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Barndominium Interior Design: 6 Popular Floor Plans

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Barndominiums are metal-framed homes that blend barn aesthetics with modern living. They’re durable, cost $100-$200 per square foot, and offer flexible layouts tailored to your lifestyle. Here are six popular designs:

  • Open Floor Plan with Shop Area: Combines living space with a workshop or garage.

  • Two-Story Layout with Loft: Maximizes vertical space for more rooms.

  • Design with Porch and Outdoor Space: Seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living.

  • Barndominium with Glass Cupola: Adds natural light and ventilation with a stylish touch.

  • Layout with Garage and Shop Space: Divides work and living areas for convenience.

  • Compact Design: Efficient use of 800-1,500 sq ft for small families or retirees.

Quick Comparison:

Floor PlanKey FeaturesIdeal For
Open Floor Plan + Shop AreaWorkshop + living spaceHobbyists, small businesses
Two-Story Layout + LoftVertical design, compact foundationFamilies needing extra space
Porch + Outdoor SpaceIndoor-outdoor flowNature lovers, entertainers
Glass CupolaLight + ventilationUnique architectural style
Garage + Shop SpaceSeparate work and living areasHome-based professionals
Compact DesignSmall, efficient layoutSingles, couples, retirees

Barndominiums are highly customizable and cost-effective, making them a great choice for modern living.

Related video from YouTube

“Barndmonium Tour BM2500 | BuildMax Barndominium Floor Plans” by Amazing Barndominiums by BuildMax, uploaded on March 29, 2022. Available at: https://youtu.be/P22WhBSvty4

1. Open Floor Plan with Shop Area

Modern house plans are all about making the most of your space – and that’s exactly what you’ll see in today’s most popular layouts.

Take the 40×60 Barndominium (PL-61301). This smart design packs a 750-square-foot garage, three bedrooms, an office, and an open living area into one cohesive space. It’s perfect if you’re a hobbyist, run a small business, or just need extra room for your stuff.

Want to go bigger? Check out the Double D Ranch Barndominium. At 3,720 square feet, it comes with four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a loft, and a huge shop area. It’s proof that you can have it all – a comfortable home and a workspace – under one roof.

Many of these designs use steel construction, and here’s why: you can create big, open spaces without worrying about where to put support walls. It’s all about mixing comfort with function. Here’s what makes these designs work:

FeatureBenefit
Steel Frame ConstructionCuts costs by 15-20% vs. traditional framing
Integrated Shop SpaceNo need to build separate structures
Open Concept LivingUse your space however you want
High CeilingsBetter airflow and feels more spacious

Ever heard of a “shouse”? It’s what builders call these shop-house combos, and they’re catching on fast. More and more people want their workspace right where they live – and these designs make it happen.

2. Two-Story Layout with Loft

Want more living space without a bigger foundation? Two-story barndominiums with lofts might be your answer. These designs make the most of vertical space, giving you plenty of room while keeping your foundation compact.

Picture this: three cozy bedrooms upstairs with an open kitchen and living space below. It’s a smart way to use every inch of space.

FeatureBenefitCost Impact
Vertical Design2x living space40-50% less foundation cost
Metal FrameBuilt to lastLower upkeep costs
Tall CeilingsMore natural lightCut lighting bills
Loft SpaceExtra room to useMore value, same footprint
Build CostsFull project$35-175 per sq ft

The beauty of two-story barndominiums? You can make them YOUR way. Put the master suite upstairs, or create a loft office with a view of your open living area below. The metal frame structure lets you get creative with the inside layout.

These homes are money-savers too. Smart insulation plus those tall ceilings create natural airflow that keeps your cooling bills down. The metal structure helps keep temps steady on both floors.

"The vertical design of two-story barndominiums offers homeowners more living space while maintaining a smaller footprint, making them both cost-effective and energy-efficient."

Not sold on going up? You might prefer a design that connects with nature – think porches and outdoor living spaces.

3. Floor Plan with Porch and Outdoor Space

Want to combine cozy indoor living with fresh air and nature? Barndominium designs with porches offer the best of both worlds. Smart window placement is key – you’ll want your porch to work with, not against, the natural light flowing into your home.

These designs help you move smoothly between indoor and outdoor spaces while saving money. Here’s a money-saving tip: covered porches cost 30-40% less than indoor rooms, giving you more bang for your buck when adding living space.

Porch FeatureBenefit
Covered DesignUse it rain or shine
Enclosed OptionEnjoy it all year round

Porches pack a punch when it comes to options. Go big with a wraparound design that lets you soak in the views, or make a statement with a gabled front porch that turns heads. Many owners are going all-out, turning their porches into outdoor hangouts complete with TVs, speakers, and comfy furniture. Want to kick it up a notch? Add an outdoor kitchen or fireplace – it’s great for entertaining and boosts your home’s value too.

Mix and match your porch with gardens and patios to create an outdoor space that feels like an extension of your home. It’s like adding an extra room, just with more fresh air and sunshine.

"The covered porch design has become essential for modern barndominium living, offering protection from the elements while extending the functional living space of the home", notes Barndominium Life's design experts.

Not big on outdoor living? No problem. You might prefer a design that catches the eye with features like a glass cupola instead.

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4. Barndominium with Glass Cupola

Want to make your barndominium stand out? Add a glass cupola. These eye-catching features aren’t just pretty – they carry on the practical tradition of barn ventilation while adding a modern twist.

A glass cupola does double duty: it floods your space with natural sunlight and helps keep your home comfortable. Thanks to the open floor plan and high vaulted ceilings, that light reaches every corner. Plus, you’ll save money on your electric bill since you won’t need as many lights or as much air conditioning.

Here’s a pro tip: size is key when picking your cupola. Too big or too small, and it’ll look out of place. Work with a designer to pick the right proportions for your building. And don’t forget about materials – they should match your overall look, whether you’re going for country cozy or sleek and modern.

"The glass cupola design has evolved from its practical farming origins into a defining architectural feature that enhances both aesthetics and functionality in modern barndominium living", notes a leading barndominium design expert.

Looking to combine your cupola with a practical workshop space? The next floor plan shows you how to make it work.

5. Layout with Garage and Shop Space

Want the perfect mix of home comfort and workspace? A layout with garage and shop space might be exactly what you need. These floor plans, usually 30×60 to 40×60 feet, give you plenty of room to both live and work.

The magic happens in how the space is divided. You’ll get a clear split between your living area and workspace, so you won’t hear power tools while you’re trying to relax. Most designs offer 3 to 5 bedrooms and 2 to 3 bathrooms in the living area, plus a dedicated workspace you can set up however you want.

Here’s how the space typically breaks down:

AreaTypical SizeCommon Features
Shop Space1,200-1,800 sq ftHigh ceilings, concrete floors, separate entrance
Garage600-900 sq ftDouble doors, tool storage, workbench area
Living Space1,800-2,400 sq ftOpen concept, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms

The shop space comes with features that make work easier: good airflow, tall ceilings, and plenty of natural light from big windows or skylights. This cuts down on energy bills too. You can turn this space into whatever you need – a workshop, art studio, or storage for your toys (boats, ATVs, you name it). Many companies sell ready-to-build kits, making it easier to create your perfect space.

Want to keep your home spotless? Add a mudroom between your work and living areas. Plus, separate heating and cooling systems mean you’re not paying to heat or cool unused space.

The best part? These layouts can change with your needs. Maybe you want an auto shop today but might need a woodworking space tomorrow – the basic design works for pretty much anything while still giving you all the comforts of a modern home.

Looking for something more compact? Consider a streamlined barndominium layout instead.

6. Compact Barndominium Design

Want a home that makes the most of every square foot while keeping your wallet happy? Compact barndominiums pack smart living into 800-1,500 square feet – perfect for singles, couples, small families, retirees, or first-time homeowners.

These designs ditch space-wasting features like long hallways and dead corners. Instead, you’ll get built-in storage and rooms that serve multiple purposes. The star of the show? An open-concept main area that blends kitchen, dining, and living spaces. Even with a smaller footprint, it feels open and welcoming.

Here’s what you’ll typically find in a compact barndo:

AreaSize RangeSmart Features
Main Living Area400-600 sq ftOpen layout, tall ceilings, big windows
Bedrooms150-200 sq ft eachBuilt-in closets
Kitchen120-150 sq ftStorage island, tall cabinets
Bathroom80-100 sq ftCorner shower, wall fixtures

The design tricks don’t stop there. Big windows, light wall colors, and smart lighting create a bright, open feel. Many owners add lofts and vertical storage to squeeze more function out of their space.

These smaller barndos are a win for your budget too. Less square footage means lower material costs and faster build times. Plus, you’ll spend less on heating and cooling thanks to the smaller space and good insulation.

"The trend toward compact barndominiums reflects a growing interest in efficient, sustainable living spaces. These designs prove that you don't need excessive square footage to create a comfortable, functional home."

Want to make your space feel bigger? Add a small covered porch or patio. It’s like having an extra room during nice weather, without adding much to your footprint.

Many owners boost their barndo’s efficiency with extras like solar panels or rain collection systems. It’s proof that small spaces can pack a big punch when it comes to smart living.

Conclusion

Barndominiums have come a long way from their roots as simple metal buildings. Today, they’re turning heads as modern homes that work for all kinds of lifestyles – from busy families to work-from-home professionals.

Think of a barndominium as a blank canvas. Want a workshop next to your living room? Done. Need a home office that doubles as a guest space? No problem. These buildings bend to your will, letting you create exactly what you need.

We’re seeing all sorts of creative approaches: some folks build up instead of out with two floors, others blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, and some make every square inch count in smaller layouts. Each design tells a different story.

Here’s what you need to know about the nuts and bolts of barndominium planning:

Design ElementConsiderationsImpact on Cost
Construction MaterialSteel vs. Wood FrameSteel costs 15-20% less
Layout StyleSingle vs. Two-StoryTwo-story costs 25-30% more
Living Space800-3,000+ sq ft$90-150 per sq ft average
Shop/Garage Area400-2,000+ sq ft$45-75 per sq ft average

"The beauty of barndominium design lies in its flexibility. Whether you're looking for a workshop with living quarters or a modern family home, there's a floor plan that can be customized to fit your needs while maintaining cost efficiency."

When planning your build, think about both today and tomorrow. Many of today’s designs pack in smart features like solar panels and rainwater systems, helping you save money while being kind to the planet.

Your perfect barndominium is out there – one that fits your budget, matches your lifestyle, and feels like home. Whether you want a massive workshop, a cozy family space, or something in between, you can make it happen with the right design.

FAQs

Let’s tackle one of the most-asked questions about barndominiums: bedroom capacity.

How many bedrooms can you have in a barndominium?

You can build a barndominium with as few as 2 or as many as 8 bedrooms – it all depends on your available space. Here’s what you can typically fit:

Square FootageTypical Bedroom CountAdditional Spaces
800-1,500 sq ft2-3 bedrooms1-2 bathrooms
1,500-2,500 sq ft3-4 bedrooms2-3 bathrooms + office
2,500+ sq ft4-8 bedroomsMultiple bathrooms + bonus rooms

Want to know the best part? The metal and post-frame building methods used in barndominiums make adding bedrooms cheaper than in regular houses. Plus, you can design rooms that pull double duty – like a space that works as both a bedroom and home office, depending on what you need.

You Have Questions?

We Have Answers

Rot can significantly weaken the structure of a pole barn, compromising its stability and lifespan. Since the posts serve as the foundation, any rot or decay can lead to uneven settling, leaning, or even collapse over time. Preventing rot from the outset ensures your pole barn remains safe, durable, and cost-effective in the long term.

Pressure-treated wood undergoes a treatment process that infuses chemicals into the wood fibers, making it resistant to rot, moisture, and insect damage. This treatment prolongs the wood’s life even in wet environments, helping to reduce maintenance needs and repair costs. Using high-grade pressure-treated wood, like that in Barn Kit Pros kits, ensures better durability for your pole barn posts.

Concrete footings are solid concrete bases placed under the posts to lift them off the ground, creating a barrier between the wood and soil. This keeps the posts dry and prevents moisture from seeping into the wood, which is a primary cause of rot. Concrete footings, especially precast options like "perma-columns," are one of the best ways to extend the life of your pole barn’s foundation.

While pressure-treated wood offers strong resistance to rot, adding post protector sleeves provides an additional layer of protection. These plastic sleeves cover the portion of the post in contact with soil, creating a waterproof seal that helps keep moisture out. Combining sleeves with pressure-treated wood is especially effective in areas with high soil moisture, maximizing protection against rot.

Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to spot early signs of decay or moisture issues. Check around the posts periodically for any soft spots, discoloration, or insect activity. Applying water-resistant sealants or wood preservatives can also help protect the wood over time. Addressing any issues early prevents costly repairs and keeps your pole barn posts in optimal condition for years.

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