How to Use Horse Barn Ideas for Rustic Home Projects
You can’t argue with the fact that rustic home design is just charming. Weathered wood, metal accents, and just the space that feels like it’s been lived in, but that still looks intentionally designed. That’s a hard balance to get, so a lot of people follow cookie-cutter trends. And not that there’s anything wrong with that, but it all looks very “been there, done that,” so you may be looking for something more original.
Original ideas usually come from unexpected sources, and for a rustic home design, that can be a barn. More specifically, a horse barn. A horse barn’s main job is to house horses, but if you can look past that, you’ll see that it’s designed to be durable, practical, and with natural beauty in mind. Their construction is simple, with exposed beams and plenty of natural materials, and it’s easy to get inspired by it and apply it to your home.
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Want to see how to do it? Keep reading.
Materials Inspired by Horse Barns to Use at Home
You’ll see rustic design more prevalent in some states than others, especially elements inspired by horse barns. For example, in Pennsylvania and Virginia, agriculture and equestrian culture are a big part of the local lifestyle, so materials inspired by barns are easy to get and they’re popular. Just a quick Google search of “horse barn builders near me” and you’ll find plenty of materials.
If you don’t live in a state where equestrian culture is big, the same Google search can still get you in touch with farm builders that can sell you materials, they just may not be THAT close.
Here are some of the materials that will give your home that rustic charm.
1. Reclaimed Barn Wood
This is probably everybody’s first choice for adding elements of rustic design into their home. Reclaimed wood has a beautiful aged texture, natural grain patterns, and it has that used-but-not-too-used look. When it’s sourced from old barns, then you also get a unique piece of history, plus you know the wood is incredibly durable.
The distressed finish is perfect for making the wood a focal point, so you can use it for accent walls in living rooms or headboards in bedrooms. Reclaimed barn wood will also work great for custom-built furniture like dining tables or shelves and make any space look authentic.
The best part about reclaimed wood is that it’s eco-friendly and reduces waste.
2. Metal Hardware
Barn-style metal is simple but functional, which is why it’s so charming. In barns, metal is used for gates, doors, and to reinforce structures. When you put it indoors, it looks rugged and gives texture to wherever it’s at.
Classic black iron hinges, handles, and hooks look edgy and industrial, but still go perfectly with the rustic theme. The easiest way to add rustic metal hardware to your home is to swap out standard hardware from your kitchen cabinets for barn-style handles. If you want to add more, you can get large, decorative metal brackets to open shelves or you can install wrought iron light fixtures.
Don’t go too far, though. You want to balance that industrial, tough feel metal has with warm, natural textures.
3. Sliding Barn Doors
Sliding barn doors are an excellent rustic detail because they’re practical, but even more than that, they’re incredibly visually appealing. They’re inspired by the big sliding doors used in horse barns, of course, and they’re very stylish.
If you don’t quite know how to use them, you’ll be happy to know that they can be used a whole bunch of different ways. They can be room dividers, closet doors, or entrances to pantries. Wherever you put them, you can be sure they’ll add rustic charm and save space at the same time.
The exposed metal tracks and distressed wooden panels create a stunning contrast and it will fit well into farmhouse, industrial, and modern rustic interiors. You can even customize the finish of the wood and hardware to tweak it more to your liking.
4. Stone Elements
Stone is another key material you’ll often see in traditional barns, especially in the foundations and walls of those that are older. Inside your home, you can use a stone veneer around the fireplace and create a focal point that will give off that cozy, old country lodge vibe. Stone can also be used in kitchens and bathrooms. For something more affordable, stone tiles will add texture and depth, and they’ll be cheaper and easier to maintain than real stone.
Conclusion
Rustic design tells a story, and isn’t it nice to have a home where pieces of decor have their own tales? In a world of minimalistic, off-white, and gray interiors, a rustic home stands out as something original, warm, and with history behind it.
Why settle for something everyone else has when you can have a home that is unique, inviting, and that looks and feels loved?
