Barndominiums — or “barndos” — have surged in popularity due to their flexible layouts, cost-effectiveness, and rustic-modern appeal. Whether you’re building a barndo for Airbnb, long-term rentals, or a vacation property, designing with renters in mind is key to ensuring your investment pays off.
Designing a rental-friendly barndominium involves more than picking the right finishes. You’ll need to consider functionality, durability, marketability, and guest experience from start to finish. In this post, we’ll walk through the top strategies and tips to help you design a rental-ready barndominium that keeps guests coming back.
1. Understand Your Rental Market
Before drawing floor plans or selecting materials, understand the type of renters you’re designing for. Different regions and rental platforms attract different audiences.
Ask yourself:
- Will this be a short-term Airbnb rental or a long-term lease?
- Is the location rural, suburban, or near a tourist destination?
- What are comparable rentals offering?
- Are your renters likely to be families, couples, solo travelers, or digital nomads?
For example, a barndo in a wine country region may cater to couples and tourists, requiring luxurious amenities and Instagram-worthy design. Meanwhile, a rural barndo near a job site may need functional, long-term accommodations for workers.
Understanding your market shapes every design decision to come.
2. Choose a Versatile Floor Plan
The layout is the foundation of a rental-friendly barndominium. Flexibility is key — your barndo should appeal to a wide range of guests and use cases.
Top floor plan tips:
- Open-Concept Living: Combine the kitchen, dining, and living areas to create a spacious feel, even in small barndos. This also makes the space feel more social and inviting.
- Separate Sleeping Areas: Give guests privacy by placing bedrooms on opposite ends or using lofts to add sleeping quarters.
- Multi-Purpose Spaces: Incorporate flex rooms that can serve as offices, nurseries, or additional sleeping areas.
- Accessible Bathrooms: For rentals, at least one easily accessible bathroom (preferably with a walk-in shower) is essential.
If your barndo will be under 1,000 square feet, prioritize smart storage, multi-functional furniture, and space-saving layouts like Murphy beds or built-in banquettes.
3. Prioritize Durable Materials
Rentals experience more wear and tear than private residences. Choosing materials that stand up to heavy use will save you money and headaches down the road.
Durable materials to consider:
- Flooring: Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and stylish — ideal for high-traffic areas.
- Countertops: Quartz is more durable and stain-resistant than granite or laminate.
- Cabinets: Plywood boxes with laminate or thermofoil fronts offer great longevity.
- Paint: Use washable, scuff-resistant paint with a satin or eggshell finish.
Avoid white carpets, softwood floors, or easily stained surfaces. Your design should look great, but function even better under daily rental use.
4. Focus on Low-Maintenance Exteriors
The exterior is the first thing your guests see — and the part that’s most exposed to the elements. For a rental-friendly barndo, low-maintenance is the name of the game.
Exterior design tips:
- Metal Siding & Roofing: Corrugated steel panels or board-and-batten metal are durable and need minimal upkeep.
- Simple Landscaping: Use gravel pathways, native plants, and drip irrigation systems to minimize water and maintenance needs.
- Covered Entryways & Porches: These help protect guests from weather and extend your outdoor living space.
If your rental is in a region with snow, mud, or heavy winds, consider a mudroom or breezeway to reduce the impact on interiors.
5. Create a Standout Kitchen
For many guests, especially in short-term rentals, the kitchen is a focal point. Even in a compact barndominium, the kitchen should feel well-equipped and inviting.
Rental-friendly kitchen features:
- Full-size appliances (or upscale compact models in tiny barndos)
- Durable quartz or butcher-block countertops
- Plenty of cabinet space with intuitive organization
- Open shelving for frequently used items
- A coffee station with mugs, supplies, and a welcome note
A stylish kitchen doesn’t have to be expensive — just clean, efficient, and thoughtfully stocked. Add a splash of color or a vintage tile backsplash to give your barndo some personality.
6. Incorporate Thoughtful Storage
Storage is often overlooked in barndominium design, especially when optimizing for space. But for renters — especially long-term ones — having a place to unpack and store personal items makes a big difference.
Add storage in these areas:
- Bedroom closets with shelving and hangers
- Entry hooks or mudroom benches for shoes and jackets
- Bathroom cabinets or linen closets
- Built-in cabinets under stairs or lofts
For short-term rentals, designate a locked owner’s closet to store cleaning supplies, extra linens, or personal belongings.
7. Make It Instagram-Worthy
Whether you’re listing on Airbnb or Vrbo, stunning photos are the gateway to better bookings. A beautiful design translates to higher rates and more frequent guests.
Easy ways to boost visual appeal:
- Use accent walls (wood paneling, shiplap, bold paint)
- Choose cohesive furniture and light fixtures
- Add rustic-modern touches like barn doors or Edison bulbs
- Maximize natural light with large windows and sheer curtains
Outdoor spaces should be equally photogenic — think string lights, fire pits, and hammocks. Bonus points for mountain, farm, or forest views.
8. Build Smart Tech into the Design
Smart home features make rentals more convenient and secure for both guests and owners.
Smart additions to consider:
- Smart locks (keypad entry for self check-in)
- Smart thermostats for climate control
- Wi-Fi-enabled lights or outlets
- Outdoor security cameras (with guest consent)
Also ensure strong Wi-Fi coverage throughout the barndo. For digital nomads or business travelers, fast internet is a must-have.
9. Optimize for Easy Cleaning & Turnovers
Frequent guest turnover means frequent cleaning. Design your barndo to be easy to clean, reset, and restock.
Cleaning-friendly design tips:
- Avoid clutter and hard-to-clean décor
- Use wipeable surfaces for kitchen and bathroom
- Leave space behind and under furniture for vacuuming
- Install wall-mounted items to free up floor space
Designate a linen closet or supply cabinet for cleaning crews to quickly grab what they need. A streamlined design helps your team work faster and keeps guests happy.
10. Consider Future Expansion
Start with what you need, but plan for what you might want later. Barndominiums offer lots of flexibility for adding on.
Expansion-ready design elements:
- A septic system sized for future bathrooms
- Electrical panels with extra capacity
- A layout that allows for bump-outs or ADUs
- A garage that can be finished later into living space
This approach makes your barndo adaptable as your business grows, whether you add more bedrooms or convert to a multi-unit rental down the road.
Final Thoughts
Designing a rental-friendly barndominium is both an art and a science. The goal is to create a home that feels warm and welcoming to guests while being easy and efficient for you to maintain. Every design choice — from materials to layout to smart tech — should strike the right balance between comfort, durability, and visual appeal.