Barbie Exits Barbie Land: Introduction to "The Dream House", Contest for Constructing Her First Real Residence
Got a soft spot for home makeovers and all things Barbie? You're in for a treat! Introducing the brand new show on our site: Barbie Dreamhouse Makeover**, where eight design whizzes go head-to-head each week, transforming rooms inspired by the legendary fantasy dreamhouse of everyone's favorite doll. A panel of design experts and Barbie historians decide who advances to the coveted pink carpet, but only one team will walk away with their space being crowned the best.
"Barbie Dreamhouse Makeover combines a dash of dreaminess with real-world creativity. It's always been about showcasing what was fresh and fashionable for that particular era," assures Kim Culmone, vice president and design director of Barbie at Mattel, and Chris Down, design director at the company. Shot in beautiful Southern California, a stone's throw from Barbie's first dreamhouse designed in 1962, this show offers a fantastic blend of design savvy, competition, glam, and plenty of rosy hues. Ever wondered what life in a Barbie dollhouse would be like? Now's your chance to find out!
4 weeks and 500+ hands at work
You read correctly! Over 500 people work tirelessly for four weeks to turn dreams into reality: formworkers, drywall installers, plumbers, electricians, and more. So, how does the competition work? It's all about strategy:
- Every week, two design teams face off. They're assigned a room and a different decade as inspiration.
- They must incorporate a commercially viable Barbie element into their designs, such as a surprise feature or specific detail that catches the judges' eyes.
- At the end of each episode, an expert jury decides which space deserves a spot on the pink carpet for the grand finale.
- During the finale, a select group will decide among four finalist spaces which is the ultimate dream house.
- The prize? The winning team not only secures a donation in their name to help educate thousands of children through Save the Children, but they'll also win a fabulous stay in the real-life Barbie Dreamhouse! On top of that, each team will have a dedicated Barbie fan following their transformation. If their space wins... they'll earn a dream sleepover at the Barbie Dreamhouse themselves!
History in the making, room by room
The legendary dreamhouse doesn't just serve as a reality show backdrop; it's a real-life residence located in Santa Clarita, Southern California. This stunning home was chosen for its two-story design, pool, breathtaking views, and potential to be transformed into a true-to-life Barbie Dreamhouse.
From the outside, it's already impressive, with a towering pink 'B' on the roof and enormous, eye-catching flamingos guarding the entrance. But it truly comes alive inside. Each room in the house pays homage to a different decade of Barbie's illustrious history, from a vibrant 1960s-inspired kitchen to a Ken-worthy den. Find out which teams can create the perfect Barbie space!
Chapter 1: 90s Living Room vs. 60s Kitchen
Barbie Dreamhouse Episode 1In the first episode, Married to Real Estate's Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson transformed the entrance, living room, and dining room with a 90s vibe. They spiced things up with a neon pink neon staircase, trendy zigzags on the chimney, and a host of nostalgic 90s furniture pieces, including a curved denim sofa. The dining room got a revamp with moldings on the ceiling and a stunning lamp. No contestant duo can afford to slip up!
The 60s kitchen revamp by the stars of Help! I Wrecked My House, Jasmine Roth and Antonia Lofaso, included secret elevators for appliances in the central island that desired somehow, a hidden space disguised as a shelf. The space also features a retro checkered sofa suitable for TV dinners, transporting anyone right back to the golden age of Barbie.
Chapter 2: 80s Barbie Dream Suite vs. 70s Ken's Lair
Episode 2In this round, TY and Alison renovated Ken's Lair, while Jon and Kristina transformed the Barbie Suite. Can you imagine a more fitting prize than a sleepover in either of these spaces?
The designers of Barbie's Dream Suite unveiled a shining ceiling, illusionary canopy bed, and pink heart decorations. Bristling with sophistication and the perfect ambiance, the room even featured a fireplace, a stationary bike, and a palm tree Palo Santo. A magical detail, the bed lights up and whispers "Goodnight" at the command of "Bed, I'm tired."
Want to get a load of Barbie's super dazzling bathroom? Come see how a sudden, unforeseen, truly awe-inspiring feature turns the space from an eyesore into a dreamy retreat!
On the flip side, HGTV stars Ty Pennington and Alison Victoria created Ken's very first corner in a Barbie Dreamhouse. A 70s aesthetic informed the design, complete with a charming rotating dressing room that led to a party-ready dance floor. The wooden dressing room features a disco ball to set the scene, making "just Ken" feel like the king of the castle.
The designers sprinkled the room with 70s-themed pink neon and blue print wallpaper, pink ceilings, and blue furniture. But wait! There are secrets hidden within the walls just waiting to be discovered!
Chapter 3: 90s Facade vs. 2000s Garden
Episode 3In this episode, the facade takes center stage with Keith and Evan's 90s renovation, featuring a toy car pull-up, telephone-shaped doorbell, and water fountain flamingos. They gave the facade a fresh coat of white, pink, and teal hues, inspired by the 1995 Barbie Dreamhouse. Will Keith and Evan's facade make it to the finals?
Meanwhile, the 2000s-style garden featuring a neon pink spiral waterslide and Ken-inspired lifeguard tower, plus an original "Barbie-cue" grill and stunning Barbie logo-shaped hedges, earned rave reviews from fans and judges.
Who do you think will take home the title of Dreamhouse Champion? Join us as we reveal the grand finale and find out!
Darling doll and dreamhouse on our site tonight!
Barbie encourages individuality, diversity, and authenticity, and our platform is thrilled to celebrate these values!
Aside from the Barbie Dreamhouse Makeover, our site also premieres Barbie, a highly anticipated movie directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. This delightful film not only showcases the iconic doll but also delivers a powerful message about identity, empowerment, and the breaking of stereotypes, all beautifully framed with humor. Don't miss out!
Also, be sure to check out:
- Barbie by the numbers: Fun facts about the world's most famous doll
- 'Barbie' comes to free TV: The movie with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, free on our website Play
- Ken does exist: How Barbie's movie reflects on gender roles
- From wardrobe to production design: How the impressive world of 'Barbie' was built
- The Barbie Dreamhouse Makeover show combines a blend of dreaminess, real-world creativity, and a touch of fashion-and-beauty, showcasing design elements that represent each era of Barbie's history.
- Each episode features two design teams who transform rooms inspired by different decades, incorporating a commercially viable Barbie element into their designs to catch the judges' eyes.
- The competition is intense, with an expert jury deciding which space deserves a spot on the pink carpet for the grand finale, where only one team will be crowned the best.
- The grand finale winner not only secures a donation in their name to help educate thousands of children through Save the Children but also gets a fabulous stay in the real-life Barbie Dreamhouse and a dream sleepover at the Barbie Dreamhouse themselves.
- Fans can catch up on Pop-culture news about Barbie, including the upcoming movie directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margie Robbie and Ryan Gosling, which delivers a powerful message about identity, empowerment, and breaking stereotypes.
- Sports enthusiasts can also enjoy coverage of basketball and the NBA, as well as features on celebrities who share a soft spot for home makeovers and all things Barbie.
