ALL ABOUT BARNDOMINIUM HOUSES

Barndominiums started as a practical way to turn barns into homes. This idea became popular in the United States, especially in rural areas, as a creative and affordable way to get spacious housing by reusing old barns.

Today, barndominiums are a growing trend in home design. They combine the wide-open feel of a barn with the comfort and style of modern homes. The result is a unique and cozy living space that’s easy to customize, perfect for anyone looking for something special and functional.

Pros of Barndominimums

Cost-Effective

Barndominiums are celebrated for their cost-effective construction, making them a highly appealing housing option. Their open floor plans maximize space efficiency, reducing overall square footage and associated expenses. The straightforward construction process, combined with the flexibility to customize interior layouts, allows homeowners to achieve an affordable yet personalized living space.

While costs can vary depending on location and customization, the affordability inherent in barndominium construction offers a budget-friendly path to a unique and spacious home.

Versatile

The design versatility of barndominiums is a significant reason for their growing popularity. These structures serve as a blank slate, enabling homeowners to bring their unique style and preferences to life.

From rustic wood exteriors to sleek metal finishes, and from traditional layouts to modern aesthetics, barndominiums are highly adaptable. Their spacious interiors encourage creative room configurations, supporting anything from cozy cottage-like designs to expansive, loft-inspired living spaces.

This flexibility ensures barndominiums cater to a wide variety of tastes and lifestyles, making them an excellent choice for anyone seeking a home tailored to their individual vision.

Open-Concept

The open-concept design of barndominiums is one of their most defining and appealing features, setting them apart from traditional homes. Inspired by their barn origins, these residences often feature wide, unobstructed interiors free from the limitations of load-bearing walls.

Rooted in a farm-style aesthetic, barndominiums exude rustic charm with exposed wooden beams, weathered finishes, and a cozy yet expansive ambiance. This design approach emphasizes vast, uninterrupted spaces, serving as a blank canvas for creative interior layouts.

High ceilings and expansive great rooms enhance the feeling of openness, creating an inviting and adaptable environment. The roomy interiors not only emphasize the rustic aesthetic but also provide practical benefits, allowing homeowners to effortlessly define functional areas.

Whether designing a welcoming living room, a spacious kitchen, or a flexible home office, the inherent openness of barndominiums supports a versatile and dynamic living experience steeped in rustic appeal.

The rustic-modern charm of barndominiums goes beyond their aesthetic appeal, combining low maintenance, durability, and energy efficiency in a farmhouse-inspired design.

With their weathered finishes and rustic facades, these homes exude timeless character while requiring minimal upkeep. Built with robust materials, they not only reflect the farmhouse ethos but also ensure exceptional durability for years to come.

This blend of rustic design and modern practicality extends to energy efficiency, with thoughtful features like abundant natural light and well-insulated interiors. These elements create a home that is as environmentally conscious as it is visually striking.

Barndominiums capture the spirit of farmhouse living, seamlessly uniting style and functionality to deliver a low-maintenance, long-lasting, and energy-efficient home that endures with grace and substance.

CoNs of Barndominimums

Zoning Approvals

Constructing a barndominium often involves navigating the complexities of permits and zoning regulations, a process that can be challenging but manageable with the right approach. Permitting requirements vary significantly by location, and the unique blend of residential and agricultural elements in barndominiums may not always align with established zoning guidelines.

Homeowners may face resistance from local authorities unfamiliar with this hybrid housing style. Successfully addressing these challenges requires thorough research into local building codes, proactive communication with zoning officials, and, in some cases, requesting variances or amendments to existing regulations.

While navigating these hurdles can be time-consuming, overcoming them ensures that your barndominium meets all legal and regulatory requirements, paving the way for your dream home to become a reality.

Noise

The open and spacious design of barndominiums, while a hallmark of their charm, can also lead to increased noise levels compared to traditional homes. High ceilings and expansive layouts may allow sound to travel more freely, potentially creating a noisier environment.

Fortunately, noise management is achievable through strategic interior design. Soft furnishings like rugs, curtains, and acoustic panels can help absorb sound, reducing its impact. Thoughtful room placement and careful positioning of noise-producing elements, such as appliances or entertainment systems, can further minimize disruptions.

By incorporating these measures, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of open-concept living while maintaining a comfortable and harmonious atmosphere.

How Much Does a Barndominium Cost?

Barndominiums come with unique costs, often making them more affordable than traditional homes. Ranch-style designs are typically the cheapest option, while adding a second floor increases expenses. The absence of a basement also helps keep costs down.

While traditional homes cost an average of $240–$280 per square foot, barndominiums are more flexible, ranging from $95 to $220 per square foot. To get an accurate estimate, it’s essential to research and consult local contractors since details like finishes can greatly affect the final price.

Choosing simple options, like concrete floors instead of expensive finishes, can save money. Using repurposed materials adds character and fits well with the rustic farmhouse look, offering a creative and cost-effective solution. By combining rustic charm with modern features, barndominium owners can create a stylish and affordable home.

DIY LAVENDER CLAY FACE MASK

Clay masks are often tailored for oily skin due to their oil-absorbing properties, but this Lavender Clay Face Mask is specially designed for dry and sensitive skin. Despite the ingredient list, it’s surprisingly simple to create! The process of blending clay, water, and oil into a luxurious mask is both satisfying and rewarding.

This recipe features a rich combination of argan and avocado oils to deeply moisturize the skin. Argan oil, celebrated for its nourishing qualities, is packed with vitamins A and E. To achieve its smooth, creamy, lotion-like texture, the oils and distilled water are combined with Polawax Emulsifying Wax and BTMS-50 Conditioning Wax. These emulsifiers ensure a stable blend, preventing the oil and water from separating.

INGREDIENTS

  • Four 8 oz. Short Bail Jars
  • 21.4 oz. Distilled Water
  • 1 oz. Argan Oil
  • 1.3 oz. Avocado Oil
  • 1 oz. Polawax Emulsifying Wax
  • 0.8 oz. BTMS-50 Conditioning Wax
  • 3.5 oz. Kaolin Clay
  • 1 oz. Purple Brazilian Clay
  • 2 mL Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil
  • 0.5 oz. Evening Primrose Extract
  • 0.2 oz. Optiphen

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare Equipment: Disinfect all utensils, including mixing containers, a stick blender, spoons, and spatulas, by dipping them in a 5% bleach water solution and letting them dry. This step ensures your tools are free from bacteria and microbes, creating a safe environment for your mask.

Prepare the Clays: Measure 3.5 oz. of kaolin clay and 1 oz. of purple Brazilian clay. You can combine them in one container or keep them separate for individual addition later.

Heat the Oils and Waxes: In a heat-safe container, combine avocado oil, argan oil, Polawax, and BTMS-50. Heat the mixture in the microwave in 30-60 second bursts until the waxes are fully melted. Handle carefully, as the container will be hot. Set aside.

Heat the Water: In a separate large container, heat the distilled water to 160-170°F using a microwave or stovetop. Recheck the water volume after heating, as some may evaporate, and top it up to ensure you have exactly 21.4 oz.

Combine Water and Oils: Ensure the oil and wax mixture and the heated water are between 160-180°F. If the oils have cooled, reheat them. Place the stick blender into the water and burp it to release air bubbles. Pour the melted oil mixture into the water, scraping the container to include all ingredients. Pulse the stick blender until the mixture turns milky, indicating emulsification. Blend for about a minute.

Add the Clays: Gradually add spoonfuls of kaolin clay (or the kaolin and purple Brazilian clay mix), pulsing the stick blender after each addition. Continue until all the clay is fully incorporated. Blend for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the container to ensure an even mix.

Cool and Add Preservatives: Once the mixture cools to 130-140°F, add the Optiphen, Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil, and evening primrose extract. Stick blend thoroughly, remembering to burp the blender, until all ingredients are well mixed.

Final Blend: If not yet added, incorporate the purple Brazilian clay and blend until the texture is smooth and uniform. Continue blending for a few more minutes to ensure full emulsification.

Fill and Cool: Pour the mixture into the bail jars. If bubbles form on the surface, spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol. Leave the jars uncovered to cool for several hours, allowing the mask to set into a thick, lotion-like consistency. A slight skin may form on the surface as it dries.

USAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Apply a medium layer to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area. Let the mask sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Washing afterward is optional. For dry skin, limit use to once per week.