So you're thinking about building a barndominium, huh? Smart move! I've been obsessed with these metal beauties ever since I helped my buddy Jake design his dream barn-house combo last year. Let me tell you, watching people's jaws drop when they realize his "barn" has granite countertops and a walk-in shower never gets old.
Barndominiums aren't just a trend anymore – they're a lifestyle choice that screams "I want function AND style without breaking the bank." Whether you're planning your first build or just daydreaming about ditching your cookie-cutter suburban house, these 20 exterior design ideas will transform your vision from basic barn to architectural masterpiece.
You can't go wrong with the classics, right? The traditional red barn exterior gives you that authentic farmhouse vibe without looking like you're trying too hard. I've seen this combo work magic on properties from Texas ranches to Michigan countryside lots.
The key here is getting the right shade of red – not too bright (unless you want to blind passing aircraft), but rich enough to make a statement. White trim around windows and doors creates that perfect contrast that photographs beautifully for your Instagram feed. Trust me, your realtor will thank you later.
This design works especially well if you've got some acreage around your barndominium. The classic look blends seamlessly with rural landscapes and makes your home feel like it belongs there. Plus, red metal siding hides dirt and scratches better than you'd think – learned that one the hard way!
Want to make a statement that says "I'm not your grandpa's barn"? Black steel siding is your answer. This look screams modern sophistication while keeping that industrial edge that makes barndominiums so cool.
I helped design one of these bad boys last summer, and honestly? The curb appeal was off the charts. The matte black finish creates this incredible depth that changes throughout the day as the light shifts. Pair it with some strategic lighting, and your barndominium becomes a nighttime showstopper.
The best part about black exteriors is how they make everything else pop. Your landscaping looks greener, your outdoor lighting becomes more dramatic, and any accent colors you choose really stand out. Just be prepared for some serious photo shoots – this look is pure Instagram gold.
Ever wondered why some barndominiums just feel more "homey" than others? It's usually because they've nailed the wood and metal combination. This design gives you the best of both worlds – the warmth of natural materials with the durability of steel.
I'm a huge fan of using reclaimed wood siding on the lower portion of the structure. It adds texture and character that you simply can't fake with synthetic materials. The weathered look tells a story, and let's be honest, it photographs like a dream against those big metal barn doors.
The trick is finding the right balance between materials. Too much wood, and you lose that industrial barn feel. Too much metal, and it feels cold. Aim for about 40% wood, 60% metal for the perfect harmony that keeps both aesthetics happy.
Clean, crisp, and absolutely timeless – that's what you get with a white board and batten exterior. This style has been having a major moment lately, and I totally get why. It's like the little black dress of barndominium design.
The vertical lines created by board and batten siding make your structure look taller and more elegant. I've used this trick on several builds where clients wanted their barndominium to feel more house-like and less barn-like. The white color reflects heat beautifully too – your cooling bills will thank you.
What I love most about this style is its versatility. You can dress it up with fancy hardware and lighting, or keep it simple with basic black accents. Either way, you're getting a look that'll never go out of style. FYI, this is also the easiest exterior to match with any landscaping plan you've got brewing.
Nothing says "I mean business" quite like an industrial gray exterior with exposed structural elements. This design embraces the barn's industrial heritage while creating something that wouldn't look out of place in a trendy urban loft district.
The exposed steel beams aren't just for show – they're telling the story of how your building was made. I love how this design celebrates the construction process instead of hiding it. It's honest architecture, and there's something refreshing about that in a world full of fake facades.
Gray is incredibly forgiving when it comes to showing wear and tear. Rain streaks? Barely noticeable. Dust from construction projects? Blends right in. This color choice is practically bulletproof for busy families who actually use their outdoor spaces.
Want to add some serious visual weight and texture to your barndominium? Stone accent walls are your secret weapon. I've used this combination on builds where clients wanted their home to feel more permanent and established – like it had been there for generations.
Natural stone wainscoting on the lower third of your exterior creates an amazing foundation look. It grounds the building literally and visually, making even a brand-new construction feel solid and timeless. The contrast between rough stone and smooth metal is architectural eye candy.
The practical benefits are huge too. Stone at the bottom means better protection from lawn mower dings, kicked-up gravel, and general wear and tear from ground-level activities. It's like giving your barndominium armor where it needs it most while keeping the upper portions light and airy.
Sometimes you've got to embrace the barn aesthetic instead of fighting it. Corrugated metal siding gives you that authentic agricultural look while keeping costs reasonable – and honestly, it's making a major comeback in high-end architecture.
The secret to making corrugated metal look intentional instead of cheap is in the details. High-quality trim work and carefully chosen accent colors transform basic agricultural materials into something special. I've seen bright red doors against galvanized metal that stopped traffic.
This approach works especially well if you're building in a rural area where agricultural buildings are part of the landscape. Your barndominium becomes a refined version of its working neighbors – familiar but elevated. Plus, corrugated metal is practically indestructible, which your insurance company will definitely appreciate.
Cedar and steel combinations are having a serious moment right now, and for good reason. The warmth of natural cedar against the coolness of steel creates this incredible tension that keeps your eye interested. It's like architectural jazz – unexpected but perfectly harmonious.
I recently worked on a build where we used cedar shake siding in strategic sections and smooth steel panels everywhere else. The result was this amazing play between organic and industrial textures that photographed beautifully from every angle. The cedar ages and weathers naturally, adding character over time.
The key is using both materials intentionally, not randomly. Create zones with each material rather than mixing them willy-nilly. Cedar works beautifully around entry areas where you want that welcoming, natural feel, while steel handles the larger expanses where you want clean lines and weather resistance.
Standing seam metal siding is the Ferrari of metal exterior options – sleek, sophisticated, and built to last forever. The clean vertical lines create this incredible sense of height and movement that makes even modest-sized barndominiums look impressive.
What really makes this design sing is the integration of large windows. We're talking floor-to-ceiling glass that floods your interior with natural light while creating these amazing views from outside. The contrast between solid metal walls and transparent glass sections is pure architectural poetry.
IMO, this is one of the best investments you can make in your barndominium's exterior. Standing seam panels cost more upfront than basic corrugated metal, but they last decades longer and never look dated. Your future self will definitely thank you for choosing quality over quick savings.
Ever seen those buildings that look like they've been aging gracefully for decades even though they're brand new? That's the magic of weathered steel patina finishes. This material literally rusts on purpose, creating this incredible living finish that changes over time.
Corten steel develops a protective rust layer that actually prevents further corrosion – it's like nature's own weatherproofing system. The orangish-brown patina gives your barndominium this amazing warmth that works beautifully against green landscapes or blue skies. It's basically Instagram filter built right into your siding.
The coolest part? No two weathered steel buildings look exactly the same. Your local climate, rain patterns, and even the direction your walls face all influence how the patina develops. You're getting a truly custom finish that can't be replicated anywhere else.
Mixing vertical and horizontal lines on your exterior is like adding rhythm to music – it creates visual interest and breaks up large wall expanses beautifully. This design technique works especially well on longer barndominium structures that might otherwise feel monotonous.
I love using horizontal accent strips at strategic heights – maybe at the roofline, around window headers, or to define different functional areas of the building. These accent bands can be different materials, colors, or even just different profiles of the same material. The key is being intentional about placement.
This approach also gives you flexibility to define spaces visually. Your workshop area might have different accent treatment than your living space, helping visitors understand the building's layout before they even step inside. It's functional design that looks great too.
Let's talk about the ultimate barndominium statement piece – massive sliding barn doors that serve as functional art. These aren't just doors; they're architectural features that define your entire exterior aesthetic. When done right, they become the star of your curb appeal show.
Oversized sliding doors work beautifully as both functional entrances and decorative elements. I've designed systems where 12-foot-wide doors slide to reveal workshop spaces, garages, or even covered outdoor living areas. The hardware becomes part of the design – those heavy-duty tracks and rollers are industrial jewelry for your building.
The beauty of barn doors as exterior features is their versatility. Closed, they create clean wall surfaces with interesting hardware details. Open, they reveal interior spaces and create covered outdoor areas. They're like architectural transformers – functional and impressive.
Want to create a barndominium that looks like it could have been built by master craftsmen 100 years ago? Heavy timber framing with stone foundations gives you that old-world craftsmanship feel while maintaining modern functionality. It's like wearing a vintage suit with contemporary tailoring.
Exposed timber frames tell the story of traditional barn construction while creating incredible visual drama. Those massive posts and beams become architectural features that define spaces and create rhythm across your exterior walls. The scale and proportions just feel right in a way that's hard to explain but impossible to ignore.
The stone foundation work grounds everything literally and visually. It creates this sense of permanence and stability that makes your barndominium feel like it's been there forever. Plus, it's practically bulletproof protection for your lower walls – form and function working together perfectly.
Who says barndominiums have to have traditional pitched roofs? Contemporary flat-roof designs push the boundaries of what these buildings can be while maintaining their essential character. It's barn DNA with modern expression.
Flat roof sections create opportunities for rooftop decks, solar panel installations, or just cleaner architectural lines. I've used this approach on builds where clients wanted something that felt more like a modern residence than a traditional barn. The results are striking – familiar but unexpected.
The key to making flat roofs work is proper drainage and insulation. Get the technical details right, and you open up amazing design possibilities. Wrong, and you're dealing with leaks and ice dams. This is definitely where investing in good architectural help pays off big time.
Breaking up the roofline with multiple levels creates visual interest that makes even basic barndominium shapes feel dynamic and custom. Instead of one big box, you get a composition of interconnected volumes that feels more like architecture and less like agriculture.
I love using different roof heights to define different functions – maybe your main living space has a higher ceiling than your workshop, or your entry area steps down to create a more human scale. These level changes show up on the exterior as interesting roofline variations that photograph beautifully.
The practical benefits are huge too. Different ceiling heights let you optimize each space for its function while creating opportunities for clerestory windows, lofts, and varied interior experiences. Your exterior complexity reflects interior sophistication.
Floor-to-ceiling glass sections transform barndominiums from agricultural buildings into architectural statements. These curtain wall areas flood interiors with natural light while creating stunning views both in and out. It's like having giant picture windows that show off your interior design.
The contrast between solid metal walls and transparent glass sections creates incredible visual drama. During the day, the glass reflects sky and landscape. At night, interior lighting turns these sections into glowing art installations that announce your design sophistication to anyone.
This approach embraces sleek metal siding in charcoal or black with large geometric windows and minimal trim. The roofline remains simple with a slight pitch, while accents like exposed steel beams, concrete panels, or stone wainscoting add texture. Industrial-style lighting fixtures and a minimalist entrance create a sophisticated urban feel. This design works particularly well for those who want their barndominium to feel more like a contemporary home than a converted barn.
Combine traditional barn elements with cozy farmhouse details by mixing board-and-batten siding with metal roofing in classic red or forest green. Large sliding barn doors serve as both functional and decorative elements, while wraparound porches with wooden railings soften the structure's industrial bones. Stone or brick foundations, cupolas, and vintage-inspired hardware complete the look. This style appeals to those wanting countryside charm with modern functionality.
Feature natural stone or stacked limestone on the lower portion with metal siding above, topped by a standing seam metal roof. Incorporate large overhangs, covered patios, and floor-to-ceiling windows to blur indoor-outdoor living. Desert landscaping with native plants and gravel pathways complement the earth-tone palette. This design suits those in southwestern climates who want a sophisticated take on ranch living.
Use light-colored metal siding or vertical wood planks in whites, grays, or natural cedar tones. Large, unadorned windows maximize natural light, while the roofline remains clean and uncluttered. Minimal landscaping with ornamental grasses and simple concrete walkways emphasize the structure's geometric form. This approach appeals to those preferring understated elegance and clean architectural lines.