Somfy Motorized Drapery Shines on HGTV's "Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge"

Barbie  made history after bringing in a staggering $162 million in its opening weekend, and its success has undoubtably been due in part to the robust marketing before the premier. If you are looking to join in on the Barbie hype, you will not find it difficult to enhance your summer with the iconic shade of pink. Brands like Crocs, Fossil, Forever 21, Gap, MeUndies, Ruggable and CHI all joined in on the branding opportunity. But the collection would not be complete without one of Barbie’s most iconic accessories, the Barbie Dreamhouse.  

HGTV brought the playset to life with the four-part event competition series Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge. Eight teams of HGTV superstars competed to transform the space into a home fit for the iconic character …and there is even a space for Ken! In week two, Ty Pennington (Rock the Block) and Alison Victoria (Windy City Rehab), put their design expertise to the test to create a groovy Disco-themed 1970s den for Ken. The space came to life with a “party mode” switch that activates the dance floor, lowers the disco ball and closes the drapes.

The motorized drapes utilized Radio Technology Somfy® (RTS), Somfy’s exclusive control platform which enables users to adjust motorized interior window coverings and motorized exterior products with just the push of a button (or pull of a switch). Ty and Alison’s motorized creativity led them to win that week’s challenge, opposite Jonathan Knight and Kristina Crestin (Farmhouse Fixer) tapping into 1980s glam to create a charming ensuite.

Despite that week's win, the overall winners of the challenge were Mika and Brian Kleinschmidt, hosts of HGTV's 100 Day Dream Home. The husband-and-wife duo created a Y2K oasis in the backyard, complete with a swim up bar and lifeguard tower with an attached waterslide.

Despite Somfy’s allegiance to the team behind Ken’s Disco Den, we can’t deny the Kleinschmidt’s exterior design talent. In 2021, Brian and Mika won season 2 of HGTV’s Rock the Block thanks in part to a motorized pergola from StruXure and Somfy.The addition of a motorized pergola with voice control capability created a memorable outdoor space that could be used rain or shine. Learn why Mika believes Somfy motorization is a game changer for a home’s value and visit our Instagram to see more photos from the show.