I’ve been over here dragging my feet on a barn conversion update because it felt like there wasn’t much to see yet. But now that I go back and compare where we are to where we were, it’s incredible to see the progress that’s been made!
I finally feel like I’m in a place where I can share some real change. I’m excited to show you how far we’ve come and show you the design elements that have been inspiring the interior of the barndominium.
Space confessions
Before we get started though, I have a confession to make. In the back of my mind, this renovation has always served two purposes.
We of course wanted a place where friends and family could come and stay for a few nights and have their own space.
However, Kevin and I have also joked about using the downstairs space as a tasting room of sorts. Maybe for the beer he brews, maybe to serve coffee and cookies, maybe as a little cafe in addition to the main barn where we could sell fresh vegetables…the dreams have really been endless.
I’ve been a dreamer all my life though.
There’s a funny thing about me and dreams. I believe in making them come true…sometimes to a fault.
Last year at this time we never considered buying a farm. In September of 2018 we joked about owning a pumpkin farm. It was an idealized dream – of course – but here we are, on a farm. Sure there’s no plans to make it a pumpkin farm right now, but I’ve learned to never say never.
Dual purpose
Whatever the space is today, I know that someday it might serve two masters. I’ve taken a lot of inspiration for the downstairs from not only the general farmhouse style, but also little cafes that I love. I’m hoping when it’s finished it will reflect both things with a twist of modern too.
We’ve also joked that we could rent it out as an Air BNB. While I’m not sure I’m ready for that, I did want to consider that when thinking about the space.
So take a look at how far we’ve come! Then, stay tuned for all my interior inspiration in a post soon to come!
May/June – The standstill
In May, we ran into an issue that halted the project for three weeks. The plan for the barn had always been to add a bathroom space in the upstairs, but the country health department was concerned about the ability of our septic system to handle another bathroom. After the delay, which felt like forever, they finally approved it.
The bathroom in there will be for occasional use only. AND, the people who lived here before us had eight people in their family. We have four. We could literally double the size of our family and still be perfectly fine on our septic system.
However, because it threw off the timeline for all the trades to come in and work on the various specialties – electric, plumbing, septic, etc. – we fell even further behind. All of those trades were scheduling a few weeks out. The project didn’t really start moving again until the middle of June.
July – Moving forward
We’ve finally seen a lot of progress this month. Although, there have been some periods of delay too. However, this month is the month that took us from having a shell of s building and a hole in the ground to a space that is exciting to see. New siding was added; the new roof was added; the floors were poured; the patio was poured; the plumbing, electrical and heating/cooling were run and finally, drywall was put up!
To find out more about our barn project AND to see what it looked like before, click here. To find out why we decided to move from the suburbs to a country farm, click here.
How cool! It’s looking good. If we had a barn, I’d want to do something like this. I’m excited to see the final result.
Wow that is so much work, but I bet you both are really going to love the upgrade to your property
I think the idea of using it as an AirBnB is not a bad idea; but, you must do what you feel is good for your family. Your husband having a tasting room sounds amazing! There’s nothing like craft beer, and, maybe, he might get a wild hair and venture into making a few wines? The possibilities are endless with your barn space, and I love seeing the process!
Wow this is incredible and I love the step by step that you shared with us! It’s going to be such a great addition!!
It is amazing to see it slowly coming together. What an amazing looking area to have expanded into I love the little patio area as well, so nice to sit and relax on.
So cool that you can do this with a barn. It is looking so nice so far.
It is fun to see your update. I love that beam. To me, it gives the newness of the remodel some “history.”
I can’t wait to see this finished. Your transformation is already amazing as it is!
Wow! That looks amazing! I cannot wait to see it when it is all done!
That is looking really awesome! The home I grew up in has a neighbor who did this to a large old barn and it was such a beautiful living space. Very wide open too!
This looks like so much work and so worth it! What a fun and rewarding project. I love seeing the photos you shared that show the progress you’re making. This is going to be such an amazing space for you and your family and friends to socialize.
Wow, what a project! That’s so exciting that you’re doing this!
Oh my gosh, how exciting! I can wait to see it when it is all finished.
Wow, definitely progress!! And so impressive too, it looks great!! Love hope open and bright it looks!
Kileen
cute & little
I am sure this will turn out great! I can’t wait for the final results! So exciting!
Oh, yes! This is such a great idea! I love this kind of makeover!
I love this! It looks GREAT so far and I can’t wait to see it as it is being completed and when it is complete. Having built four homes, I know it is a lot of work and takes time, so hang in there. 🙂
Ooh, it’s really coming on, isn’t it!? I’d love to live in a converted barn 🙂
Louise x
Oh my! this looks so cool! I’d love to live in a place like this.
WOW! This conversion process looks intense but so cool! I can’t wait to see the finished product! The fact that your hubby has a tasting room is rocking my world and I can’t wait to see how that turns out!
OMG this is so cool! What an incredible project to take on. Cannot wait to see the final, final product. I’d so live in a barn!
I’m seriously so excited to see this transformation!
That’s a great transformation! I would love to live in a place like this! So pretty and cute!
Can’t wait to see the finished project. I’m a country girl for my whole life and always wanted to convert a barn into living quarters. So beautiful so far!!
It looks fantastic, I’m excited to see how it progresses. I think it is wonderful that you’re building with a lot of possibilities in mind.