Dreaming of life in Minnesota, the 5th best state to live in, brings to mind a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a strong sense of community. The Land of 10,000 Lakes boasts stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and a high quality of life that many aspire to experience.
However, the increasing cost of traditional housing can challenge the dream of making Minnesota your home. The average home price in the state has risen to around $355,800, making it increasingly difficult for many to attain the lifestyle they desire.
But there’s a silver lining – barndominiums, are a creative and cost-effective alternative to conventional housing. These unique structures combine the functionality of a barn with the comfort of a home, offering an opportunity to embrace an unconventional yet charming way of life.
Barndominiums have gained popularity for their affordability, adaptability, and the chance they provide to customize your living space to your liking.
Are you on the lookout? Here’s an Ely, Minnesota barndominium that you don’t want to miss. With its cabin-style aesthetics, characterized by abundant wood and dark hues, this particular barndominium takes rustic living to a new level. It embodies the Minnesota spirit, offering the warmth and coziness of a cabin in a distinctive and affordable package.
Whether you’re searching for a unique yet charming place to call home or simply wondering what barndos can do for your Minnesota dream, you’ll love this feature.
Let’s jump right in.
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Exterior
When building a barndominium in Minnesota, you’re not just creating a home but are also embracing a unique lifestyle. The Ely, Minnesota barndominium exemplifies this by combining functionality with aesthetics in its exterior design.
As you approach this impressive home, your eyes are immediately drawn to the dramatic covered front porch. Supported by large wooden beams, it not only serves a practical purpose but also adds a touch of modern cabin charm.
What sets this barndominium apart is its dark exterior wood finish, lending it a contemporary appeal while maintaining its rustic roots.
This barndominium is actually called a shouse. It’s a clever fusion of two words: shop and house, and sometimes it’s referred to as a “shop house.” At its core, a shouse is a concept that seamlessly merges a personal workshop and/or storage space with a comfortable dwelling.
While both shouses and barndominiums share the workshop component, shouses emphasize the workspace functionality. They accommodate a wide range of trades and creative endeavors, highlighting the idea that your home is not just a place to live but also a space to create and work.
As you take a closer look at the exterior of this Minnesota barndominium, you immediately notice the two large garage doors taking up half of the home’s layout. This home’s exterior demonstrates how versatile barndos can be for hobbyists, craftsmen, and simply those who enjoy having a versatile workspace.
Interior
This barndominium’s interior blends natural elements for a modern cabin look. Wood and dark hues take center stage, creating a rustic yet stylish aesthetic. Black walls complement the wood tones, accentuating the country decor that completes the overall ambiance.
Living Space
As you step inside this cabin-style Minnesota barndominium, the first thing that catches your eye is the inviting open-plan layout.
This thoughtful design choice seamlessly connects the living area to the kitchen and dining areas, creating an atmosphere perfect for gatherings with friends and family. A sliding door beckons you towards a cozy reading nook, ideal for lazy days spent with a good book or cherished company.
The reading nook is a wooden haven, from the floor to the ceiling, inviting plenty of natural light through numerous windows. The corridors feature sturdy and stylish barn doors, adding character to the interior while maintaining functionality.
Loft
The stairs lead you to the loft, a space that stands on its own as a cozy living area with plenty of plush seating. From the loft, you can take in the view of the connected kitchen and dining area.
Kitchen & Dining
The kitchen features black cabinetry and sleek steel appliances, strikingly contrasting the rustic backdrop. Textured carpets add warmth and charm to the kitchen and dining space.
The home’s high open ceiling creates a dramatic effect. Indoor string lights provide a warm and inviting touch, casting a soft glow throughout the living spaces.
Bedroom
The bedrooms maintain the rustic theme but take a minimalist cabin approach, providing a refreshing break from the decor. In one of the bedrooms, a custom wood bunk bed adds a touch of nostalgia.
Bathroom
The bathroom continues the cabin-style look with industrial light fixtures and a pop of color from a blue accent wall, offering a delightful blend of rugged and contemporary design elements.
Garage/Shop
Now, the true highlight of this barndominium is the garage. It’s a space that highlights versatility, seamlessly transitioning from work to entertainment.
With ample room, you’ll find a bar, a workshop intended for creative pursuits, and even a grill to host your friends and family. Rustic decor elements continue to adorn this space, adding to the home’s unique charm and character.
Wrapping Up
This cozy cabin-style Ely, Minnesota barndominium exemplifies the beauty of barndo living in one of America’s most picturesque states. Its open layout, rustic-modern interior, and versatile spaces showcase the endless possibilities that these unique structures offer.
If you find yourself curious to explore and discover the diverse design styles that barndos can provide, stop by Barndominium Life. Beyond just inspiration, we offer invaluable guides and tips for those embarking on the journey of building their dream barndo home.
We believe in bringing to life not just a home, but a lifestyle that’s both innovative and inviting. Let Barndominium Life be your trusted companion on this exciting new journey.
If you would like more guides like this one, check out the rest of BarndominiumLife.com. There, you will find more helpful tips and tricks from the pros. You will also find featured barndominiums, barndominium floor plans, and information on financing and insurance. Knowing as much as you can will help you get the best results for your dream home.
Noah Edis is a passionate staff writer at Barndominium Life, a leading online resource for all things barndominium. With years of experience in the writing industry, Noah has made a name for himself as a skilled storyteller and a knowledgeable authority on the topic of barndominiums.
Noah’s interest in barndominiums began when he stumbled upon the concept while researching alternative housing options. Intrigued by the rustic charm and functionality of these converted barns, he soon became obsessed with the idea of living in one himself. He spent countless hours researching the construction, design, and decorating aspects of barndominiums, and soon became an expert on the topic.
As a staff writer at Barndominium Life, Noah enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for these unique homes with others. He has written numerous articles covering a wide range of topics, from the history of barndominiums to the best ways to decorate them. Noah’s writing is informative, engaging, and always on-trend, making him a valuable asset to the Barndominium Life team.
Noah is a graduate of the University of British Columbia, where he earned a degree in English Language and Literature. When he’s not writing about barndominiums, he can be found exploring the great outdoors, trying new restaurants, or spending time with his family and friends. Noah is dedicated to his craft and is always striving to improve his writing skills and knowledge of the barndominium lifestyle.
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