Thursday, June 8, 2017
Barn Doors For Today
Barn Doors For Today
We’ve long had a love of the romantic American barn, with nearby cows grazing in a bucolic field of wildflowers.
We repurpose barns – turning them into houses to live in – like this one, with the addition of a greenhouse at the back.
And, some we turn into places to entertain, or guest houses, like this barn in Texas.
This barn became a pool house.
One of the more popular barn conversions is this one – Bunny Williams’ guest house on her country house estate. Attached to the side is the glass conservatory that acts as an extra dining room.
Inside, the main room of Bunny’s barn is now a casual living room used mostly by her husband John Rosselli.
Another famous barn is at Rachel Ashwell’s Texas B&B, The Prairie. Her restored barn is used for weddings and other events.
My own Elisabeth wants to get married at Rachel’s barn!!
Restored barn’s can be very rustic, which I love.
Or, they can be more modern, more edited, less rough.
I love a cute barn, painted white.
This one is especially pretty – with the unusual green walls and stained rafters – the green paint tones down the more rustic side of barn living.
In 2003, this book by Chris Casson Madden, showed only living rooms. One of the living rooms, in a large barn, has always stuck in mind as being so pretty.
The very large living room in the dark wood barn was lightened with white slipcovered furniture and blue and white pillows and fabrics. Underfoot is a rug that picks up all the colors. Oh, it’s just too gorgeous!!!!
There are several conversation areas in the room, this one has a slipcovered ottoman in blue and white stripes. Mixed in with all the upholstery are English antiques – which gives the room a classic look. Here, almost 15 years later, the living room still looks current and on trend. I would move in today!
A dining table is near the library shelves – some of which cover a hidden jib door with faux books that leads to the kitchen.
Gorgeous.
To order the book, click below:
One of the most interesting projects in the blogosphere was the New Hampshire farmhouse that was restored by “For The Love Of The House” – Joan and her husband Dan HERE.
After moving to New Hampshire from Texas, Joan bought a white farmhouse. The red barn was connected to the white house – and after a long and laborious renovation, the barn became their large family room. The entire renovation lasted years – and we all watched it happening, impatiently waiting for detailed updates from Joan. The barn room was one of Joan’s last projects, and it was one of the best.
And AFTER, the red barn is now gray with a new fireplace. A new terrace was created where the old driveway to the barn was.
The large terrace and the new French doors to the barn. What to do with that old barn door that was once there??? Joan had an idea.
Joan took the barn door and brought it inside while the reconstruction went on. You can see the barn door standing against the studs. This barn would become the family room.
Available link for download