Why the ‘Barbiecore’ trend will never go out of style | Architectural Summary
An online aesthetic encyclopedia writes in its definition of “Barbiecore” that it is an upper-class lifestyle that includes “several cars, a private jet, a huge house, several pets, including horses, and a yacht”. And yet, there is something about Barbiecore that lies outside of the money. You can be a Barbie Girl with a Forever21 party dress and a TJMaxx candle. “Loving a color is so simple,” adds Sophie.
When you see perfectly renovated houses and pink palaces on social media, it can have an alienating effect. Not to mention the cost of ’80s lacquer furniture, unless you’re on Facebook Marketplace in a remote part of Michigan, maybe. But the thing about the Barbie Dreamhouse lifestyle is that its entry points are plentiful and the plastic is cheap. Thrift stores and discount homeware stores are full of pieces just waiting to be made more glamorous. “My pink collection started years ago, and it gradually built up,” explains Sophie. “I would find a pink plate at Goodwill, and three bowls here, and a picture frame there.”
There’s a lot of stuff that sucks in the world right now, but if you’re into that stuff, there’s never been a better time to start designing your dream space. “The whole process really made me feel like I found myself in a very strange way,” concludes Sophie. “Designing my own space has just been quite a spiritual awakening for me. It’s a dream come true, a Barbie Dreamhouse dream come true.
5 tips for creating your own Barbie Dreamhouse
1. Frame it, pretend, try it 🖼️
“If you can’t commit to painting an entire wall, starting with a door frame or even the door is so much fun. If you can’t afford $100 worth of paint, you can get one of those little $5 sample cans, and it’ll at least get you through a door frame. It’s a super quick and easy Saturday morning project, and it can add so much personality to a room… You never know when you’ll find real Barbie elements. I love buying a teapot or tea set because anything resembling a tea party is then Barbie. Have lots of textiles, cushions and rugs, make it as intimate and personal as possible. I have this fake banana and a fake orange from Michael’s, and they remind me of the fake little food you would have in your Barbie-go-to-the-grocery set. Having kitsch little moments like that, totally useless but funny little objects really makes me feel like I’m in a doll’s house. Go get the fake fruit, then go to Goodwill and pick up a crystal vase for them.
2. Bet on a tone-on-tone look 🎨
“Barbie mixed a lot of light pinks with hot pinks. Then I would add pops of different complementary colors that are very Barbie – aqua, canary yellow and lavender. Focus on Barbie textures like shimmer and hairspray. Anything fuzzy, hairy, any type of plastic or fiberglass furniture.” – Sasha Bikoff
3. Unleash your imagination 🦋
“Find something that really sparks the imagination deep within you – even the weird things you can’t get rid of – and imagine them in a little dollhouse. It helps to return to your childhood and channel your inner whimsical imagination. See the patterns that truly resonate with you and the art that inspires you. It all comes to life once you unlock these childhood memories.” – Hannah Dahl
4. Find a focal point 🔎
“If you look at the Dreamhouse now, we have a really nice yellow swivel chair. Or maybe you want to focus on indoor and outdoor living. But also, don’t get lost in a trend or style that you’re looking for. Always bring something to the table that is unique to you, because then you’ll feel more connected to your space and love it even more.And don’t be afraid to experiment, especially with a color of paint or wallpaper. It’s easy to change, try it and take a risk.” — Kim Culmone
5. Channel your inner Barbie 💋
“You really have to focus on the type of Barbie you’re trying to choose. Are you a classic Barbie? Are you a Barbie Superstar? Are you a Barbie Malibu? This is where you start. There’s no wrong way to be a Barb, just appreciate pink and smile – which is anti-feminist, telling women to smile, but still. Smile with your eyes, as Tyra Banks says. Waking up every day and seeing a bunch of black Barbies in my bedroom is like, ‘Okay, that’s very affirming and powerful.’ – Rashida Renee