Welcome to the architectural embodiment of every little girl’s dreams, where plastic fantastic meets design brilliance in the form of the real-life Barbie Malibu Dreamhouse. Thanks to Airbnb and the gracious hosting of “Ken,” lucky guests have the chance to stay in this iconic dollhouse for two one-night stays as part of a viral marketing stunt for the 2023 Barbie movie. And the best part? It won’t cost a dime because, as the press release states, “Ken’s thing is beach, not math.” The movie’s influence has sparked a design trend of its own: Barbiecore. Brace yourself for a surge in adults adorning their homes with a palette of in-your-face fuschia and magenta pink decor–and maybe even a disco floor!
This may look like a child’s toy but it is, in fact, a real 3-story mansion in sunny Malibu, California, United States. The amped-up hot pink color scheme is classically contrasted by splashes of aqua blue to intensify the toy-like appeal. Every single detail is cloaked in an accurate and playful aesthetic, right down to the floaties in the pool that spell out “Ken”.
Barbie Malibu Dreamhouse parties wouldn’t be complete without an illuminated disco floor where guests can boogie down to the beat with a view of the coastline. Barbie pink archways prettily frame the Malibu panorama that unfolds beyond.
A retro disco ball spins above the dance floor, while a neon roller skate sign loudly celebrates one of Ken’s favorite pastimes. Metallic ribbon curtains flutter in the sea breeze, adding an exciting sparkle to the scene.
Pinterest searches for a “Barbie aesthetic bedroom” skyrocketed by a staggering 1,135% from May 2022 to May 2023. One of the bedrooms in Barbie’s Malibu dreamhouse has been taken over by Ken, who has given it a special cowboy twist! Stetson hats and equine artwork adorn the pink walls.
A cowhide bedroom rug, cowhide scatter cushions, and brown leather accents add Ken’s masculine flair to the solid pink setting. A blue neon cowboy hat crowns the pink Barbie bed.
A life-sized horse poses in front of the mirror in a feather boa. The full length mirror is an Ultrafragola reproduction, created by Italian architect Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova. The mirror was designed as a homage to femininity, which makes it a pretty good fit for the beautiful and multi-talented Barbie.
The closet opens up like a giant carry case, complete with a handle on top, as if an enormous child may come along and pick it up at any moment. Guests can try on Ken’s clothes to find their best “beach fit”. Or, grab Ken’s guitar to make some music out on the deck.
The Barbie bedroom bench has a distinctly retro vibe with tapered legs and brass feet. Punchy, patterned wallpaper makes a mesmerizing backdrop behind poster art for the upcoming Barbie movie.
Barbie’s bedroom door has been whipped out in favor of a more manly saloon door, with equestrian signage that reads: “Kendom Salon”! The fuschia pink door frame and matching pink carpeting keep Barbie’s enduring influence at the forefront.
Outside on Barbie and Ken’s sun terrace, there is a large swimming pool where Airbnb guests can take a cool dip. Chaise lounges and an outdoor sofa are upholstered in swathes of classic Barbie pink. The firepit burns with a child-friendly plastic flame and the edge of the swimming pool is smoothly framed with fuschia faux stonework.
Ken has set up a home gym on the balcony, complete with weights and a workout mat. The area also includes a barrel of “Beefy Body Brine” workout supplements to help you gain your perfect Ken beach body. You’ll also discover a basketball hoop up here, as well as a table tennis area to get the energy pumping.
Naughty Ken has cheekily crossed out Barbie’s name above the outdoor bar area and replaced it with his own signature logo. We’re not sure the lady of the house would be too thrilled about that, but houseguests will have a blast hanging out together around Ken’s grill. Bubblegum swivel bar stools , a solid magenta bar top, and a fuschia patio lamp style the all-out pink paradise.
Airbnb guests may be a little discontented with a couple of the food items on offer at the Barbie Malibu Dreamhouse–we suspect these cuts might taste just a little bit plastic. Don’t worry though, there’s a concierge on hand to help guests pick out some real food for their short stay.
Up on the deck, there’s a place to play in the sand, gaze up at the stars, or just chat about how great it is to be beautiful, roller skate all day, party all night, and have the perfect outfit for each and every occasion. You’ll see more of the signature Barbie Malibu Dreamhouse fuschia faux stonework up here, where it wraps the architecture in bright, retro glory.
Play a selection of “Dude Rock” on Ken’s decks to really get the party started up on the disco deck–you won’t be disappointed. If you’d love to find more ways to immerse yourself in the fun and fabulous world of Barbie, Mattel has brought the magic to life with immersive pop-ups in Santa Monica, Chicago, and New York. Experience Barbie’s spectacular spaceship, her rocking recording studio, and her iconic Volkswagen camper van.
Light up your life with these scented bubble candles . They’ll infuse your surroundings with soothing fragrances and modern charm.
Source:£13
Dark isn’t the first theme that comes to mind when designing a kitchen. Stereotypical assumptions are of white and bright kitchens matched by light wood—something like the color of breakfast pancakes. Have you ever thought otherwise? Perhaps something like a modern dark kitchen?
We’ve got a collection of stunning spaces sure to switch up your vision. This black kitchen design inspiration is the sexiest interior design can muster. All divulging in shades of black, navy, or dark brown, they add what white kitchens cannot—a seductive allure that says sleekness and sophistication at the same time. Take a peek at some brilliant interiors on the darker side to see if a modern luxury black kitchen could be for you.
Modern Dark Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation
1. Make it an All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Design At Sketch
Almost completely covered in black, a few minor elements shine in chrome and wood in this kitchen interior. We love how the textures do the talking, especially through the matte table under black wood-panelled walls. But having an open approach like this means that every one of your accessories on display—including knives, wine glasses, mugs, cutting boards, teapots, cookie jars, etc.—need to be on point.
2. Add Wooden Elements
Visualizer:Bogdan Tovstyy
This black beauty edges towards wooden elements. We see a speckled floor, a white wall, and a central bench. Rounded black lamps hover over the island, providing functionality and style. If you’re wondering how visual intrigue is added to this modern black kitchen… a huge credit goes to the abstract art!
3. Complement the Black Kitchen with Orange
Source:Vancouver House
A bit of curve rounds out the hard edges—adding some much-needed warmth. This wave-design bench leads up to an orange-hued enclave in this black-and-silver interior. The burnt orange sure makes a design statement (apart from the unique central island).
4. Keep Your Dark Modern Kitchen Simple
Visualizer:Panda Fox Studios
A simplistic look makes this black kitchen a winner. We see the basics: a light floor, a black minimalist island, and sleek cabinetry. But the contrast between light and dark keeps the ambiance interesting, while the large window welcomes plenty of natural light.
5. Make it Dark… Or Not?
Visualizer:Who Cares Design
If you’re eyeing a dark kitchen aesthetic but are hesitant to make the change, this is it. Introducing more light, this black kitchen is hardly dark at all. Black benches, cabinetry, fixtures and stools are intersected by large-panel windows, a white shelving stand and light flooring.
6. Make Use of Asymmetry in the Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Visual Method
This modern black kitchen takes another angle on this kaleidoscopic space, breaking all spatial boundaries. Black and glass alternate in this chic kitchen as the interesting ceiling design keeps the space unconventional. We’ve also got to appreciate the cherry blossoms, doubling as decor even within the interior.
7. Factor in Some Warmth
Source:Modulnova
This warmer-looking kitchen makes a move to brown. It strategically achieves the purpose with the use of wood. This not only introduces natural textures but also makes the ambiance inviting. Talk about a modern style that’s equal parts welcoming!
8. Place a White Island in a Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Jean Regauer
An instant way to brighten up a dark kitchen (we mean, get the best of both worlds)? This kitchen space shows us how by using a white island on a black floor. The backsplash further enhances this dark-and-light effect, while the cowhide rug adds just the right amount of coziness.
9. Make Marble Your Best Friend
Architect:Chamberlain Javens Architects
If you’re looking to create a modern luxury black kitchen, you know what you’ve got to do: Go big on marble! This natural stone adds the luxe factor to any space, especially as a large, central island, as seen in the kitchen above. You can also add it through the backsplash.
10. Make it Mysterious
Visualizer:Tomek Michalski
You can double the visual intrigue in your all black kitchen by adding some mystery. In this kitchen, mood-lighting sets the scene in black and grey, while a marbled bench acts as the hero. The back inlet and flooring create contrast and depth. Taken together, these elements make the space an interesting one.
11. Layer Gray and Gold
Visualizer:Mitaka Dimov
Black kitchens are cool, but what if we layer in gray and add accents of gold? This stunning kitchen space uses gray flooring to add diversity to the otherwise black palette. The thick gold panel is one way that makes the space look incredibly high-end.
12. Add French Style to Black Kitchen Design
Visualizer:Aeroslon
Make your kitchen both modern and French with traditional black cabinetry. In this space, standing armoires act as sinks, and all other displayed items remain black. The stark white clock can surely act as the focal point of the space!
13. Consider Soft Elements
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Rough, light wood and low-hanging white lights set this kitchen interior a world apart. You can also notice a layer of light gray cabinetry, adding variation to the otherwise dark color palette. These elements factor in softness to the black kitchen design.
14. Let the Accessories Do the Talking
Photographer:Mikko Ryhänen
In this black-and-wood creation, the accessories take center stage in adorning the interior. We love the houseplant, but the crockery deserves a special mention for doubling as decor. The light oakwood backdrop further warms the space up.
15. Consider a Matte All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:HDR Designer
Neat square panels perfectly line up to emphasize the stark black minimalism that is at play here. We love how the cabinetry is matte black with no hardware, adding a sense of simplicity. The herb planters are a healthy green addition to bring the otherwise simple space.
16. Add Some Stencilling to Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Fine lines and stencilling set this monochromatic space apart. Lined by black magnetic lights, black stencils and glossy white facades, it makes its mark on a light wooden floor.
17. Build a Shape Out of Black
Visualizer:Huso
18. Create a Modern Dark Kitchen with Gradients
Visualizer:Mario Nogueira
If you’re wondering how the intrigue in this space is working… It’s the gradients from black, to charcoal, to light grey. White surrounds in the walls and a monochromatic hanging light. This clever design technique makes sure the space is anything but boring, even if it’s using mere neutrals (minus the stunning orange dining chairs, of course).
19. Leverage Black Textures
Visualizer:Nefeli Kallianou
One instant way to add interest to a black kitchen is with textures, as seen in this metallic matte kitchen. This accounts for decorative presence in the light and bright space, providing character to an otherwise simple room.
20. Work on the Functionality of the Modern Dark Kitchen
Visualizer:İbrahim Ethem KISACIK
This dark modern kitchen makes sure it’s as functional as is stylish. The central island is paired with a black dining table, while all necessary appliances are fixed into the cabinetry. We also see pendant lights and lighting under the hood providing just the right illumination.
21. Create a Modern Classic All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:A&L Interior Design
Folks seeking an inviting all black kitchen can look towards this modern classic space. It merges contemporary elements (through sleek black cabinetry) with traditional ones (as seen in the wooden backsplash) to bring together the best of both worlds.
22. Put Essentials on Display in Your Modern Black Kitchen Interior
Visualizer:Polygon
Yet another kitchen that uses black and wooden elements to create a dark-themed interior. What sets this one apart is the hanging pans. They do offer easy access as the residents cook, but they also double as decor! (Note how the pans also use black and wooden elements to stay coherent with the theme).
23. Add the Industrial Style to the All Black Kitchen
Via:Emotion School
Industrial style lovers, rejoice! This is THE inspiration to set up your favorite interior design style, the dark way. This kitchen uses rustic wood and exposed elements for the ceiling to create an industrial black kitchen interior.
24. Make a Statement with Black Chunky Lamps
Via:HomePicture.in
All eyes on the two chunky lamps hanging in this monochromatic setting. They do add focus but also allow the contrasting white inset to shine. Not to forget the central island, providing plenty of storage space.
25. Make Room for Keepsakes
Visualizer:Maxim Goryachev
There’s nothing like personalizing your space to who YOU are. This kitchen serves the purpose by adding keepsakes and heirlooms. Also, black leaves room for details, so it’s one of the best colors to use if you’re hoping to display knick-knacks.
26. Use Black to Add Intimacy
Visualizer:Helen Bank
Who says dark colors make small spaces feel smaller? We only see black adding luxury to this compact space (with some credit to the white flooring adding brightness). This kitchen—with black marble backsplash—speaks opulence, and for all the right reasons!
27. Enhance Black Kitchen Design with Patterns
Visualizer:Ksenia Lenski
This black kitchen interior makes a design statement with the patterned marble island. Its sleek metallic legs lift it off the floor, creating an illusion of space. Simultaneously, the textured inset makes sure visual interest is added.
28. Don’t Forget a Black and White Rug
Visualizer:Nada Aboelrous
If you’re not in for a complete kitchen renovation, simply painting your cabinets black and adding a black-and-white patterned rug will achieve the purpose! We love how this kitchen keeps sets the base with white and tops it with black.
29. Let the Lighting Make a Statement in the All Black Kitchen
Architect:Artpartner Architects
When everything else is understated, letting the lighting create a statement is a good idea. This matte black kitchen interior uses rod lighting to do the talking. It sticks to the all black kitchen color scheme, though!
30. Tone it Down
Visualizer:Valeria Mosolova
This open floor plan uses dark gray throughout, showing us that black can work in more spaces than the kitchen 😉 It sure makes a design statement for those cooking and dining—or lounging!
31. Consider a Black and Wooden Bar
Visualizer:Amir Emami
This is the ultimate modern luxury black kitchen! After all, what’s better than displaying your favorite collection of beer right behind the black kitchen island? The low-hanging pendant lights also add to the black kitchen design.
32. Add the Gothic Vibe
Visualizer:Sebastian Lorio
This dark-gray kitchen is super simple with its sleek, hardware-less cabinetry. Well, except the far left end. Here, we see a statement piece of art and intriguing layered lighting created a focal point.
33. Stick to the Minimalist Style for Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Miguel A. Ramos
This compact kitchen space follows the simple rule: white walls paired with black cabinetry and an island. Even in this nook, the space is able to make a style statement while providing optimal functionality. The window here gives a contrasting element of light to the otherwise dark modern kitchen.
34. Layer Lighting in the All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Tatiana Durnescu
We see shades of gray and black coming together to bring this modern dark kitchen to life. What we especially love is the multiple types of lighting, all layered together to bring visual interest to the space.
35. Set the Backdrop For Your Living Space
Visualizer:Sasha Zolotukhin
