You know about our little roof mishap, but we’ve actually still been making a lot of progress on the barn front so I figured it was time for an update.
We’ve got a garage door.
The garage door was installed, which means the barn is officially sealed up and locked tight. We ended up ordering the door from a local place and having them install it since the cost was close to what it would have been to install is ourselves.
We went with a simple carriage house door style in the basic model available. Ryan finished trimming out everything that was waiting on windows and doors but I didn’t have time to paint so that will have to wait until spring. Regardless, I think it looks amazing.
We’ve got stairs
Stairs were a bit of a conundrum for us in the barn. Originally, we had considered just having the exterior stairs to the deck. But, it is so stinking cold and windy and icy that we rethought it. We didn’t want the stairs to take up too much space and didn’t want to block windows if we could help it. Ryan ended up doing a lot of online research and building his own sort-of spiral staircase.
I am obsessed with them. They take up very little space in the barn, don’t block too much of the window, and are sturdy and functional enough for daily use.
Ryan will obviously add a railing at some point, too. But gosh. I love them right now. I want to do something really pretty with them – maybe some sort of paint treatment? They need some affection.
And the area below the stairs will be a perfect place to store boots and coats and bags, since there won’t be much room in the apartment upstairs.
Speaking of upstairs …
We’ve got light.
Ryan has been working on running electrical upstairs. We decided on recessed lighting since the ceilings aren’t super high. We also decided on the placement of outlets and switches.
The space actually feels really big at this point. And between the windows, door and lights, I think it will be plenty bright.
We’ve got walls.
There aren’t many walls in this tiny space. But the back wall will have two tiny rooms – a bathroom and a bedroom for Henry. Both will be outfitted with space-saving pocket doors. 
The small bathroom actually bothers me the least, since it’s almost the same size as our current bathroom. We can live with a small bathroom quite well, actually. Less to maintain and less to clean. 😉 
We’ve got built-ins.
We’ve been talking a lot about how our family can comfortably live in this space. And one way to do it is by having as much storage as possible. Even if we pare down a lot (and we will), there will still be stuff that will need to find a home. So, when I brought up the idea of built-ins in the eaves, Ryan took the idea and ran. He and my brother used 18-inch-wide stock cabinetry to add storage to the unused space in the eaves. Our television will go above. Once the insulation and drywall goes up, it will all be flush. (We’re looking at adding storage elsewhere, too.)
We’ve got views.
The more we’re out there, the more excited we get to move. Honestly, I can live with 320 square feet for this. And I keep telling Ryan that if he makes it too nice, I may just wanna stay in the tiny apartment forever. 😉
What do you think of our progress? Do you see the potential?
(Also – do you enjoy these type of progress reports? I did them weekly for our second renovation and I’m trying to decide the best way to keep up with the barn remodel.)
Hello I’m in love with your staircase and would love to do something similar in my place.i was wondering where your husband found the measurement to build it
The barn staircase was built custom by my husband. He didn’t use any plans. Sorry I can’t be more help!
I catch myself feeling jealous of you guys! I just think this is such a cool idea, and what memories you will make during your time there. And your view is gorgeous. 🙂
Thank you! The view is seriously dreamy for me. And if you are ever jealous, just remember that it’s not at all romantic to sleep on a murphy bed in the kitchen. 😉 (But I’m still excited about it, too.)
Well, I’ve obviously been out of the loop for too long…I have no idea what is going on here! You are going to live there temporarily? Ack, I have to read your previous posts and get up to speed right now! PS – this looks amazing, the flush storage is just genius. You are a genius!
Ha. Keep up. We’re moving to the barn apartment until we finish building. (Which also means we’ll have to start building, but that’s another story entirely.)
The hope is that we can then sell our house and be on site during the build. Fingers crossed.
Kim – this is so awesome! I LOVE the weekly updates so yes, keep them coming! You inspire me every day!
Thank you so much for stopping by, Erin! I’m glad other people like the updates to the barn progress as much as I do.
Holy moly! This is AMAZING. Yes, I love these types of progress reports. It makes you appreciate the “after” so much more when you can see all the hard work going into it.
Awesome. Would love to have a barn getaway. Coming along nicely!
Well, you two may have to make a trip to Illinois and you can hang with the Woodwards!
It’s coming together so well, Kim. I can see it now! What a great idea to use pocket doors. And those built-ins are brilliant!
In. Cre. Di. Ble. The flush storage cabinets are my dream. You guys are so amazing!
You are so sweet. Thanks for the kind words.
you are going to LOVE living there. It may seem crazy to go to a small place like that, but think of all the open-ness around you! you guys are doing fantastic job too. props to your husband and his helpers!!
I know what you mean! I’m just so excited to get out there. Going from a tiny city yard to a 17 acre yard is just too much cool to handle.
Wow! That is going to be awesome! Love the view too 🙂 xo Kristin
Thanks, Kristin. I think I’d live in a teepee for that view.
Wow! It looks great. Sounds like y’all have it all figured out for this space. I would love to see updates as often as you want to do them.
Oh my that view is amazing. And you have come so far with everything. Great job on the stairs!
Thanks! The stairs were a very pleasant surprise for me. Wasn’t expecting them to be so awesome.
I LOVE all your pics and updates. Seeing the changes take place from the bare bones really gives me a feel for the work as well as gets my mind going for future possibilities as well! Keep ’em coming!
I just lurve that red barn. Please do updates as often as possible.
Absolutely keep the updates coming! The whole “building a place from scratch” thing is quite amazing to watch! ps. awesome stairs!
Love hearing about every step of the way, especially when there are storage ideas involved! Y’all are workin’ the dream. So happy for you!
The storage ideas have been the most fun to think about and plan. We have a few more ideas up our sleeves.
So cool! I can’t wait to see how it all turns out. I may have mentioned before, but Kevin and I lived in a tiny tiny condo (maybe 300-400 sq feet) for about 2 years together and it wasn’t too bad! The more space we have the more “stuff” we collect. This is so exciting!!
That’s awesome, Kelly! So it’s DOABLE! 😉
I hate the barn updates. Psych!! I’m here to echo what everyone else has said – pleas,e please, please give us updates! A weekly schedule is great or just when you feel like you’ve got something to share! It’s your blog, gurl (typo and it stays). Just know that we are all chomping at the bit to watch this place transform. Super exciting!!!!!
Thanks, gurl. Appreciate the stamp of approval.
That view is amazing! It’s coming along so nicely! I can’t wait to see it finished!
Me either.
This is seriously the coolest barn in the history of barns. Love your progress!
You are totally right. Doesn’t make it any easier to swallow, but I love the black roof.
I am loving your barn posts! I can’t wait to see how you make the space work for you. All the posts from the what your bring and the space setup in general! It’s turning out to be pretty incredible! I’m more excited about this than I should admit.
Thanks for the excitement! I’m so anxious to get it done and move in already. Ugh. I hate that I have to wait for things like water and electricity. Lame.
I love reading the barn updates. I’m SO impressed what the two of you can accomplish and it’s fun watching the transformation happen!
I can pretty much defer all compliments to my husband. But I’ve done a darn good job of bringing lunch and keeping the toddler busy. 😉
This is the coolest thing ever. Aaron and I day dream of turning our attic into a master suite, and it’s about the same square footage and layout of your barn apartment. Watching you guys actually execute this makes me think that we could ACTUALLY do our plan, instead of just talking about how cool it would be. I love seeing the progress, and the built ins are amazing! Hooray for maximized storage!
You can totally do it. LIke, how about this weekend? 😉
Space for one more? I’d love your barn progress, less is more and function, function, function. Kim it really looks great, maybe you could use the metal roofing somewhere on the interior? Keep the reports coming please.
Definitely going to repurpose the roofing – it’s just too cool to toss. We’re thinking of using it as the walls for the downstairs of the main barn to hide the insulation. Thanks for the encouragement!
The barn looks so cute and cozy! I LOVE your view and these updates! So fun to see how everything is progressing 🙂
Great job on the stairs! And…YES to more updates…
Love watching the progress. That view is incredible too.
I love the barn updates so keep them coming! Ryan did an amazing job on the stairs. Do you mind asking him if he has an idea of how much space he saved doing that as opposed to a common “L” staircase? My parents are adding an addition to their lake cabin and this type of stair case would be perfect for that.
Not exactly sure. It’s not a ton, but it was enough to avoid blocking a window. It also allowed us to have more headroom in the barn.
I love the updates! Keep them coming…so inspiring AND makes me want to live in a barn, in the country all.the.time. I like weekly updates!
So. Success. 🙂
I love your barn posts! We’re doing something similar on my parent’s farm–we took a flat-roofed barn and added a 2nd story and are now creating a tiny apartment for my grandparents to live in! I definitely need to post an update, but here’s what we’ve done so far: http://plantingsequoiasblog.com/tag/barn-remodeling/
Wow! That’s an amazing project! Love seeing your updates.
I love your barn updates.
The built-in storage is a genius idea!
I can’t wait to see this space when it’s finished!
LOVE the updates- and wow. You guys have gotten SO much done. Nice job on the stairs Ryan!! Love following your progress- thanks for sharing it all with us! 🙂
I wouldn’t mind daily updates. I’m a wee bit obsessed with this barn apartment of yours. However, you’re not allowed to live in it forever because I’m moving in as soon as you move into the house. ‘k? k.
I can’t wait to see this baby come to life! Also, the stairs are amazing. And perfect. Nice work, Ryan.
MY COMMENT POSTED!!! You have no idea how many comments my (work) network has eaten. I’m really excited about this.
I’m happy if you are happy, friend.
Love you. Can’t wait til you come and live in our barn. Wha wha? You can pay your way by collecting our eggs each morning and making us breakfast. Nick can come, too.
Yes, I love the updates – keep ’em coming! o:) It’s great getting to see thing things progress!
I am OBSESSED with your progress on this place! Seriously, I love the idea of actually seeing a family live in a small space and make it work. Our little house is giant by your barn-reno standards, but tiny by most other measures. We’re constantly coming up with ways to customize and maximize our space. And what better place to get inspiration from than people doing it in a REALLY small space! Heck, I’d even love to make a totally non-creepy visit out there someday. We pass by Rockford way every other month or so! Keep the updates coming!
I’d love the visit! We’re less than 2 hours from Rockford.
I also love picking up organizing ideas from others. There are so many ways to maximize space.
This is the coolest project I’ve ever seen unfold. It’s really coming along!
That view is ahhhhmazin….
I’m seriously having actual heart palpitations over those stairs. That man of yours is a CATCH!!! I am so excited for this space!!! Please keep updating us on the progress!!
The stairs actually made me scream with excitement. Gosh. Love them. Love him.
I love the built-ins, they’re brilliant! I too vote for weekly updates – it’s so fun to see a space come together step by step.
Thanks, Becky! I gotta get better about getting out there and taking pictures to share weekly.
Oh, Kim! You have gotten so much done! I can really envision the three of you living there now! And those stairs are awesome. Good thing you are married to such a smart fellow, I bet those weren’t easy to plan at all. I love your updates!
There was lots of graph paper and Google involved. 😉 And wine for me.
This looks so awesome!! Yes please keep posting updates!
Regular barn updates are the best! It’s easier to follow up later 🙂 It will be so cozy and nice up there, and might end up being SO nice that you never want to move out!
oh wow! you’ve been busy! it is really getting there!
I love your updates!! I like seeing the progress and what you have decided to do with building this from scratch (essentially)!!!
Yes, I love the barn updates!
I’m so excited about this barn renovation that I vote for weekly updates!
wow this is amazing! I am so envious of you but so excited for you too! yes pleas keep posting updates. I really really love reading posts like this. Your plan and living situation is so unconventional and sounds like exactly something my husband and I would dream up. You dont find many barn apartment renovations around so keep them coming.
Thank you! I think many of us are looking for ways to live with less. It will be a big, exciting challenge, but I’m excited!