The Barbie Dreamhouse has been an iconic symbol of imagination and play for over six decades. Since Barbie bought her first home in 1962 – quite a feat, considering women couldn’t even apply for a credit card alone at the time– the toy has captivated children around the world. Now, according to Mattel, a Barbie Dreamhouse is sold every two minutes. And the premiere of Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” has only amplified interest in the toy, with cast-led video tours of the set and a replica Dreamhouse Airbnb in Malibu part of the movie’s promotion.

From its humble cardboard beginnings in the 1960s to the modern-day version fit for an influencer, this fantastical dream house has undergone many transformations that have reflected the world’s changing social and economic landscape.

Read on for a breakdown of the history of the illustrious Barbie Dreamhouse.

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Originally popularized in the 1950s, the split-level home plan continues to steal the hearts of homebuyers and it’s easy to understand why. Providing an open and airy feel, this style is a perfect match for those who crave affordability, functionality, and benefits like multiple common living spaces, more privacy, and ample natural light. While some might shy away from a split-level home based on the name alone, these timeless properties have plenty to offer. Rediscover the iconic design with a brief history of bi-level home plans, the nuances between the four main styles, and the unique advantages offered by split-levels.

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In many homes today, the dining room is the one room that is used the least. But as Thanksgiving approaches, the dining room takes center stage. Whether formal or casual, your dining room can complement the rest of your home and create a memorable and celebratory atmosphere. The dining rooms we’ve highlighted, along with the products and suggestions for your table, are worthy of the most discerning guests.

900 E. Ringwood Road N., Lake Forest, IL — $4,995,000

With carved walnut crown moldings and an equally intricate walnut mantle above the fireplace, this North Shore dining room is fit for royalty. It is just one of the many formal rooms perfect for entertaining large groups in this 11,700-square-foot estate designed in 1916 by the famed Chicago architecture firm Perkins, Fellows and Hamilton.

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Pantone recently announced its much-anticipated color of the year, and let’s just say the vibrant hue is sure to inspire and infuse creativity wherever it’s used. So, if you’re looking to refresh your home decor, here are just a few ways you can incorporate Very Peri – a unique shade of blue with undertones of violet and red.

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It’s a new year, which means that it’s officially time to start using Pantone’s annual Color of the Year around the house! Pantone has been designating a color of the year for over 20 years, and for 2021 the company chose not just one, but TWO colors. Allow us to introduce Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, a color combination that, according to Pantone, conveys strength and positivity following a year unlike any other.

Here’s how you can use these two colors at home:

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With more time at home these days, many of us are looking for ways to give our space a refresh. Others may be in search of inspiration to make a new home their own. Whatever the reason, here are four ways to revitalize and personalize your space.

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Outdoor space has never been more valued than it is today. And with the arrival of summer, it’s a great time to spruce things up outside. Whether you are working with a balcony, terrace, rooftop deck, patio, or backyard, here’s how you can cultivate the perfect outdoor oasis:

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Whether you’re in the market for a new home or planning to tackle renovations in the near future, honing in on your preferred design style can help make selections easier. To do this, understanding the various styles is a helpful starting point to narrow down the seemingly endless options. Here’s the breakdown to help you jumpstart your home design plans.

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The start of a new decade is the perfect opportunity to refresh your home’s paint palette. But with nearly limitless color options available, this can be no easy task. Well we’re here to help!

Keep reading to learn about the paint colors of 2020 — the picks major paint retailers predict will be prevalent throughout home design choices — and how you can incorporate these hues in your living spaces. With these colors in your home, prepare to feel relaxed, grounded, and restored at home as you kick-off the new decade.

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Whether you have a significant home project planned for the coming year, you’re looking to refresh your home with some design tweaks, or you’re updating your house to sell, selecting paint colors, decor styles, and new pieces can be overwhelming. Updating your home is important aesthetically, and also impacts the overall feel and function of the atmosphere. Get inspired to refresh your home for a new decade by incorporating 2020 design trends throughout the space.

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