Barns, Reimagined
Welcome to Part 4 of our series of ‘cheat sheets’ for achieving the ‘modern’ look.
In this article, we step you through the Scandi Barn-inspired look from the outside, in. So next time you’re talking Scandi, your lingo’s leading-edge.
There’s a Scandinavian word that captures the feeling of cosy contentment and happiness that comes from enjoying simple pleasures. It’s called ‘Hygge’ and it’s the key to creating a Scandinavian Barn-inspired home. The Scandi style has become a global trend that many Australians are also keen to embrace.
When your client shows you images like the images below, you’ll know they're interested in - or open to - the ‘Scandi’ and ‘Scandi barn’ look, which some people also call ‘modern farmhouse’.
 |
  |
And when your potential client is trying to explain their dream home or reno, they’ll probably mention light-filled open plan living with vaulted ceilings and a bold street presence. They’ll talk about wanting to create an inviting space that inspires a sense of calm and wellbeing.
So, what are the characteristics of Scandi Barn to help you build a home or deliver a reno that your clients will absolutely love
From the outside…
Scandinavian countries are well known for their simple, timeless design aesthetic, which is why the Scandinavian Barn look lends itself to many different facades, interiors and locations. This versatile style can be seen everywhere from detached homes to terraces and from townhouses to tiny houses.
Exteriors that are ‘strictly Scandi’ feature hallmarks like:
- steeply pitched roofs with no eaves, or narrow eaves
- strongly connected to nature: chat with your client about adding outdoor decks, large sliding doors and floor-to-ceiling windows
- natural materials (timber, stone, brick) or materials with the same streamlined appearance as timber such as weatherboards
- a colour scheme that complements the pared back wall finishes. Choose between warm wood tones, light and neutrals like bright white or cosy cream and darker colours such as charcoal, dark grey or black.
For the interiors…
Scandi is about simplicity, pared-back shapes and light-filled interiors featuring muted colours.
The modern interpretation takes the comfortable, relaxed barn style and focuses on creating a fusion between indoors and outdoors to make the design feel effortless.
- Interiors in modern Scandi barn style homes are designed for connected living with an emphasis on an open plan design and light-filled spaces.
- The most remarkable interior features of this look are cathedral ceilings which create a greater sense of spaciousness and large windows that bring the outdoors in.
- Interior finishes are designed to enhance the warm, cosy and inviting feeling without losing the simplicity created by minimalist lines.
- Wall finishes focus on raw materials, like pale timbers, or finishes that mimic the ‘timber look’.
- When it comes to making the most of natural light, choosing a subtle, timeless and calm colour scheme of whites or neutral wall tones.
Products to achieve the Scandi Barn look
Some of the types of NHS materials to consider incorporating to get the Scandi look:
Exterior |
||
 |
Facades/Cladding |
James Hardie Fine Texture cladding |
| Alfresco | ||
| Decking & Screening | ||
Interior |
||
 |
Linings | |
| Skylights | Velux skylights | |
| Doors | ||
| Flooring | ||
Thanks for reading another ‘’Easy As” guide to modern home and renovation design trends. We hope this helps you to have better conversations with clients and make sure you’re on the same page so – together – you can help create their dream space.