I spent the better part of this weekend scrubbing out my barn and stalls by hand this weekend due to a broken pressure washer, so I have barns on the brain. Our barn is just a small metal pole barn with two stalls, but it doesn’t make it hard to imagine the amazing open concept layout someone could create with a grand old barn of wood or stone. Here are some pretty examples I found.
I love the contrast of the dark wood floors and the white walls and beams.
via Architectural Digest
If the wood is kept dark, it’s a good idea to incorporate large windows for natural light and white or light walls (unless you like dark interiors!)
via Architectural Digest
via OneKindDesign
I’m not a fan of taxidermy as decor, but that door opening to the yard is pretty fantastic!
via OneKindDesign
Beautiful light stone and natural wood floors make this barn conversion quaint and pretty.
via OneKindDesign
I think the photo above and below are from the same barn. I don’t know if I could live on concrete floors, but I like the white plank walls and the rustic furnishings.
via OneKindDesign
via OneKindDesign
Okay, this may not be for everyone, but how amazing would it be to be able to keep watch over and observe your animals while going about your daily household duties!
via Great American Country
via OneKindDesign
The barn exteriors are often just as beautiful as the interiors!
via Architectural Digest
I’ll take my small 50’s rancher over a 90’s McMansion any day – who has time to clean all that anyway? Okay, maybe I am envious of the storage space – we have no garage or basement, just a hard to access attic and a scary crawlspace. My point is, there is something nice to having the family all on one floor and in a home that forces you to keep your possessions in check.
However, while Ranch houses can be described as a blank canvas, or family friendly, I don’t completely agree with that. Especially if your ranch is from the 50/60’s it’s probably partitioned off into extremely small rooms that don’t really suit today’s lifestyle. We knocked down several walls to make our living room, dining room, and kitchen one great open concept space. We lost a hallway, which as our realtor cleverly spun as “making the home feel like a large sprawling estate,” but the open space and light is worth it. There is a breakfast bar dividing the kitchen from the dining room, but the open layout allows me to keep an eye on little Leo playing in the living room area while I’m making a bottle in the kitchen.
Below are some other ranch remodels (undoubtedly all with much larger budget’s than ours) that I think really make the most of the square footage. If you’re looking for a qualified local contractor to take on your ranch renovation, check out the Get Assist app.
I have a weakness for exposed beams…and wide plank wood floors..and built ins…
Love the contrast of the rustic/industrial stools with the sleek white kitchen. A lot of people are making statements with lighting these days, but I actually like how understated these pendants are.
The blue vanity is so pretty.
3 above via Pneumatic Addict
In the house featured in the image above, as well as the photos below, several wall were taken out to turn a small kitchen and den into one large open kitchen.
Recessed lighting is also a great way to visually expand a space!
The vaulted curve in the ceiling makes this home look even more spacious and open after it’s remodel!
Do you now or have you ever lived in a ranch house? Did you ever remodel it, and if so, how?
images above via Style Blueprint
Most of the homes you see in magazines are probably at least three times the size of our 50’s rambler. I actually have no problem with the size of our home, though a basement or a garage would be great for storage, but it would be nice to find more inspiration for small (and probably the average size) homes. I did find some examples, which I’ve included below to help you embrace your small space:
I was raised on a farm and knew I wanted a barn wedding before it became the trendiest thing on Pinterest. I find old barns particularly beautiful, with the old stone and wood. Below are some gorgeous barn homes, as well as some inspiration for incorporating some barn details into your own home.
via Style Me Pretty
The windows in barn houses are usually fantastic
Love the open concept a lot of barns have
The lush drapes and upholstery offer a nice contrast.
Love the white washed beams with the marble countertops….dying!
6 above via DigsDigs
via DigsDigs
A nice crisp take on barn/farm style furnishings
I love this…I imagine the horses could live just down the hall…
4 above via DigsDigs
Has anyone here ever lived in or visited a barn house? Could you live in one?
“Simple and white” was homeowner Julie Holloway’s mantra for her kitchen renovation, and it’s one I hope to have the means to adopt one day as well. I adore white kitchens, they look so clean and bright!
Check out Julie’s gorgeous Atlanta area kitchen (and some more of her gorgeous 70’s home)
For some reason I have a lot of trouble finding bar stools I like, especially in a more open layout where they have to work well with the living room furnishings as well. I think the brushed stainless steel ones look good. What do you think?
One thing Julie manages that I don’t think I could is open shelves instead of cabinets. It would force me to get matching dish sets, which is good, but it means only I would ever be putting the dishes away, cause my sweetums wouldn’t have the patience to stack everything perfectly. He’d rather wash dishes by hand than unload the dishwasher!
I adore the dining area – everything about it – chandelier, table, mirror, shades….
Here are some shots of the rest of the house.
At first I thought this was a home office, but now I realize that maybe that mirrored piece isn’t a desk…Regardless, love the space.
Oh la la…white and dark wood – how I love thee!
Julie is co-owner (along with Anisa Darnell) of Milk and Honey Home, check it out, you’ll love it. All the images seen here belong to Milk and Honey Home, and some were featured in the Nov. 2011 issue of Better Homes and Gardens.
this post in partnership with Lakeland Furniture
This winter is so dreary and blah. It doesn’t help that I’ve been stuck on the couch with a cold all week. Here’s a bright and cheery pick me up for all of you out there who are feeling like me.
The spiral staircase acts as a room divider
Great home office!
see the spiral staircase on the right?
via Lantliv
These rooms blend so many nice elements and styles. Even though the feeling is luxury – I also get a sense of peacefulness. The colors are muted but not monotone.
What a great style mix – the tufted sofa with the retro dining set.
The bedroom has a rustic, country feel
The below are actually from another home I think..
Great table…
I’m usually not a fan of something so modern as this bedroom, but the simple lines and clean design work really well in a bedroom.
What do you think?
via Elle Decor
