grab more attention if you pay attention to using the right type of sheen.
14. Rejuvenated Space
Functional areas are not typically the target of barbiecore designers. However, any dull space can become more vibrant and exciting with the help of this iconic aesthetic. This basic laundry room has been elevated through the use of hot pink to show off a stunning barbiecore influence. The paint choice is quite exuberant and unexpected for this kind of area. If you’re not a fan of laundry chores, rejuvenating the space with some fun elements and bright colors could be an excellent solution to bring back some excitement.
