Hot pink is having a moment, and it’s not going anywhere! The Barbiecore trend continues to be ever popular, bringing playful, bold, and unapologetically pink interiors into homes everywhere. Whether you love the vibrant energy of hot pink walls or prefer subtle pink accents, this trend is all about confidence, fun and self-expression.
Read on to discover how to style hot pink paint in your home, the evolution of Barbiecore and expert tips for making pink a bold and beautiful statement. From soft blush to striking magenta, let’s dive into the world of Barbiecore and make your space pop with personality!
What is Barbiecore?
Originally created in 1959 by American businesswoman Ruth Handler, Barbie dolls have long had an influence on culture. Named after her daughter, Barbara, the dolls quickly became one of the most popular toys on the market. Since then, girls around the world have been introduced to the character of Barbie in all her forms – and all her outfits! Today, they are nothing short of a household name.
It’s safe to say that Barbie has come a long way from just being a simple doll with blonde hair in a ponytail. But what exactly is Barbiecore? How did a toy transform into an aesthetic movement?
In short, Barbiecore is the aesthetic of hot pink fashion, interiors, exteriors and accessories. You could say it began in the mid-to-late 1990s and continued all the way through the 2000s. Barbiecore was a look taken up by many different celebrities including Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.
The re-emergence of this trend has been on the horizon for a while now. In the early 2020s, there have been many fashion trends that lean towards hot pink. In recent years, hot pink has made a strong comeback in fashion, interiors and even architecture, keeping the Barbiecore trend alive!
How to incorporate Barbiecore into interior design
The resurgence of pink tones is evident in the world of painting, crafting and interior design. Here at Frenchic, we’ve been exploring the different ways that you can incorporate the Barbiecore aesthetic into your interiors with the addition of pink paint.
For a glimpse at what's possible, take a look at how Frenchic Fan Rachel (over at @nancyannerevivals) used Love Letter to create a colourful scalloped effect on this furniture...
How do I decorate with pink?
So, what do we think about decorating with pink? Well, you should know that pink paint tones are anything but boring. This colour can give an interior a completely different look depending on the tone that you choose. From subtle, through cool, to shocking, there are many ways that pink paint can give a room a unique feel. We have a diverse range of paints that you can use to get the most out of Barbiecore interiors.
Go steady with earthy undertones
A good starting point for pink decoration is pink paints that have dusky undertones. These will offer a distinctive base colour, but also infuse a sense of warmth and charm into your home. You can consider these an alternative to many grey or beige-toned natural hues.
Some of the suitable paint colours for this purpose include Dusky Blush and Nougat (below). Both will give the interior or object you are decorating a touch of colour without having to commit to a brighter pink.
Add a cool touch
But what if you’re looking for something a little cooler? If this is the case, you should consider a brighter pink paint with a touch of smoke in its base. Either Rosy Dusk or Golightly offer this middle-ground between dark shades of pink and more striking tones.
Go bolder
Perhaps you’re feeling bold or embracing your inner maximalist! Using a strong pink paint with darker, earthy or red undertones for your walls is a great way to inject warmth and cosiness with character. Check out the fabulous Fifi's Fancy if this is your aim.
Is there anywhere to avoid with pink?
One thing to be clear about is that the more vibrant pink paints are best avoided in rooms where you want to relax.
Take classic hot pink, a signature of Barbiecore, as an example. While this might be a good choice for Barbie's bedroom, it may be a little too loud for the rest of us. Using bright paint colours in areas where you are supposed to unwind can make them feel less cosy.
However, if you love the idea of using a bright pink paint for your interiors, you could use it in small amounts for a ‘pop’ of colour in these spaces. Adding an accent of pink with certain fixtures – such as an inside a cupboard or draw – can give the room you’re painting a lift without committing to such a bright aesthetic.
4 ways to incorporate pink with ease
Hot pink paint works well with most colours you can choose. However, there are some surfaces and colour combinations that are surefire hits. Let’s look at some of the best things you can pair them with:
1. Natural materials like woods (or wood tones), rattan or cane, teamed with botanical elements like plants.
2. Pink and green should always be seen! This is a rule you can go by, and the two colours pair remarkably well. Go for tones that are similar to promote a relaxed feel or vary them for livelier results.
3. Deep shades of blue team fabulously with soft pinks, so if you select a strong blue then you can ensure a striking finish.
4. What about darker paint colours? If you want something with a little drama but retaining a muted feel, you can consider adding black or a very dark shade of grey paint. For a more classic look, you can even incorporate gold or another warm metallic shade.
Testing the (pink) water
Remember, you don’t have to commit to painting a whole room! There are many simple ways to experiment with any colour. For example, try painting a feature wall or a piece of furniture (or even the inside of a cupboard) and live with it for a while to see how the colour grows on you.
This approach is shown in the luxe locker revamp from Frenchic Fan Kayleigh (over at @do.it.yourself.mum), for example! Kayleigh used a mix of our soft, muted pink with beige undertones shade Last Dance from our Chalk Wall Paint Range with a touch of our slightly off white shade Wedding Cake from The Lazy Range to create a lighter pink hue...
Getting creative – interior woodwork and more...
Once you’re on board with the pink paint trend, you can get creative with new ideas like colour drenching. This is where you apply pink on your walls, doors, interior woodwork and even your ceiling to create a seamless, pared-down look. Or just find another piece of furniture to revamp with beautiful pink paint and give a new lease of life!
Some tips on applying pink paint
With any paint, you want the colour to come out as intended. But perhaps even more so with wonderful shades of hot pink! Here are a few tips to make sure your pink paint finish looks exactly as expected:
- Order sample pots or sachets to try colours out before you purchase and use a full tin!
- Invest in high-quality paints that are suitable for the surface you're painting.
- Check the tin for guidance on coverage, coats and drying times.
- Be sure to check the paint's finish, such as matte, silk and gloss, as this can impact the end results.
Get involved with the Barbiecore trend today!
Barbiecore remains a strong trend, keeping pink at the forefront of interior design. At Frenchic, we make it easy to add these colours to your home with a collection of beautiful hot pink paint shades formulated specifically for the surfaces in your home.
Our pink furniture paint is suitable for wood, PVC and laminate surfaces, while pink wall paint provides a fantastic ultra-matte finish for walls and ceilings that’s highly scrubbable. From pale pink and pastels to hot pink and bold shades, it’s never been easier to unleash your inner Barbie!
