WE BUILD LIFESTYLES NOT JUST HOMES

PHOTOS BY ALLISON ELEFANTE

PHOTOS BY ALLISON ELEFANTE

Designing pretty spaces is a given. Designing pretty spaces that are also functional and intentionally created to enhance a person's lifestyle is the real standard. Meet Blue Zone Spaces (BZS), a design and build firm focused on transforming their client’s lifestyles one space (or barn!) at a time.

PHOTOS BY ALLISON ELEFANTE

Creating intentionally designed spaces is a personal mission for the BZS founders. After being in the design and construction industry for nearly two decades, AJ Evenson, Kirk Evenson, and Avery Evenson Milarch felt the industry was ready for a more holistic approach to home improvement. BZS believes every aspect of a design should be completely custom and reflective of the respective homeowner’s desired lifestyle. “No two homes should be remotely the same because no two families live the same,” said Avery, Co-Founder and Designer. The BZS design

team takes the time to really get to know each and every one of their clients and understand their needs, passions, and desires for their lives, both in and out of their space. “Do they love to cook? Do they live a movement-focused lifestyle? Are they the go-to hosts for their respective community?” AJ, CEO and Principal Designer, explains the types of questions initially asked of clients during the design phase. Whatever fulfills their clients the most, BZS helps curate a design plan that prioritizes what is most important in a unique and timeless way.

PHOTOS BY ALLISON ELEFANTE

Barns are no exception and a niche that the BZS team has found themselves deep into. What started as a fun barn renovation at a personal property in Dexter, Michigan in 2021, has since bloomed into a labor of love that is now shared all around the country. The original BZS barn, which now houses the BZS Design Studio, was the catalyst, quickly garnering attention for its edgy black color and rustic modern stature. The barn’s social media buzz led to the inquiry and eventual project, The Franklin Barn, featured here in Franklin, Tennessee.

PHOTOS BY ALLISON ELEFANTE

The Franklin Barn is a special one. A once character-less storage space turned rustic glam party barn, the owners had a specific vision for the space and asked BZS to help bring their vision to reality. The space is multi-generational and contains spaces within the spaces for every member of the family to enjoy. From the gourmet kitchen to the patio and firepit, to the kids' play space. Every member of the family has a space they can make themselves right at home. “The owners are very devoted family members. They wanted to create a space they could enjoy for years to come. A place to create memories and spend holidays and memorable moments with their children and grandchildren,” AJ said. The project culminated the week of Thanksgiving, and the BZS team styled the barn for the owners to host their first holiday there. Down to the name cards and table settings, the design team pulled together every detail with the owners to make the first holiday at The Franklin Barn one to remember.

PHOTOS BY ALLISON ELEFANTE

PHOTOS BY ALLISON ELEFANTE

Converting barns to more modern and functional spaces while also maintaining the barn’s elemental feel is a tricky task that the BZS team loves about barn projects. Heating and cooling the structure is essential, which means insulation is also important. To maintain the barn’s rustic character, BZS opted to repurpose barn wood from both the existing barn and other local barns to use as the wall and ceiling treatment over insulation. Stylistically, creating a balance between rustic character and modern glam was the BZS design team’s goal, while allowing nature to spill in whenever possible. Large glass windows and French doors line the walls of the barn, allowing the hosting space to extend out into the cohesively designed yard and pool area.

The decor selections were equally as intentional as the construction finishes. The BZS team incorporated both treasured pieces of the homeowner’s, as well as repurposed items and decor from local Franklin shops to pull the space together. Riverside Franklin, PD’s, and JJ Ashley all helped the BZS team source both new and repurposed items that fit the ambiance of the barn. “Sourcing locally when possible is incredibly important to our team, from both a sustainability standpoint and also to support other small businesses,” Avery explained. “Every detail was intentionally thought out with our clients in order to create a unique space that they were sure to love for years to come.”

The company’s rapid growth over the past few years indicates the market agrees with and appreciates the shift in design perspective from the BZS team. With growing requests for barns and other projects from all over the country and future plans for a satellite office in Franklin, the Michigan-based company is honored to help so many homeowners prioritize and transform their well-being through the power of design.

Forproject inquiries,please contact hello@bluezonespaces.com. Follow themon socialmedia at @bluezonespaces to see other inspiring projects.