Behind the Scenes: HGTV Stars Share How Barbie Shaped Their Careers
HGTV is bringing the iconic Barbie Dreamhouse to life in a new must-see series. HGTV Magazine went behind the scenes with the stars of 'Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge' to find out what Barbie means to them.
HGTV's Life-Size Barbie Dreamhouse in California
HGTV is bringing the iconic Barbie Dreamhouse to life in a new must-see series.
Photo by: Gilles Mingasson / Getty Images
Gilles Mingasson / Getty Images
You’re not imagining it: Barbie is everywhere these days. Warner Bros.’ movie Barbie is coming to theaters on July 21, and Mattel has launched all sorts of fun collaborations with home and fashion brands to celebrate. Even pink clothing (aka Barbiecore) is trending. With the Barbie Dreamhouse marking its 60th anniversary, HGTV decided to get in on the action with Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge. The network assembled a superstar crew to transform a 4,400-square-foot Southern California home into a life-size, fully functional version of the Dreamhouse. On each episode, the stars face off against one another, designing rooms themed to different decades. The real winner, though, will be the Barbie superfan who’s picked to stay in the completed home! You have to see the whole thing to believe it.
Behind the Scenes
Evan Thomas and Keith Bynum on the Set of Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge
To make the house look truly toylike, Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas added the signature handle to the roof. It weighs 900 pounds!
Photo by: Gilles Mingasson / Getty Images
Gilles Mingasson / Getty Images
To make the house look truly toylike, Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas added the signature handle to the roof. It weighs 900 pounds!
Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson on the Set of Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge
Many of the stars built custom furniture for their rooms. Mike Jackson and Egypt Sherrod made a banquette together for a ’90s-inspired dining area.
Photo by: Gilles Mingasson / Getty Images
Gilles Mingasson / Getty Images
Many of the stars built custom furniture for their rooms. Mike Jackson and Egypt Sherrod made a banquette together for a ’90s-inspired dining area.
My Barbie Memory:
I remember getting multiple 1986 Barbie Dreamhouses for Christmas because I'd told everyone I wanted it! I exchanged the extras for the Barbie Camper and a ton of Barbies and clothes. Dream holiday!
Alison Victoria and Ty Pennington on Set of Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge
Alison Victoria and Ty Pennington tested out their epic color-changing dance floor. They designed the feature for a ’70s-style “Ken Den.”
Photo by: Gilles Mingasson / Getty Images
Gilles Mingasson / Getty Images
Alison Victoria and Ty Pennington tested out their epic color-changing dance floor. They designed the feature for a ’70s-style “Ken Den.”
My Barbie Memory:
The first time I ever moved furniture around was in Barbie’s A-frame Dreamhouse. It made me realize my imagination could become a reality. Life-changing stuff!
Evan Thomas and Keith Bynum on Set of Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge
The address of the house is 219, a nod to the Pantone color for official Barbie pink. Evan and Keith used the shade on the entry, fountain and window boxes.
Photo by: Gilles Mingasson / Getty Images
Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt on the Set of Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge
Pink artificial turf is not easy to find, but Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt tracked it down for the Y2K-style backyard.
Photo by: Gilles Mingasson / Getty Images
Gilles Mingasson / Getty Images
Pink artificial turf is not easy to find, but Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt tracked it down for the Y2K-style backyard.
My Barbie Memory:
Playing with Barbies was my after-school ritual for many years. I loved to rearrange the furniture, act out different storylines, cut their hair and dress them with spunk.
Michel Smith Boyd on the Set of Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge
HGTV producers rented a house across the street and set up an inspiration studio for the stars, like Michel Smith Boyd, full of Barbie dolls from every decade.
Photo by: Gilles Mingasson / Getty Images
Gilles Mingasson / Getty Images
HGTV producers rented a house across the street and set up an inspiration studio for the stars, like Michel Smith Boyd, full of Barbie dolls from every decade.
My Barbie Memory:
I grew up playing with my own Barbie dolls, plus ones that belonged to my mom when she was a kid. I still have them all!
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