We can imagine that your dream family home isn’t just four walls and a roof. It should be a comfortable space for everyone, where there’s plenty of space for everyone to do their own thing. But finding that kind of home nowadays feels more out of reach than ever.
Most traditional homes nowadays come with a hefty price tag. And these often come with standard layouts that can easily feel constricting and, honestly, kind of boring. This has led many people to explore alternative home options.
One of the most exciting and versatile options out there is the barndominium. Combining rustic charm with modern convenience, it’s essentially a barn structure that’s been elevated and customized to the homeowner’s specific needs.
Tennessee has beautiful landscapes and welcoming communities, so it’s easy to see why it’s the ideal destination for many. Whether you’re dreaming of wide-open spaces, a practical house for a large family, or something that just stands out from the crowd, building a barndominium in Tennessee is the way to go.
Today, we’re featuring a Tennessee barndominium designed with family living in mind. Take a look at this incredible home and see how it might spark ideas for your own future build!
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Overview
Nestled in Rocky Top, this Tennessee barndominium by Paul Phelps brings together creativity and family-focused living.
Paul and his family drew inspiration from various barndominium groups on social media, coming up with ideas together to make a home that perfectly suits their lifestyle. They started with a farmhouse plan they bought online, tweaking it to ultimately reflect their vision.
Situated on a 48-acre property with its very own small farm, this barndominium is nestled in a picturesque setting. A family barndominium offers a warm, shared space for generations to connect while still maintaining private areas for individual needs.
An emerging trend within this concept is the multi-family barndominium—a type of home designed for older generations to share space with their children while older children stay with their parents until they achieve financial stability.
Exterior
As you approach the property, a concrete driveway welcomes you to the Phelps family home. The exterior boasts white board-and-batten walls painted in Sherwin-Williams Pure White, paired with a shingle roof instead of the traditional metal. This design choice leaves out visible screws for a more refined look.
Wide porches at the front and back provide ample seating and gathering space. A large, covered porch is perfect for enjoying Tennessee’s scenic beauty, whether sipping morning coffee or hosting a family barbecue. Exposed wood columns add a rustic touch, while the surrounding farm provides plenty of greenery and open space.
The property itself is alive with possibilities. The well-manicured stock tank garden adds curb appeal, while the expansive land provides the perfect setting for outdoor activities, from basketball games to letting the dogs roam freely.
Interior
The interior of this Tennessee barndominium balances practicality with style. White walls and high ceilings create openness, while warm wood touches throughout the home bring a cozy farmhouse feel. Wood flooring runs through the house, adding durability and timeless elegance while also complementing the clean white aesthetic.
Living Space
Step inside, and you’re greeted by high vaulted ceilings with exposed wood beams. The ceiling’s center reaches an impressive 22 feet and is adorned with rustic windmill-style ceiling fans. The open-plan layout connects the living room to the dining area and kitchen, creating a space perfect for family gatherings.
Natural light pours in through large windows, bringing a bright and airy feel to the home. Large glass doors connect the indoors to the outdoor porches, making it easy to transition between the two spaces.
Paul and his family have infused the living space with seasonal-themed decor, which adds personality and warmth to the home.
Kitchen & Dining
The kitchen connects directly to the living area. Exposed wood cabinets add charm and also provide plenty of storage, and a large kitchen island offers ample counter space for meal prep or casual dining.
A copper farmhouse sink is positioned beneath large windows, giving you a stunning view of the outdoors as you do the dishes or prepare a meal.
One standout feature is the makeshift wine closet. Originally designed as a coat closet, Paul insulated it, added an accidental vent, and installed a glass door. The result? A personal touch that adds to the room’s appeal.
Off to the side is a dedicated pantry room—a must-have for any family home. With plenty of shelving for storage and appliances, the pantry helps keep the kitchen organized and clutter-free. It’s a simple yet effective addition to the home to make everyday living more convenient.
Laundry Room
This home’s laundry room is a functional space designed for efficiency. White walls and wood countertops maintain the home’s cohesive aesthetic, while built-in cabinets provide extra storage. A dedicated sink makes it easier to wash, clean, scrub, and soak, freeing up your main kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Bedrooms
Each bedroom in this barndominium has its own character. Pops of color bring the spaces to life, and vaulted wood ceilings add sophistication and tie in with the home’s overall farmhouse style. Barndominium spaces are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor each space to reflect your personal style while maximizing comfort and functionality.
This dream barndominium has spare rooms that can be easily converted into a home office, hobby space, guest suite, gym, entertainment space, or something else altogether—an important feature to meet a family’s changing needs.
Bathrooms
The bathrooms boast a modern elegance with muted gray tones and white fixtures. Double vanities with large mirrors make morning routines convenient, while the walk-in shower features sleek cultured marble. For a touch of luxury, a freestanding tub invites you to relax and unwind after a long day.
Final Thoughts
Paul Phelps’ Tennessee barndominium is a home built to make lasting memories. Its thoughtful design makes it an ideal space for family living. From the wide porches and scenic surroundings to the well-planned interiors, this barndominium is an inspiring example of what’s possible with a bit of creativity and passion.
Ready to start your own homebuilding journey? Barndominium Life is your one-stop solution to all your barndominium needs. Take the first step toward creating your dream home—now made possible with a barndo!
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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