Barbiecore: The Ultra-Pink Design Trend That’s Taking Over

What if we told you this style originates from the same creators of Lego and the Magic 8-Ball? In 1945, Ruth Handler and her husband co-founded toy company Mattel and created a long inventory of childhood toys we still know and love today. But it wasn’t until 1959 when the iconic doll hit the shelves and revolutionized the toy industry.

Fast-forward to present day and Barbie’s influence goes far beyond play time. Her signature pink colour palette and style has shaped everything from fashion to interiors.

Today, the Barbiecore trend leans heavily on hot pink, so you might be surprised to find out that the original Barbie Dreamhouse was actually a white and yellow mid-century modern home that was in line with the design trends in the early 60s. You could say mid-century modern is the original Barbiecore.

While the all-pink never seems to truly go out of style and is a constant mark of an “It Girl” (think Clueless in the ‘90s, Legally Blonde in the 2000s, Mean Girls in the 2010s and so on), the recent resurgence can be linked to the new upcoming Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Pictures of the film have fans hyped for the stunning visuals and eye-popping fashion.

If you’re looking to really lean into the Barbiecore design trend, it turns out there actually is an exact shade of Barbie pink. The retro pink aesthetic can be accomplished with the Pantone colour Barbie Pink, hex code #e0218a. If you’re looking to perfectly colour match your paint to the classic Mattel doll, this is the one to get.

Summers 2022 and 2023 has had just about every celebrity popping up in hot Barbie pink fashions, from Anne Hathaway to Lizzo. While this hot pink trend may be the latest fashion moment, it’s more of a lifestyle for some celebs like long-standing Barbie girl Paris Hilton.

Go full Malibu Barbie with your interior design by choosing a bright hot pink and electric lime green colour scheme and feminine patterns throughout. Add humour and whimsy with plastic elements like a shiny lamp or clear plastic table. Life in plastic really is fantastic!

You don’t have to live on the beach in Malibu or have a pink-hued pool to embrace this trending moment. Try adding bright pops of pink to your home, like this bright pink two-seater couch (see more of our favourite super bright living room couches). It’s the perfect shade of lipstick pink and makes a bold statement whether the rest of your décor is pretty and pink or more subdued and neutral.

Etta Velvet Armless Loveseat, Wayfair, $360.

Dine in style by bringing the Barbie aesthetic to your kitchen and dining room. You can find pink kitchen and dining accessories, from a retro pink Smeg fridge to budget-friendly IKEA cookware.

Fargklar Plate and Bowl Set, IKEA, $16

Barbiecore doesn’t need to be so obvious! You can incorporate other design elements and patterns you love to give a fun twist to the dollhouse design trend that’s totally unique to you. Try mixing different shades of pink with animal prints and a pop of complementary green for a look that gives Barbie Goes on a Jungle Safari.

Marcello Velho Catwalk Petite Accent Chair, Anthropologie, $748.

For the die-hard Barbie fans that are committed to the pink lifestyle (like this influencer who even dyed her pool water pink), take the ultimate plunge into Barbiecore with a painted exterior. This bright pink and purple Santa Monica house, known as the Barbie Beach House, is a popular destination for colour lovers on social media.