Barndominium Homes: Design Elements to Consider (Part 2)

In Part 1, we covered the basics of barndominium (barndo) homes—what they are, how they’re built, and why they’ve become a popular option for both primary homes and multi-use spaces.

Once you understand the structure, the next step is thinking through the design.

One of the biggest advantages of a barndominium is how flexible it can be. With the right planning, you can create a layout and look that fits your property, your day-to-day needs, and how you plan to use the space long term.

Here are the key barndominium design elements to consider as you start that process.

Layout and Floor Plan

Most barndominium floor plans are built around open space. Post-frame construction allows for wider spans without interior load-bearing walls, which gives you more flexibility in how you design the interior. That typically leads to:

• Open kitchen, dining, and living areas

• Fewer structural limitations when planning rooms

• More flexibility if you want to adjust the layout over time

The goal isn’t just openness—it’s creating a layout that actually works for how you live.

Ceiling Height and Interior Structure

Ceiling height is another major design factor. Many barndominiums include:

• Vaulted or raised ceilings

• Taller wall heights than a traditional home

These features can make the space feel larger, but they also affect things like lighting, insulation, and overall comfort—so they should be planned early, not added later.

Exterior Style and Finishes

Barndominiums can take on a wide range of exterior styles depending on materials and layout. Some common directions include:

• Clean, modern metal exteriors

• Farmhouse-style finishes with wood accents

• More traditional looks that blend with surrounding homes or buildings

One advantage of post-frame construction is that you’re not limited to one appearance—you can choose finishes that match your property and preferences.

Windows and Natural Light

Window placement plays a big role in both the look and function of a barndominium. Larger wall sections make it easier to add:

• Oversized windows

• Sliding doors

• Taller window groupings

This helps bring in natural light and can reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, especially in larger open areas.

Indoor and Outdoor Living Space

Many barndominiums are built on larger lots, so it makes sense to plan for outdoor use as part of the design. Common features include:

• Covered porches

• Patios

• Transitional spaces between indoor and outdoor areas

These aren’t just add-ons—they’re often part of how the home is used on a daily basis.

Shop, Garage, or Multi-Use Space

For many homeowners, this is one of the main reasons to choose a barndominium. You can design the structure to include:

• Attached shops or garages

• Storage for equipment or recreational vehicles

• Workspace for business or hobbies

Because the structure is designed from the start to handle multiple uses, it tends to be more efficient than trying to add those features onto a traditional home later.

Interior Finishes and Style

Interior design in a barndominium usually comes down to balancing durability with comfort. That might include:

• Low-maintenance flooring

• Wood or metal accents

• Simple, functional finishes

Rather than focusing on a specific “style,” most designs aim for something that will hold up over time and still feel comfortable day to day.

Planning for Long-Term Use

A well-designed barndominium should work not just now, but years down the road. As you plan, it’s worth thinking about:

• How your space needs might change

• Storage and utility requirements

• Whether certain areas may be repurposed later

That flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of this type of build.

Ready to Get Started? 

Interested in learning more about barndo living? At True Post Design, we specialize in post-frame construction design for Minnesota and Wisconsin businesses—from initial planning to finished design.

👉 Start your project today: Contact us to explore design options, request a free consultation, or begin planning a post-frame building that supports your long-term success.