barndominium design tips

9 Design Tips for the Interior of Your Barndominium

BIG NEWS! 

We hear you’ve been wanting to design a barndominium but don’t have the proper tools—now you do! SmartBuildSystems, the industry’s only complete design system, now lets you quickly design wood and metal barndominium interiors! 

Barn Homes are a novel type of housing that has become increasingly popular in recent years. The term barndominium was coined by the developer Karl Nilsen in 1989 to mean the purchase of a lot and horse stall together. Today, it refers to a pole barn that has been converted into a home. 

Designing a barndominium’s interior involves combining a barn’s rustic charm with the comfort and functionality of a modern home. Here are some tips to help you create a balanced and inviting interior for your barn home.

1. Define Your Style 

Decide on the overall style you want to achieve. Popular options include rustic farmhouses, industrial, modern country, or a mix of these styles. Defining your barndo’s style will help you choose appropriate colors, materials, and furnishings.

2. Layout and Space Planning 

Determine the layout of your barndominium based on the available space and your lifestyle needs. Barndominiums often have spacious layouts, so an open floor plan can enhance the sense of space and allow for easy movement between areas. Use area rugs and furniture placement to define separate zones within the open layout. 

3. Choose Materials 

Utilize materials that combine the rustic look of a barn with modern comfort. Examples include reclaimed wood, exposed metal beams, polished concrete floors, and stone accents. These materials will contribute to the overall aesthetic of the space.

4. Furniture Selection 

Opt for furniture pieces that strike a balance between comfort and durability. Look for items with clean lines, and consider mixing vintage and modern pieces. Large farmhouse tables, leather sofas, and distressed wood cabinets can be excellent choices for a barndo.

5. Kitchen and Bathroom Design 

With an open floor plan, you’ll want to design a functional and visually appealing kitchen. Consider installing an island with a reclaimed wood countertop, open shelving made from old barn wood, and industrial-style lighting fixtures to play up the rustic barn feel.

Incorporating rustic elements into your bathrooms will meld your barndo style throughout your house. Exposed plumbing, metal accents, and stone tiles can create a unique blend of modern and rustic aesthetics.

6. Lighting 

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the ambiance. Consider pendant lights with metal shades, Edison bulb fixtures, and chandeliers made from repurposed materials. These will add character and warmth to your barndominium.

7. Storage Solutions 

Since barndominiums often have high ceilings and ample space, you have the opportunity to incorporate creative storage solutions. Utilize vertical space with tall bookshelves, storage cabinets, and hanging hooks.

8. Decor and Accessories 

Decorate with items that reflect the barn-inspired theme, such as antique farm tools, repurposed barn doors as wall art, vintage signs, and large-scale artworks that match the style of the space.

Add personal touches that make the space feel like home. Family photos, heirlooms, and DIY projects can contribute to the overall warmth of the interior.

9. Outdoor Living Spaces 

Don’t forget about outdoor areas. Create inviting outdoor living spaces like a covered porch, patio, or deck that blend seamlessly with the interior style.

Remember, the key is to balance the rustic barn elements and modern comfort harmoniously. Be creative, stay true to your style preferences, and have fun designing your unique barndominium interior!

Ready to Design Your Barndo Interior?

Have you been wanting to build your dream barndo but don’t know where to begin…or end? We’re here to help

Release 1.86 of SmartBuild Systems is here, and the updates are huge. You can use our web-based software to design wood and metal barndominiums—inside and out! Watch our webinar to learn more about this new release.