Barbie mania has swept the world. Attend any screening of the film, and chances are, you’ll spot more than just a few audience members decked out in their pink-hued best. Already, the mark that Barbiecore has made on fashion and beauty is clear, so it stands as no surprise that the trend has extended to the world of interior design as well. After all, what’s a Barbie girl without a Barbie world—and who wouldn’t want the chance to live in Barbie’s whimsical Dreamhouse?
“In the interiors world, I think of Barbiecore as a mix of retro nostalgia and maximalist glam. It’s all about embracing the playful, the bold and the feminine,” shares interior decorator and creative director Dani Klarić. Having amassed over two million followers on TikTok thus far, Klarić is known for injecting spaces with her signature dose of bubblegum eclecticism. “It is extremely bold and lavish, with lots of mixing and matching of patterns, textures and materials. You’ll see plenty of geometric shapes and funky wallpaper. Think plush velvet sofas, shimmery sequin pillows, and luxurious faux fur throws.”
Of course, it’s impossible to talk about Barbiecore without discussing the colour pink. Pink, when used in an interior space, creates a sense of playfulness, romance and joy. Klarić elaborates: “In a living room or play area, pink adds a playful vibe that invites laughter and good energy. It puts people feel at ease. On the other hand, when used in a bedroom or a cosy nook, pink wraps the space in a soft, romantic aura. It has the power to evoke feelings of love, tenderness and intimacy.” For those looking to dress their homes in the new colour of the season, Klarić shares her top five tips for incorporating pink into the living space.
1 / 5
Use contrasting colours
Integrating large amounts of pink without having it overwhelm a space can be a fine line to tread. Klarić’s most important piece of advice is to pair pink with complementary colours to balance it out. “Consider cool tones like green or blues to create a visually pleasing and harmonious environment,” she notes.
It helps that the Barbiecore aesthetic goes beyond just the colour pink. Within Barbie’s Dreamhouse and wardrobe, you’ll also find shades of baby blue, mint green and lemon yellow. “These colours come together to create a whimsical and dreamy atmosphere that takes you back to a delightful world of childhood fun.”
2 / 5
Find the right shades of pink
While we’re on the topic of colour, it’s also important to think through which pinks work best for your home. Consider pairing multiple shades to create a more dynamic space, or to bring out different ambiences within the home.
If you’re concerned whether pink interiors might stand the test of time, Klarić’s advice is to skip the brighter shades and opt for more subdued hues. “Soft blush, dusty rose or muted mauve tones have a classic appeal that is timeless. These shades exude elegance and can easily adapt to evolving styles.”
3 / 5
Pick a centrepiece
Klarić’s next tip: create a focal point. “Consider a pink statement piece, like a plush velvet sofa in a bold fuchsia hue. This becomes the centrepiece of the room, and immediately establishes the colour’s presence without overwhelming the space.”
Little touches of pink can then follow to complement. Setting the sofa against a gallery wall with pops of pink, for example, could strengthen the aesthetic while still drawing the eye to your chosen centrepiece.
4 / 5
Don’t forget the little details
When it comes to interiors, the smallest things can make all the difference. Klarić shares, “When working with pink, elegant textures and patterns go a long way in maintaining a sophisticated look, and I always love incorporating luxurious fabrics like velvet or silk, along with metallic accents like gold or chrome.”
You can also make use of pink as an accent colour by layering textiles and accessories. “Playful pink throw pillows on a neutral-coloured couch, a vivid pink area rug in the living room or patterned pink curtains framing a window can add a burst of colour without dominating the entire room.”
This works particularly well, Klarić points out, if you’re not looking to commit to a permanent pink element in the home. Incorporating the colour into interchangeable decor makes it easy to swap out the items for a fresh colour palette if you ever feel like updating your space.
5 / 5
Stay true to your own style
Longevity is always a concern when it comes to adopting a trend, and Barbiecore is no different. If you’re concerned that the rising wave of pink might come to a standstill soon, Klarić’s advice is to recognise and take away what you enjoy about it instead of seeing it as a passing trend.
“At the end of the day, Barbiecore is all about embracing your inner child, having fun, and expressing yourself through colours, textures, and decor that bring joy to your heart. There are always clever ways to incorporate pink into your home while still keeping it timeless,” she notes.
