Beautiful Barndominium Interior Design Ideas for Skeptics

So your husband or significant other is excited about the concept of a barndominium, but you're not convinced. He's excited for the shop space, and all you can hear is "concrete floors" and "metal walls." Sarah and Jodi, part of our interior design team here at Golden Eagle Log and Timber Homes, are here to talk about how to soften the industrial look into a more rustic or modern feel, as well as features inherent to a barndo design that make it really stand out.

Common misconceptions about barndominiums include things like they are cavernous, industrial-feeling, that the shop or garage space is the primary focus, or that they're overall a very masculine type of building and space.

If you want more of a softer, "rustic" or "modern" style interior for your barndominium, there are a lot of elements that can be brought in. Wood and stone finishes on the walls, as well as textural fabrics for rugs and upholstery can really soften the space. Depending on whether you want a more modern interior, rustic interior, or even closer to a farmhouse interior, there are lots of options for elements like stone fireplaces and decorative beams.

In addition, barndos have a lot of beauty and functionality inherent in their design. Barndominiums by design have high ceilings and grand windows that showcase exterior views. Because barndominiums don't need any interior walls for structure, they lend themselves very well to open concept layouts, and living spaces can be arranged exactly how you want them without having to worry about specific room dimensions.

Let's walk through the different rooms that can be included in a barndo floor plan to see how each area can be customized to suit your needs and your tastes.

• Kitchen Islands: Barndominiums are perfect for kitchen islands, whether that's an oversized island or even multiple islands. Kitchens can be laid out to accommodate multiple cooks or entertaining needs.
• Kitchen Storage: Pantries of any size and shape can be added to a barndo design, including pantries with extra counterspace and a sink (called a scullery) to hide dirty dishes while you're entertaining. Extra pantry space, multiple refrigerators or oversized refrigerators, and more can all be added to make it easier to store food, especially in remote locations where grocery shopping has to be done in large trips.
• Appliances and Accessories: Because you can lay out your kitchen exactly how you want it, there is a lot of room for things like double ovens, microwave drawers, accessory drawers, and even special cabinets like KitchenAid mixer storage.

The bedroom is a prime option for rustic or modern textures and finishes. Primary suites have become more popular as a retreat within your own home, and you can make that as comfortable and spa-like as you want.

rimary bathroom suites have a lot of options, including freestanding tubs, especially if you have great views near a window. You can also design it to be more of a wet room, with a zero-entry shower that really showcases the tile and can make the bathroom great for aging in place. You can even include a sauna to really contribute to that spa-like feel.

Since you can include space for whatever you want, your custom barndominium floor plan can also include space for a specialty room. These can be everything from a wine room, a home gym, a collection or trophy room, a home theater, and yes, a shop or garage.

Laundry rooms also have a lot of flexibility in barndominium interiors. You can put a laundry room in the primary suite closet, centrally located between the bedrooms, in the mudroom, or even have multiple laundry rooms – whatever makes the most sense for you and your family.

Whether it's the place where your family enters the house, or the first impression you have to "wow" guests, your home's entrances and exits play an important role in the comfort and design of your home.

• Drop Zones: Mudrooms or "drop zones," the primary family entrance off the garage, can be built with exactly what you need. Built-in cabinets, storage for coats and winter accessories, and even skis!
• Front Entry: The foyer of your barndo is your chance to wow guests with gorgeous views, a statement fireplace, stunning wood beams, or any other design elements you'd like to highlight that give guests an amazing first impression.

Since barndominiums are often built on properties that have great views, one way to make sure you're maximizing your enjoyment of your home is to incorporate elements that allow the outdoor space to be just as much of a living space as the interior.

• Large sliding glass doors: In addition to the expansive walls of windows that barndominiums often have, large sliding glass doors that open out to a porch or patio can really make the outdoors feel like part of the living space
• Pools or hot tubs: These can bring a resort feel to your living space and add to the enjoyment and livability of your barndominium-style home
• Screen porches or four-season rooms: Having an indoor and outdoor space like a screened-in porch allows the time you spend outdoors to be more enjoyable and comfortable all year round

Barndominiums don't have to be basic barn-like shells with space for workshops. Instead, they can be luxurious retreats that feature contemporary designs and high-end amenities. Your modern barndo design can feature spaces designed with him in mind and also for her, with a workshop, mancave, grand great room, gourmet kitchen, spa-like bathroom, and wine cellar.

Listen to the podcast episode about luxury barndo features. For more design ideas, see our log cabin floor plans and timber frame home plans. You can combine some of these styles by incorporating exposed beams, timber trusses, and log interiors into your barndominium design. The customization possibilities are endless when it comes to barn-like homes. See all of our luxurious barndominium plans that are entirely customizable.