I spent $20k transforming my home into Barbie’s pink dream house with heart-shaped accents, my boyfriend loves it too
A PINK-OBSESSED woman has spent $20,00 creating an 80s Barbie-themed apartment — and she says she loves to dress to match her home.
The results were so picture-perfect that she began renting the living space out for photoshoots.
Hannah Dahl, 28, was trying out different hues on her home in Los Angeles, California when she painted the wall pink and the idea hit her.
“I was painting my walls a bunch of different colors — trying them out,” she explained.
“I painted the walls pink and had an epiphany — it brought out my inner child.
“I thought: ‘This color is making me feel safe.’
“I had this idea to make the pink life-sized doll’s house.”
Hannah, an interior designer and freelance content creator, found an apartment in LA in July 2021.
She spent a year transforming it, creating a whimsical, Barbie-inspired design.
She found unique items such as vintage mirrors and dressers sourced from social media, eBay, Etsy, and estate sales.
Barbie-esque touches include a heart-shaped mirror flanked by pink candles, hanging above a pink couch.
There’s a vanity draped in pink satin, a heart-shaped ottoman, and of course, pink, heart-shaped throw pillows.
“I put my heart and soul into it. I love mixing all things pink with shabby chic and 80s furniture,” she said.
Hannah had always loved pink and Barbie growing up but became obsessed with the color while experimenting with paint shades.
“I grew this huge love for pink,” she said.
“It’s more than just a color. When I dress up, I love to match my home. It’s so much more fun being confident.”
She spent less than $20,000 renovating the place, eventually renting it out for photoshoots.
But despite the investment, she decided to sell it to be closer to family and moved to Guthrie, Oklahoma in August 2023, buying a two-bedroom property with eight acres.
Hannah is now painting every room pink and sourcing vintage finds, such as a heart-shaped bathtub, with the help of her fiancé, Spencer Ross, 30, a bike technician.
She is painting every room pink or pastel and found the huge pink heart-shaped tubs for just $100.
“I try to keep the budget as low as possible,” Hannah said.
“It’s shabby chic, lots of pink, and full of childhood.”
Hannah has the full support of Spencer, who is helping her renovate the property.
“Spencer is a lover and supporter of the pink,” she said.
“I’m so blessed he is OK with me painting the walls pink. He really sees the vision.”
The pair are planning on creating a “man cave” area for Spencer in the house, saying it will fit his “chilled skater vibes.”
Hannah’s love for pink is also replicated in her dress sense, and she loves wearing princess dresses and vintage outfits to match her house.
“I love finding and wearing vintage, princess gowns and punk princess,” she said.
“It feels so me. It’s such a powerful color. It makes you feel so good and comforted.”