21 Barndominium Exterior Ideas to Inspire Your Modern Farmhouse Dream Home
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a modern farmhouse with a rustic twist, then barndominiums (barn + condominiums) might just be the perfect blend of style and practicality you’re searching for. With their open spaces, high ceilings, and versatile designs, barndominiums are rapidly gaining popularity across the country.
The exterior of a barndominium is often the first glimpse into the character and personality of the space inside. And whether you’re imagining a sleek, modern feel or a cozy, traditional vibe, the right exterior design can set the tone for your entire home.
1. Sleek Modern Appeal with Metal Siding
Metal siding is the hallmark of a modern barndominium. If you’re after an exterior that makes a bold statement and stands the test of time, metal is your go-to material. The sleek, shiny look of steel or aluminum provides a contemporary feel while also being low maintenance. This clean-lined option can be paired with large, expansive windows to add natural light and create a sense of openness.
Tip: If you want to soften the industrial look of metal, consider combining it with wood accents or stone details. A wooden front porch or stone foundation can help bring a touch of warmth to the overall design.
2. Rustic Charm with Wooden Accents
For those who prefer the coziness of a traditional farmhouse, wooden accents on the barndominium’s exterior can provide a rustic charm. Imagine a wooden porch with rocking chairs and an inviting front door. The natural textures of cedar, pine, or oak paired with the steel frame of the barn can create the perfect balance between modern strength and organic warmth.
Tip: Use treated wood to prevent weathering and ensure the exterior stands up to the elements. Combining light wood tones with darker trims also enhances the design’s depth and character.
3. Black and White Contrast for an Eye-Catching Look
Sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, and there’s no better way to achieve this than with a classic black-and-white color scheme. This style works beautifully for a barndominium exterior, where the black framing contrasts with the white body of the home. This timeless look adds boldness and elegance while keeping the design clean and simple.
Tip: For a bit of added contrast, consider using black metal roofing paired with a whitewashed wooden front door for a welcoming touch.
4. Farmhouse Chic with Shiplap Siding
If you’ve ever flipped through the pages of a farmhouse magazine, you’ve undoubtedly seen the classic shiplap siding. This design feature is a staple in modern farmhouses and looks just as stunning on a barndominium. The clean, horizontal lines of shiplap can be used to cover the entire exterior or just as an accent on one side of the building.
Tip: Go for a weathered, distressed look if you want to add a bit of vintage charm. Shiplap also pairs wonderfully with barn doors and lush greenery, creating that quintessential farmhouse vibe.
5. Large Windows to Bring the Outdoors In
One of the defining features of modern barndominiums is the use of large windows. These expansive glass panels bring in tons of natural light and offer unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re in the country or by the coast, large windows allow you to enjoy your outdoor space without leaving the comfort of your home.
Tip: Consider adding floor-to-ceiling windows on the front façade of your barndominium. The extra light will make the interior feel even more spacious, and you’ll have the perfect view every time you walk into the room.
6. Vertical Siding for Height and Drama
If you’re looking for a way to add height and drama to your barndominium, vertical siding is the way to go. This design technique elongates the space and creates a striking visual effect. When paired with contrasting trim, it elevates the exterior design to an entirely new level of sophistication.
Tip: Pair vertical siding with a metal roof to maintain that modern farmhouse aesthetic.
7. Covered Porch with Farmhouse Details
A covered porch is a must-have for a modern farmhouse exterior. The beauty of a barndominium lies in its flexibility, and a large porch can serve as both a relaxing outdoor space and an additional element that enhances the home’s curb appeal.
Tip: Install classic farmhouse elements like a wooden swing, hanging lights, or a vintage mailbox to add personality to the front porch.
8. Stone Accents for a Timeless Look
For a touch of elegance and rustic charm, incorporate stone accents into your barndominium exterior. Whether it’s a stone base or a full stone wall, natural stone brings texture and depth to the design. It’s also a durable material that adds a sense of permanence to your structure.
Tip: Combine stone with steel or wood elements to create a balanced and timeless look. Fieldstone, river rock, or limestone are all excellent choices for a farmhouse aesthetic.
9. Gable Roof for Traditional Appeal
A gable roof is a defining feature of any traditional farmhouse. This classic roofline is especially popular on barndominiums because it offers both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. The gable roof provides ample headspace inside and gives the exterior a symmetrical, balanced look.
Tip: To enhance the gable design, consider adding a small dormer window or cupola to add interest and character.
10. Bright Color Schemes for a Modern Twist
While many barndominiums embrace more neutral tones, you can also infuse your home’s exterior with a burst of color. Bright shades like navy blue, deep green, or charcoal gray can lend a modern and unique feel to the traditionally rustic design.
Tip: Pair these bold colors with natural textures like wood or stone to keep the look grounded while making a statement.
11. Minimalistic Design for a Clean, Modern Look
If you’re drawn to a more minimalist aesthetic, a simple, sleek design can be exactly what you need. A simple metal or wood exterior, clean lines, and lack of extraneous details will create a modern, low-maintenance home that feels both fresh and sophisticated.
Tip: Embrace neutral tones like white, gray, or black to keep the exterior design understated and elegant.
12. Barn Doors for Authentic Farmhouse Style
You can’t talk about barndominiums without mentioning barn doors. These iconic doors can be used on both the exterior and the interior of the home. Whether you’re incorporating them as garage doors or front doors, they add a unique charm to the home’s design.
Tip: Choose reclaimed wood for the barn doors to give your exterior a more weathered, authentic look. Pair them with iron hardware for a rustic touch.
13. Earthy Tones for a Harmonious Look
If you prefer colors that blend seamlessly with nature, earthy tones like olive green, sand, and taupe are excellent choices for your barndominium’s exterior. These shades bring a feeling of warmth and harmony, making your home feel like part of the landscape.
Tip: Earth tones work beautifully when paired with wooden accents and landscaping that features native plants and flowers.
14. Metal Roof for Durability and Style
A metal roof is not only practical, it’s also incredibly stylish. Metal roofing comes in a variety of colors and styles, from corrugated panels to standing seam designs. It’s durable, fire-resistant, and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Tip: Opt for a dark-colored metal roof to contrast against lighter siding for an elegant look. Be sure to choose a roof style that complements the rest of your design.
15. Sliding Glass Doors for Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
Sliding glass doors are a great way to open up the barndominium to its surroundings. These doors allow easy access to outdoor spaces, creating a seamless flow between the interior and the exterior.
Tip: Install large sliding doors in the living or dining areas to let in plenty of light and provide easy access to outdoor entertaining areas.
16. Black-Framed Windows for a Bold, Modern Look
For a sleek, modern touch, consider opting for black-framed windows. The dark framing contrasts beautifully with lighter-colored siding and creates a striking visual effect on the exterior.
Tip: Use black-framed windows to draw attention to key features of your home, such as the entryway or the central living space.
17. Landscaping with Curb Appeal
The exterior of your barndominium isn’t complete without thoughtful landscaping. From carefully placed flower beds to stone pathways, the right landscaping elements can complement your home’s design and create an inviting atmosphere.
Tip: Use native plants that thrive in your climate for a low-maintenance and eco-friendly garden. Add in a few low-light lanterns along paths for a cozy, welcoming effect.
18. Traditional Farmhouse Porch
A porch is a must-have for any farmhouse, and it’s no different for a barndominium. Whether it’s a modest, covered entryway or an expansive wraparound porch, this space adds charm and functionality to your home’s exterior.
Tip: Add swinging chairs or a wooden bench to your porch for the perfect space to relax and enjoy the view.
19. Chic Industrial Style with Exposed Beams
For a more industrial twist, consider exposing the steel frame or beams of the barndominium in the design. The contrast of raw steel and natural materials like wood or concrete can give your barndominium a sleek, urban farmhouse feel.
Tip: Pair exposed beams with large steel windows for a truly industrial aesthetic that still feels welcoming.
20. Accent Lighting for Added Drama
Lighting can make a huge difference in how your barndominium exterior looks at night. Accent lighting along the rooflines or in the landscaping can highlight architectural details and create a dramatic effect after dark.
Tip: Use warm-toned lights to create a soft, inviting glow that makes your home feel cozy and welcoming at all hours.
21. Gable Dormer Windows for Added Character
Dormer windows are a simple yet effective way to add architectural interest to your barndominium’s exterior. These small windows can be placed at the top of the gable or incorporated into the roofline, creating a charming and functional design feature.
Tip: Add dormer windows to the upper level for a cozy, attic-like feel in a guest room or home office.
Conclusion
Building a barndominium offers endless possibilities for creating a modern farmhouse that truly fits your lifestyle and tastes. Whether you prefer sleek metal siding, rustic wooden accents, or a bold contrast of colors, there are plenty of exterior design ideas to inspire your dream home.
