Since the beginning of time, since the first little girl ever existed, there have been barbie dream houses. Err wait, how did the opening of the Barbie Movie go again? Anyway, decorating my first Barbie Dream House/Apartment has been something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time and now I can share it with you!
Visualizing the Dream
While some rely on Pinterest or a mood boards I needed to understand the size of the space. With just under 400 square feet to work with, space is a limited resource. I decided to be extra and create a 3D rendering of the space based off of the floor plan.
Click the model to interact
I was so nervous the desk would not fit next to the bed. Only when I finished assembling it could I confirm that the model was scaled perfectly. While my model was more for sizing, when I saw a green couch on Facebook Marketplace I couldn’t pass it up. The vibrant green is so fun and contributes to my bright theme. The living room area ended up with less furniture than I planned for but when working in small spaces, less is more.
A Muralist Through and Through
If I could paint my walls believe me I would, alas I am trying to get my security deposit back when the lease is up. I considered removable wall paper, a giant headboard, and a full gallery wall but all were a bit out of budget. Finally after hours perusing Pinterest I decided on vinyl decals. I found these Etsy Flower Vinyl Decals for just $10 per flower. The flowers add the perfect pop of color all while fitting into a Barbie aesthetic.
Storage Storage Storage
Nothing matters more in a small space than how you hide all of your junk. I discovered this lesson in my giant closet which can hold anything and everything. However with no door between the bathroom and closet I have to keep it organized. My solution is to create storage under my bed. These Target under bed organizers can hold as much as those clear storage bins! I also invested in mini storage solutions (affiliate links) around the apartment to keep surfaces clutter free: this Jewelry Shelf, this Desk Drawer, and these super sticky Shower Shelves. Plus with the hidden storage in my lift top table, I don’t need to fill my closet to the brim. Once again less is more. With the storage spread out, it is easier to find things in my closet and it feels more organized.
Apartment as an extension of the self
It feels so good to have a space that is fully mine. Cozying up after a homemade meal, with my pumpkin spice candle, cookies in the oven, and a comfort show on the projector is the best feeling in the world. My next update will have more on Minneapolis, but for now cheers to a new place and the start of city life!