BARBIE Life in the Green-House: A Sustainable Approach to A Dreamhouse
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Rethinking the Barbie Dreamhouse in Reaction to Climate Change
Are you a fan of the iconic Barbie Dreamhouse or just watched the movie BARBIE (2023 movie)? Most of us grew up exposed to the various dreamhouses released over the last few decades.
I firmly believe the 1970’s A-Frame sparked my interest for all things interior design and architecture- and mid-century design specifically. Rearranging the colorful furniture within the plastic rooms or pulling apart the architecture so each of my sisters and I could have an individual house for our dolls. My sisters used to give me grief that I would take hours to set up my Barbie’s house, and then leave it as soon as we were supposed to “actually” play.
Anyway- do you have memories like that? Do you love their vibrant colors, chic designs, and modern aesthetic? If you're aiming to infuse the Barbie Dreamhouse look into your own home while staying environmentally conscious, you're in the right place!
As the climate crisis continues to be an important issue for interior designers and architects to address in their designs, how would Barbie’s Dreamhouse look today? Here are some sustainable applications that you (and Barbie) can take into consideration to avoid the “life in plastic”.
Photo by Tyler Hendy on Unsplash
Upcycle and Repurpose
Don't be afraid to get creative when incorporating Barbie Dreamhouse elements into the modern age. Look for unique vintage items or repurpose old furniture to match the desired aesthetic. For instance, you can refurbish or paint an old vanity table with a touch of pink or purple. Reupholster chairs with vibrant fabrics to achieve that retro-modern look. Put your clothing and accessories on display just like Barbie as a decorative touch to expresses your personality. Upcycling and repurposing not only adds individuality to your space but also reduces waste.
Photo by Lina Castaneda on Unsplash
Prioritize Energy Efficiency
The Dreamhouse always seems to be decked out with helpful smart gadgets for Barbie and her friends! Install smart thermostats for better climate control and energy management. Swap out traditional lighting fixtures with energy-saving LED bulbs. Opt for energy-efficient appliances such as eco-friendly refrigerators or dishwashers from brands like GE and Samsung, to reduce electricity consumption and save on utility bills. Plus, many efficient appliance manufacturers are applying colorful finishes reminiscent of Barbie’s colorful kitchens.
Photo by Latrach Med Jamil on Unsplash
Ditch the Plastic- It is not so fantastic.
When sourcing materials to finish your interior design projects, opt for sustainable alternatives. Look for furniture and flooring made from reclaimed wood or those certified by sustainable forestry initiatives. Incorporate natural materials like bamboo, cork, or jute in your flooring choices. These materials lend much more warmth to your space and are made of renewable resources rather than materials with plastic in them.
Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
Embrace Pop Colors and Patterns
The Barbie Dreamhouse is best known for its vibrant, playful colors and patterns. Incorporate these elements into your space by utilizing eco-friendly paints or organic textiles colored from natural dyes. Choose non-toxic, low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint options that are healthier for you and the environment. Embrace bright hues on walls or flooring and use bold patterns on wallpapers and textiles to emulate that lively Barbie aesthetic to best reflect you!
Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash
Bring in Greenery
Lastly, I believe, no modern Barbie Dreamhouse would be complete without a touch of nature. Contrast pops of bright colors with green house plants that improve air quality by filtering out pollutants and releasing oxygen. Incorporate an indoor-outdoor connection with windows to bring in lots of natural light and outdoor views. You could even go so far as to picking house plants with waxy leaves like a pothos, jade or peace lily plant- to play on the plastic look.
In light of the changing climate and the recent release of the BARBIE movie, envisioning Barbie's Dreamhouse in the present day would require careful consideration of sustainable principles. Embracing these applications can help Barbie and others develop an environmentally conscious mindset- starting with the design of their dreamhouse.
Because if “you can be anything you want to be”, why not be green?
Check out more about Barbie, architecture, and interior design:
60 Years of Barbie Architecture: When Popular Culture Meets Design | ArchDaily
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