Dream Spaces: 10 Barn Conversions With a Touch of Magic
Be inspired by these rural retreats far from the madding crowd, which showcase just how much can be achieved with the humble barn
Karen Wilson
27 July 2015
UK based Houzz contributor and freelance property and interiors journalist with experience in both the regional press and national magazines. I've picked up loads of tips from homeowners and experts alike, having visited hundreds of gorgeous real homes across the North of England.
UK based Houzz contributor and freelance property and interiors journalist with experience... More
For architects and homeowners alike, a dilapidated barn represents the ultimate transformational challenge and is a delicate balancing act between retaining the building’s intrinsic character while not being afraid to innovate and incorporate the very best of modern design.
Whether you favour an all out rustic country look, the surprise of an ultra-contemporary interior or a clever blending of the two, these stunning barn conversions are a world away from their humble agricultural beginnings. Few of us may ever have the chance to complete our own barn makeover, but we can dream…
Whether you favour an all out rustic country look, the surprise of an ultra-contemporary interior or a clever blending of the two, these stunning barn conversions are a world away from their humble agricultural beginnings. Few of us may ever have the chance to complete our own barn makeover, but we can dream…
Juxtapose old and new
This 17th century timber frame contrasts sharply with the bespoke glass spiral staircase, creating a wonderful juxtaposition of ancient and modern. The blending of eras has been carried through to furnishings, too, with the old master and contemporary sculptural chair echoing the old meets new theme.
See more stylish ways to mix old and new
This 17th century timber frame contrasts sharply with the bespoke glass spiral staircase, creating a wonderful juxtaposition of ancient and modern. The blending of eras has been carried through to furnishings, too, with the old master and contemporary sculptural chair echoing the old meets new theme.
See more stylish ways to mix old and new
Keep it simple
Less is sometimes more, especially when you have so many stunning architectural features. Rather than bringing in too much furniture and too many colours that could detract from the clean lines, the owners of this barn chose furnishings that link with the surroundings, such as the tree trunk table echoing the oak beams above and the supersized grey sofa that ties in with the slate hearth.
Less is sometimes more, especially when you have so many stunning architectural features. Rather than bringing in too much furniture and too many colours that could detract from the clean lines, the owners of this barn chose furnishings that link with the surroundings, such as the tree trunk table echoing the oak beams above and the supersized grey sofa that ties in with the slate hearth.
Expose the building’s fabric
A successful barn conversion offers a clever balance of exposed original stonework and smooth plastered walls – with the key word here being balance. Too much stone is overpowering, while too much plaster hides the story of the building.
Such a backdrop is perfect for an industrial-style kitchen like this, proving there are far more workable options than sticking to the expected traditional country combo of Shaker units teamed with an Aga.
A successful barn conversion offers a clever balance of exposed original stonework and smooth plastered walls – with the key word here being balance. Too much stone is overpowering, while too much plaster hides the story of the building.
Such a backdrop is perfect for an industrial-style kitchen like this, proving there are far more workable options than sticking to the expected traditional country combo of Shaker units teamed with an Aga.
Make the most of high ceilings
The vast height of this beautifully converted barn must have been a dream for the architect, and adding a mezzanine floor was clearly essential to make the most of the space. Just as a good photograph follows the rule of thirds, here the space has visually been cut into three, with the beams dictating the proportions.
Barns of a more modest size can also benefit from a mezzanine area, if even just to squeeze in a cosy reading nook.
Could you fit a mezzanine into your home? Check out these inspiring designs
The vast height of this beautifully converted barn must have been a dream for the architect, and adding a mezzanine floor was clearly essential to make the most of the space. Just as a good photograph follows the rule of thirds, here the space has visually been cut into three, with the beams dictating the proportions.
Barns of a more modest size can also benefit from a mezzanine area, if even just to squeeze in a cosy reading nook.
Could you fit a mezzanine into your home? Check out these inspiring designs
Mix up your glazing
A trio of different natural light sources will transform a space throughout the day as the sun works its way around the building. In this barn conversion, the homeowner has opted for a roof light above the kitchen area, bifold doors by the dining table and a section of glass ceiling that continues right the way to the floor on each side. Variety is the key to its success.
A trio of different natural light sources will transform a space throughout the day as the sun works its way around the building. In this barn conversion, the homeowner has opted for a roof light above the kitchen area, bifold doors by the dining table and a section of glass ceiling that continues right the way to the floor on each side. Variety is the key to its success.
Create an oversized focal point
When dealing with cavernous spaces, zoning helps to split an open-plan area into more manageable chunks. One of the best features for demarcating your living area is a supersized, bespoke fireplace. A standard-sized fireplace would look lost in this barn, so the owners have opted for a modern curved design with a flue extending up to the full height of the roof.
Alternatively, reusing original bricks from demolished outbuildings or sourcing reclaimed ones is a great way to build a new XXL fireplace with old world charm.
When dealing with cavernous spaces, zoning helps to split an open-plan area into more manageable chunks. One of the best features for demarcating your living area is a supersized, bespoke fireplace. A standard-sized fireplace would look lost in this barn, so the owners have opted for a modern curved design with a flue extending up to the full height of the roof.
Alternatively, reusing original bricks from demolished outbuildings or sourcing reclaimed ones is a great way to build a new XXL fireplace with old world charm.
Reconsider door openings
When faced with the luxury of starting afresh with interior walls, why play it safe with conventional door openings and standard-size doors? A barn conversion offers the perfect opportunity to think about arched or extra-wide doorways, with or without doors.
When faced with the luxury of starting afresh with interior walls, why play it safe with conventional door openings and standard-size doors? A barn conversion offers the perfect opportunity to think about arched or extra-wide doorways, with or without doors.
Be subtle with lighting
As the beams are the stars of the show in this barn conversion, the owners chose track lighting that unobtrusively highlights their beauty. As the fixings can be attached to the walls on either side, there’s no need to drill into and potentially damage the original wood. The simplicity of such lighting allows the fabric of the building to truly shine through.
Read expert advice on lighting up wooden beams and barn-style ceilings
As the beams are the stars of the show in this barn conversion, the owners chose track lighting that unobtrusively highlights their beauty. As the fixings can be attached to the walls on either side, there’s no need to drill into and potentially damage the original wood. The simplicity of such lighting allows the fabric of the building to truly shine through.
Read expert advice on lighting up wooden beams and barn-style ceilings
Capitalise on the location
An isolated barn throws up so many possibilities when your nearest neighbours are likely to be cows or sheep. So if privacy isn’t an issue, make the most of the splendid isolation with an entirely glazed gable end. Lit up at night, it offers the ultimate in kerb appeal – without the kerb!
An isolated barn throws up so many possibilities when your nearest neighbours are likely to be cows or sheep. So if privacy isn’t an issue, make the most of the splendid isolation with an entirely glazed gable end. Lit up at night, it offers the ultimate in kerb appeal – without the kerb!
Dare to paint
Exposing the rafters is a no-brainer in a barn conversion, but should you paint them or not? Some people prefer to sandblast beams to expose the natural beauty of the grain, while others prefer a more rough and ready rustic look with as little intervention as possible.
If you want the eye to be drawn outside towards beautiful views or prefer a more calming, muted look, particularly in a bedroom, you may want to paint the rafters in the same pale shade as the walls.
Discover eight great ways to expose your ceiling
TELL US…
Do you have a soft spot for barns, or are you planning a conversion project yourself? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Exposing the rafters is a no-brainer in a barn conversion, but should you paint them or not? Some people prefer to sandblast beams to expose the natural beauty of the grain, while others prefer a more rough and ready rustic look with as little intervention as possible.
If you want the eye to be drawn outside towards beautiful views or prefer a more calming, muted look, particularly in a bedroom, you may want to paint the rafters in the same pale shade as the walls.
Discover eight great ways to expose your ceiling
TELL US…
Do you have a soft spot for barns, or are you planning a conversion project yourself? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
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Wow - endless possibilities there!
for those who were interested... here's a few pics of how we got on.
Wow that's an amazing transformation. Well done!