Barn and stables conversion ideas – a unique mix of old and new living

If you’re hunting for a totally unique place to live barn conversion ideas should be top of your list.

In fact, it’s no surprise that barn and stable conversions continue to be such popular projects for homeowners to tackle.

Stables and barns offer spacious living areas with high ceilings, usually in a beautiful country spot.

Barn and stable conversion ideas

Barn conversion ideas are characterful and full of charming detail. Think timber beams, exposed stone walls, open plan living and striking double-height spaces.

And once converted, you have a home perfectly designed to suit your needs.

That’s not to say barn conversion ideas are easy spaces to take on.

Be prepared for what can sometimes be a long and difficult build.

The shape, size and type of agricultural buildings can be tricky and awkward; conversion costs can be high.

Take a look at our barn conversion cost guide to find out what sort of budget you might need.

But converting a barn or stable can be a really rewarding project with huge potential.

Hire the expertise of a specialist architect or builder who is experienced in converting this sort of rural building for 21^st century living.

Prepare to be wowed by these gorgeous barn and stable conversion ideas.

1. Celebrate the building’s character

Converting a barn means giving the building a new purpose for modern day living. But it’s important to celebrate the history of the building as far as possible.

Help retain the character of a stone built barn or stables by renewing and repointing the original stone walls.

We recommend hiring the expertise of a specialist stonemason who can help repair and give barn walls a new lease of life.

2. Choose authentic materials

This striking barn conversion has been renovated with a careful mix of materials.

Original brickwork is offset with timber cladding finished in a bold black exterior paint. The result is authentic, charming and hardwearing.

The black exterior also creates a wow factor front entrance and highlights the shape and size of the door and window frames.

3. Embrace an industrial mood

Play around with your interior styles. Barn conversion ideas don’t always require a rustic country décor.

We love how this industrial-style kitchen respects the utilitarian nature of the building but with a modern silhouette.

Choose a grey palette and metal accents that merge seamlessly with the exposed brick backdrop.

4. Respect the structure

Embrace the nooks, crannies and quirky features of a barn or stable conversion.

Original stone walls, exposed timber beams and casement windows are gorgeous features that make this bedroom a super cosy space for relaxing and sleeping

Cleverly, the owners have created a panelled backdrop to the bedhead to soften the mood.

One of the challenges of a barn conversion is that standard windows and doors rarely fit. You’ll need to contact a bespoke, made-to-measure window company who can enhance your conversion to increase natural light and outside views.

5. Make use of an awkward space

Get ready to utilise awkward spaces and unconventional rooms in barn and stable conversions.

You may need to insert a new level for bedrooms and bathrooms – this could result in lower ceilings on some floors.

To maximise space in this vaulted ceiling loft room, the bathroom has been finished in head-to-toe white. Only the beautiful original beams are left bare to enhance the architectural bones of the building

Fitted storage and contemporary, back-to-wall bathroom fixtures create the illusion of more easy-breezy space. It’s the perfect blend of new and old.

6. Do you need planning permission?

If you’re hoping to convert stables into a house, you’ll need to understand what planning permission you might need.

You don’t want to be half way through a transformation and realise that your project requires local authority permissions and building permits that you don’t have.

This might result in fines, putting a stop to further work and having to undo work already completed.

Better to be safe than sorry. So research permitted development rights for stable conversions before you begin.

7. Blend in a contemporary kitchen

Mix old beams and original features with a modern kitchen and get the best of both worlds.

The sleek kitchen blends seamlessly with the original architecture thanks to the neutral colours and layered lighting design.

This way the owner can enjoy hi-tech appliances and slick storage against a backdrop steeped in history.

Allow natural light to flood the space with full length windows or patio doors.

8. Install barn doors

Consider fitting barn doors into the interior of your stable or barn conversion.

Not only will this mirror the original use of the building, but barn doors on rollers are space-saving fixtures. This might be important in an unconventional layout where you might need to make the most of tight, space-starved rooms.

Discover our handy barn door blog which is packed with inspiration and advice. Read up on how to use barn doors in both agricultural conversions or a modern home.

9. Master a listed building conversion

Converting a listed barn or stables requires more thought – and the help of an experienced builder or architect.

Prepare to foster a good relationship with your local planning department too although check if the builder or architect your hire will do this as part of the job.

Get a head start by reading our helpful blogs on listed building renovation and listed building consent.

10. Retain the utilitarian vibe

Choose colours and details wisely to harness the utilitarian mood of the agricultural building.

Embrace the charm of the stable’s original work ethic, with an all-over grey paintwork. And create a home that is at authentic yet pared-back.

That’s not to say you can’t elevate the interior with a strong contemporary look. Use reclaimed materials, polished concrete floors and exposed stone walls.

Unleash your creative energy with modern silhouettes and a sleek décor inside.