Post-Barbiecore, Are Homeowners Experiencing a Pink Hesitancy?

2023 was the year of Barbie. From the movie to an HGTV show, fashion trends, and home decor, the iconic blonde doll had all of us thinking pink. But trends change—and sometimes rapidly and drastically. In fact, it often seems the more popular an aesthetic, the harder the pendulum swings the other way when its time is up.

Pink absolutely blew up, but lately, homeowners are pivoting away from this hue. Right now, it's actually one of the least likable choices for home design.

So, what color is replacing it, and how can you update your home if you, too, are facing pink hesitancy? On the flip side: What if you still love pink? Is there a way to update the hue and make it feel new?

We spoke to an expert to get their take on what's trending in the world of color, and they're offering advice on how to reinvigorate your home’s look, whether you and pink are through or you’re a Barbie girl for life.

What Is Pink Hesitancy? 

“Pink hesitancy—something Opendoor coined when homeowners told the brand they overwhelmingly do not want pink on or in their homes—will translate to more muted versions in 2024," explains Dabito, designer and Opendoor 2024 Home Decor Report Consultant. "Despite it being a buzzy color in 2023, it’s the least appealing color for exterior (43%), interior (34%), and front door colors (28%)."

There are likely a few reasons for this pink backlash. One may be oversaturation: If it felt like everywhere you turned last year you saw another shade of pink (and another... and another), you're not alone. And some have had enough.

Pink feels like it's been “done,” and you may be ready for something new. This is part of the boom and bust of every trend cycle—but due in part to social media, these trends are peaking higher and crashing harder than they did previously.

Along with this general consensus, pink is a pretty powerful color, and it's not to everyone’s taste. However, there was enough pressure to get into it that individuals who wouldn't have considered the color before were swayed. Now we’re also seeing a swearing off of it in the form of “pink regret.”

Colors Replacing Pink Now

While trends come and go, and it’s important to keep true to your personal style. Just because pink isn’t trending doesn’t mean it shouldn't appear anywhere in your home. If you still love it, you may just want to be more strategic in how you use it so it feels modern and not overdone.

“A pink exterior might be a bit aggressive and overwhelming for people, but pink can work well in smaller doses," Dabito says. "For example, rather than choosing a hot saturated pink, go with a muted rose pink or variation that’s very neutral which can still add warmth. An easy place to start is with a new rug, which can also immediately change the style and vibe of a room.”

As far as what people are gravitating toward now, many are doing a 180 turn to tried-and-true neutrals.

“Neutrals can be more soothing and calming,” Dabito says, which is likely why many homeowners choose them. But that doesn’t mean you must stick to a completely white, beige, and grey color scheme. “Muted colors in green, blue, dusty pink, coral, or even an eggshell yellow are softer and easier to the eyes,” he adds, making them a happy medium between bold colors and neutrals.

You can also use neutral walls and flooring to make other colors (including pink) pop.

“They also act as a palette cleanser or a fresh change to layer in other bold colors," Dabito explains. "Colors are very personal. People want either calming, grounded, or optimistic colors or colors that can tell personal stories that remind them of fond memories of places, people, and things. Try pairing more traditional neutrals for walls, crown moldings, and baseboards to create subtle depth.”

Having a backdrop allows you to layer colorful artwork, plants, personal mementos, and eclectic decor. It also makes it easier to switch out accessories when trends or your personal taste changes without overhauling your entire home.

This advice is especially relevant since maximalism is still trending (and it, too, will eventually wane). If you want a maximalist home, introduce the aesthetic with decor—a perfect option for renters—not by painting your room a bold color.

“Many folks assume color and maximalism go hand-in-hand, but that isn’t always the case," Dabito says. "Maximalism is more than just whimsy and a lot of things in a home. Maximalism can be a play on materials, textures, patterns, and mixing old and new pieces to make it unique.”