Barndominium in the Blue Ridge Mountains
For this bold new-build barndominium, designer Lucy Small of Blue Ridge, Ga.-based State and Season Home Design embraced the client’s offbeat request – to create “the feeling of an old Italian train station meets retro cool” – through an exuberant yet informed approach to materials and furnishings, a colorist’s eye and no small amount of confidence and chutzpah.
She started by establishing a blank slate of sorts with the architecture, giving a simple, pared-down shape to the building – no fancy or modern roof edges or siding details. “Resembling an old train station not only fulfilled the look and feel goals of the project, but provided a rich texture background for the bright colorful accents that made this new home feel retro,” Small said.
Then the designer mixed heritage materials as they would be in a real old structure – including tumbled antique brick, mixed with 50s and 60s era fireplaces, wallpapers and lighting fixtures. She next added in terrazzo countertops (popular in the 60s and 70s) along with fluted glass from the same era.
Finally, vintage décor like record players, Vespas and eclectic vase shapes rounded out the design. For a little bit of modern, the kitchen cabinets are flat paneled and modern acoustic slat panels round out tall ceilings.
Challenges Met
Many of the materials used in the barndominium were new to some of the skilled trade workers in the rural area. “From large format and concrete tiles to retro terrazzo, vintage fireplaces and custom glass fixtures, this project was a learning experience in terms of installation for everyone involved,” said Small. “Having a clear vision and providing solid guidance as the designer helped to overcome the unknowns.”
Sustainable Systems
The whole home is set on a geothermal system, making the energy use especially for heating and cooling particularly efficient. The home also uses SPAN electrical panels and car chargers, able to prioritize electrical flow and usage. All lighting fixtures are energy-efficient Lutron bulbs. The brick, which is 100% of the exterior and much of the interior siding, is also one of the most sustainable siding choices as brick is recycled and reused.
Small said, “I love how this house came together in that I feel through the structure, fixtures and décor I hit the nail on the head of what I was aiming for. It’s rich and luxurious while still funky, midcentury but dressed up, and ultimately very unique.
“Creating unique designs is the reason I do what I do, and I always endeavor to come up with something new. I feel I’ve done that here.”
Sources
Design: State and Season Home Design; Photography: David Cannon Photography KITCHEN Cabinets, Cabinet Inserts: FORM Kitchens; Cabinet Hardware: Custom; Cooktop, Microwave, Range, Wall Ovens, Wine Cooler: Gaggenau; Countertops: Concrete Collaborative; Dishwasher: JennAir; Faucets: Brizo; Flooring: Porcelanosa; Lighting: Lutron, Gallilee Lighting (above island Cloud pendants); Paint: Farrow and Ball; Refrigerator: True; Seating: Denver Modern; Sinks: Native Trails; Tile: Riad, Roca, Porcelanosa, Concrete Collaborative; Vent Hood: Hestan BATH Cabinets: Porcelenosa, Native Trails; Faucets, Shower Components: California Faucets; Lighting: Arteriors, Rejuvenation; Sinks: Native Trails; Tile: Roca, Riad; Toilet: Kohler; Tub: Dado Quartz
