Ever wonder what happens when an old barn gets turned into a cozy, modern home inside out? That’s an interior barndominium. It mixes country style with everyday comfort, and it’s catching on fast.
People love these homes because they feel big, open, and relaxed. You get more space for your money, and it still feels warm and homey. Whether you want to move out of the city or just want something different, a barndominium might be just right.
I’ll show you smart layouts, simple decorating tips, and real photos to spark ideas for your own space.
What would surprise you more, granite counters in a barn kitchen or a giant walk-in shower in the old hayloft?
What Makes an Interior Barndominium Different?
A barndominium is a type of residential building that combines the style or structure of a barn with the comforts of a modern home.
Key Features
- Structure: Often built from a steel or metal frame, similar to agricultural barns.
- Design: Can keep a rustic, barn-like exterior while offering a fully finished, livable interior.
- Flexibility: Frequently includes large open spaces, tall ceilings, and multi-use areas (e.g., living space + workshop or garage).
- Cost & Durability: Generally more affordable to construct than traditional homes and highly durable due to steel framing.
Uses
- Full-time residence
- Vacation home
- Combined living and working space (e.g., for small business owners, hobbyists, or farmers)
Those super-tall ceilings make everything feel huge and airy, like living in a fancy loft. The coolest part? All the metal beams and wooden supports stay visible instead of getting hidden away.
They become part of the style! Today’s barndominiums mix that rough, rustic barn feel with sleek touches, which results in modern houses.
Picture shiny concrete floors next to old weathered wood walls, or fancy kitchen appliances surrounded by exposed steel beams. It’s country charm meets city sophistication.
Interior Design Styles That Fit Barndominiums
Barndominiums are like blank canvases; you can make them look however you want. Here are barndominium photos that give an idea of the most popular styles that work great in these big, open spaces.
1. Rustic Modern
This style nails the barndominium vibe perfectly. Think warm wood planks mixed with sleek metal fixtures and smooth concrete floors. You get earthy colors like deep browns and forest greens paired with super clean, straight lines.
It’s like bringing the outdoors inside but keeping everything looking fresh and organized. The rough textures from reclaimed barn wood balance out polished surfaces, creating that perfect “fancy farm” feeling.
2. Farmhouse Style
Nothing says cozy home like classic farmhouse touches. Picture white kitchen cabinets with those deep farmhouse sinks, shiplap walls that add texture without being too busy, and layouts designed for big family gatherings.
This style makes huge barndominium spaces feel warm and welcoming instead of overwhelming. Add some mason jar lighting and vintage signs, and you’ve got that homey country charm everyone loves.
3. Industrial Chic
Let those barn bones show off! Keep all the metal beams, exposed pipes, and ductwork visible as part of your decor. This no-fuss style works amazingly with those sky-high ceilings, barndominiums are famous for.
Stick to simple furniture, neutral colors, and let the building’s structure be the star. It’s modern and edgy while still feeling authentic to the barn’s original purpose.
4. Country Cabin
Perfect for barndominiums surrounded by trees or farmland. Load up on reclaimed wood everywhere, on walls, ceilings, and even custom furniture.
Add a big stone fireplace as your main focal point and use earth tones throughout. This style makes your barndominium feel like a mountain retreat or hunting lodge, especially cozy during colder months.
5. Clean and Minimalist
Great for folks who want simple living in a big space. Stick to whites, grays, and other neutral colors that make rooms feel even bigger.
Build storage right into the walls so everything stays hidden and organized. This style works especially well if you’re downsizing from a traditional house or just prefer things neat and uncluttered.
The trick is to work with what your barn already has, rather than trying to hide it.
Barndominium Interior
Want to see what it’s really like inside a barndominium? This photo gallery gives you a closer look. You’ll find rooms that feel warm, open, and full of personality.
From rustic beams to modern finishes, these spaces show how flexible barn-style homes can be.
Use these ideas to help shape your own layout, whether you’re going full farmhouse or mixing in clean, modern lines.
- Living Rooms: Some barndominium living rooms feel soft and cozy, with wood beams, fireplaces, and comfy couches. Others are lean industrial with concrete floors, metal lights, and big open spaces.
- Kitchens: Kitchens in barndominiums are all about charm and space. Think open shelves, black fixtures, and wide farmhouse sinks.
- Bedrooms: Barndominium bedrooms can be large and airy or small and smart. Master suites might include tall ceilings and big windows. Lofts are common for kids or guests and help save space.
- Bathrooms: Bathrooms in these homes often mix spa-like comfort with rustic charm. You might see wood vanities, stone sinks, or sleek tile and glass showers. Both old and new styles feel at home here.
- Home Offices and Flex Rooms: These rooms are all about flexibility. A quiet nook can be an office by day and a guest space at night. Use built-ins, sliding doors, or corner desks to save space.
No matter your style, there’s a barndominium layout that fits your life. These photos show just how creative and cozy barn living can be.
Smart Layout Ideas for Every Need
Barndominiums give you tons of space, but figuring out how to use it all can be tricky. Here are some clever layout ideas that make sense for real life.
Open-Concept Living Rooms
Skip walls between kitchen, dining, and living areas, let it all flow together. Use furniture and different flooring to create separate zones without blocking views.
Cozy Loft Spaces
Those high ceilings are perfect for adding upstairs areas. Lofts work great for kids’ rooms, offices, or guest spaces. Just make sure you have safe stairs and sturdy railings for protection.
Dual-Purpose Rooms
Make rooms do double duty. Turn offices into guest rooms with Murphy beds, use sliding doors to separate spaces when needed, or build desks right into walls to save floor space.
Multi-Generational Layouts
Great for families with older kids or grandparents. Add separate entrances for privacy and design shared spaces that can become private when needed.
The best layouts work with your family’s daily routine instead of against it.
Must-Have Interior Features and Finishes
If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like inside a barndominium, this gallery is for you. You’ll see how people turn barns into cozy homes full of style and space.
There are living rooms with wood beams or metal finishes, kitchens with big sinks and black fixtures, and bedrooms that feel calm and open.
You’ll also find bathrooms that are either warm and rustic or clean and modern, and flex rooms that work as both an office and a guest space.
These real-life homes show that no matter what style you like, there’s a barndominium layout that can fit your needs and still feel like home.
Interior Build Costs and Budget Tips
Building out your barndominium interior can range from budget-friendly to luxury, depending on your choices. Here’s what you need to know about costs and smart ways to save money.
Average Cost Per Square Foot
Basic interiors run about $30-50 per square foot with simple finishes like basic drywall, laminate floors, and builder-grade fixtures.
Mid-range builds cost $50-80 per square foot and include things like hardwood floors, granite counters, and nicer appliances.
High-end finishes like custom cabinetry, premium tile, and top-shelf everything can push costs to $100+ per square foot.
Saving with DIY or Phased Builds
You can save big by doing painting, basic trim work, and simple installations yourself.
Splurge on things that are hard to change later, like plumbing rough-in, electrical work, and flooring. Save money on stuff you can upgrade over time, like light fixtures, cabinet hardware, and paint colors.
Consider finishing one section at a time so you can spread costs over months or years.
Financing Interior Work
Renovation loans let you roll interior costs into your mortgage if you’re building new. HELOCs work great if you already own the shell and need cash for finishes.
Some barndominium builders offer construction packages that include basic interior work, which can be cheaper than hiring separate contractors.
Planning your budget upfront prevents those scary surprise costs that can derail your whole project.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about building or decorating an interior barndominium, this part’s for you. You get to mix rustic charm with the modern stuff you actually need.
Whether you like a clean look or a cozy farmhouse feel, the open space and tall ceilings make it easy to plan things your way. I’ll walk you through simple ideas that help you choose the right floors, layout, and finishes for your family.
Use the tips in this guide to build a space that feels like you. And hey, don’t forget to grab the free checklist. It’ll help you plan your interior without second-guessing every little step.