HEWI MAG / design
Barbie™ x HEWI in the children’s bathroom: Independence can be fun
Do you still remember how proud you felt when you managed to do something in the bathroom all by yourself without any help? Brushing your teeth, washing your hands, looking in the mirror. It is precisely these little moments of success that the Barbie™ x HEWI collection builds on. It combines the imaginative world of Barbie™ and her message, “You can be anything”, with a bathroom design that teaches children: I can do that. And so much more besides.
Where function meets fantasy
The Barbie™ x HEWI collection combines the clear style of the 477/801 range with that unmistakable Barbie™ flair. Pink brings energy and personality to a room. White and black create clear accents and give definition to the colour scheme. The result is a children’s bathroom with a playful feel that delights children and fits perfectly into the family’s daily routine.
The collection is ideal for everyday use: the high-quality, easy-care polyamide is easy to clean and is resistant to moisture and frequent use.
A bathroom designed with children in mind
A well thought-through bathroom is not based on standard heights, but on the users who use it. Two questions provide guidance during the planning stage:
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What can children achieve on their own? Hooks and towel rails create fixed spots, from which children can reach towels and clothes and hang them up again by themselves without any help.
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Where would it be useful to have seating and additional handrails? A stool that can be placed anywhere offers a sturdy place to sit to dry off or get dressed. Support rails near the shower and bath provide additional safety and make it easier and more comfortable to stand up and getin and out.
If a child requires more support, an accessible solution such as a hinged support rail set could prove helpful. Of course, the consistent style and colour scheme means that these blend seamlessly into the bathroom. They therefore look like integral parts of the space as planned from the outset, rather than an after-thought. Accessibility is thus not a separate issue, but an integral part of a children’s bathroom that caters for different physical capabilities.
Design that allows for flexibility
A children’s bathroom is well designed when it takes more than just the here and now into consideration. It gives children the space to try new things and remains open to their changing needs. This is precisely where Barbie™ and HEWI have something in common: a design that does not dictate what a child must be able to do, but takes into account what they need.
BARBIE™ and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under licence from, Mattel. ©2026 Mattel.
Author info: HEWI - Expertise in accessibility product design
Since its foundation in 1929, HEWI has developed into a system provider for comprehensive solutions in the areas of building hardware, sanitary accessories and accessible products. With over 95 years of experience, the company has become an established provider in the field of accessibility and is known for its expertise in system design. In the spirit of universal design, HEWI focuses on people's individual needs.
