It's a Barbie world for interior design

As the Barbie movie opens in Australian cinemas this week, the interior design world is bracing itself for an onslaught of pink. Known as ‘Barbiecore’, the style is predominantly mid century in a distinct shade of bright pink. A lot of pink. While the film made headlines for apparently causing a global shortage of the colour, it turns out global paint supplier Rosco was already running low on product when production began.

Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie star in the Barbie movie. Image: Shutterstock

Starring Australian actor Margot Robbie in the title role and Ryan Gosling as Ken, the film is listed as PG-13. And just as the audience for Barbie is not necessarily kids, so too is the interior style. Once confined to little girls’ rooms, saturated pink is now moving out of the bedroom and making itself at home through the house.

On The Same Wavelength Wallpaper in Pink Candy from Sorbet Dreams

Hardcore lovers of pink can go all in with varying shades of the colour, like Dulux’s Signature Pink or team it with Barbie’s classic brights, such as Dulux Blue Astro. Those who once possessed a Barbie Dreamhouse will know that architecturally, the style is open (walls are very much optional in Barbie’s world), with a nod to mid century design.

While there’s not many who are ready to fully commit to living in a Barbie world, there’s much joy and even comfort to be had even when dipping your toe into this style.

Come on Barbie, let’s go party.

Good Vibes coffee table and Checkerboard Dhurrie in Rose from Fenton & Fenton

Italian fine wines are gaining momentum among Australian collectors and drinkers, with new data from showing a surge in interest driven by value, versatility and a new generation of producers.

Long dominated by France, the premium wine conversation is beginning to shift, with Italy increasingly positioned as a compelling alternative for both drinking and collecting.

According to Langtons, the category is benefiting from a combination of factors, including its breadth of styles, strong food affinity and more accessible price points compared to traditional European benchmarks.

“Italy has always offered fine wine fans an incredible range of wines with finesse, nuance, expression of terroir, ageability, rarity, and heritage,” said Langtons General Manager Tamara Grischy.

“There’s no doubt the Italian wine category is gaining momentum in 2026… While the French have long dominated the fine wine space in Australia, we’re seeing Italy become a strong contender as the go-to for both drinking and collecting.”

The shift is being reinforced by changing consumer preferences, with Langtons reporting increased demand for indigenous Italian varieties and lighter, food-first styles such as Nerello Mascalese from Etna and modern Chianti Classico.

This aligns with the broader rise of Mediterranean-style dining in Australia, where wines are expected to complement a wider range of dishes rather than dominate them.

Langtons buyer Zach Nelson said the category’s versatility is central to its appeal.

“Italian wines often have a distinct, savoury edge making them an ideal pairing for a variety of cuisines,” he said.

The move towards Italian wines also comes as prices for traditional French regions continue to climb, particularly in Burgundy, prompting collectors to look elsewhere for value without compromising on quality.

Italy’s key regions, including Piedmont and Etna, are increasingly seen as offering that balance, with premium wines available at comparatively accessible price points.

Nelson said value is now a defining factor for buyers in 2026.

“Value is the key driver for Australian fine wine consumers… Italian wines are offering exactly that at an impressive array of price points to suit any budget,” he said.

The category is also proving attractive for newer collectors, offering what Langtons describes as “accessible prestige” and a more open entry point compared to the exclusivity often associated with Bordeaux.

Wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Nebbiolo-based expressions are increasingly being positioned as entry points into cellar-worthy collections, combining ageability with relative affordability.

At the same time, a new generation of Italian producers is reshaping the category, moving away from heavier, oak-driven styles towards wines that emphasise site expression and vibrancy.

“There’s definitely a ‘new guard’ of Italian winemaking… stripping away the makeup… to let the raw, vibrating energy of the site speak,” Nelson said.

Langtons is also expanding its offering in the category, including exclusive access to wines from family-owned producer Boroli, alongside a broader selection spanning Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily and Tuscany.

The company will showcase the category further at its upcoming Italian Collection Masterclass and Tasting in Sydney, featuring more than 50 wines from 23 producers across four key regions.

For collectors and drinkers alike, the message is clear: Italy may have been overlooked, but it is no longer under the radar.

It’s a Barbie world for interior design

The movie that caused a world wide shortage of pink is inspiring an interior design trend that’s a whole lot of fabulous

Italian wines are emerging as a serious contender for Australian collectors, offering depth, rarity and value as French benchmarks continue to climb.