Getting Started: The Basics You Need to Know
First things first – decorating a barn house isn’t like working with a regular home. Those soaring ceilings and exposed beams? They’re your best friends, but they can also be tricky to work with.
What You’ll Need:
- A clear vision of your style (rustic, modern farmhouse, or a mix)
- Basic tools (hammer, level, drill)
- A budget between $10,000-$50,000 (don’t worry, I’ll share some money-saving tricks!)
- Patience (lots of it)
The Foundation: Creating Your Color Palette
Listen, I made the mistake of going too “barn-y” in my first project. You don’t want your space looking like an actual barn!
My Go-To Colors:
- Warm whites (think cream, not stark white)
- Earth tones (rich browns, forest greens)
- Muted blues for accent pieces
- Charcoal gray for contrast
Making the Most of Your Space
Here’s where things get interesting. Small barn houses usually have under 2000 square feet, so every inch counts.
Smart Space Solutions:
- Use vertical space for storage
- Install floating shelves on exposed beams
- Create zones in open spaces using area rugs
- Keep furniture proportional (no oversized sectionals!)
Lighting: The Game-Changer
Y’all, I can’t stress this enough – lighting makes or breaks a barn house design.
Must-Have Lighting Elements:
- Industrial-style pendant lights
- Warm LED strip lighting for beams
- Strategic floor lamps in dark corners
- Dimmers everywhere (trust me on this one)
Texture Play: Adding Depth
This is where the magic happens. A good barn house design needs layers of texture.
Mix These Textures:
- Rough-hewn wood
- Smooth metal accents
- Soft, chunky knit throws
- Woven baskets
- Natural stone elements
Budget-Friendly Tips That Actually Work
I’ve helped clients create stunning spaces without breaking the bank. Here’s how:
Money-Saving Secrets:
- Shop flea markets for authentic farmhouse pieces
- DIY your own barn doors (saves thousands!)
- Use peel-and-stick wallpaper for accent walls
- Repurpose old farm equipment as decor
- Paint instead of replace (cabinets, doors, etc.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from my fails! These are the big ones I see all the time:
- Going too themey (no need for cow prints everywhere)
- Ignoring scale (tiny furniture in huge spaces)
- Poor lighting plans
- Forgetting about storage
- Overlooking insulation needs
Seasonal Updates Made Easy
Keep your space fresh by rotating these elements:
- Throw pillows
- Window treatments
- Door wreaths
- Centerpieces
- Outdoor planters
Remember, your barn house should feel like home, not a museum piece. Don’t be afraid to break some rules and make it yours. Questions? Drop ’em below – I love helping fellow barn house enthusiasts create their dream spaces!