How to Incorporate Rustic and Contemporary Styles in a Barndominium?
If you're building or decorating a barndominium (those awesome hybrid homes that blend a barn’s structure with the comfort of a modern house), you've probably asked yourself how to combine rustic and contemporary styles without it feeling like a weird mismatch. Trust me, I've been there. At first, I had this idea that rustic meant old, weathered wood, and contemporary was sleek, clean lines. So, how could I marry these two without the place looking like a strange museum exhibit?
What I’ve learned along the way is that blending rustic and contemporary isn't about making them "fit" together—it's about finding ways to let both styles shine without overpowering each other. Let me share a few lessons I picked up from trial and error (and a few Pinterest fails) along the way.
1. Embrace Natural Elements but Keep It Polished
The rustic style is all about natural materials—think wood, stone, and metal—but contemporary style loves a more minimalist, clean approach. One of the easiest ways I found to combine these is by using raw materials but in sleek, modern ways. For example, in my own barndominium, I used reclaimed wood for the accent wall in the living room. But instead of leaving it rough and unfinished, I had it sanded down a little, keeping some of the texture but smoothing out the sharp edges. This subtle polish lets it feel both rustic and refined.
2. Mix Furniture Styles
If you're like me and struggle with the idea of picking "one" style, mix up the furniture. I paired a beautiful distressed leather sofa (classic rustic vibe) with a metal coffee table that had sharp, clean lines (hello, contemporary!). The result was a living room that felt grounded and lived-in but also fresh and modern. The key is to balance the weight of the furniture—the heavier, more rustic pieces like a barn-wood dining table can be balanced by sleeker, lighter furniture in the same space.
3. Play with Colors and Textures
One of the best ways to combine rustic and contemporary is through color. Think neutrals with pops of warmth. I love warm grays and whites paired with natural wood tones. For example, I painted the walls a soft gray and added wood beams to the ceiling. It keeps things light and airy while still bringing in that rustic charm. And if you’re hesitant about mixing those textures, start small with a few throw pillows or a wool rug in an earthy tone. It ties everything together without feeling overwhelming.
4. Statement Lighting
Lighting is huge when it comes to barndominiums. You can really make a statement by combining rustic and contemporary lighting elements. Think industrial-style chandeliers (hello, exposed bulbs) paired with sleek, modern sconces. I remember putting in a large iron chandelier over my dining table, but next to it, I added contemporary recessed lighting. This combo brought in just enough modern flair while keeping the warmth of the barn-style fixtures.
5. Open Space, Clean Lines
Barndominiums typically have large, open spaces, which makes blending styles easier than you might think. The spaciousness allows you to separate areas that have a more rustic feel (like a cozy reading nook with wood furniture) from a more contemporary kitchen with clean, minimal cabinets and stainless steel appliances. One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was cramming too many elements into one space. But once I learned to let the open space speak for itself and maintain clear boundaries between the two styles, it all felt more cohesive.
6. Don’t Forget the Exterior
It’s not just about what's inside. The exterior of your barndominium can also blend the two styles. You might choose a metal roof for a contemporary look while keeping wood siding for that rustic charm. The contrast works well because the materials complement each other. I’ve seen barndominiums where the exterior is almost all modern but softened by rustic touches like wooden shutters or a front porch made of reclaimed wood. It’s a great way to tie the inside and outside together.
So, the trick? Don’t stress about making everything “perfect” or matching exactly. Rustic and contemporary can co-exist, and in fact, they’ll often complement each other in ways you didn’t expect. A little modern twist here, a little rustic warmth there, and suddenly, you’ve got a home that feels both timeless and fresh.
