Converting barns into modern homes

Barns have been used for centuries as housing for livestock and as storage sections for farm produce. Eradication of farming has left these structures barely in use. Thus, as designers, we have the responsibility to convert these available spaces to modernized human settlements. One of the most distinguishing elements of old barns is their heavy use of natural wood timber in their structure. Many shelters leave the exposed structure visible as these buildings were for utilitarian purposes as opposed to being aesthetically pleasing. Today, designers use the exposed structure vernacular as a rustic note in homes from exposed columns in the interiors to roof trusses and exposed beams.

While the exposed walls and structure can be appealing from an aesthetics view, the insulation and how comfortable the temperature is in the barn should be considered. Rolled batt insulation, thermal panels, and foam insulation may be options depending on how you decide to finish off the interior of the barn. Seek advice from a professional heating and air engineer or consultant to help you ensure that the barn is comfortable all year around. A modernized barn has only one color; this is because most barns are monochromatic thus a tonal use of color is advised. This effect would give the place a classic finish.

Oversized windows with no mullions can also be installed as an assurance of enough light in the building. A reasonable amount of light in a building gives it life and calmness. The open ceiling structure of the barn also ensures plenty of airy loftiness in your interiors. The drywall can be applied to the underside of the structural members. Homeowners find opening their ceiling to the structure above makes their rooms feel larger, and the opportunity to let more light through with skylights and the windows.

For the interior bit, one is advised to keep it as natural as possible. A good example is the use of well polished wooden floors or knotty wood flooring planks that are weathered and worn looking. You can use reclaimed wood flooring from older barns and get faux varieties that give a similar aesthetic. Natural pine, oak, and maple wood floors that have imperfections; dents, knots, and high wood grain are the perfect rustic wood flooring to get the desired look. For the kitchen, butcher block countertops made from wood are a rustic characteristic that many would love for food preparation. Rustic pendant lighting in Benson, School House or other industrial-country inspired fixtures can illuminate your kitchen beautifully. Also, look to barn door options to close off pantries and other rooms of your home.

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