Introduction: A Modern Take on Agrarian Heritage

Nestled in the pastoral landscape of Sonoma County, the Hommeboys’ 1970s Barn-Style Showroom Residence offers a masterclass in adaptive reuse and contemporary rural living. Once a derelict agricultural barn, the structure has been meticulously transformed by the design duo Alex and Austin of Hommeboys Interiors into a dynamic live-work environment. Guided by a deep appreciation of Sonoma’s agrarian heritage and a refined material sensibility, the project demonstrates how considered architectural revival can fuse heritage with innovation.

Historical Context and Regional Significance

Originally constructed in the 1970s, the barn stood as a utilitarian structure within a working compound—a vernacular form emblematic of Sonoma’s agricultural and winemaking traditions. These barns, with their exposed timber framing and open volumes, were designed for practicality rather than aesthetics. The Hommeboys saw an opportunity to reimagine this space not by erasing its past, but by celebrating it, drawing upon the barn’s inherent spatial qualities and material authenticity.

Their vision was both preservationist and progressive: retain the building’s fundamental structure while layering in new uses and sensibilities that reflect modern lifestyles and sustainable building practices.

Key Design Principles: A Synthesis of Past and Present

Preservation and Transformation

One of the foundational moves in the Hommeboys renovation was to maintain the original scale and structural framework of the barn. The exposed timber trusses and open plan layout continue to generate a sense of volume and agrarian authenticity, while the envelope has been carefully updated to meet current performance standards. Large picture windows pierce the façades, funneling in daylight and forging connections to the surrounding olive groves and native gardens.

Layering and Materiality

The interior detailing exemplifies a philosophy of “layered luxury,” matching rustic textures with refined finishes. Reclaimed wood siding, vintage steel fixtures, and waxed Venetian plaster create a tactile dialogue that bridges time periods. Earthy color palettes—rich chocolates, olive greens, and soft ochres—ground the spaces while contributing to the serene ambience. Plush textiles and custom cabinetry lend domestic warmth without compromising the industrial honesty of the space.

Live-Work Integration

Responding to evolving work habits and creative needs, the Hommeboys crafted a distinctly hybrid program. The upper level houses their residential quarters while the ground level serves as both a design studio and custom cabinetry workshop. This duality supports in-situ experimentation, allowing the designers to prototype built-ins, millwork, and furnishings directly within their living environment—a rare and productive convergence of habitation and creation.

Indoor-Outdoor Continuity

A defining feature of the renovation is its fluid relationship between interior and landscape. Expansive picture windows and globally sourced vintage doors connect each living area to curated garden spaces—dense plantings of succulents, native Californian flora, and vegetable beds. This permeability fosters both environmental responsiveness and psychological well-being, illustrating best practices in biophilic design.

Technical Specifications and Techniques

Structural Upgrades and Envelope Performance

While retaining the barn’s original framing, the renovation likely included critical upgrades to meet seismic requirements, as well as improved insulation to address California’s energy efficiency codes (Title 24). Thermal bridging was mitigated using advanced sheathing systems and updated fenestration strategies, with double-glazed windows replacing older units for optimal light control and thermal comfort.

Material Palette and Adaptive Reuse

Reflecting broader sustainable trends, the Hommeboys incorporated extensively reclaimed materials throughout the residence. Recycled timber joists and repurposed sheet metal reduce the building’s embodied carbon, while antique doors from France and Italy highlight the global reach and aesthetic potential of architectural salvage. This deliberate material strategy supports durability, cultural resonance, and environmental stewardship.

Lighting and Programming

Natural lighting is maximized not just through window placement but also via interior color decisions, which absorb and reframe daylight across surfaces. In the evenings, the home comes alive with layered lighting—pendant fixtures over workspaces, dimmable sconces for ambient mood, and targeted task lighting in workshop zones. This nuanced lighting design reinforces the showroom’s dual function as both a private residence and an experimental design hub.

Iterative Detailing Through In-House Fabrication

A key advantage of the showroom model is the ability to test ideas in real time. The cabinetry shop at ground level is a proving ground for new forms and joinery techniques. Custom vanities, integrated shelving, and one-off furniture pieces are not only designed but built on-site, creating a feedback loop between design intent and spatial experience.

Comparative Context and Global Parallels

North America: Authenticity in Adaptive Reuse

The Hommeboys project aligns closely with barn conversions in regions like Hudson Valley, Upstate Vermont, and Ontario, where designers are transforming rural outbuildings into modern homes. These interventions typically retain volumetric integrity while layering new systems and aesthetics onto existing shells. In these cases, authenticity is preserved not by strict restoration, but by embracing the building’s past while expanding its capabilities.

Australia: Passive Design and Climatic Response

Projects such as “The Keep” by Inarc Architects in Tasmania exemplify a similar ethos. Here, designers inserted contemporary dwellings inside heritage carcasses, relying on passive solar orientation, thermal massing, and natural ventilation to mediate harsh climates. This strategy not only preserves heritage fabric but also enhances energy performance—a lesson increasingly relevant in wildland-urban interfaces like Sonoma.

Europe: Contrasts Between Old and New

Across the UK, France, and the Netherlands, barn conversions often employ a clear dialogic strategy: leaving stone or timber walls untouched while inserting minimalist, high-performance interiors. These projects are negotiations between preservation ordinances and modern comfort needs, pushing designers to balance tradition with transformation. Hommeboys’ Sonoma residence fits squarely within this international paradigm, offering a uniquely Californian version of the archetype.

Practical Insights for Architects and Homeowners

• Respect for Original Structure: Retaining defining elements like trusses, floor plans, and window openings maintains authenticity and architectural integrity.
• Layering Style and Function: Combine tactile materials like reclaimed wood and steel with warm, contemporary palettes to create welcoming, lived-in atmospheres.
• Flexible Zoning: Hybrid spatial planning is becoming essential in residential design. Include zones that support home offices, studios, or creative labs to future-proof layouts.
• Landscape Integration: Maximize connectivity to outdoor spaces through careful positioning of openings, transitional thresholds, and supporting garden design.
• Use Design as Prototype: For designers and builders, treating the home as a lab for ongoing material or product experimentation can elevate both creative possibilities and client offerings.

Conclusion: A Case Study in Context-Driven Revival

The Hommeboys’ 1970s Barn-Style Showroom Residence in Sonoma exemplifies what is possible when heritage, material craft, and programmatic flexibility converge. More than a home, it is a narrative of preservation and innovation—one that challenges static definitions of dwelling and workspace. As more designers and homeowners embrace adaptive reuse, particularly in rural or peri-urban environments, this project stands as a beacon of how thoughtful intervention can breathe new life into old frameworks, without overshadowing their past.

From North America to Europe and Australia, barn conversions continue to evolve—each informed by local tradition, climate, and creative ambition. The Hommeboys offer a distinctly Californian perspective in this global lineage, revealing that the best design doesn’t just respond to context—but builds upon it.