Behind the Design | Phillip Jeffries

Michelle Gerson's Barbie-Inspired Bathroom Features PJ Wallcovering

Written by Phillip Jeffries | Jul 13, 2023 4:39:37 PM

As far as trends go, the Barbie-inspired design bonanza just keeps getting better. We're thrilled to be featured in the latest from The Washington Post who asked six top designers to create a room for modern-day Barbie.

If Ken Fulk, Jonathan Adler, Sheila Bridges, Bobby Berk, Michelle Gerson, and Dabito all designed a home for Barbie, this is what it would look like. Each of these rooms exudes its own unique personality and flair, but the bathroom designed by Michelle truly steals the show with its fabulous pink panache and Phillip Jeffries wallcovering.

BARBIE BATHROOM INSPIRATION
For the ultimate spa look, Michelle imagined a luxurious pink bathtub with bubble-inspired accents and graphic wallcovering. As published in The Washington Post article, Michelle shared her vision for Barbie's bathroom: 

“Is Barbie rich?” asks New York interior designer Michelle Gerson, weighing whether Barbie could afford a tub made of rare, pink onyx. “It would definitely be custom and would cost a small fortune,” she says. “Everyone looks good and feels good in a room with lots of pink in it.”  

Gerson says when a client gives her free rein, she tends to pick bold statement pieces. For Barbie’s bathroom, Gerson chose a 1970s-inspired geometric pink and white wallpaper “Nod to Mod,” which she designed for Phillip Jeffries. It makes a dramatic backdrop for the Stephen Antonson plaster “Shell” mirror hanging over the fluted vanity table, flanked by a pair of Welles double sconces that resemble hanging flowers. Barbie’s towels would be monogrammed with single Bs because “like Madonna and Cher, she is just Barbie,” says Gerson.

The stunner is a chandelier by Larose Guyon that resembles a giant string of pearls, in tribute to Coco Chanel. “It’s like a big piece of modern jewelry,” Gerson says. “It’s just the perfect finish to the room and brings in lots of good energy.” 



THE WALLCOVERING
As the backdrop to her Barbie-inspired bathroom in a dream house, Michelle used Nod To Mod, A Pure Imagination® Creation by Michelle Gerson, a retro-inspired wallcovering collection. The wallcovering design is inspired by the painterly geometric patterns of the 1970s and was brought to life through PJ's custom program, Pure Imagination®. Available in a range of colorways from high impact to softer tones, this unique series is printed on a selection of textured and natural grounds. It is made to order with the industry's shortest lead times.

Shop 9845 NOD TO MOD in Prim Pink on White All Wound Up here.


A hint of pink on the walls looks chic in any room from bathrooms to guest rooms. Order your sample today. And learn more about Michelle's design process and PJ's custom program, Pure Imagination®, here


Room rendering courtesy of Michelle Gerson Interiors.