A Look Back at the Most Iconic Barbie Dream Houses
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The Barbie dreamhouse isn't just the star of a certain movie premiering this week—have you heard of it? And of course it's the inspiration for a beyond-fun home reno show. Before those latest entries in Barbie Land, where pink reigns supreme and every corner is packed with unapologetic glamour, there was the original doll herself. With an array of career ambitions (and cute outfits to match!), the beach blonde has managed to remain an arbiter of taste since her birth in 1959. Then, in 1962, Mattel released the very first Barbie Dreamhouse, giving the doll a special place to call home. Several decades and many iterations later, Barbie's dreamhouse remains one of the most famous landmarks in fictional architecture—and continues to serve as inspiration for interior designers.
"The Barbie dreamhouse was the first time I encountered the idea of home as an extension of a fashionable, charismatic, dynamic woman," shares San Francisco-based designer Emilie Munroe. "It inspired the notion of domestic life emulating personal energy and style, which is a mantra I support to this day."
Though it is fun to ogle at all the tiny details of each iteration of the toy—like an at-home elevator or slide that starts in the primary bedroom and descend all the way down to the front door—designer Taniya Nayak says there's more to Barbie's abode than what's behind its pink palette. "The Barbie dreamhouse is the ability to dream up exactly how you envisioned your life," she shares. "The colors were vibrant and over- the-top; these days, anything goes!"
As we look back at Barbie's extensive real-estate portfolio—and the realized dreams that came with each acquisition—we couldn't help but notice that some of her plastic properties have shaped the way we think about our own homes. Join us as we delve into the fascinating history and mesmerizing interiors that have transformed these miniature abodes into iconic landmarks of the design world. Below, some of our favorite dream houses of all time.
1962 Barbie Dreamhouse
With angular furniture and a boxy television, the inaugural Dreamhouse feels like a 1962 time capsule. (Who doesn't love the collegiate pennants and dreamy photo of Ken?) Barbie's first home might've been on the smaller side, but Tara McCauley points out that big dreams are seldom restrained by square footage.
"The original Dreamhouse symbolizes actual dreams that a girl could have in 1962: Go to college, support yourself financially, and live in a home that you could decorate exactly to your own taste," the House Beautiful Next Wave designer observes. "As the Barbie dreamhouse has grown exponentially bigger since 1962, the 'dream' aspect has shifted from aspirations of career and home ownership towards aspirations of a luxury lifestyle."
In fact, Mattel says that when the first dreamhouse was dreamed up in 1962, only 0.1 percent of woman independently owned a home—which means this small Dreamhouse made a big statement. That said, size isn't the only difference from today's dream houses: Instead of rose-colored glasses, this studio provides a sunflower-tinged look at Barbie's life. (Don't worry, a pink vanity and closet celebrate her rosy outlook.)
1979 Barbie Dreamhouse
Once the '70s rolled around, Barbie moved out of her signature studio an into a series of midcentury marvels, many of which were known as "Malibu dream houses" since the first one debuted right after the Malibu Barbie made her entrance in 1971. In this 1979 version, form meets function in a way that Barbie fans everywhere could enjoy. (Case in point: The skylights, which gave Barbie some excellent fictional sunshine—and offered a convenient way to take your doll in and out of the play set.)
While the 1979 iteration may not have all the bells and whistles of the more recent models—and, of course, that primarily pink palette—designer Candace Shure admits it's her personal dream house. "I’m a huge fan of its louvered windows, lattice front doors, and cheery yellow accents," she shares. "It would feel right at home in sunny Palm Springs."
1990 Barbie Dreamhouse
Toward the end of the 20th century—more specifically, the '80s and '90s—Mattel began to produce dream houses that resemble the plastic pads we know and love today. (And, in true Barbie fashion, her digs boasted a range of pink hues.) While Shure says these decades were not known for their design, she finds herself drawn to this Dreamhouse era.
"I get a feeling of childhood nostalgia looking at that floral wallpaper and frilly furniture from those dreamhouse
designs," she muses. "It's almost like looking at an old photo where you can’t quite remember, but you know you’ve been in a similar house as kid with the same froufrou bedding."
In addition to the sentimental, slightly grandmillennial styling—as seen in the 1990 Barbie Dreamhouse—this period also featured more luxurious touches such as a fireplace, multi-mirrored vanity, and "tiled" shower.
1996 Barbie Motorhouse
With so much pink and fun, feminine touches, the '90s were arguably a great decade for dream houses—but why stop at a house? The dreamhouse might've been the perfect accessory for budding homebodies, but Barbie lovers with a penchant for adventure loved her Motorhouse.
"The fact that Barbie's home could be mobile meant that the little stories I made up about her life revolved around travel instead of staying at home," McCauley recalls. "I was obsessed with the movie Spice World as a kid and my Barbies were frequently placed in pop star scenarios, touring the world: A very Third Wave Feminist fantasy compared to Barbie's Second Wave storyline from the '60s."
Since square footage is at a premium, the Motorhouse isn't as dreamy as some of its predecessors—but might we argue it offers something better? From a practical footprint to a breakfast nook that transforms into a bed, this version proves that home can be anywhere—regardless of its size or location.
1996 Barbie Motorhouse
$85.00
etsy.com
Etsy1997 Barbie Folding Pretty House
Speaking of small spaces, Mattel thought beyond the typical four walls with this foldable, portable alternative. Though Barbie's dream houses typically become larger and more grandiose as time goes by, the Folding Pretty House feels uncharacteristically small and simple. "It could get pretty small when packed, kind of a throwback to the very first homes that had a definite pack and play vibe," Sklar shares.
But unlike Barbie's original Dreamhouse—which is essentially one big room—this version offers guidance how to make the most of limited square feet. Sections for dining, living, and sleeping give Barbie a full-functioning home, while small touches like a Murphy bed and swivel provides plenty of small space savviness.
1998 Barbie Deluxe Dreamhouse
Perhaps the most quintessential dream house is the one Mattel debuted in 1998. (In fact, a similar model was sold as a Christmas ornament later that year.) McCauley notes that—with its scalloped edges along the facade and two-storied silo—this Dreamhouse bears a striking resemblance to San Francisco's Painted Ladies. "Anyone watching the 90s TV show Full House, which took place in San Francisco, would find the ornate Victorian details of this Dreamhouse familiar," she notes.
From the pastel palette to the Laura Ashley-like floral details throughout the premises, this Dreamhouse feels like a '90s time capsule—with a luxe twist. "[It's] a vintage nod to grandma's house," Nayak adds. "How fun is that for inspiration for today's home? The house is vintage with modern amenities like a working elevator!" A sweet balcony and swing for little sister Kelly round out the space—offering the perfect hangout for Barbie's community.
2013 Barbie Dreamhouse
Since the '90s, the Barbie dream house has followed a rather specific recipe: An easy-to-use elevator, some frilly furniture, and lots of pink just to name a few. Case in point: The 2013 Barbie Dreamhouse, which resembles a pink pied-à-terre.
The millennium's dream houses might have updated touches, but Los-Angeles-based designer Amy Sklar says they represent a health mix between old and new. "After the Victorian foray, we started to to see what looks and feels not dissimilar to the good old 70's townhouse," she explains. "Elevator? Check. Three Stories? Check."
The pops of magenta and scrolled railings throughout dare you to embrace your bold streak—both in your imagination and interiors.
2023 Barbie Dreamhouse
As the world waits with bated breath for the premiere of Greta Gerwig's Barbie movie, the design community has thrusted the spotlight on the dreamhouse. (HGTV has even aired its own renovation show about the artificial abode.) After over 60 years of plastic bliss, we're finally seeing a real-life Barbie spend time in a real dreamhouse—making it feel like it is possible to bring a little bit of Mattel magic into our grownup spaces.
With its multi-story waterslide—the longest in Barbie history, according to Mattel—it's easy to write off the 2023 Dreamhouse as pure fantasy. However, when you look a little closer, you'll notice this property is decked out with amenities that speak to what the modern-day homeowner wants.
Between the wheelchair-accessible elevator and integrated light and sounds, this Dreamhouse is equal parts inclusive and innovative. There's also a spare room on the top floor, which can be reimagined into a home office, gym, slumber party room for Barbie's friends, or even an in-law apartment for Ken's parents. (Plus, a pet slide and elevator makes this place suitable for those furry friends.) And, on the design front, the open-air structure and slanted pink roofs look a lot like Airbnb's real-life Dreamhouse...
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