Rooted in the past, yet chic and contemporary — modern barn house plans take a modern twist.
When you picture a barn house, what comes to mind? It's most likely a red, wooden building with a gambrel roof, the type you'd expect to see in a Norman Rockwell painting. But today's modern barn houses have come a long way from their humble beginnings.
Modern barn houses are a contemporary take on traditional barn-style architecture. These homes combine the rustic charm of a classic barn with the sleek and sophisticated design elements of modern architecture. Discover how modern barn homes refresh the idea of rural living and why their soaring ceilings, open floor plans, and natural materials captivate city dwellers and rural residents alike.
Types of barn houses
Gambrel Barn
A gambrel barn is the most traditional barn house type. Grambel barns feature a two-story layout with a distinctive roof shape. The roof type features two slopes on each side, with the lower slope steeper than the upper slope.
Barndominium
A farmhouse barndominium is a type of home that combines the look and feel of a traditional farmhouse with the functional design and cost-effective construction of a barndominium. However, unlike a traditional barn, a barndominium is designed to be a comfortable and livable space. With modern features like wraparound porches, gabled roofs, and traditional farmhouse interiors, barndominiums stand out for their versatility, customization, and peculiarity.
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Pole barn homes
A pole barn is a simple, low-cost barn that is constructed using poles or posts set into the ground. The primary advantage of pole barn construction is that it is cost-effective. Building a pole barn can cost as little as $25 per square foot. This barn type usually features ultra-wide barn doors and is often used for storing and housing livestock.
Modern pole barn houses have an ideal design for cost and energy efficiency, sustainability, and durability. Its open, airy design works well for modern mountain homes, cabins, and guest houses. With a few modern amenities, pole barn homes can offer comfortable and functional living spaces.
From rustic roots and humble beginnings to contemporary barn house design for the modern era
Barn style houses have evolved into a coveted architectural style from their humble beginnings as functional farm buildings. Featuring Scandinavian-level minimalism and contemporary interior design features, modern barn home plans break from rustic barns with post-frame construction and gambrel roofs.
Open concepts
Traditional homes and barn houses are usually small and simple. Today's modern barn houses, on the other hand, are large and luxurious. Additionally, contemporary barn-style homes benefit from an open concept. Tall windows, high ceilings, and large open floor plans give modern barn style houses a feeling of wide open space and overall simplicity that's irresistible.
Clean lines
Modern barn houses often feature simple, clean lines that create a sense of modernity and sophistication. Accordingly, it achieves this simple and elegant aesthetic through the use of horizontal siding, metal roofing, and minimalistic trim details.
Natural materials
Like modern farmhouses, one of the critical features of contemporary barn homes is their use of natural materials such as wood and stone. These materials help create a warm and inviting atmosphere while adding a touch of rural elegance to the design. Accordingly, floor-to-ceiling windows and open floor plans let in plenty of natural light and create a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces.
Modern barn houses are often designed with the landscape in mind and an overall emphasis on functionality. As a result, many modern barn houses incorporate passive homes or energy-efficient features. For example, solar panels, backup batteries, geothermal heating, and local water sources make modern barn houses more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
While modern barn houses tend to feature a neutral color palette, bold pops of color can add interest and personality to the exterior. Accordingly, you might see a modern barn house plan with a bright red front door or bold blue accent walls.
Black modern barn houses: A bold and sophisticated aesthetic
Black modern barn houses are part of a contemporary home style with a dark exterior color palette, usually in black or dark gray shades. This trend has become increasingly popular in recent years as homeowners and architects seek to create a striking and dramatic contrast between the home's modern design and its rustic, barn-inspired roots.
Black barn exteriors can also help to blend the home into its natural surroundings, creating a seamless and harmonious connection between the house and the landscape.
Modern barn house interiors: A blend of rustic charm and contemporary design
Materials
One of the hallmarks of a modern barn house interior is the use of reclaimed or salvaged materials, which can add a unique sense of history and character to the space. In addition, you might see reclaimed wood used for flooring, beams, accent walls, salvaged metal in light fixtures, and other decorative elements.
Color palette
In terms of color palette, modern barn houses interiors typically feature neutral tones like white, gray, and beige, which help to create a clean and open feeling. However, we can also incorporate strategic pops of color through artwork, textiles, or accent pieces.
Furniture and living room decor
Furniture in modern barn houses is often simple and functional, focusing on comfort and durability. Additionally, you might find beautiful sofas, modern chairs with natural fabrics like leather, linen, or cotton, and sturdy wooden tables and benches.
In terms of decor, modern barn houses interiors often feature a mix of vintage and contemporary elements. For example, an antique barn door might be repurposed as a sliding door, while a sleek modern fireplace might be surrounded by rustic stone or reclaimed wood.
Conclusion
Overall, modern barn houses offer a warm and inviting country lifestyle that blends the best of traditional and contemporary design. Whether looking for a cozy weekend retreat or a spacious family home, a modern barn house can provide a unique and stylish living space.
