11 Ideas for Designing the Inside of Your Barndominium | NSB (2024)

Barndominiums, a blend of barn and condominium, are a unique new living style. They’re surging in popularity due to their versatile living spaces that combine rustic charm with modern amenities. Barndominiums can be a blank canvas of ample opportunities for you to embrace your creative design. The interior of your barndominium can easily be crafted to reflect your personality and emphasize the functionality of each space.

Unique ways to embrace the key features of a barndominium interior

Barndominiums have some key features and options that set them apart:

  • Open concept layout — A barndominium allows you to embrace the spaciousness of an open concept layout. It integrates the kitchen, dining area and living space. This design can help foster a sense of connectivity and allow for easy flow between different areas of your home.
  • Exposed beams and vaulted ceilings — Barndominiums allow you to highlight the barn-inspired aesthetic by leaving the beams exposed and choosing vaulted ceilings with a gambrel roof. This design element adds visual interest and can boost the rustic charm of the interior of your home.
  • Mix of materials — A barndominium allows you to play with a mix of materials like metal siding, concrete or wood floors, salvaged wood accents, and even exposed brick or stone walls. Blending materials can add depth and character to fully embrace your aesthetic preferences.
  • Large windows or natural light — You can maximize the use of natural light or even showcase scenic views with large windows and glass doors. This helps brighten up your space and also gives the impression of bringing the outdoors inside, helping create an energizing connection with nature.
  • Functional kitchen — Take advantage of the open layout and create a seamlessly flowing and functional kitchen. Bring in modern appliances and ample storage and choose a spacious island or breakfast bar. You can consider open shelving or creative light fixtures. For another unique accent, consider mixing white cabinetry with wooden accents for an ideal contemporary yet rustic look.
  • Cozy living areas — Open spaces don’t have to feel vast and empty. You can create an inviting and cozy living area with comfortable seating. Perhaps consider an electric fireplace to give it an extra-special rustic feel. Decorate with soft textiles in earthy or jewel tones. For furniture, consider incorporating multifunctional furniture like ottomans with hidden storage. These pieces can help maximize your space efficiency.
  • Versatile loft space — A dominant feature of a barndominium is the loft provided by the high ceilings. You can use the loft for additional entertainment space like a game or movie room, an extra bedroom for guests, or even additional but out-of-the-way storage areas. You could also create a cozy reading nook or a home office to make the most of the space.
  • Spa-like bathroom — Just because it’s called a barndominium doesn’t mean the bathroom has to be a stall. Create the spa-like bathroom retreat of your dreams. Bring in a luxurious shower, a giant clawed soaking tub or a sleek vanity. You could incorporate natural stone or tile accents, as well as elements of nature like indoor greenery to help create a tranquil ambiance.
  • Practical storage solutions — With the open layout, you’ll have plenty of space and opportunity for practical and creative storage space. Embrace custom built-in storage solutions or take advantage of the open concept and utilize open shelving. Get creative with all of your wall space and opt for hanging pots, pans and utensils in the kitchen for a more industrial feel. To embrace the rustic side more, you could consider installing barn doors or sliding doors to maximize space.
  • Creative lighting and decor — Embrace the big windows and natural light and continue lighting with creative lighting fixtures. Go for a statement chandelier or pendant lights. You could include contemporary and rustic decor elements like vintage finds or thrifted furniture. Bringing in vintage furniture or decorative items can help create a new chapter in their life by continuing to tell their story. Repurposing furniture or barn doors also helps boost sustainability and is an eco-friendly approach.
  • Accents — To bring the outdoors inside, opt to decorate with indoor greenery like potted plants, succulents, or even an indoor herb garden in the kitchen. Create an accent wall to set a space apart by using reclaimed wood, shiplap, faux brick or decorative wallpaper. These small interior decorating details help add visual interest and texture to your barndominium and showcase your aesthetic preferences.

Whether you’re drawn to the creative design possibilities, the practical advantages or lifestyle aspects, living in a barndominium can be a compelling choice for homeowners who are looking for a distinct and fulfilling living experience.

What does a barndominium cost?

The cost of a barndominium can vary based on a variety of factors, including:

  • Location — Your location plays a crucial role in determining your overall cost. Construction costs can vary from region to region. These differences can be because of labor rates, building codes or land prices.
  • Size and design — The size of your barndominium, which is measured in square footage, will impact your cost. The design complexity will also factor into your cost. A larger barndominium with a lot of custom features will likely cost more to build.
  • Materials — The choice of materials for your interior and exterior will also influence your cost. It’s essential that you don’t cut corners or use inferior-quality materials. Saving a few dollars upfront can cost you in repairs and damage in the long run. Common materials used include steel for the exterior walls, wood for the interior finishes, and a variety of options for roofing like metal or asphalt shingles.
  • Foundation — The foundation is an essential component of any building construction. The type of foundation you need for your barndominium will have a direct effect on your cost. A more complex foundation can be more expensive.
  • Utilities — Modern comforts require costs. Getting connected to water, sewer, gas and electricity all have expenses that should be factored in. Even going off-grid comes with costs like solar panels or water wells.
  • Interior finishes — The cost of interior finishes like flooring, cabinetry, countertops, appliances, lighting fixtures and plumbing fixtures will vary based on how many you need and what style you choose.
  • Permits and fees — It’s crucial to get all necessary building permits and pay required fees before you begin construction. If you don’t meet these requirements, it could delay construction or cost you even more in fines.
  • Labor — Labor for skilled tradespeople such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians will all contribute to your overall cost. Their rates can vary depending on your region and the complexity of your project.
  • Amenities — Additional amenities to make your barndominium meet your needs and dreams will also increase your overall cost.

Before jumping into construction, it’s important to have a detailed budget in mind for your barndominium. After you know your budget and what you’re looking for, get in contact with several reputable suppliers to get quotes. Quotes will help you find the best supplier to work with for your specific project without sacrificing quality.

A barndominium can be a more affordable way to become a homeowner. It can also be an energy-efficient and eco-friendly choice. Restoring or constructing a barndominium gives you creative freedom and unique design possibilities to create your dream home.

National Steel Buildings can make all the difference in the construction or renovation of your barndominium

At National Steel Buildings, we focus on quality materials, unmatched expertise and dedicated customer service. We are a certified Varco Pruden Builder. This means we have been through a strict approval process to represent Varco Pruden, the second-largest metal manufacturer in the United States. Our certification can help ensure that your barndominium benefits from top-tier materials and construction practices. We can provide you with the steel structures and expertise you need to bring your vision to life. With our reliable and experienced team by your side, you can create a barndominium that combines the charm of rustic living with the durability and efficiency of steel construction.

Contact our team today for more information about our steel building options and pricing.

11 Ideas for Designing the Inside of Your Barndominium | NSB (2024)

FAQs

11 Ideas for Designing the Inside of Your Barndominium | NSB? ›

Modern Art – One of the more obvious ideas for wall decor in a modern barndominium is adding modern art pieces. You can add artwork that accents the design of your home while still giving a modern feel. Modern art can feel like an enigma, but you know it when you see it.

How to decorate inside a barndominium? ›

Modern Art – One of the more obvious ideas for wall decor in a modern barndominium is adding modern art pieces. You can add artwork that accents the design of your home while still giving a modern feel. Modern art can feel like an enigma, but you know it when you see it.

How to design your own barndominium? ›

Create your own Barndominium Floor Plans:
  1. 1 Step 1. Draft the Outline of the Property. Drafting the outline of your barndo is the first step for building a 3D mock up. ...
  2. 2 Step 2. Drag and Drop to Develop Your Design. ...
  3. 3 Step 3. Take a 360 ° of Your Design and Finalize It.

Is it possible to build a barndominium for 100K? ›

It is not an impossibility that you can build a barndominium for 100K. However, it is not too common. If you seek to go that route, you need to cut down on expenses and do most of the work yourself. You will need to find the right piece of land to erect your barndominium.

How many rooms are in a barndominium? ›

If you look at the floorplan of a 20 feet by 30 feet barndominium, it may have one to two bedrooms, a laundry area, a kitchen, a family room, a single bathroom and a closet. The family rooms are often 12 feet by 12 feet in size.

What are the options for barndominium walls? ›

Using wood planks and shiplap as alternatives to drywall for barndominium walls can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal and warmth of your living space. These wood options offer a blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, making them perfect for the distinctive style of a barndominium.

What I wish I knew before building a barndominium? ›

Here are the most important things to know about building a barndominium.
  • Obtain a permit for your project. Photo by Bridger Steel, Inc. ...
  • Test the paint. Photo by Justin Doyle Homes. ...
  • Prepare for surprise costs. ...
  • Plan for electrical work. ...
  • Choose your windows and doors wisely. ...
  • Add insulation—it's important.
Mar 14, 2022

Is it cheaper to build a barndominium or buy a house? ›

Current estimates value an average 2000 square foot barndominium at around $200,000 USD making the average cost per square foot about $100.00. This is at the lower end of the price range for a similar traditionally built home, which is estimated to be between $110.00 to $170.00 dollars per square foot.

Can you put flooring in a barndominium? ›

Many barndominium floor plans even include a focus on sustainable concrete flooring finishes such as polished concrete floors, epoxy floors, and stained concrete floors which naturally feature many of the same advantages in craftsmanship and longevity that make the barndominium so popular in the first place.

What makes a barndominium cheaper to build? ›

Barndominiums tend to shine in terms of cost-effectiveness due to their unique design and construction. The use of metal for the frame and exterior often translates to lower material costs compared to the cost for traditional wood-framed houses.

What is the most expensive part of a barndominium? ›

Steel framing, popular in barndominium construction for its durability and resistance to pests, can be more expensive than traditional wood framing. Framing costs can range from $20 to $50 per square foot, making it one of the most significant portions of the construction budget.

How big of a barndominium can I build for 200K? ›

How big of a barndominium can I build for $200K? On the high end, barndominiums have an average cost of $150 per square foot. At that price, you can estimate a building of around 1,333 square feet for $200,000.

How big of a barndominium can I build for 300k? ›

Written by HomeAdvisor. Barndominiums cost between $120,000 and $540,000, with an average 2,400-square-foot barndominium costing $300,000 to build. The total cost to build a barndominium can vary significantly depending on the size, how much of the work you do yourself, and the finishes you choose.

What is the downside to a barndominium? ›

Pros of barndominiums include a cheaper cost, fully customizable space, and lower maintenance. They're also highly durable with lots of extra room and are a more eco-friendly housing option. Meanwhile, cons include higher upfront costs, difficulties finding financing, and not all cities allow them.

What is a shouse? ›

The word “shouse” comes from two words, shop and house. A shouse is essentially a personal workshop and/or storage space that's connected to a house. It's often situated on a piece of land used for fishing, hunting, or a different recreational activity.

What is the best size building for a barndominium? ›

Sweet Spot – Plan for 1,200 – 2,500 feet blending unused volume with practical livability covering one story. This easily accommodates 2-3 bedrooms including a master suite with spa bath, great room gathering areas, kitchen, dining room, office, utility room and ample storage.

Are barndominiums prone to mold? ›

By being made out of metal, barndominiums have similar durability to steel structures with resistance to: Mold. Mildew. Rot.

What is a safe room in a barndominium? ›

These designs incorporate a dedicated safe room – a fortified space designed to provide protection against severe weather events, natural disasters, or unauthorized entry.

How do you prevent mold in barndominium? ›

By ensuring proper ventilation, using moisture-resistant materials, maintaining consistent indoor temperature and humidity levels, and being vigilant about potential moisture sources, you can create a healthy and mold-free living environment in your new barndominium.

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