This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.

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!!

Add a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. Such a beautiful space for your new home! You really don’t have to explain yourself Tieghan, you are obviously a hardworking young lady, and as someone who still lives at home with her parents, sometimes being that close to your family all the time is work in itself! It will be so great for you to have your own creative and living space. I can’t wait to see what flourishes in this new exciting home for you 🙂

  2. I kinda love it that you wanted to explain yourself because it shows that you know that you are in a special circumstance and blessed more than most. That humility is a good thing. While all your supporters are right to encourage you and say not to worry about what others think, your post shows that you are a grateful and not-spoiled person. Way to go young lady! Brava and good luck! We are all excited for you and can’t wait to see how your home progresses. And kudos to your parents who obviously raised a lovely, appreciative, and talented young lady.

  3. I think this is wonderful and you absolutely deserve any and all love. Rich or poor I know all parents would want to support and nourish their children regardless of how that looks.

    Would you ever think of opening a B&B (not necessarily in your splendid barn)? Cook glorious breakfasts and blog all day to amuse your guests!

  4. I am looking forward to seeing what you do with this space. It’s such an amazing spot, and it’s wonderful that your parents are so supportive of your dreams and goals.

  5. Yep, you do not have to explain anything to anyone – it’s your project, your future home, and with your parents help or not – you are working your ass off. No judgment from a blogger who is old enough to be your Momma! 😀

  6. good luck with the renovation! the space looks amazing. and don’t worry about what others think.. do what makes YOU happy!

  7. LOVE the Barn and your story! You are Blessed to have a family who cares about you! Who knows what this will bring … maybe a new show on the Television Food Network filmed from your renovated barn! You obviously are very talented!

  8. This is so unbelievably exciting! I mean for you… but also for me to live vicariously through you, haha! I don’t believe there is one person that doesn’t think you totally deserve this. It’s obvious you are an unbelievably hard worker, grateful, and humble 🙂

  9. Anyone who reads your blog regularly knows you’re so hard working and deserving of all good things that come your way so just enjoy your new project it sounds awesome and please continue to share your photos and progress updates with us….I love the barn.

      1. Delicious Happens – Aw… I agree! She was my best pal! (For those of you who don’t know me – Micki was my dog – a beautiful Sheltie – who was my best pal for almost 16 years! The girl loved her toast!)

  10. Pictures: beautiful
    Story: a lot like me
    Barn: fantasticly great potential
    Bonus: Picture of your Dad! Yay!

    Good luck, and keep up the good work!

  11. dont ever feel bad.as long as you show love,appreciation for things your given then your not spoilt just a lucky lady…everyone would take this opportunity.im very jealous!!but love it.
    we arent all so lucky but i wanted to write and just say that doesnt mean for that reason we dont think this is a swell chance and you are still a great person for taking it.and brave for taking it on eh!!i for one just cant wait to see it finshed.

  12. Your story resonates with me, as I’m sure it does with many others. Most of us experience the worry of judgement. Banish those thoughts and succumb to the incredibly exciting process of planning your beautiful new space! If its before state is any indication, it’s going to have inherent character with unusual appealing touches, just like your recipes. Best wishes!

  13. Don’t explain yourself…you owe no one an explanation.

    If I had the opportunity I would jump at it as well. And if your parents ever sell their home/property they can call the renovated barn an in-law suite. So really you’re helping your parents out. 😉 Best of luck with the renovations!