Hello friend!
If you’ve ever sat at your kitchen table dreaming about a home that fits the life you’re living right now, this one’s for you. Our house didn’t begin with official blueprints or fancy design software. It began with a pencil, a very worn eraser, more coffee than I care to admit, and a whole lot of prayer.
And honestly? I wouldn’t change a thing.
Why We Drew Our Own Floor Plan
When our builder first told us we didn’t have to use an architect, I was surprised — and a little unsure. That felt like a big responsibility. But after sitting with it for a bit, it started to feel like a gift.
It meant we could slow down.
We could really think about what mattered to us in this season of life — not just what looked good on paper, but what would actually serve us well day to day. With the help of our sister-in-law, we gathered around the kitchen table and started drawing.
And erasing.
Many Nights at the Kitchen Table
That eraser stayed busy.
We moved walls. Adjusted room sizes. Talked through scenarios we hadn’t even thought about before. Just when we’d say, “I think this is it,” something else would come to mind.
All told, we redrew the floor plan about four times.
Most of those changes came after prayer. We kept asking the Lord to guide our decisions — to help us see clearly and not rush. And little by little, ideas would surface. We’d look at the plan again and realize it just needed one more tweak.
Those were quiet nights. Ordinary nights. But looking back, they were sacred in their own way.
Choosing a Smaller Home on Purpose
At first, we thought we wanted around 1,800 square feet. On paper, it sounded just right. But the more we prayed and talked about it, the more we realized that 1,500 square feet was plenty.
It’s just the two of us now, but we still wanted a home with room to open the door when family comes in to visit.— but we didn’t want more house than we could reasonably care for.
We wanted a home that fit our life, not one that demanded more from us than we wanted to give.
Why a Barndominium Made Sense for Us
One of the biggest reasons we chose a barndominium was the simplicity.
The concrete foundation, metal structure, and tin roof felt practical and honest. We didn’t want to spend our days fixing, repairing, or constantly maintaining a house. We wanted something that would free us up to enjoy our land, our time, and the people we love.
For us, a barndominium just made sense.
The Siding I Never Thought We’d Have
Most barndominiums are finished with traditional sheet metal siding, which works beautifully. But from the very beginning, I had my heart set on board and batten.
I saw a picture early on and fell in love — though I never really thought it would be an option for us. It felt like one of those “maybe someday” ideas.
But somehow, it was.
Being able to use board and batten siding was such a sweet surprise. It truly makes my heart happy every time I see it. And to me, it feels like one of those gentle reminders that God cares about the details — even the ones we quietly tuck away and don’t expect to come true.
Looking Back
Those nights at the kitchen table are something I’ll always hold close. That’s where this house really came together — not quickly, not perfectly, but thoughtfully and prayerfully.
We didn’t hire an architect.
We didn’t get it right the first time.
But we kept erasing, praying, and trying again until it felt right.
And in the end, we landed on a floor plan we truly love — one that fits our life, our season, and our hearts. I hope this was helpful and gave you something to think about if you’re walking a similar road.
Lord bless you,
Michelle