Southern-Style Barndos Have Gone Nationwide
Barndominiums – homes crafted in the styling of barns, stables and agricultural buildings built into modern dwellings – originated as a predominantly Southern trend centered around Texas. But over the last decade, the uniqueness and cost savings of barndo living has spread like wildfire across the country. Propelled by TV shows, social media and blogger inspiration, the barndominium sensation has gone national thanks to the exportation of signature Southern design elements that embrace the rustic rural roots of the architecture.
Key Southern Barndo Design Elements Gaining National Appeal
Several trademark features that make Southern barndominiums so iconic have sparked a design renaissance in how Americans approach incorporating rural sensibilities into contemporary homes from shore to shore.
Preserved Original Wood Beams – Exposed beams and posts highlight the previous life and weathered patina of old barns. Nationwide, new barndos showcase beams while older neighborhood retrofits add faux beams using salvaged barnwood.
Tin Accent Walls or Roofs – Once used strictly for budget-friendly siding, galvanized tin paneling has emerged as a trendy design choice inside barndos. Its reflective, industrial sheen and rich sound under rainfall captivates outsiders.
Wrap Porches & Rocking Chairs – Wide porches spanning the perimeter of homes provide a nostalgic gathering place. Painted rocking chairs outfitted with pillows and lanterns create an inviting country vibe being emulated coast to coast.
Edison Bulbs & Mason Jar Light Fixtures – String lighting and antique-style filament bulbs draped from weathered beams paired with pendant lights crafted from aged jars or jugs add warmth and an on-trend farmhouse feel barndo lovers adore.
Slide-Barn Doors & Repurposed Entryways – Incorporating original barn doors on tracks as indoor dividers or closet doors maintains rural authenticity. Salvaged wood and tin offsets contemporary finishes.
The Barndo Movement Is Here to Stay
At first glance, converting broken-down barns into unusual modern abodes seemed like a short-lived fad. But not all barndominiums are built that way. The numbers prove barndominiums represent the future of housing diversity and sustainability nationwide. Consider this:
• Barndominium Google searches have increased over 450% since 2018
• 79% of barndo construction occurs outside the South currently
• National Barn Brokerage sites report interior barnboard paneling sales up 300%
• HGTV will launch a series dedicated solely to barndominium builds in 2024 meeting viewer demand
Clearly the appeal of affordable, environmentally-friendly dwellings merging contemporary open layouts with rural barn designs has captured imaginations from Alabama to Alaska.
Americans want homes with personality, sustainability and a great backstory – and barndos deliver on all fronts! Whatever you call them – barndos, barn homes or barnhouses – Building rural structures into unique modern abodes is now a validated national phenomenon that shows no signs of fading thanks to its Southern roots and charm.
