There’s something romantic and rustic about a farm. Don’t you find yourself gazing with intrigue at barns in differing states of repair as you drive down the interstate and think there must be a story behind it?
It’s no wonder that integrating farm elements such as sliding barn doors into a home adds oodles of character as well as functionality. Sliding barn doors can be rustic and earthy, or modern and sleek. And they can be used both inside and outside. Here are some examples to inspire you!
First, this is a house down the street from me that was converted from a barn to a post-and-beam home. I adore the painting of a cow peeked out behind a sliding barn door. (Note: this house is for sale – to see the inside click here – but be warned that it’s a fixer-uppers dream, unless you like sky blue carpeting).
Here’s another example of a sliding barn door adding character to a home – this one is about a mile down the road.
And here’s one I saw on vacation at Cape Cod this summer. I love how the out-building mimics the windows of the home.
Sliding barn doors are fabulous on the inside as well.
Here are two black and white examples from House Beautiful that I just love.
Do you think this one needs a pop of color? If so, what would you suggest?
Like something a bit brighter? How about this example from Southern Living? This was from the 2009 Texas Idea Home. Sure makes me smile as big as Texas!
Here’s a great example from the now defunct Cottage Living Magazine. Rustic meets whimsy with a bit of functionality thrown it to make it absolutely amazing. (Side note: I love how the pantry has shallow shelving – much easier to find things!)
If you like something more modern and less-barn like, check out these amazing examples from glass sliding doors at SpecialtyGlassDoors.com
Pretty amazing, huh? Here’s another one.
Ready to make your own sliding barn door? Here’s how (at ehow.com).
If you do attempt this project, please be so kind as to share it with the rest of us! 
And PLEASE giddy up over to the final Hooked on Fridays blog party, and the HOMEdigz Blog Party (technically on Wednesday’s, but open through Friday’s) for more great ideas!
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Ooh, see what you mean about the sky blue carpet! There is a lot of blue in that home.
In general, this is a great look, if you can spare the space on the inside for it to open. I LOVE that red one!
Struggler´s last blog ..Are you a pattern-phobe?
Yes indeedy! And for the record, I did not stage this house.
But seriously, can you envision what it COULD be? Hey, maybe I’ll buy it!
Susan
I absolutely LOVE the look of sliding barn doors. I REALLY wanted to add one with windows to our hallway to close off the living room when it’s not in use. But hubby is anti-barn door and is making boring bi-folds instead. Boooo!!
A sliding barn door is definitely on my dream home wish list
I would paint the black barn door turquoise
Kelly @ DesignTies
DesignTies´s last blog ..Happiness is a warm puppy
Ah, I love barn doors. Some beautiful examples here. I designed a custom barn door to conceal our TV in the living room. We carved out a small space into the adjacent room (like you would a closet) and added this poplar door with regular old barn door hardware. Everyone who sees it loves it! And I love no having an armoire or entertainment center in the living room.
Top row, right picture at this link:
http://www.inspiredroomdesign.com/pages.php?tabid=11&pageid=113&pagetitle=See+my+work.
Hey Kelly – how did you know turquoise was my fav color!
Sorry to hear about the folding doors…be strong…we’re here for ya!
Diane – I totally LOVE what you did to cover your TV! I’m going to borrow that idea someday!
When I designed my Steampunk bedroom for clients, I incorporated the barn door idea. It is so cool and actually it has made an appearance in the model homes near us!
Alycia Wicker´s last blog ..“Moving Up” or Not Really
Awesome! By the way, it’s really fun to say “Steampunk” – just sayin’!
Wow, I’m jealous you even HAVE barns in your area!
That red one is my fav! Jane T.
Atticmag´s last blog ..Roasted Cauliflower
I love the little outbuilding that mimics the home, too cute! We don’t really have that many examples of ‘barn architecture’ over here in Oz, and I love them!
I would paint the white door in the white wall cherry red if it were my house, but I’m a red girl! I’d paint the black door cherry red and put an orange vase on the table in the view behind.
The turquoise would look great too!
Linda.
Linda aka Heartfire At Home´s last blog ..Look At These Alphabet Drawers In Solid Oak…An Investment Piece Of Furniture
They certainly add some personality to a space. The yellow one is very eye catching! Beautiful photos.
Thanks for starting a new blog party it will be fun to be part of.
-Angela
Angela @ ImagineCozy´s last blog ..Redecorate your Fireplace Mantle
Great doors. i love the yellow one. I must say I have some blue carpet (only 2 rooms) and I put orientals over it. That’s a great house, looks like it has good flow.
Pat Smith´s last blog ..Bracelet Replacement
Hi Jane – oh, we’ve got lots of preppy barns out here. lol
Linda – my front door is cherry red! But not a barn.
Angela – I love the yellow too…guess if you tire of it, you could repaint it a different color too.
Pat – Great idea to layer orientals over blue carpet! Cozies it up too I bet!
I’ve never really given barn doors much thought, but this was a great tour of ideas and options. Thanks for sharing!
The Tiny Homestead´s last blog ..Front Porch Mini Makeover
Now….where could I put some barn doors in my house? LOVE them! Thanks for the post.
Stop by and say hello at my new blog. I need some visitors!
Sam´s last blog ..Hooked on Vintage Handkerchiefs
Hi Tiny! Glad you liked the idea!
Sam – I’m on my way over now!
I want to put the sliding barn door in my master bedroom. Where can I find the one you put in your room? Thanks!
Hi Andrea, if you’re referring to the glass door example shown above, that’s from a company called http://www.SpecialtyGlassDoors.com – it’s gorgeous, isn’t it!
I’d probably opt for the wood version because of kids fingerprints, but there are many companies that do this sort of thing. Google around a bit and let me know what you end up doing! Sounds like a great project!