How to Incorporate Barbiecore into Your Decor
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Everyone’s buzzing about Barbie right now. The iconic fashion doll is red (er…hot pink?) hot, as is her favorite hue, thanks to the upcoming Greta Gerwig-helmed Barbie movie and its epic trailer.
And that’s led to a new (and definitely different) design fad—Barbiecore—with pops of Barbie’s signature bright pink in fashion and in home products, too. Unlike some of the more low-key recent home design trends like cottagecore and coastal grandmother, Barbie core is definitely not for the faint of heart.
What Is Barbiecore?
If you ever owned the Barbie dream house, you definitely get the vibe—fun, ultrafeminine, and loaded with bright pink hues. (Elle Woods from Legally Blonde could be another source of design inspo.)
And you’re seeing that crop up in many of the colors of the year for 2023, from Pantone’s bright Viva Magenta to the softer rose of Sherwin William’s Redend Point, and even KitchenAid’s poppy pink Hibiscus.
The Barbie movie with the viral look at Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Reynolds channeling his best Ken has definitely revved up the interest in all things pink. (And of course, it definitely feels like we could all use something fun right now!)
Tips for Adding Barbiecore to Your Decor
The fashion world has been swifter to embrace the Barbiecore trend, with celebrities like Zendaya, Reese Witherspoon, Lizzo, and the Kardashians all showing off Barbie pink ensembles in recent months. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t think pink with some Barbiecore home decor as well. “People are starting to use color more and more in their designs,” says designer Tamara Day, host of Magnolia Network’s Bargain Mansions. “I think that’s a big part of why Barbiecore is so popular—using fun and exciting colors gives a house a feel for the owners’ personalities.”
Decide how much you want to commit to Barbiecore
If you’re a diehard fan, maybe you do want to splurge on the all-pink appliances for your kitchen or a hot-pink sofa. But for most people, think small touches. “Incorporate Barbiecore into bold artwork and fun accessories,” Day says. “Throw pillows and coffee table books are affordable and easy to update as trends change.”
Choose rooms that are a little more casual
A formal dining room may not be the best place to unleash your inner Barbie. Day likes to use bold colors in rooms like the laundry room, entry or pantry. “I love making those spaces super playful and fun. Any thing to make laundry fun, right?”
Find your balance
All Barbie, all the time will put you deeply into kitsch territory, so offset the pink with some classic items. “I always like to balance trends with classic pieces,” Day says. “If you have bold trendy accessories, balance it with timeless furniture pieces.”
Barbie-Inspired Decor for Your Home
Want a cheat sheet to add a little Barbiecore to your home? Try these fun home goods to brighten up your space.
Lucia Acrylic Highball Glasses
Anthropologie
These Barbie pink glasses are perfect for sipping poolside this summer—since they’re made of acrylic (just like Barbie’s!).
Smeg Pink Toaster
Amazon.com
KitchenAid isn’t the only one serving up Barbie pink kitchen appliances. Smeg’s pretty pink toaster gives off vintage 1950s vibes (perfect since that’s when the original Barbie premiered too).
Tilda Bubble Table Lamp
PB Teen
This sweet pink handblown glass lamp is a perfect Barbiecore addition to your bedroom or office—or your living room, since it’s a slightly subtler shade of pink.
Jamora Glass Table Vase
All Modern
This bubbly Barbie-hued vase will add a pop of color (especially when it’s filled with pink flowers).
Great Jones Stir Crazy Bowls
Great Jones
These pretty mixing and serving bowls feature a funky pink design that’ll brighten up whatever you’re serving.
Wiggle Planters
Urban Outfitters
Give your favorite plants (perhaps a pink princess philodendron?) a worthy home with this set of mix-and-match indoor planters in Barbie-approved shades of pink and orange.
Sarish Bar Cart
Wayfair
This sleek rolling cart can be used for a bar setup, beauty storage—or even stuff for the kids. (Bonus: Since it’s metal and glass, it can be brought out to your patio, too.)
Pink Barbie Art
GSPrintShoppe/Etsy
Want to get a little more literal about your Barbie fandom? This sleek print features a slew of Barbie’s iconic shoes against a sparkly pink background.
Heart-Shaped Mirror
This fun pink LED makeup mirror looks straight out of Barbie’s dream house—and adds a fun bit of Barbie pink to your bedroom or bathroom.
Love Bird Embroidered Pillow
For a slightly more subtle nod to Barbie, add this pretty pink pillow to your bed or sofa.
Solid Cashmere Throw
This luxe cashmere throw is a little darker and more sophisticated than the brighter Barbie pink—perfect for the less adventurous Barbiecore fan.
Velvet Office Chair
Add a little Barbie glam to your WFH setup with this bold pink office chair clad in soft and comfy velvet.
