Barndominiums have revolutionized thinking about home design. Usually, these are metal-framed houses that combine the open space of a barn with the comfort of a contemporary house, with the kitchen being the most essential of all areas of the construction. The kitchen is not just a kitchen in the barndominium. It is the heart of family life, the centre for entertaining, and the design element that frequently defines the complete home.
When planning the design of your barndominium kitchen, there are a couple of important things to remember. As we all know the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house. It’s because you cook and eat here. So, it should be practical and cozy. styleofhome.com is here to provide you the best guide on these kitchen trends. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best and trendiest bandominium kitchen ideas.
What is a Barndominium Kitchen?
Barndominiums, also referred to as “barndos,” are residences constructed within metal or post-frame buildings that are structurally similar to barns but are designed to resemble contemporary homes. A barndominium’s kitchen typically forms the hub of an open layout, seamlessly blending with the dining and living spaces.
Barndominium kitchens are equipped with a spacious design, high ceilings, and rugged materials. They tend to blend industrial elements like exposed steel beams and metal pendant lights with farmhouse elements like reclaimed wood, shiplap, and apron-front sinks. The end product is a kitchen that is rugged and refined, functional and inviting.
The flexibility of the building shell introduces a much greater degree of design freedom than is available in a traditional house. A 20-foot island can be added, a wall of windows can be installed over the counter, or a full walk-in pantry can be hidden behind a sliding barn door. With proper planning, anything is possible.
Why Barndominium Kitchens Are So Popular
These kitchens have become a big home design trend for a number of reasons.
The first is that they provide room. Barndominiums also tend to have spacious layouts and high ceilings, giving them a sense of spaciousness that smaller, traditional kitchens can’t compete with. Second, they can be customized to a great extent. Barndo has a simple shell, so the kitchen can be designed the way you want without the constraints of load-bearing walls and odd corners.
Thirdly, they can balance two looks at a time. Many homeowners are drawn to barndominium kitchens for their blend of country charm and modern convenience. Lastly, they tend to be cheaper to construct than a comparable kitchen in a regular home, particularly if you opt for intelligent materials and a sensible design.
Best Barndominium Kitchen Layouts
The most critical early decision is the layout selected. Your kitchen’s shape influences the way you cook, entertain, and live in the kitchen daily.
Open Concept Layout
When choosing an open concept layout for the barndominium kitchen, it’s the most popular option. It opens up interior walls between the kitchen, dining area, and living room to make one large space. This can make the home feel larger, more open, and let the cook be part of the family or guests.
An open layout requires a large island, the same flooring, and a unified color scheme throughout the open spaces. Pendant lighting and/or ceiling material can be used to create a kitchen space without enclosing it.
L-Shaped Layout
For smaller barndominiums, the best kitchen layout is an L-shaped kitchen, which extends along two adjacent walls. It provides ample counter space, allows for a breakfast nook or dining area, and maintains a compact and efficient work triangle (sink, stove, fridge). Consider adding an island or rolling cart for additional prep space.
U-Shaped Layout
A U-shaped design is made up of three walls and is ideal for the dedicated chef. It offers the most counter space and storage and can even make a clear cooking space in an open floor plan. This is ideal for barndominiums with medium-sized kitchens or larger.
Galley Layout
A galley kitchen is a kitchen with two parallel countertops and is ideal for narrow spaces. It is super efficient, as everything is close by. Use light colored cabinets, create a pass-through window, and put in some pull-out storage to help open it up.
Double Island Layout
If you’re blessed with the square footage, a double island configuration is show-stopping. The sink or cooktop is located on one island, and the other island is for sitting, serving, and informal dining. This floor plan is ideal for a large family and a homeowner who hosts plenty of guests.
Barndominium Kitchen Island Ideas
Usually, the focus of a barndominium kitchen is the island. The rooms are quite large, and the island can be considerably larger than is found in a conventional house. Some owners add islands that extend 10, 15, or even 20 feet in length, making a real meeting place.
Consider how you will use your island when designing. Will it be for preparing meals, consumption, storage, or all of these? Knowing the purpose, you can then choose the size, shape, and features.
Some of the popular ideas for an island are:
- Oversized rectangular islands with seating for four to eight people
- Two-tone islands painted in a contrasting color, such as navy, sage, or matte black, against light cabinets
- Butcher block tops paired with quartz or stone perimeter counters for warmth
- Waterfall edges in marble or quartz for a modern luxury look
- Rustic islands built with reclaimed wood and matched to overhead beams
- Tiered islands that combine a lower work surface with a raised bar top
To store, make cabinets and drawers in the base of the island. A microwave drawer, a pull-out trash receptacle, and a space for cookbooks or wine. A pot-filler faucet over a built-in cooktop is convenient and will give it a more upscale appearance.
Cabinet Styles and Colors for Barndominium Kitchens
Most people spend the most money on kitchen cabinets, and it’s for good reason; they need to be considered carefully. The right cabinets tone the entire room.
The most popular barndominium kitchen cabinet is a Shaker-style cabinet. The clean lines and simple panels complement rustic, modern, and farmhouse aesthetics. An example of flat-front slab cabinets is more contemporary, while distressed wood and beadboard cabinets are all rustic.
If you are looking for colours, you can use these colours that are tried and tested:
- Crisp white for a bright and classic farmhouse look.
- Soft cream or warm off-white to avoid the sterile look that pure white can create in large spaces
- Sage green or olive for an earthy, calming kitchen
- Navy blue for a bold, timeless contrast against light walls
- Charcoal or matte black for a dramatic modern look
- Natural wood tones such as oak, walnut, or hickory for warmth
Another hot trend is the two-tone cabinet. Consider light upper cabinets with dark islands or dark lower cabinets with light upper cabinets. Add glass-fronted doors on some of the upper cabinets to break up the massive look and to showcase dishes or glassware.
Hardware-wise, matte black, matte brass, and unlacquered brass all go well in a Barndominium. Use one finish in the main runs in the cabinet, and continue to mix intentionally and not randomly.
Great Countertops for Barndominium Kitchens
You want countertops to serve as a work surface in the kitchen, and they should be attractive for years to come. There are several materials that work well for barndominium kitchens.
Quartz is the most popular choice. It is durable, non-porous, easy to clean, and available in a wide array of colors and patterns. Many quartz countertops in the middle range are approximately $40-$70 per square foot, and are much cheaper than high-end natural stone.
Granite has a timeless and upscale appearance that is resistant to heat. Every slab is different, so it’s ideal for homeowners who prefer a natural variation.
Butcher block adds warmth and character. Maple or walnut butcher block is one of the most inexpensive luxury surfaces, ranging from $15 to $30 per square foot. Use a hard wax oil as a seal for waterproofing and a soft, smooth surface.
Concrete countertops will add a modern industrial style that matches the metal frame of a barndominium. They are durable and adaptable and need to be sealed.
Marble or quartzite offers a more upscale look and requires greater maintenance, but can be more expensive.
One of the most popular styles in barndominium kitchens is a butcher block kitchen island and quartz or stone kitchen countertops. This contrast will make it more interesting and will give you a warm surface to work on on a daily basis.
Stunning Backsplash Ideas
The backsplash is a small space, but a big visual statement! It is in a barndominium kitchen where it provides an opportunity to add texture, color, and personality.
The best back splash ideas are:
- White subway tile is the classic choice that fits almost any style
- Shiplap, painted white or left natural, for a strong farmhouse feel
- Exposed brick or brick veneer for warmth and rustic character
- Stacked stone for an earthy, textural look that ties to the structural elements of the building
- Patterned cement or terracotta tile for Mediterranean or eclectic kitchens
- Slab backsplashes that extend the countertop material up the wall for a sleek, modern finish
- Metal panels for a true industrial vibe
A backsplash full-height (from counter to ceiling) behind the range can be a dramatic focal point, particularly if it is a custom range hood.
Barndominium Floor Options That Will Work in a Kitchen
Flooring should be durable, easy to maintain, and aesthetically match the rest of the open floor space.
Polished or stained concrete is one of the most popular choices for barndominiums. Many owners simply finish the existing slab with stain, sealer, or polish. It is affordable, durable, and pairs beautifully with both rustic and modern designs.
Wood-look luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is another strong option. It looks like real wood, holds up well to spills and traffic, and costs much less. Wider planks tend to make rooms feel larger.
Engineered hardwood gives the warmth of real wood with better stability for the temperature swings common in metal buildings.
Porcelain or ceramic tile offers excellent durability and works well in regions with hot or humid climates. Wood-look tile looks like planks with the toughness of stone.
Install the same flooring throughout the kitchen, dining, and living areas for a cohesive look. This helps to create a relaxed and purposeful atmosphere in the open floor plan instead of one that feels choppy.
Lighting Ideas to Brighten Your Barndominium Kitchen
In a barndominium kitchen, lighting will be important as the rooms tend to be large and the ceilings high. One overhead light is usually not sufficient.
Three layers of light are planned for:
- Ambient lighting, such as recessed cans or a large statement chandelier, fills the room with general light.
- Task lighting, including under-cabinet LED strips and pendants over the island, makes cooking safer and easier.
- Accent lighting, such as puck lights inside glass cabinets or LED strips along beams, adds warmth and depth.
Barndominium kitchens almost always have pendant lights hanging above the island. Three identical pendants equidistant on a long island make a strong design statement. Metal cage pendants, Edison-bulb fixtures, mason jar lights, and matte black industrial shades are popular styles.
Wrought iron chandeliers over the dining area continue the rustic theme, and large windows or sliding glass doors let natural light in during the day. If you need even more light, you can install skylights or a transom window over the cabinets.
Popular Barndominium Kitchen Styles
Most of the homeowners choose a clear style before they select materials. These are the most popular options to look into.
Modern Farmhouse
This is the most popular fashion. Combines shaker cabinets, apron sinks, and reclaimed wood with clean lines, neutral colors, and modern appliances. This will make it comfortable, ageless, and easy to reside in.
Rustic Country
Rustic kitchens are a full embrace of the farmhouse origins of the barndominium. Exposed beams, brick backsplashes, sliding barn doors, distressed wood cabinets, and wrought iron fixtures are all part of this look.
Industrial
The building’s metal structure is emphasized in the industrial kitchens. Install exposed steel beams, concrete countertops, open shelving, dark cabinets, and metal pendant lighting. Add texture with brick or stone walls.
Modern Minimalist
Minimalist kitchens feature flat-front cabinets, concealed hardware, quartz counters, and a limited color palette. The juxtaposition of sleek surfaces and the barndominium’s raw structure is a strong contrast and a powerful effect.
Mediterranean
Introduce terracotta tile, patterned backsplashes, wrought iron lighting fixtures, and warm wood. The navy or rust colored cabinets with copper hardware are a good choice for this style.
Coastal
The relaxed coastal vibe is created with soft blues, sandy beiges, white cabinets, and driftwood accents. Pale hardwood or whitewashed floors complete the look.
Japandi
Japandi is a combination of Japanese minimalistic design and Scandinavian warmth. A calm and balanced kitchen with pale wood cabinets, concrete counters, hidden storage, and natural light makes for a beautiful contrast to the rugged barn shell.
Ideas for Smart Storage and Pantry Solutions
Since barndominium kitchens are open and on display, storage is important. There’s no place for clutter, and each cabinet and drawer has to do its best.
One of the best features to add is a walk-in pantry. Find a spot by the kitchen, preferably close to the garage entryway or mudroom, where groceries don’t have far to travel from car to shelf. Utilize every inch of space with floor-to-ceiling adjustable shelving, pull-out drawers for heavy items, and corner shelving.
Another favourite type is hidden pantries. A plain-looking cabinet front door leads into a complete storage room. This will maintain the kitchen area neat and clean and provide you with a great deal of storage space.
In the kitchen itself, concentrate on:
- Deep drawers instead of lower cabinets for pots and pans
- Pull-out spice racks beside the range
- A built-in trash and recycling drawer
- Drawer organizers for utensils and tools
- A coffee bar nook with open shelving and a small sink
- Vertical dividers for baking sheets and cutting boards
- Charging stations or pop-up outlets inside the island
Pantry doors or refrigerator doors can be tackled with floor-to-ceiling cabinets for extra storage space for things you use only a few times a year.
Sink, Faucet, and Appliance Picks
It’s important to note that in any kitchen, the sink and faucet set takes up a lot of the drawer.
A farmhouse apron-front sink is the classic choice. Fireclay, cast iron, and stainless steel all work well. The deep basin handles big pots easily, and the exposed front becomes a strong design feature.
A single-bowl undermount sink is a more modern alternative that pairs well with quartz countertops.
For faucets, consider a finish that will complement hardware. Matte black, brushed brass, and brushed nickel are all good options. A pull-down sprayer makes it easier to clean daily. Put a pot filler over the stove for a professional look and to avoid heavy pots with water in them.
Stainless steel is still the most desired finish for appliances, and it can be used in virtually every aesthetic. For modern and minimalist kitchens, matte black appliances are becoming more popular. To save on utility bills down the road, look for ENERGY STAR models.
Pro-style range, a microwave drawer, a beverage fridge in the island, and a custom range hood will all help make a barndominium kitchen stand out.
Barndominium Kitchen Budget Breakdown
Prices can range from one end of the spectrum to the other, depending on the size, finishes, and location. The cost of a completely custom barndominium kitchen is an average of $20,000 to $80,000 for many homeowners, and most barndominium kitchen projects fall within that price range. The kitchen is typically 15% 25% of the average barndominium construction expenses.
The following is a general guideline for planning:
| Kitchen Element | Estimated Budget Range |
|---|---|
| Cabinets | $4,000 to $12,000 |
| Countertops (Quartz or Granite) | $2,000 to $6,000 |
| Appliances (Stainless Steel) | $3,000 to $10,000 |
| Lighting (Pendants and Fixtures) | $500 to $2,000 |
| Flooring (Wood, Tile, or Concrete) | $1,500 to $4,000 |
| Kitchen Island | $2,000 to $7,000 |
| Plumbing and Fixtures | $800 to $2,500 |
| Backsplash | $500 to $2,500 |
| Paint and Finishing Touches | $300 to $1,000 |
Low budget high style is achieved with stock cabinets with custom hardware and crown molding, with a mid-range quartz finish, and no new flooring installed over the concrete slab. Keep splurging on high-use items like faucets and the range, then save on items that can be replaced later.
Top Mistakes You Should Avoid
No matter how awesome the kitchen is, it can be a disaster if you neglect to do the basics. Be aware of these common errors.
Poor lighting. A single ceiling light fixture is not suitable for a large open kitchen. Always design ambient, task, and accent lighting from the beginning.
Too many materials. Four or five finishes are too many to have the space feel busy. Choose 2 primary materials and accent 1 material, and repeat.
Ignoring the work triangle. Regardless of the size of your kitchen, the sink, stove, and refrigerator should all be arranged so that they are close together and make a tight triangle for easy cooking.
Undersized islands. A little island in a large open space is out of place. Find the relationship between the scale of the island and the scale of the room.
Forgetting ventilation. A real range hood that vents to the outdoors is important, particularly if your kitchen is in an open house plan.
Low-cost finishes in high-traffic areas. When it comes to money saving, it is common for people to compromise on cabinet boxes and faucets, which ultimately fails. Consider paying a bit more for the items that you will use regularly.
Skipping the pantry. Without a pantry, an open kitchen becomes very cluttered. Thoughtfully plan storage before finalizing a layout.
Conclusion
The barndominium kitchen is so much more than a cooking area. It’s the centre of social and visual life in the home, and the open concept of a barndo allows it to be almost anything you want it to be. From a rustic farmhouse vibe to a sleek minimalist aesthetic to an industrial-inspired kitchen, the perfect mix of layout, materials, lighting, and storage will help you craft a kitchen that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The first step is to determine your actual kitchen use and design your kitchen layout, kitchen island, and storage based on that. Select 2 or 3 main materials and stick to them. Buy what you use daily, save on what you don’t, and know that good planning is more important than high finishes.
Armed with these barndominium kitchen ideas, you’ll be able to create the kitchen that is perfect for your lifestyle, budget, and design sensibilities that will last for years.
You can check these out if you like before designing your barndominium kitchen. You can find more useful information here at styleofhome.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a barndominium kitchen?
Answer
The average barndominium kitchen ranges from $20,000 to $80,000, which hinges on the size, materials, and appliances. A mid-range kitchen, which typically includes quartz countertops, custom cabinets, and stainless steel appliances, is often priced between $35,000 and $60,000.
What is the best layout for a barndominium kitchen?
Answer
An open plan layout with a large central island is the most popular option and is ideal for the spacious and expansive ambiance of a barndominium. L-shaped and U-shaped floor plans are ideal for smaller kitchens, and double-island kitchens are perfect for larger kitchens where you entertain often.
Are open shelves a good idea in a barndominium kitchen?
Answer
Open shelving can create warmth and space to display, but it must be cleaned and tidied regularly. A compromise solution is incorporating a few open shelves and closed cabinets so that the visual effect is maintained while not everything is on display.
What countertop material is best for a barndominium kitchen?
Answer
Most homeowners find quartz to be the most practical option. Resists stains, scratches, and heat, and needs virtually no maintenance. Quartz is a popular alternative to butcher block counters on the perimeter to provide warmth.
How big should a barndominium kitchen island be?
Answer
For rooms, the size of the island should be the same. A kitchen island that is approximately 4′ x 8′ is a good size for an average barndominium kitchen. Islands are usually 5 x 12 feet or more in large open layouts. Leave a minimum of 42-48” of walk space around all sides.
Can I have a small barndominium kitchen?
Answer
Yes. A small barndominium kitchen can be made spacious and efficient with smart layouts like L-shaped or galley kitchens, vertical storage, multifunctional islands, and the use of light colors.
