Looking for a unique and affordable way to enjoy the tranquillity of rural living in the Midwest? The rapidly growing barndominium trend might just be your perfect solution! These innovative structures, made from repurposing old barns into spacious, eco-friendly homes, offer you both comfort and convenience.
Discover how this charming rustic home design can redefine your country lifestyle experience. There’s no time like now; let’s explore!
What is a Barndominium?
Today’s barndominium is described as a barn-type building built on a steel frame that serves as a fully functional residence. It is also a modern residential trend where old barns are creatively repurposed into unique living spaces, often combining the convenience of a garage or workspace with comfortable home amenities.
Repurposing barns into living spaces
Turning old barns into homes is a great idea. This change gives new life to the unused space. The results are modern homes called Barndominiums; they come from stand-alone, metal, barn-shaped structures.
People also use them for other spaces like hobby rooms or guest quarters. They offer lots of room and have all the amenities of a modern residence. Living in these rural areas is also peaceful, away from city noise and crowds, surrounded by the scenic views of the lush green countryside.
Combining residential and working areas
In a barndominium, living and working spaces blend together. This design is both practical and cozy. Homes have room for everyday life, and there are also areas built for work tasks. This mix makes it easy to switch from rest to work easily.
The open concept in many barndominiums helps join these two parts of life. Less commuting time means more free time and less gas money spent. According to a global survey commissioned by Google Workplace, this residential workplace hybrid trend, which is the future of work, has made life simple and smooth countrywide, including the Midwest.
The Barndominium Trend in the Midwest
The Midwest is embracing the barndominium trend, as more people in rural areas are drawn to their unique design, which mixes modern farmhouse aesthetics with functional living and working spaces.
Popular in rural areas
Barndominiums are a big hit in the Midwest’s rural areas. These homes have roots deep in the land’s agricultural history. When old barns are turned into modern, cozy dwellings, they keep the property heritage alive and add charm to country living. Building a barndominium in Iowa is one of the hottest trends in the country right now.
Even city folks are now craving this rustic lifestyle. The trend is growing beyond farms and reaching suburban zones, too!
Farmhouse style design
Farmhouse style is key to the barndominium trend. This design brings together rustic charm and vintage vibes with a cozy feel. Many barndominiums in the Midwest have this type of look.
They use barn-inspired architectural pieces, such as double-hung windows, gables, and trim. These features come from old homes or reclaimed materials, resulting in a unique and warm structure that people love to call home.
Most importantly, these homes’ open floor plan setup allows families to stay close no matter what they are doing at home: working, playing, or relaxing.
Economic factors driving interest in barndominiums
Money plays a big part in the rise of barndominiums. People are finding it hard to buy affordable houses nowadays. So, they turn to other affordable options like barndominiums. They often cost less than traditional stick-built homes and are eco-friendly. The rise of financial products like barndominium USDA loans has also made these homes affordable to most people.
The lack of cheap housing adds to this trend, too. People are moving away from cities and into rural areas where they can build a home that suits them for less money. Such nontraditional ways of owning a home become more popular due to this change in economic conditions.
The Benefits of Living in a Barndominium
Barndominiums offer a unique, cost-effective solution to rural living with their eco-friendly designs and proximity to work and recreational areas. They have the charm of rustic homes while providing modern conveniences inside spacious interiors.
These repurposed barns provide affordable housing options in Midwest communities where the farmhouse design is beloved. With garages that can double as workshops or hobby rooms, barndominiums are an alternative housing trend that caters to diverse lifestyle needs.
These sustainable structures showcase the future of rural architecture, combining function and style for those embracing the Midwest lifestyle.
Cost-effective
Barndominiums save you money. They cost less to build than traditional-built houses. In the south and midwest, they are even cheaper to build. You can put up a barndominium quickly, saving you cash, which you can direct to other expenses like furnishing the home.
Additionally, insuring your barndominium will cost less than a traditional home. Some states also have lower property taxes for barndos. So, if you’re after savings and more bang for your buck, choose a Barndominium!
Eco-friendly
Barndominiums use less stuff that can harm nature. Many barndo builders pick eco-friendly building materials like recycled wood and steel. In addition to that, their designs are energy-efficient, meaning less power is used in a barndominium than in a conventional house.
Proximity to work/play
Barndominiums allow you to live close to work or play. This idea is not new; people have done this for many years. These homes are in rural areas, where you can enjoy the countryside. So, when it’s time to work, just step into your office next door! No more long drives to get to work.
You also save time for play. With wide open spaces and fresh air, these homes allow kids and pets to run free, and you can also turn part of the barn into a hobby room or gym. There is no need to leave home when all your needs are right on hand.
Conclusion
Barndominiums make rural life better. They are spacious, cost-effective, eco-friendly, multi-purpose, and, most importantly, energy-efficient. What more would you need in a home? There is a bright future for barndominiums in the Midwest and beyond!
