Mattel's Triumphant Return: Re-imagining Barbie's Dreamhouse with African-inspired Decor & Handicrafts

Mattel surprised skeptics with a triumphant release of their latest Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig -making her the first woman to direct a $1bln movie, and starring Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, and Issa Rae. 

The marketing campaign for the movie's release was an absolute delight, and one particular gem that caught our attention was BuzzFeed's AI-generated segment, "From Japan To Canada, Here's What Barbie's Dreamhouse Would Look Like Around The World." The creative concept and diverse adaptations of Barbie's Dreamhouse were engaging and fun.

Inspired by this imaginative journey, we thought we'd don our interior designer hats and take a cultural approach to decorating some of the Dreamhouses with uniquely African handicraft items.

1. UK DreamHouse - Embracing Warmth with Mudcloth Throw

The Victorian-era architecture of the UK DreamHouse exudes elegance, and to complement its warm and welcoming interior, we propose adding a mudcloth throw. This African textile is not only perfect for keeping cozy during cold winters but can also be customized to seamlessly blend with the DreamHouse's interior.

2. Spain DreamHouse - Embracing the Beauty of Summer

In the Spanish DreamHouse, where beautiful flowers bloom, and gatherings around meals and wine abound, a soapstone planter is a beautiful addition to hold one's pink roses. To further enhance the dining experience, teak wood plates for tapas can add a touch of rustic charm.

3. Australian DreamHouse - Embracing Boho-Chic with Malawian Armchair

With its unique wildlife and diverse beach spots, the Australian DreamHouse's open-plan structure and boho-chic decor make it a perfect match for the Malawian Armchair. This beautifully handcrafted piece would effortlessly complement the breezy ambience of the DreamHouse.

4. South African DreamHouse - Conversational Teardrop Pendant Lampshade

The contemporary design of the South African DreamHouse, nestled on the cliffside of Cape Town, calls for a quintessential piece like a conversational pendant lampshade made of rattan. It not only adds an artistic touch but also ties in harmoniously with the modern decor.

5. Kenya DreamHouse - Woven Flower Pot for Indoor-Outdoor Living

The three-leveled Kenya DreamHouse's remarkable indoor-outdoor living concept captivated our hearts. To enhance the green oasis within, a woven flower pot would be a perfect addition, bringing the beauty of nature indoors.

6. Nigerian DreamHouse - Showcasing Digital Wall Art

The grandeur of the Nigerian DreamHouse mansion reminded us of the rich artistic heritage and craftsmanship of Nigeria. To celebrate this, we suggest including digital wall art that reflects the vibrant energy of Nollywood movies and Nigeria's artistic prowess.

  7. Icelandic DreamHouse - Relaxation with Chai-Scented Candles

For the Icelandic DreamHouse inspired by the Blue Lagoon and therapeutic pools, we recommend adding scented candles with soothing chai fragrance. It's a perfect way to unwind and create a tranquil ambiance within the DreamHouse.

  8. Portuguese DreamHouse - Elegance with Woven Fan

The cultural richness of Portugal, with its dances and delicious food, calls for a touch of elegance in the DreamHouse. A beautifully crafted woven fan would not only serve as a decorative accessory but also provide practical comfort on warm days.

  9. Swiss DreamHouse - Bamileke Juju Hats in Neutral Cream

The Swiss DreamHouse's stunning landscape deserves decor that complements rather than distracts from the breathtaking views. Neutral cream bamileke juju hats, renowned for their artistic allure, would be an exquisite choice to achieve this balance.

10. Argentinean DreamHouse - African Wall Hanging Binga Basket

After a day of soccer, tango, and exploring Argentina's wonders, the DreamHouse deserves a touch of African elegance. An African wall hanging binga basket would elevate the space, while bamileke stools would serve as sturdy side tables to keep cherished wine safe.

By embracing cultural elements, we not only celebrate diversity but also add depth and character to each Dreamhouse, creating spaces that resonate with the hearts of many.