Dollhouse Chic is a joy-filled interior style that transforms spaces into a whimsical haven. The trend follows “Dopamine Decor” and blends maximalist vintage elegance with curated decorative details.
To harness this trend, embrace soft pastels (butter yellows, powder blues, soft pinks, lavenders), and patterns like checks and stripes for cosy nostalgia. Think soft textures, scalloped edges and vintage-inspired pieces reminiscent of a beautifully styled dollhouse.
Lucy Sutherland, director of insights and trends at Temple & Webster, says this trend is a progression from the Barbie movie phenomenon inspired by the Barbie Dreamhouse.
“The Barbie movie phenomenon sparked a shift to bold, playful and nostalgic interiors, with Barbiecore pink, ultra-feminine designs, statement furniture, and fun accessories offering a lively contrast to neutral colour palettes.”
Dollhouse Chic is an easier trend to implement than full blown Barbiecore. You can start with a few key items that give off that dollhouse feel and it can be incorporated into the home to varying degrees, based on personal preference. This trend works particularly well in spaces like dressing rooms, bedrooms, reading nooks and cosy areas.
“Introduce playful, organic shapes with accessories like scalloped rugs, curvy cushions and statement lamps. For a more sophisticated grown-up look, focus on carefully curated colours and shapes, and tone down patterns, while highlighting unique furniture and decor. Shapes in statement pieces will also add an elegant touch,” Lucy says.
While this fun, fresh take on maximalism is here to stay for the foreseeable future, trends will continue to evolve over time. As colours and patterns shift with cultural moments and new influences, the combination of vintage-inspired decor and modern shapes will continue to influence interior trends. Dollhouse Chic’s blend of playfulness and nostalgia will inspire design interiors for years to come, making it a style that’s ever evolving.
