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Lots and lots of photos and words ahead.

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

The process of renovating the barn and making it my home is finally moving along. I could not be more excited about it or feel more grateful for the opportunity and experience.

I have to say that I have had so many mixed feelings about how much to share about the project in fear of what people would think. I know there are probably many people who may think of me as a spoiled twenty year old with rich parents who are building her a house. Yes, my parents are helping me renovate this barn into something amazing. I mean I am only twenty so my savings just can’t possibly be that big.  But my family’s not loaded (how can you be with seven kids?), and I will be paying rent. We just work hard…well, some of the brothers like to play equally hard.

It’s definitely something that I am sure is hard not to think “Oh, she’s just living off her daddy and breezing through life”. In fact I am pretty sure I would assume the same thing.

My situation is very unique. While most of the kids I went to middle school and a little bit of high school with are off at college right now, doing what college students do. I am cooking, baking, photographing and struggling like crazy to try to be a sub par writer, doing what I truly love. I chose to speed through college and get my degree before starting this blog because school is just not my thing, never has been. For the first time in my life I am genuinely happy with where I am at. Most of the time I am a total basket case and stressed out, but I would not have it any other way.

When I started Half Baked Harvest, I did it because I loved cooking for my family and being creative in ways that also benefited other people. Did I think anyone would ever read it? HECK NO. I never in a million years would have thought that this is where I would be or what I would be doing at twenty. Doing something that I love, that I am passionate about and makes me happy (well unless my brain is malfunctioning and incapable of thinking of good recipes, that’s the worst).

In starting Half Baked Harvest I also discovered a new love of photography. Ok well, sometimes I love it and other times I hate it, but I love learning and trying to be better with every photo I take. I am not a person who wants to sit at a desk all day or who even physically can. An example, yesterday I had tons of computer work to do, so I sat looking at my screen all day. By five o’ clock I just could not focus any longer. I actually started jumping all around my brothers trying to annoy them. They thought it was so weird, so not me and so bazaar. It was.

Anyway, my point it that I am more than a tad different from most and even though I personally do not feel that renovating this barn is something I have earned, my parents do, and they want to help me do it. Sure, I could most definitely get an apartment, and have thought very hard about that, but why do that when I could do this? That would be just plain stupid. So from here on out I have decided to try (I say try because it is impossible for me to completely not care about what others are thinking) to be confident with who I am and what I am doing. To try to not think too much about the future and what could happen or could not. The biggest hurdle for me, the “what if I fail”. So much easier said (written) than done though. Maybe if I write it and say it enough, I will actually think it.

Alrighty though, about the barn now! Plans have been drawn and  I have the picture in my head. It is something so unique and so amazing. I hope to share the drawings with you soon, but for now I have the before photos of the barn. We are applying for all the necessary permits now and if all goes well, building will start in June and end in September…if all goes well! I hear these building projects can hit snags, so I am trying not to get September stuck in my head as move in month… but I’m hoping!

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

Above is the outside. That garage door is going to become a beautiful door, and that door leading to the upstairs will be one big window allowing for tons of light.

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

A creepy, but cool, post that I am hoping will be incorporated into the final plans. All the little details obviously have not yet been finalized, but we’re getting there.

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

Behind those gates will be the kitchen with one giant island. My goal is tons and tons of counter space!

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

That’s dad. AKA the guy who helps me the most (READ: dishwasher) and surprisingly has great ideas for this place.

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

Where that cool door is, the big farm sink will sit. So excited about this sink.

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

Welcome to Spring right? I took these photos yesterday. UGH.

Snow please stop, so I can show you all the pretty views I have from the sink.

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

This giant room will be the pantry. Also so exited about this. It is going to be a very cool pantry and I cannot wait to show you my ideas for this space.

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

The Barn: Before | halfbakedharvest.com

This is the upstairs where my bedroom will go. It’s going to be small, but I am good with that. As long as I have my kitchen!

So there you go. It’s hard to truly tell the size from these photos, but over time you’ll get the feel. If you have any ideas and or suggestions fire away. I would love to hear them!!

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Comments

  1. People who allow themselves to be vulnerable by putting their work out there, are the happiest and most fulfilled 🙂 You’re very brave! Totally agree with your parents that you deserve this! Can’t wait to see it when it’s finished!

  2. Oh dear girl, you needn’t be so hard on yourself. You are crazy talented and it’s clear that you work your bum off to make this space as fantastic as it is. You deserve every corner of that beautiful barn as your home. Can’t wait to see it all come together (especially that kitchen — counter space and farm sinks are my jam)!

    1. Thank you so much, Stephanie!! You are the sweetest and your support is awesome!!

      Oh and counter space + farm sinks = awesome!

  3. You seem like an extremely hard-working, appreciative, kind, person. You cannot worry about what others think. It will make you crazy!!! As for renovations….I’ve spent the last decade renovating property and remodeled my kitchen a few years ago (it’s still not done argh!) and my biggest pieces of advice for your kitchen, that I love about mine, is to put the biggest possible island in you can afford and/or the space will allow. Then put tons of outlets in it. And allow for as much seating as possible. Comfortable seating with an 18 inch overhang so you don’t bang your knees when you sit down (12 inch overhang is not comfortable at all to sit at). I also put in a 2 bay farmhouse sink. I love it! It’s deep, huge and I can load it with dishes. I got mine at Ikea and it was very affordable. Hope that helps. Good luck with the project!

    1. Thank you so much, Jenn!!

      I already have a big island with seating all planned out. No appliance go on the island because I want the work space! Also, the sink!! So excited about this. I am going for a big farm house one too!

      Thanks again!

  4. I am so excited for you! I never, for one iota of a second, thought that you were breezing through life living off your parents. Blogging is hard work. It takes more time than I could have imagined. In fact, if I had imagined it would take this much time, I might not have started!! I assumed you and your blog were so successful that you were able to make a career of it. And I was super proud of you (yes, I realize I don’t know you) and happy for you because you are so young, yet had already found your passion!

    Your barn is super cool! I can’t wait to see the progress updates as you transform it into your home and personal cooking paradise! The horse post is really unique and you should definitely keep it!

    1. Blogging is such hard work and if I would have known, I probably would have been to scared to start too! Haha! So happy I did though. 🙂

      Thank you so much for the kind words and reading along. It means a lot! Thanks Lindsey!

  5. This is going to be an amazing space. You’re so lucky to be so close to your family. Don’t worry about explaining choices and judgment! We love you for you and that’s why we love your blog.

  6. Don’t make excuses! You’re doing what’s right for you and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! I am so looking forward to watching this barn transform into your dream, so keep us posted on the progress along the way !!! Ps – sent you an email about photography – please reply when you can – I know you’re busy!! Thanks Tieghan!

    1. Thank you so much, Kathy!! I love reading you comments everyday and am excited to share tons of photos with you all!! Thanks again!

      Oh and I never received your email? Would you mind re-sending it? Sorry for the trouble!

  7. I’m so excited for you, Tieghan! Your future kitchen looks like it’s going to be a dream. And you’re amazing at what you do and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

  8. This is going to be amazing! I can’t wait to see updates on the progress. And you are more independent, devoted, and hard-working than most 20 year olds! Doing what you love is so important, and I think you are amazing at what you do on this blog! Keep it up!

  9. Love this barn! I can’t wait to see where you take the place, it’s going to be beautiful! Keep positing update and pics please!

  10. Girl, I am so excited for you – and you really have no reason to defend yourself! It’s clear that you do what you love and you are GOOD at what you love. I wish I’d known this was my path when I was your age (OMG how old does that make me sound?!) Anyway, I am stoked beyond belief to see the after photos! It’s going to be gorgeous!

    1. Heather, thank you so much! You comment means a lot and I am so exited about my path and that I know what I want. I was always afraid when I was younger that I would never know what I wanted to do with my life, but I am so lucky and fortunate for the way things turned out. Thanks again!!

  11. Love the barn. I’m so happy for you to be working over such a neet place. Loved the picts. Keep updateing.

  12. Do not worry about what others think. Even if your parents did have lots of money and give you all this, it is no ones business. Good grief it is your parents business to do what they want to do for their children. After all, who works for their money and pays their bills? They do!!!!

    The barn is so pretty and I can’t wait to see more pics as it progresses. Thanks for sharing!!!!

  13. you don’t need ot make excuses or worry what others think – ever. If you feel that a decision is right be at peace with it. Everyone’s life is different and everyone’s path is different – and I don’t think you could be anything like the overindulged kid you fear people see you as if you tried REALLY hard – you work hard and spend a lot of time taking care of those in your life as well – most 20 year olds can barely take care of themselves and feed themselves from convenience stores and restaurants – relax – enjoy – it’s going to be a fabulous place!

  14. Hey Girl!

    1. You owe NOBODY an explanation. I find myself sometimes in the same situation as you (oh her parents must have given her that this and whatever). Truth is we work HARD. While friends are relaxing at home after work I start my second job. Don’t let yourself be consumed or held back with what other people thing. Those who are not happy for you are not your friends.

    2. That barn is AMAZING please please please keep posting pictures of progress! That is probably one of the most cool barns i’ve ever seen.

    Keep it up!