Author note: This story was initially published in early July of 2023, before the “Barbie” movie’s initial release date.
Think pink.
It was once an unassuming sleeper hit directed by Greta Gerwig (the mind behind the films “Little Women” and “Lady Bird”). However, because of some cleverly teased marketing and some timely escapism, now it’s the movie of the summer. And it isn’t even out yet.
“Barbie” is now receiving high praise from the lucky critics that have gotten to see it. More importantly, its public approval soars as social media is exploding with pink, flashing pictures of what has come to be known as “Barbiecore.” What started with runway couture fashions has trickled into home fashion, as home decor publications are starting to show off a variety of ’80s-esque vintage furniture and multiple shades of pink. Barbiecore became a cultural phenomenon, a feeling reflecting where we are this year and where we wish to be.
What is Barbiecore, how did such an unusual trend emerge and how can you recreate its glossy joie de vivre in your own home? Find out here, and find some pieces that will fit your fantastic new life in plastic.
Barbiecore defined
Barbiecore is seeing life through rose-colored sunglasses. It is the essence of pink, of opulence and happiness. Summer drives with the windows down in a shiny coupe. ’80s-inspired party houses that people in the 2020s only dream of spending the night in. Perfectly swirled strawberry ice cream and sparkly designer pumps.
Barbiecore is a feeling — an escapist dream, a sweet, pink cloud of cotton candy plastered onto the COVID-weary, austere reality. Or as Emily Huggard, an assistant professor of fashion communication at Parsons School of Design states, “People are really latching on to escapism and things that they know and feel safe with. When we think about this trend [Barbiecore], it’s pretty, it’s hot pink, it’s not too complex — I think people are craving a time when things felt less heavy.”
How the Barbiecore trend is owning home decor
In fashion, this trend dominated the runway in 2022 via an all-pink Valentino fashion show. Since then, “dopamine dressing” has been popping up on social media, featuring showy, often bright designs that the pre-pandemic world might have deemed gaudy.
This same concept permeates all the home decor it touches too. Though everyone has their own personal take on the aesthetic that works for their home’s personality, the style features many high-contrast, high-gloss colors and textures — blended with fluffy, dreamy textiles in accents rugs and pillows. Meanwhile, the furniture often has vintage touches and bubbly, simple shapes that hearken back to happier times: You might even see some hearts, stars and glitter thrown into Barbiecore home decor for good measure. And don’t forget the color pink.
Barbiecore spans design styles and decades
Many designers are opting to mix the style to their liking with cottagecore, shabby-chic and even coastal grandmother. After all, Barbie’s versatility made her famous, as she’s had more careers than anyone else you’ve ever met.
Just as Barbie has been celebrated throughout the years, you’ll find Barbiecore inspiration in multiple aesthetics, spanning each decade since she arrived in 1959. Barbie represents all that feels fun, luxurious and light in every era. Whether it’s the economic prosperity and traditionalism of the ’50s; the bold modernism of the ’60s; the sparkly disco balls of the ’70s; the brash consumerism of the ’80s; the sophistication and social progress of the ’90s; the pop music craze of the ’00s; the eclectic, identity-challenged 2010s or the social consciousness and maximalism of the 2020s, there’s a version of Barbiecore for all of our homes, too.
Vintage and modern Barbie home decor
For example, if you love the geometric simplicity of the midcentury’s take on modern, opt for furniture with hairpin chair legs and pink upholstery. Capture the ’60s and ’70s with lucite furnishings because life in plastic is fantastic.
Live out your ’80s bubblegum dreams with glitter and crystalized accents galore. Find the ’90s aesthetic in floral wallpapers with pink accents, or go all out on early-aughts style with butterfly chairs, inflatable furnishings and textured walls.
If you don’t want to time-travel back that far, the 2010s and 2020s offer plenty of style varieties to try. After all, the 2010s gave us none other than Millennial pink, a more subdued take on Barbie’s signature hue. Rose gold finishings and chevron prints also dominated these years, both perfect for Barbiecore. The 2020s saw a resurgence in curvy furniture and maximalism, so if you’ve ever wanted to spring for something heart-shaped and over the top, do so now while it’s still on trend to also get it in pink.
Barbie buying guide for home decor
Now that you have more ideas about the Barbiecore concept, we’ll bring it down to earth with some Barbie-ish home pieces you can buy, suiting many design tastes.
1) This fabulous, full-length mirror
IMAGE SOURCE: AMAZON.COM
It’s pink, it has rhinestones, and it’s long enough to see if your shoes match your dress. What more could you want if you’re unashamed of your new Barbiecore home decor aesthetic? Outfits sold separately.
2) These flirty champagne flutes
IMAGE SOURCE: AMAZON.COM
Drink to your dream house with these high-quality champagne flutes, thanks to a collaboration with drinkware creator, Dragon Glassware. If you’d prefer coffee to champagne, the designer makes some gorgeous Barbiecore mugs as well.
3) This delightfully fluffy rug
IMAGE SOURCE: AMAZON.COM
Sink your heels into this plush, pink rug when you come home. Or pump up the pop music and invite your slumber party friends to a dance contest. Either way, this floor piece sets the foundation for a Barbiecore room layout.
4) This classy acrylic table
IMAGE SOURCE: AMAZON.COM
Accent any room with this rose-colored table. Though the design looks subtle, it screams Barbie, especially if paired with other pink decor items.
4) This idyllic wall art
IMAGE SOURCE: AMAZON.COM
If a season could be Barbiecore, it would be summer. You can practically smell the sweet drinks, chlorine and sunscreen through the wall. Dream of a world where your swimsuit always fits, where you tan but don’t burn while spending uninterrupted hours by the pool, unencumbered by chores and work. That’s all true, if only for a moment, when you look at this fun decor.
Anything in Viva Magenta
It’s almost as though PANTONE® knew this would be Barbie’s year when they announced the Color of the Year for 2023 as Viva Magenta. Thanks to its newfound fame and the movie’s hype, you’ll find this bright, saturated lipstick-pink shade everywhere. We covered the trend late last year, so check out some additional decor suggestions there as well.
Bring Barbiecore to life at home
Even if you choose not to see the movie, you’ll see enough Barbiecore images and items in the coming months to fulfill your Barbie needs. If you like what you see here, we suggest learning more about the trend and keeping your eye out for decor that fits your ideal aesthetic. Remember, life is your creation with this look, so don’t limit yourself to stereotypes, styles, age, gender norms or timelines. Just like with Barbie’s outfits and shoes, you can always begin with one piece at a time and build your collection.
But wait, are you still looking for a place to convert into your personal Barbiecore dream house? Start your summer here, looking at thousands of fabulous rentals. Make sure to get a place with a pool!
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