Owning a shouse, short for shophouse, is like having the best of both worlds — a home and a business all in one. This combination allows for living and working in the same space, which can be a great advantage for small business owners or anyone who wants to live and work from home.
Nowadays, it is common for shouses to include a workshop as well as additional storage space adjacent to the living space. No matter how you utilize the extra space, you will be able to seamlessly integrate your workshop, whether it is used for business or recreational activities, with your home.
Many people confuse a shouse with a barndominium. A shouse is actually a type of barndo in which, instead of being connected to a barn, your house is connected to a workshop. The appeal of barndos still applies with a shouse, including affordability, customizability, and the rustic charm that country living offers with all the modern amenities you require in today’s home.
If you were on the fence about building a barndo, you may want to consider building a shouse. Below are some great shouse ideas to get you inspired and decide if this is the house you’re looking for.
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1. Aim for Sleek and Modern
This North Dakota Shouse by BD Construction Co is truly one-of-a-kind. The minimalist and sleek black design set the house apart from the crowd, resulting in a truly elegant and classy design that transforms the traditional barndominium look into something truly modern.
Its wooden accents, plants, and homey interior, in contrast with the striking black, induces a grounded feel that is still connected to the natural surroundings and reminds you that it is a family barndo home.
The shop area of this shouse consists of a 3-car garage with two-story ceilings to let in ample amounts of natural light. On at least one side of the house is additional storage space, allowing for plenty of work to be done, making this the country dream house for many.
2. Give Your Home a Modern Rustic Charm
A modern rustic interior creates a comfortable and stylish space for a shouse as it combines the natural beauty of wood with the sleek lines of contemporary design.
This look is perfect for those who want to enjoy a cozy, homey atmosphere with a modern touch. It is possible to create a modern rustic interior by using natural materials like wood, stone, and metal, and choosing earthy tones like brown, green, and beige.
The geometric shapes, clean lines, and metallic finishes provide the necessary balance to the wood elements. Textured and airy fabrics, on the other hand, contribute to the warmth and welcoming feel of this style.
3. Add a Pop of Color
There are a lot of houses and barns that have a clean neutral look or that are usually understated in design. So, instead of sticking with the usual, what about adding some personality to your home and adding a pop of color that you love? In this case, the blue complements the white beautifully, yet still stands out in the open field.
You can also see that the symmetrical and functional appearance of the home retains a sense of farmhouse style that is reminiscent of country living. In any case, you are free to customize the home in any way you desire, which only emphasizes the versatility that shouses offer to homeowners.
4. Embrace the Farmhouse Look
Adding a farmhouse style to your home can give it a sleek, minimalist look while also making it cozy and inviting. Plus, the farmhouse design comes naturally for shouses because it seamlessly blends the country living lifestyle with your modern needs.
A rustic farmhouse look never goes out of fashion, and it can be adapted to suit any home. Farmhouse design is all about creating a warm and inviting space with plenty of character. In this case, the red barn look has been applied with a clean design to give it a modern yet traditional feel.
There are many elements that can go into a farmhouse design, but some of the most common features include shiplap walls, rustic furniture, and exposed beams. It is also easy to add a lively touch to your home’s exterior when you combine antique finds with natural finishes.
5. Your Workshop Can Be Anything
The shop in a shophouse refers to a workshop, and although it is commonly interpreted as a large open garage, you can customize your shop area in any way you like!
A large space like this can be used for whatever you want, whether it is a professional workspace, an office, an art studio, a home gym, and many more. In other words, whether that be for business or for fun, you are free to use it for whatever purpose you desire.
Shouse Ideas: Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! A shouse is a great way to combine a traditional home and a workspace. The possibilities for customizing your shouse are endless, as you’re free to convert your home into a modern abode or a traditional farmhouse, for a fraction of the price of a typical home.
Whether you’re looking for extra income or just a place to hang your hat, this type of dwelling could be perfect for you.
Interested? Take a look at our open floor plans that can be customized to fit your dream home perfectly.
If you would like more guides like this one, check out the rest of BarndominiumLife.com. There, you will find more helpful tips and tricks from the pros. You will also find featured barndominiums, barndominium floor plans, and information on financing and insurance. Knowing as much as you can will help you get the best results for your dream home.
Noah Edis is a passionate staff writer at Barndominium Life, a leading online resource for all things barndominium. With years of experience in the writing industry, Noah has made a name for himself as a skilled storyteller and a knowledgeable authority on the topic of barndominiums.
Noah’s interest in barndominiums began when he stumbled upon the concept while researching alternative housing options. Intrigued by the rustic charm and functionality of these converted barns, he soon became obsessed with the idea of living in one himself. He spent countless hours researching the construction, design, and decorating aspects of barndominiums, and soon became an expert on the topic.
As a staff writer at Barndominium Life, Noah enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for these unique homes with others. He has written numerous articles covering a wide range of topics, from the history of barndominiums to the best ways to decorate them. Noah’s writing is informative, engaging, and always on-trend, making him a valuable asset to the Barndominium Life team.
Noah is a graduate of the University of British Columbia, where he earned a degree in English Language and Literature. When he’s not writing about barndominiums, he can be found exploring the great outdoors, trying new restaurants, or spending time with his family and friends. Noah is dedicated to his craft and is always striving to improve his writing skills and knowledge of the barndominium lifestyle.
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