With the recent release of the new ‘Barbie’ movie, we were intrigued to explore the idea of the Barbiecore interior design trend. In some ways a revival of certain design touches that we would associate with the 90’s and childhood nostalgia, Barbiecore is, at the same time, a movement that seems to be able to transcend through time. Whatever connections it has to aesthetic periods and moments gone by, there is one thing for sure: it is looking like one of the most vibrant trends of the year.
The Barbie Film
To take things back to where this Barbiecore interior design buzz stems from, you need to know about the new Barbie film. What is so interesting about this film is that it’s not only the story and the stars that are grabbing attention, but in fact the set design.
With Greta Gerwig at the helm, the production of this film has placed an unbelievable level of focus on the importance of real life, physical design. Unlike many big films which hit our screens today, CGI was left to the side, and the focus on ‘hands-on’ set design was been given precedence.
Barbie Land was inspired by places such as Palm Springs and Venice Beach, and the mid-century Californian design that can be seen there.
Barbiecore Aesthetic
This trend for pink prettiness in all its glory has started to filter into different areas of our popular cultural imagination. Influencers are giving their rooms a pink makeover. Models and style icons are opting for bleached hair and monochrome pink outfits. Pink is also hitting the runway hard, with many fashion brands showcasing louder and prouder pink releases. More and more interest is growing on Instagram and TikTok for homes that embrace the unashamed glamour of Barbiecore pink in all its brightness and joyfulness. There is now no doubt that the era of Barbiecore is upon us, and it’s lifting the mood after the last few years.
Nostalgic & Uplifting
One way to conceptualise this big shift in the aesthetic mood is that people are re-engaging with the styles that made up our childhood dreams. It turns out that these can be the most life-enhancing and mood-lifting even as an adult! The great thing about this is that it means that a big aim of all the Barbiecore related style trends is to make things fun again. Because of what the world has been through in recent years, perhaps this is the best reaction we can have in terms of how we decorate our homes and decorate ourselves! It is a bold statement of love, of excitement, and of the kind of carefree nature that cuts through all things humdrum and mundane.
About Barbiecore Interior Design
Barbiecore, we think, gets to the heart of what interior design is all about: how to make sure the design of your home helps to positively affect your state of mind and your general wellbeing. In this case, the hot pink, the brightness, a touch of sparkle or kitsch, and the general the sense of excitement serves to uplift the mind. Your surroundings should give you a spring in your step, and this is definitely one interior design choice which is able to do that. This doesn’t just go for your home, but also your workplace or even events.
Just a Sprinkling of Pink
If you have looked at some recent examples of full blown Barbiecore, and you feel that your room, home, or commercial space is not ready for complete makeover, then you can always just take on touches of Barbiecore influence with some smaller, more understated additions. This can be achieved with soft furnishings such as cushions and throws. Another good way of just introducing a subtle touch of pink is with gentle, light pink fabric baskets and other such items which will simply accent your room with the fun energy that Barbiecore is all about, but do so in a way which doesn’t overwhelm.
Go All Out Barbie Land
On the other hand, you might want to go all out and fully embrace Barbiecore. There is the opportunity to explore your kitsch side and throw many layers of Barbiecore accessories together. Combine things such as pink furniture, pink walls, heart themed accessories, flamingos, sparkles, pearls, scalloped shapes, fluffy textures, bows or frills. Enjoy the way that this will set the tone for your home, or for your commercial space. You might also make use of clear plastics or glass decorations. The pops of clear plastics or glass should get across a motif of bubbles which represents the light-hearted, bubbly and springy mood of Barbiecore.
Barbiecore interior design seems to blend maximalism and minimalism. Barbie’s house isn’t crammed full of stuff, but she has everything she needs for stylish and functional purposes. Think about choosing a few specific statement accessories or pieces of furniture that stand out through their colour, shape or texture. Then work around those items to accessorise and add finishing touches to create your overall Barbie Land look. Why not bring in a touch of Palm Springs / Venice Beach with some sub-tropical artificial trees.
Creating a Barbiecore Floral Display
Barbiecore also lends itself to all things floral, so vases and flowers are another great way to tap into this style. One of the best ways to bed in this style in a longer term and hassle free way is by using high quality faux flowers. This means that you will be able to spread that pink and purple tone across your home without needing to tend to them; plus, it means that you can enjoy the look without letting your Barbiecore flowers cause any irritations for those with pollen allergies.
Colourful & Maximalist
In terms of Barbiecore style flowers, it is often best to go for the more cultivated types of flowers. These are flowers which, through floriculture, become the most colourful, expressive, and maximalist in their showiness. Barbiecore is not about being shy and retiring, and these kinds of flowers speak to this. These are the flowers that are quite simply proud of looking good! The rose, for instance, might be one that you will want to turn to first and foremost.
Bold Blooms & Pretty Florals
Other flowers such as dahlias and hydrangeas can also be good selections. Peonies and roses would also be other bold, feminine options. Alongside these centrepiece choices, you can then mix in pretty florals like gypsophila and bougainvillea. If you want to get this look in the most long-lasting and stress free of ways, then you will be able to do so with our excellent range of highly realistic artificial flowers.
Of course, pink will be the dominant note. But then it does not have to be a one dimensional situation. You can also blend in accompanying floral touches of white, cream, light blue and lilac. These types of colours will create a beautiful array of colours that marry together to give off the Barbiecore vibe in abundance.
Where to Use Barbiecore Interior Design
These floral displays, as well as other touches of Barbiecore interior design, would work really well at home. But they also have much potential in commercial spaces. For instance, spas, beauty salons, or fashion shops. Cafés and hotels could even benefit from a little bit of Barbiecore, as these are the spaces in a room which become the most appealing areas for customers to capture the perfect image on their phones and share on social media. A full pink floral display with all the trimmings would also be great as a centrepiece at parties, especially in the summer season.
However you decide to use Barbiecore, have some fun and enjoy!