‘My uncle’s got a barn! Let’s put on a show!’
Or so the saying goes in several Mickey Rooney-Judy Garland films, from Babes in Arms to Strike Up the Band, where a group of young vaudevillians save the day by mounting a show, usually in a barn of all places.
And why not? The modern barn isn’t just for livestock and heavy machinery anymore—it’s potential just waiting to be tapped. There’s so much you can do with this versatile space, a little imagination, and the help of Providence Building Group (PBG).
So, if you’ve been considering building a custom barn or converting your existing barn into something new, let us help you find the style that’s right for you. After all, it worked for Judy and Mickey!
5 Modern Barn Uses
Channel your inner artist
Barns are perfect for creating your own workshop or art studio. Whether you’re a hobbyist painter, aspiring playwright, or craftsman furniture builder, the open floorplan of a barn is ideal for spreading out your tools, easels, or whatever your creative heart desires! Split the space into work areas and a showroom to exhibit your creations or host performances. And if your barn has stalls, you can share or rent space to local artists and creative workers to build community connections.
Host an event space
Speaking of community, "barn raising" was a common occurrence in rural North America throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Neighbors would come together to help build or rebuild a barn for a community member. This tradition of neighbors helping neighbors continues today with the conversion of barns into unique event spaces. Launch a venue rental business or simply host occasional events for friends or family. With trademark high ceilings, barns are perfect spaces for weddings, community events, office retreats, conferences, school dances, and nonprofit fundraisers. And when you don’t have a rental, you can host your very own home theater with a screen as big as a barn!
Embrace the barndominium
You read that right—barndominiums (or “barndos”) are a thing. Think rustic condos with spacious floor plans; vaulted ceilings; multiple floors; attached garages; modern amenities; and more. Whether you create a stylish guest house, build a convenient in-law suite, or take your Airbnb or Vrbo to a trendy new level, building or converting a barn is a great way to go. Barndominiums come with their own array of zoning restrictions, financing options, and impact on potential resale value, so make sure you have someone by your side who knows the ins and outs of those considerations. The team at PBG will walk you through it all.
Create a home sanctuary
Say goodbye to the dimly lit basement and hello to your spacious new yoga studio, home gym, or game room. Incorporate light, blonde-colored wood like maple, ash, birch, or oak to create a natural, earthy feel. Cathedral ceilings so often found in barns create a sense of airiness. Add tall windows to let in lots of natural light. And if entertaining’s more your style, choose comfy couches and mount a big screen tv for movie nights with family and friends. Or bring in a pool table, gaming consul, dart board, and old-school board games for hosting gatherings. You could even turn your home barn into a playroom for the kids, indoor pool, or pickleball court. However you relax, you’ll have your very own home escape—and no more excuses not to treat yourself!
Launch your home office
Look no further for your favorite new “Third” Space to get work done. Turn your barn into the most fabulous home office and be the envy of all your colleagues! If social distancing and remote work during the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that our environment has a direct impact on our productivity. Offices across the country have adopted remote and hybrid work models, making the home office an essential part of any residence. The beauty of a barn office is that it’s separate from the house—and the distractions. Lean into the rustic charm of a barn by adding carved wooden desks and bookcases. Invite in some color with bright chairs and accent rugs. Add in a kitchenette for lunch and stay fueled with your personal coffee shop.
Leap and the net will appear
Now that you've decided to take the leap, what’s next? Contact the experts at Providence Building Group and we’ll take you through every step. Whether you’re remodeling an existing barn or building a new addition to your property, our knowledgeable team is happy to be your safety net!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
These related articles
