IN THE PINK

With Barbie fever still raging, the experts at Showers to You share design upgrades that can turn your bathroom into a scene from the iconic Dreamhouse while being completely reversible – handy if you’re renting or don’t want to commit to a full-on makeover. After all, who knows what will be the next big thing?

Martin Smith, founder of Showers to You, said: “The bathroom is a space with immense potential for transformation, beyond the obvious upgrades like changing shower curtains or bath mats. If you want to experiment with Barbie style without substantial investment and long-term commitment, here are some ideas to try.”

Adhesive tiles

Peel-and-stick tiles are easy to apply and remove when needed, but they have incredible transformative power. Stick some pink adhesive ones to existing floor tiles for an instant Dreamhouse feel. You can combine lighter shades of pink with darker, more saturated fuchsia or raspberry to form a chequerboard design. Peel-and-stick tiles can also be used on walls or a splashback.

Upgrading the hardware

Replace existing drawer pulls, cabinet knobs, towel bars and tap handles. This simple and reversible change wiåll make your appliances and furniture look like life-sized versions of the furnishings from Barbie’s Dreamhouse.

Use removable hooks and organisers to not only maximise storage but show off all your Barbie merchandise and favourite pink accessories. They can be attached to walls or to the inside of cabinets without causing any damage.

Removable wallpaper

Consider using peel-and-stick wallpaper to create an accent wall, to introduce extra colour or pattern. If used correctly, it can be lifted when the time comes without causing any damage. Ensure that the surface you’re covering is suitable for this type of application, though: some wallpapers may not adhere well to textured or porous walls.

Enhanced lighting

Proper lighting not only helps with your daily beauty routine, it also plays a huge role in the impression a room creates. What captures the essence of Barbie better than a gorgeous Hollywood-style mirror? A USB-powered lights set can be attached to your existing mirror with adhesive pads, to be easily removed later.

Plants

Adding potted plants or hanging planters is sure to bring life to your bathroom, but you can go a step further and ‘Barbify’ your space by using pots in different shades of pink. This idea is really affordable as pink pots can be found anywhere, including pound stores or charity shops. Just make sure you select plants that are compatible with a bathroom environment, taking into account light and humidity. Some popular choices include spider plants, pothos, ferns, orchids and bamboo.

Vinyl wrap for furniture

The same principle as the removable wallpaper, vinyl wrap can be applied to any item of furniture, from bookshelves to tables and chairs. So if you are dreaming of pink cabinets, don’t hold back. You can even wrap a bathtub if it’s rectangular!