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The Barbiecore aesthetic has made its way to interiors – here are 5 ways to nail the trend

5 ways to nail the barbiecore interiors trend
5 ways to nail the Barbiecore aesthetic at homeVarious

With excitement for the new Barbie film rising, #Barbiecore is trending across social media, not only in terms of fashion but in interiors, too. It goes without saying that colour is synonymous with Barbie, so brace yourself for plenty of pink.

'A much-welcomed mood booster after the last few years, Barbiecore is all about embracing vibrant hues – particularly the doll's signature hot pink – in everyday life,' says Etsy's trend expert, Dayna Isom Johnson.

We’ll also see nostalgic nods to past decades (such as the 80s and 90s) with recognisable retro designs. The theme throughout will be inherently playful, with lots of wall decor, feminine interior design and indulgent soft furnishings.


We think it sounds like a whole lot of fun! For an elevated take on the trend, here are five tips for nailing a grown-up Barbiecore look in your home.

Pink hues are fundamental to the Barbiecore trend, with hot pinks (like Mylands' punchy magenta FTT-006, pictured above) being a particular favourite.

'If you think pink walls might feel a little too much like a kids' bedroom, then think again,' says Molly Freshwater, co-founder of Secret Linen Store. 'Opting for more plaster-like colours such as Farrow and Ball's Setting Plaster or Pink Ground gives a mature feel to a room, whilst still gaining the playful softness that makes Barbiecore so popular.'

That’s not to say you need to repaint your home to try out the trend. If the thought of pink walls is just a bit much for you, injecting subtler hues of blush or powder pink through soft furnishings (particularly items like bedding and cushions) is an understated way to nod to the look.

Tash Bradley, a colour psychologist and Lick’s head of interior design agrees: 'A room or home filled with too much bright pink will quickly become overwhelming and far too intense, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have bursts of it throughout to add the lively effect of this fun new trend. Whether that’s through upcycling old furniture, adding bright fabrics through cushions, or bed throws injecting the powerful colour, this way will provide a lot of joy.'

Stereotypical feminine design choices are also crucial to the Barbiecore look but don’t have to look overly kitsch. If in doubt, try decor with a feminine look but with a neutral base colour. These can be things like lampshades, throws and ornaments.

Molly tells us: 'Scallop and frill-edged bed linen is very popular at the moment and is a subtle way to bring a touch of femininity into the room. Alternatively, floral scatter cushions or tablecloths are purse-friendly ways to update your living room or kitchen.’

'Part of the Barbiecore look is casual wall decor that resembles a real-life Pinterest board,' Molly says. Either go big with statement artwork or if you already have a gallery wall, switch up photographs or posters with a pastel aesthetic for a fuss-free update.

the lowdown tv cabinet locker
The Lowdown TV Cabinet Locker, Mustard MadeMustard Made

To keep things feeling personal, frame posters of your favourite films and bands (bonus points if they have a retro look or feature pastel tones!) or display digital prints of your favourite artists. Abstract artwork well too. It’s also fun to frame things that wouldn’t usually be framed. For example, a menu from your favourite restaurant or tickets from a special event.

'One of the best things we can do to promote a great night’s sleep is to cultivate a nurturing and peaceful atmosphere in our bedrooms and pink can add personality and warmth to any space,' Yvonne Keal, a senior product manager at Hillarys, explains.

If you’re looking to create a real Barbie dream house, a beautifully put-together bedroom is essential. It can’t be done without luxurious bed linen and soft accessories like sumptuous duvets, pillows and cushions.

pink bedroom with walls painted in lick pink 03
Walls painted in Lick Pink 03@TopologyInteriors

'Although perhaps not ideal for the summer months, a top tip would be to double up on duvets so your bed looks perfectly cloud-like,' Molly says. 'Using several pillows and cushions is also a great way to plump up your cosy bed or sofa, and they are an easy way to play with fun textures like faux fur or sheepskin in whites or pastels.'

For a quick bedroom style update, Yvonne suggests the following: 'Add a rose velvet headboard to your bed or alternatively, focus on your bedroom's window dressings and brighten up your space with a striking pink roller blind.'

There’s nothing like the good old days! Indulging in some nostalgia is a great way to bring a sense of fun to the trend. 'Barbie was in her heyday in the 80s and 90s,' Molly reminds us, 'so a great nod to the Barbiecore trend is to introduce some subtle retro pieces.'

Old-school landline telephones make for great visual points of interest (even if not plugged in!), as do retro posters for cult films and vintage coffee table books. These subtle nods to an era gone by are a playful way of trying out the trend and aren’t visually overwhelming. You can also experiment with retro silhouettes - the bolder the decor, the better!

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