Open Floor Plans vs. Divided Barndominium Layouts: Which One Is Right for You?

Barndominium planning is a thrill. You determine its appearance, its essence, and its functionality for you to live your daily life. The layout is one of the most important options you will choose. Do you prefer an inhibited and traditional way of life with plenty of smaller rooms, or do you want a big, open floor plan?

Both provide genuine value. However, your lifestyle, your space needs, and your dream home vision will determine the best option for you.

At Dream Home Plans, we assist individuals in creating barndominiums that truly represent their lifestyle and values. Whatever your vision, whether it's spacious and open or intimate and partitioned, we've got the floor plan and the guidance to help you realize your version of home.

What Is a Barndominium?

Barndominium House Plans are modern home designs that combine the look of a barn with the comfort of a traditional home. These plans typically feature open floor layouts, high ceilings, and durable metal or steel construction. Barndominiums are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and highly customizable—often including living space alongside garages, workshops, or storage areas. They're perfect for those seeking a blend of rustic charm and modern living.

One of the best parts of a barndominium is the amount of customization you can really put into it. This factor includes determining between the two primary designs, open or divided.

Open Floor Plans: Wide, Airy, Connected

An open floor plan connects a house's kitchen, living room, and dining room area to form a single open space. Each of the main areas is not separated by walls. Everything flows.

Pros of Open Layouts

Spacious Feel
Your space seems a lot larger than it is no walls involved! Even smaller houses seem spacious.

More Light
 Natural light can travel across the entire living area. You don’t need as many windows or lamps.

Better for Socializing

It’s perfect for families who like spending time together. You can cook and still be part of conversations.

Great for Hosting
Parties and gatherings are easier. Guests can move around freely.

Modern Look
Open layouts look clean, simple, and stylish. They feel updated and welcoming.

Flexible Use
You can rearrange furniture anytime. One area can serve multiple purposes.

Cons of Open Layouts

Less Privacy
If someone wants quiet time, they may not find it in the shared space.

No Sound Barriers
Cooking, TV, and chatter all happen in the same space. It can get loud.

Energy Costs
Heating or cooling a large, open area takes more energy than smaller, separate rooms.

Divided Layouts: Private, Organized, Peaceful

A divided layout keeps rooms separate. Walls and doors create boundaries. Every room has a clear purpose kitchen, living room, bedroom, study, and so on.

Pros of Divided Layouts

Privacy for Everyone
Whether it’s work, rest, or personal time, everyone has their own space.

Better Sound Control
Noise stays in its area. One person can sleep while another watches TV.

More Structure
Each room is dedicated. A home office is always quiet. A bedroom stays restful.

Efficient Heating and Cooling
Heating and cooling systems typically manage smaller rooms better.

Traditional Comfort
If you are a child of classic homes, this layout might feel more at home, and more inviting, for that matter.

Cons of Divided Layouts

Less Open Feel
For smaller barndominiums, hallways and walls can leave a home feeling cramped.

Lower Light Flow
Walls can block sunlight from reaching all parts of the house.

Less Ideal for Large Groups
Especially for parties or the holidays, it is difficult to get everybody under one roof.

A Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both

Can not decide between totally open or totally split? You can have more than one if you choose. A hit or miss design that the maximum barndominium proprietors choose is a hybrid form. It translates to the primary spaces of living (kitchen, dining, living room) are opening while bedrooms, offices, and bathrooms are closing.

It brings you the space and connectedness of an open layout while giving you the privacy and quiet of a divided space.

Our barndominium hybrid floor plans are plentiful at Dream Home Plans. These are among our most popular designs—perfect both for families and for single individuals.

How to Decide What’s Right for You

To come up with the greatest layout, think about your lifestyle. Let your routine, your family and your needs decide.

Ask yourself:

1. How many people live in the home?
   Larger families may require extra rooms to spread out.
2. Do you host guests often?
   An open plan serves well for entertaining and larger dinners.
   
3. Do you work from home?
   You’ll likely want a quiet, closed-off office.
   
4. Are you raising young kids?
   Open layouts let you keep an eye on them while you cook or work.
   
5. Do you enjoy privacy and quiet?
   A divided layout may suit you better.
   
6. Do you want a modern or classic style?
   Open plans feel sleek and new. Divided ones feel traditional and cozy.

Design Tips for Each Style

If you choose an open floor plan:

• Use rugs or furniture to create "zones" inside the big space.
  
• Add high ceilings or beams for extra visual appeal.
  
• Use large windows to maximize natural light.
  

If you go with a divided layout:

• Keep pathways wide and rooms well lit.
  
• Use glass doors or transoms to help light travel.
  
• Give each room a strong purpose this keeps your home organized.

Why Choose Dream Home Plans

Customizable Plans for Any Lifestyle
Pick from one of the proven barndominium designs we offer, then customize to create your dream. Want an extra room? More windows? An open kitchen? No problem.

Barndominium Experts
We specialize in bandos. Which means we know what works — and what does not. Our floor plans are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and home-ready.

Support from Start to Finish
Not sure where to start? Letting you plan, modify, and finalize your dream home with the help of our team. Your comfort, your budget, and your goals are important to us.

Dream Home Plans is a lot more than a designer. We are here to be your partner in having the home of your dreams.

Final Thoughts

Deciding to go with either an open or divided barndominium layout is about more than just style; it is about how you want to live your life. Open plans allow for breathing space and cross-pollination. Split layouts offer you serenity and structure.

There’s no right or wrong. There’s just what works for you. Take time to think it through. Look at sample floor plans. Imagine your daily life in both styles. Then, when you're ready, turn to Dream Home Plans. We’ll help you take the next step—from choosing your layout to finalizing your blueprint. Your dream barndominium is just a plan away.