With Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie hitting Australian screens on July 20, Barbiecore fever is at an all-time high. Inspired by the iconic Mattel doll brand, Barbiecore is all about living your best life and expressing your playful and feminine side. Yes, pink is an integral part of Barbiecore and we’ve seen this with the dominance of monochrome pink outfits, bold pink makeup looks, and statement pink interior pieces, but it’s so much more than that. Here, stylist Hannah McCartney shares some of the ways in which Barbiecore translates to interiors, including references to design eras, the use of bold colours beyond pink, as well as playful patterns and textures.


 
When it comes to interiors, Barbiecore brings a Mid-Century Modern twist to contemporary design, inspired by the original 1960s era of Barbie. Picture playful curves, bursts of pastel hues like yellows, blues, and greens, and reflective glossy finishes.



Nostalgia plays a significant role in Barbiecore too. Playful motifs like hearts, daisies, and chevron are making their way into textiles and decorative objects, adding a touch of whimsy. Comfort is also key in this trend. Think oversized curved sofas, fluffy shag rugs, and plush floor cushions that invite you to relax and indulge in the glamorous world of Barbie.



Now, you might be wondering how Barbiecore pink differs from the pink shades that have been trending in recent years. While the past few years saw a surge in neutral pink tones like natural blushes and grounding rose tints, Barbiecore embraces more artificial and vibrant shades of pink. Think bubblegum, magenta, and fuchsia that add a bold and playful touch to your interiors.



Barbiecore is all about giving people the freedom to express themselves and be imaginative in their styling choices. It encourages you to choose bolder furniture, colours, and decor while embracing refined retro elements. The movie serves as a catalyst for breaking design rules and adding a touch of creativity and joy to your living spaces. Think of it as dopamine decorating. 



But is Barbiecore limited to a whole room or house look? Not at all! While an all-pink space might be excessive for most people, you can incorporate Barbiecore elements into your existing style. Start by adding pops of hot pink through decor pieces such as cushions, wall art, and bedding. Swap matte vases for high-gloss ones, trade plain decor for patterns and prints, and introduce lighter shades of pink for a more subdued look. It's all about finding the balance that suits your personal style and preferences.



If you're on a tight budget, don't worry! You can still achieve the Barbiecore style with a few simple updates. Begin by updating your wall colour with a fresh coat of paint. Then, add decorative items like curtains, bedding, cushions, throws, wall art, and lighting that embrace the bold and playful spirit of Barbiecore. Remember to think big and be bold with your choices, ditching the colour wheel and experimenting with textures and patterns. You can keep the style refined and modern by sticking to a maximum of three to four colour variations.

You could introduce Barbiecore to a forgotten area of your home such as the laundry room or bathroom. Don’t forget the outdoors too. Plan for summer and think about bringing some of Barbie’s Malibu poolside to your space with colourful sun loungers, outdoor umbrellas, hammocks and planters.



So, why is Barbiecore such a vibe right now? It's not just about the movie; there are deeper reasons behind its popularity. Throughout history, we've seen a rise in uplifting and nostalgic interior styles after major world events. As we emerge from the pandemic and global economic downturn, the world is looking for ways to bring joy and positivity into their lives. Barbiecore offers an abundance of beautiful, bright, and positive pieces for your home, creating a sanctuary of happiness.

Barbiecore is a vibrant and playful trend that encourages you to embrace maximalism, joy, and self-expression. Whether you go all out with a pink-infused space or sprinkle hints of Barbiecore into your existing style, the key is to have fun and be unapologetically yourself.