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BARN LIVING
“Barn conversions preserve centuries-old history while allowing their occupants to reap the benefits of modern conveniences.”
By revamping an old barn, you can combine the rustic elements with modern touches to get the perfect balance between contemporary and traditional.
Are you looking to transform your home into the perfect blend of both modern sophistication and cosy classic style? A barn conversion interior design could be just what you’re searching for. This rustic, yet timeless look has been around since the late 18th century, when agricultural buildings were converted into living spaces. So whether you live in an old converted barn or simply want to achieve this vintage feel within your own space – read on…
Barn Conversion Living
The barn conversion design style has become a popular trend in creating exciting, modern living spaces. Taking inspiration from converted rural and industrial buildings, this style combines overall simplicity with contrasting surfaces and colours for creative flair. Neutral shades such as white or grey are combined with wood elements, including softwood planks, exposed beams or stone wall textures. Details like recycled furniture pieces, exposed plumbing and overhead lighting add an edge to space while helping preserve its original character. Overall, the modern take on rustic farmhouse elements helps bring warmth and charm to any converted room.
Living in a converted barn can provide a unique and authentic lifestyle that carries with it many benefits. From modern interpretation of classic haylofts to traditional rustic style stables, architectural barns can come in many shapes and sizes, much like the history of converting them. Barn conversions became popular in the United Kingdom during the 1950s, evolving from farmers to city dwellers looking for refuge from urban life rather than just a place to store crops. This movement has been further embraced as people continue to seek greater proximity to nature, which in turn motivates others to attempt something challenging yet rewarding. With barn conversions either being fully or partially refurbished into homes and studios, they preserve centuries-old history while allowing their occupants to reap the benefits of modern conveniences.
“When styling a barn for a coastal look and feel, simple yet effective décor pieces can add homely charm.”
Who Is Barn living living ideal for
Living in a barn conversion is ideal for someone looking for both modern sophistication and a rural aesthetic. Its versatility allows for an easily customisable space that can be tailored to any taste.
By embracing the lifestyle of a barn conversion and its inherent connection to nature, you can also benefit from being surrounded by natural beauty.
“Living in a converted barn isn’t just about creating something unique - by embracing this style you are also investing in a lifestyle that gives back to its surroundings and fosters enjoyment of nature and calming vibes!”
The Rustic Barn
Creating a rustic look in a barn conversion requires mixing various essential elements. Stone walls, solid wood furniture and exposed wooden beams are essential components of creating this style. Carefully curated antiques can bring character and charm to any room. In addition, items like vintage fabrics and burlap accents can provide added texture to the space. To finish off the rustic feeling, use warm colours such as mustard yellows or terracotta reds which will help reflect light within the space and create a cozy atmosphere. All these elements together will ensure a perfect barn conversion with a rustic feel!
The Modern Barn
When it comes to upgrading or renovating a barn conversion, integrating both modern and contemporary design can add a unique style to your space. Utilising minimalistic, raw materials, such as wood and stone, is a great way to start as they naturally reflect the rustic roots of the barn while still providing ample opportunity to explore more modern dimensions. Hint at classic elegance with monochromatic colours—think whites and greys—and add pops of interest in places like the kitchen countertop or living room flooring. Structural details like built-in shelves, antique furniture pieces, delicate lighting, original architectural features that have been exposed all give a feeling of luxury without overdoing it on the ‘modern’ concept. Overall, utilising thoughtful elements from both sides of design spectrum can ultimately create a chic interior in any barn conversion space.
The Converted Barn - Look and Feel
Barn conversions have become increasingly popular over the past few years as a way to experience contemporary living with a nod to the past. While preserving the classic elements of this style is important, it doesn’t mean that modern and contemporary design can’t be added too.
Using colour effectively in a barn conversion interior design style is all about making the most of the rustic, natural aesthetic while adding a subtle modern flair. One of the best ways to achieve this is by incorporating muted tones such as earthy browns, creams, and beiges. These colours imply warmth, creating cosy yet elegant looks that match the existing original features of the barn. You can also add interest and contrast with deep blues, greens and greys for a more contemporary twist. Incorporating pops of vivid colours like teals, oranges and greens helps breathe new life into the space, while also blending seamlessly with existing wooden beams and other rustic elements. By playing with proportions when it comes to colour selection - you can use bright hues sparingly alongside muted tones - you'll create an inviting atmosphere that seamlessly combines traditional touches with modern accents.
Another key focus is on textures and natural materials - think velvet throws, jute rugs, linen pillows, or natural fibres like jute and cotton, there are plenty of options to add an earthy aesthetic to the space. Crushed linen curtains or sisal rugs will create a relaxed ambience while materials such as wicker will draw attention with its textural properties. Incorporating rustic elements such as driftwood or river rocks in strategically placed accessories can make all the difference, creating visual interest and depth that warms up the space. Contemporary shapes in furniture pieces or even artwork can help add a touch of modernism to the overall space. Incorporating metals such as wrought iron for railings or other accents adds an aged look. For accessories, considering rattan baskets, corn husk-style floor mats and reimagined driftwood furniture. Textiles featuring oversized stripes in sea-inspired blue hues will complete the look with a touch of relaxed yet coastal chic elegance.
Lighting plays a key role in the successful execution of a barn conversions. With a variety of lighting options available, there are endless possibilities for crafting a targeted, yet layered, approach to creating an effective ambient atmosphere. Start by considering task lighting to illuminate those specific areas that require greater visibility, then layer in ambient lamps and spotlights to create depth, warmth and interesting directional light highlights. Feature and decorative lighting should be positioned to provide added interest or focus, while various fixed wall and ceiling lights further enhance the dimensions of the space.
Overall, by taking careful consideration in ‘mixing’ different design ideologies, stylish juxtapositions can be created that are unique to each barn conversion. When attempting to add contemporary and modern touches to an old barn conversion, there are a few things you can do to help achieve the desired look. Combining traditional elements such as exposed beams with sleek and modern furniture and materials can create an elegant balance between classic and contemporary.
“Enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh air and starry nights, often lost in the hustle and bustle of every day life.”
By revamping an old barn with fresh features, you can combine the rustic appearance with modern touches to get the perfect balance between contemporary and traditional design. Ultimately, the aim of any barn conversion is to make it more liveable while respecting the building’s age-old charm.