This article tells the story of a family’s journey to build their dream home, a modern barn inspired by the architecture of Queenstown, New Zealand. The homeowners, Christal and Luke Alexander, faced numerous challenges, including a difficult, overgrown building site and severe weather delays, before the home with their children was built. The design integrates indoor and outdoor living, prioritizes family connection, and features large windows framing views of the surrounding landscape.
Overall Design:
- Inspired by Queenstown, New Zealand barn-style buildings.
- Single-level, high-pitched roof.
- Dark exterior frame contrasting with the surrounding greenery.
- Extensive use of glass to maximize views and connect with nature.
- Layout: Central living zone with separate wings for adults and children.
- Materials & Textures
Organic textures, rustic elements. - Main Bedroom & Ensuite:
- 180-degree views of the property, including pool and sauna.
- Designed as a luxurious, tranquil retreat.
Styles Mentioned
- Modern Barn:
- Key Features: This style blends the traditional silhouette of a barn (pitched roof, often a simple rectangular shape) with modern design elements. This usually means clean lines, large windows, and an open-plan interior. The exterior often features dark or neutral colors, with materials like timber cladding being common.
- In this home: The dark frame, pitched roofline, and overall shape are clear nods to traditional barn architecture. However, the extensive use of glass, the scale of the windows, and the luxurious, contemporary finishes make it distinctly “modern.”
- Farm-Style/Rustic style building
- These include the incorporation of rustic components such as unpolished wood, stone.
The designers of this black modern barnhouse have masterfully played with contrast to create a home that’s both visually striking and incredibly livable. The dark, imposing exterior — a defining characteristic of the modern farmhouse aesthetic — is a clever foil to the bright, welcoming interior. The decision to use white walls and blonde timber flooring was crucial in achieving this light-filled effect, maximizing the impact of the abundant natural light pouring in from the large, strategically placed windows – a key feature of the modern barnhouse style.
But it’s the carefully chosen color accents that truly elevate the space. The sage green in the cabinetry is a stroke of genius, providing a soft, organic contrast to the white and light wood tones, while the recurring mushroom-toned storage details add a sophisticated layer of texture and warmth. This palette of white, blonde wood, sage green, and mushroom creates a cohesive, calming, and on-trend interior that perfectly complements the home’s architectural style. Consider incorporating these elements in your own modern farmhouse design. It’s a color scheme that feels both contemporary and timeless, perfectly complementing the home’s architectural style.”
