The evolution of Barbie houses
We travel back in time to see what the first houses of the world's most famous doll were like.
The Mattel company has created a line of Barbie houses, which like fine wine has improved over the years, becoming more and more detailed, more and more real and why not? more and more Barbie.
Right the first time? Minimalist but functional (1962)
Let's get rid of the modern house chip and go back in time. Specifically, let's go back to the 1960s with the first Barbie house on the market. It is a furniture construction made entirely of cardboard, typical of the 60's. Cardboard and simplicity. Cardboard and simplicity, you could almost say it came straight out of a child's imagination. Did you imagine it like this?
A house not very suitable for rainy days (1964)
Continuing in the 60s, we continue with cardboard as a building material, but with an idea more focused on the evolution that we will see in the following houses. We went from an open space in the previous house to being in front of a house with two rooms.
A house with handles (1966)
We are getting closer and closer to a luxury house worthy of Barbie, a real house in a suitcase! Paying more and more attention to details and decoration, as we can see we have the presence of things like: a mini mirror, a lamp, a wardrobe and a fireplace. Vintage style but quite innovative with all these details; a luxury doll's house for its time.
Passion for vinyl! (1968)
We come to the end of the 1960s. The year of revolution and radical change. This house reflects the changes and trends that society was experiencing. We find ourselves in front of a vinyl houseThe colours used and even the table look like a vinyl record. The colours used and even the table look like a vinyl record.
The house begins to take shape (1970)
Finally leaving the 60's behind, we start with the 70's, a period full of changes for Barbie's house, our favourite doll. Built on two floors, with a swing in the garden and a decoration typical of the period. We are beginning to notice the strong innovation that they are trying to reflect and although they are starting to put more and more plastic objects, the walls are still made of cardboard.
Stairs? No thanks, better by lift (1974)
In the mid 70's Barbie's house continues to grow, but now upwards, and this house has three floors! More and more solid, but still with cardboard walls and drawn backgrounds. However, you have to appreciate how they pay more and more attention to the decoration with more detailed furniture and with a very important new feature: the lift! The only flaw? Perhaps the rooms are a bit small?
The Family Grows Up (1979)
Almost reaching the 80s, Barbie's house is starting to feel like a real home. We've moved on from cardboard to plastic. With a sloping roof and a super door, she looked for details such as flowers on the window sill and the door-window that gives access to the balcony. We have gone from a totally open house to Barbie finally having 4 walls and the intimacy is priceless!
Barbie on a dream holiday (1984)
A house in the mid-1980s is just what we want! A small but very complete houseThe room has a barbecue on the terrace, potted plants, a dining table with chairs and a parasol for the summer days. But nobody's perfect... and once again they leave out the room, making it look too small. How would Barbie manage to fit all her clothes in there?
And all pink! (1987)
Sometimes life is pink, the characteristic colour of the Mattel doll. Continuing the style of the previous houses we find characteristic objects such as the lift and the parasol on the terrace, but this time the house seems to be quite spacious.
Dinner under the stars (1992)
With all accessories including bedding, large garden with benches and tables to enjoy the garden and plastic flooring. Excellent details scattered throughout the house, easy to store and transport, as it is foldable and convertible into a suitcase. The news that will leave you speechless is the presence of a lamp post, with real light in the garden!
Details make the difference (1997)
As the years go by, more and more attention is being paid to detail. English style windows, a gate at the door, a lamp with light and a doghouse make this house worthy of Barbie style, a unique and cosy home.
Barbie's "castle" (1998)
Late 90s and continues the evolution of the house, although this time it is a distortion of reality. From a simple house to a castle fit for a princess. The changes with regard to the details and the building are innumerable. First of all, it is a completely plastic structure, without cardboard walls and with a completely different style and very refined furniture, as can be seen in the bathtub.
Barbie adapts to the 21st century (2008)
Jumping forward in time, we are catapulted to the year 2008. Now we do, a super-equipped house with all luxury details. Barbie's modern house has everything you want: a washing machine, oven, stereo, spiral staircase, blinds, bathtub in the bathroom and bed, all in keeping with the latest trends.
When dreams come true (2013)
Built in Berlin, just a few steps away from Alexanderplatz, we come across this 2,500 square metre villa in pure Barbie style. No, it's not a joke, this house is very real. After all the changes from the 60s to the present day, here we see how this doll's house has finally become real, all in pink and life-size. Living room, kitchen, bedroom and even a music room and a gym, make this place a dream for all Barbie doll fans.
Read the full article at Habitissimo.
