Your Complete Guide To Designing A Farmhouse Barndominium Interior

If you're a fan of the HGTV show Fixer Upper, then you've probably seen one of its most iconic episodes where Chip and Joanna turned a traditional horse barn into a beautiful modern family home, or as they like to call it, a "barndominium".

After that episode aired, the barndominium style really took off. And it's not hard to see why: the modern farmhouse interior is so gorgeous that it can make anyone dream of living in the countryside.

If you've fallen in love with barndo style too, don't worry, we totally get it. We've got you covered with some awesome ideas for creating your very own farmhouse barndominium interior, so you can bring that dreamy country living space to life.

Let's get to know the barndominium vibe a little bit more.

(source: @thelookoutns)

So you might've seen a barndominium on TV recently, but did you know that the idea has been around for centuries?

Back in the 13th century, farmers in Germany and the Netherlands used their barns as both a place to keep their livestock and produce and a place to live. The living quarters were usually at one end of the barn while the animals and crops were kept on the sides.

This concept of using barns as versatile farmhouses continued across the world, but it wasn't until 1989 that the term "barndominium" was coined. So, the next time you see a barndominium, you'll know that it's not just a trendy new idea, but one that has been around for a long time.

(source: @elana_easter_housing)

The term "barndominium" was actually coined by a real estate developer named Karl Nilsen. His idea was to create a community for horse-lovers where they could live and keep their horses in the same place. Like a barn and a condo combined.

Even though Nilsen's project didn't work out, the idea of the barndominium stuck around and evolved over time to fit our modern needs. Nowadays, a barndominium (or "barndo" for short) is a house plan structure that looks like a stylized farmhouse. It can be used as a home, workshop, or even a commercial space.

Typically, there are two ways to make a barndominium: you can retrofit an existing barn to make it livable or you can use a pre-made steel barn-like building with a living space. Whichever option you choose, the inside of a barndominium will have a similar look and feel.

(source: @westoncohome)

If you're thinking about designing the interior of a barndominium, there are some things you should know first. Barndominiums have some unique elements in common, so it's important to work around them to get the best results.

So, what does the inside of a barndominium look like? Well, here are some key features that you'll typically find inside:

Whether you're building a brand new barndominium or converting an existing barn, it'll be mostly empty inside. That's because barndominiums are often constructed without any interior walls, which means you'll have a huge open space to work with.

This open-concept floor plan gives you a lot of creative freedom to design the interior however you want. You can choose to add some walls to create separate rooms or you can keep the space wide open. Most homeowners actually prefer the latter because it gives them more flexibility and a modern vibe.

One of the key features of a barndominium is its roof. It's called a gambrel roof, which means it has two sides that slope at two different angles. This unique roof style is a nod to the barndominium's traditional barn origins and gives it a really cool farmhouse look.

But the gambrel roof isn't just for looks - it also has a practical purpose. It gives the barndominium extra ceiling height, which makes the inside look even more spacious. Plus, with a taller ceiling, you can add a loft with slanted walls that match the slopes of the roof. This gives you even more options for using the vertical space in your barndominium.

So, not only does the gambrel roof add to the barndominium's character, it also makes it more functional and versatile.

When it comes to the flooring in a barndominium, you'll usually find either concrete or wood subflooring. This type of flooring goes well with most house designs, especially the modern farmhouse style.

A lot of homeowners actually choose to keep the concrete or wood as their main flooring because it's durable and looks great without any extra work. But, if you want to add your own personal touch, you have plenty of options. For example, with a concrete floor, you can paint it, stain it, seal it, or just leave it as is for a natural look.

If you take a look at most barndominiums, you'll notice that they often have metal siding both inside and out. This type of siding is really tough and long-lasting, but it can rust if you don't take good care of it.

The good news is that there are coatings you can use to prevent rust and make your metal siding last for a really long time - even a lifetime. And, if you want to add a personal touch to your barndominium, you can choose from a variety of colors and textures for your metal siding.

(source: @dogberrycollections)

Now that you know more about what makes a barndominium special, it's time to start making it your own dream modern farmhouse-style country home. To help you out, we've got some ideas that you can integrate into your design:

If you're looking to add some extra charm to your modern barndominium, salvaged wood is a great option.

This type of wood goes well with most designs, but it works especially well with a farmhouse-style barndominium because it adds a rustic touch to the metal exterior. You can use it for beam supports and accents, and it really brings the whole look together.

If you're lucky enough to have actual salvaged wood from a barn, even better! But, if you don't have any on hand, don't worry. You can bleach or distress regular wood to give it that same rustic look.

(source: @cottageattheridge)

If you want to have a tall ceiling in your barndominium, it's important to have the right kind of support. That's why most barndominiums have what's called a vaulted ceiling. This type of ceiling is self-supporting, which means it doesn't need any beams or load-bearing walls to hold up the weight above.

By using a vaulted ceiling, you can have a larger floor area and a more open flow inside your barndominium. Plus, a vaulted ceiling is a signature feature of a traditional barn, which makes it perfect for your farmhouse-style interior design.

Not only is a vaulted ceiling functional, it's also a key element in making your barndominium look and feel like a true country home.

If you're going for a modern farmhouse look inside your barndominium, warm white hues and wood tones are key. These colors create a cozy ambiance that really sets the tone for a country home.

For example, white curtains and shiplap walls can make a room look clean, sophisticated, light, and airy. And if you add some natural wood textures to things like doors, window frames, beams, railings, and furniture, it can balance out the brightness of the white elements and give the design a cohesive look.

So, if you want to create a warm and inviting space in your barndominium, using white and wood tones is the way to go. It's a classic look that never goes out of style and will make your barndominium feel like home.

If you're looking for a way to add some vintage charm to your barndominium, repurposed furniture is a great option. This type of furniture goes well with any design, especially the farmhouse style that's popular in barndominiums.

By using repurposed furniture, you can create a cozy, rustic feel that's similar to what you'd find in a country barn. Plus, you have a lot of options when it comes to finding repurposed pieces. You can make your own DIY furniture or shop for some at a thrift store.

So, whether you're on a budget or just love the idea of giving old furniture new life, repurposed pieces are a great way to make your barndominium feel like home. They add character and personality to your space, and make it truly unique.

One great way to add some traditional farmhouse charm to your barndominium is by adding a barn loft. Not only does it look cool, but it also creates an extra functional room for your home.

Thanks to the high ceiling in your barndominium, adding a loft is easy. It's usually built above the bathroom since that's usually the only room that needs to be enclosed. But, the best thing about a loft is that it's a really flexible space. You can use it as a bedroom, office, storage area, or even a children's playroom.

Plus, a barn loft makes for an excellent focal point in your barndominium interior. It's a great way to showcase your style and creativity. So, if you're looking for a way to make your barndominium truly unique, a loft is a great place to start.

(source: @cottageattheridge)

When it comes to designing your farmhouse barndominium interior, it's important to make the most of your limited floor area. One way to do this is by designing spaces that serve more than one function.

For instance, you might consider adding a couch that can convert into a bed for when you have guests staying over. Or, you could add a bench that has integrated drawers for extra storage space.

These clever design ideas are a great way to maximize your space and make the most out of what you have.

When it comes to the interior, space can be a real challenge. Finding a spot to keep all your stuff can be tricky, but we've got a solution that might help.

One idea is to create a custom built-in storage space under your stairs. This is a great way to maximize the area that's typically unused and create a spot for all your belongings.

Another option that we love is a walk-in closet that's custom-built for extra storage. This not only gives you a designated spot to put your clothes, but it also creates more space for all the other things you need to store.

When it comes to designing a farmhouse-inspired home, you might not immediately think of using a chandelier as a light fixture. But, with the right style that matches the country theme, it can be a really chic statement piece in your  interior design.

There are lots of different styles to choose from, so you can really get creative with your chandelier choice. For a more modern look, you might go with a minimalist metal chandelier.

And if you're into the rustic aesthetic, a chandelier made of faux antlers or distressed wood can be a really great choice for your dining room.

(source: @createyourbasecamp)

If you're looking for a way to add some warmth and rustic charm, consider adding a fireplace or a wood cookstove. These features fit perfectly with the farmhouse theme and can really make your space feel cozy.

One great thing about adding a fireplace or wood cookstove is that they're not much of a fire hazard in the open space of your barndominium with its high ceilings. 

If you want your barndominium to be a place for community and gathering, then the kitchen is a great spot to focus on.

One way to create a communal feel is by designing a large kitchen island that opens up into your living area. This gives you plenty of space for preparing food and entertaining guests.

And if you add some bar stools and butcher block counters, you can really create that country farmhouse vibe that's so popular these days.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that the farmhouse design aesthetic is all about blending contemporary and rustic elements.

To achieve this look in your own barndominium, you'll want to focus on mixing and matching different types of furnishings.

One approach is to incorporate throw pillows and mirrors that represent both contemporary and rustic styles. By doing this, you can create a cohesive and comfortable atmosphere that feels both modern and inviting.

When it comes to furnishing your barndominium interior, it can be tempting to fill the open-concept space with lots of small pieces. But the truth is, this can create a cluttered look that's more chaotic than stylish.

To avoid this problem and create a more polished look, we recommend limiting your furniture to just a few larger pieces. For example, you might choose a bulky white tufted sofa and pair it with a single coffee table, along with no more than two accent chairs, accent tables, or ottomans.

By keeping your furniture choices simple and streamlined, you can create a clean, uncluttered look that's both modern and comfortable.

One thing to keep in mind in this type of space is the open-concept layout. But don't worry, there's an easy way to create different zones without adding walls: using colors.

For instance, you can use bright yellow shades to create a fun and lively living area, while the dining area might feature more muted pastel tones for a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Have you ever considered using wood in your bathroom? It might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but wooden flooring in this part of the barndominium can actually be a great design choice - as long as it's waterproof, of course!

Not only does wooden flooring add a touch of rustic charm, it also helps to continue the modern farmhouse theme throughout your barndominium interior. And if you really want to take things to the next level, consider adding wooden barn doors and window frames to your bathroom as well.

(source: @mamoarch)

Living in the countryside may be your most ambitious dream yet. So why not prepare for it in style?

Get your own barndominium home and decorate it with a matching chic farmhouse-style interior. If you follow our design tips, you'll be able to achieve this popular style you’ve seen on television.

Or, if you already have a design in mind, feel free to share your plans with us through chat. We’d love to help you find the perfect decor for your country farmhouse theme barndominium.