Anytime you move into a new space the first thing you want to do is make it comfortable for you and your family by adding personal touches and customization, right? That’s what really transforms a house into a home. When your barndominium plans are drawn up or your home is finally built, it might look standard and dull at first. This is ok, it’s ideal to have a nice unembellished starting point. What are some aspects of your barndominium that make it feel like home to you? As you begin customizing your barndominium it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the endless options out on the market to increase the curb appeal of your home and depending on your budget you can spend as much or as little as you like and still manage to design a comfortable barndominium that feels like home to you.
Choosing a comfortable and inviting color: It has been scientifically proven that distinct colors affect your mood and happiness. The 5 core emotions in psychology have colors associated with each, green seems to make positive emotions stronger and negative emotions weaker. While warm, inviting colors such as red, yellow, and orange, promote passion and loving emotions. Where subtle colors like blues and purples can evoke feelings of calmness and indifference. So, when picking a color for an interior wall, exterior, roof, or flooring it’s important to keep the color in mind as it can clearly affect the feel of the room, making it feel more like home or potentially not. Exterior siding colors, red, is an extremely popular option for barndominiums and shop homes in today’s market. The red has a country look to it that other colors just can’t accomplish. If you’re wanting something more contemporary and modern the dark grey is another wildly popular color for exterior siding. Any neutral earthy colors like browns, greys, and beige, the earthy tones seem to really flow well with the barndominium styling overall.
Wainscoting: Adding detail and contrast to the base of your metal building will not only give it a two-tone styling but it can transform the whole look of your barndominium. Wainscoting materials can vary. Brick is common, however, simply changing the color and adding a strip of different color siding around the bottom can be a project altering decision. Do your research and find color combinations that work with the styling and concepts you have developed for your barndo build. Don’t be afraid to do something different and express yourself through your build. Ultimately, you want a beautiful home that is functional and comfortable, therefore wainscoting is a styling option to investigate.
Doors: Extra-large barn doors are a staple in styling when it comes to barndominiums because the oversized barn doors are wildly popular. Although, this doesn’t mean that you can’t break the mold and go with something totally different and unique. I’ve noticed overhead garage doors being added to some barndominium builds and it really catches the eye and adds a unique touch to the home. Your front door can say a lot about your build as well. The front door can allude to the styling within the home at the same time creating a welcoming and inviting entryway for guests. Popular options for the back of the home are sliding glass doors because they are simple to screen in and allow for a great amount of temperature control on hot days, and an excellent way to save energy and cut down on your electric bill as well. French doors are another popular option as an interior door or an exterior option. I’ve noticed French doors opening out onto a rear deck. Be unique; I have seen a trend most recently of black-on-black barndominiums, complete with black barn doors. Talk about making a statement and having maximum curb appeal at the same time. Don’t underestimate the power that a unique front door can have in making your house a home. The front door is often overlooked, I would find one that matches your overall style and watch it do wonders.
Windows: Windows can have the most dramatic impact of all on the curb appeal of your home. Many barndominium builds are opting for larger windows that allow for more light to enter the home. Windows are coming in every shape and size you can imagine. Large wall windows have become popular in some areas out West where sunlight is plentiful. The technology that has been incorporated into the window industry in the last 10 years has been incredible. For instance, a new single hung double pane standard replacement window will save 21%-31% off heating and cooling costs. For the best efficiency, a casement window is going to give you a seal on all 4 sides making him the king in the window world. Casement windows are popular because they are cheap and it’s hard to deny the energy savings. Look for Energy-Star certified windows that will ensure that you are getting a Quality energy saving product. With more light coming into your home and a regulated and comfortable temperature; it’s already starting to feel like home.
Shutters: Shutters are just styling for your windows; they can change the look of a window or take the focus off the window completely. We talked about colors earlier, and about their importance; the same rules apply for the shutters. Make sure that they match the style you’re shooting for. Shutters are a breeze to install. There are videos all over the internet showing the step-by-step process of installing shutters. Shutters come in all types of materials as well. Wood, vinyl, or metal are the most popular, with a bunch of assorted styles to transform your barndominium into a home.
Porches & Decks: Porches and decks are a surefire way to change the look of your home in a hurry. Greenery placed on your front porch when company is visiting, creates an inviting atmosphere. You can switch out your seasonal decorations on your front porch all year long. I have always been partial to wrap-around porches and I’ve seen many successfully incorporated into barndominium homes. To dress up your newly built porch you could paint it to contrast with your siding or my favorite option is stain and sealant for your porch that are widely available and easy enough for a single day DIY project. The best part about having a large porch or deck is the ability to entertain friends and family. Nothing makes a house feel like a home more than having a space to entertain guests. Outdoor fireplaces have become popular in recent years as well as outdoor kitchens located on the back deck. You may end up spending more time on the porch than you ever imagined you would.
Landscaping: Anyone who has ever owned a home knows how important landscaping can be to the image of your home, having a good landscaper is just as important as having a good plumber. I can drive through a neighborhood and the houses that stand out, have magnificent landscaping. Landscaping is a great outlet for your creativity to flow, think of your yard as a blank canvas. Use shrubs and hedges to soften the front of your home. Plant trees for the future, and don’t neglect the mailbox area as it’s an important part of the curb appeal of your home. Once you put your very own style into the landscaping of your barndominium it should feel more like a home than ever.
These 7 ways to make your barndominium feel more like a home are just a few ideas. My hope is that you can take them and adapt them to fit your project and maybe there is an idea that you hadn’t thought of previously to give you some something to consider.
