Transforming a rustic barn into a high-end event space is a magical journey where timeless charm meets modern elegance. Whether you are designing a space like this for yourself to entertain or are a investment property /air - bnb owner, you will find info here to level up your barn or rustic space.
Picture the fusion of weathered wooden beams with sparkling chandeliers, cozy nooks dressed in luxurious fabrics, and the warm glow of ambient lighting highlighting every unique detail. This metamorphosis not only elevates the aesthetic but also creates an enchanting atmosphere, perfect for unforgettable celebrations. Join us as we explore the creative process, design choices, and inspirational ideas that turn a simple barn into a sophisticated haven for any event.
This particular client ( Genesis Ranch) approached us as they continue to work on their newly purchased venue and retreat in phases. The venue comprises a pavilion designed to host dinners and dances for up to 200 guests, a ceremony space on a grassy knoll, a 4 bedroom/7 bed main house, and a barn. At the time, the barn served as a transitional space for guests, functioning as either a welcome area or an in-between spot for a bar and appetizers. It was bare bones and unfinished, awaiting its transformation.
As we assessed the client the venue owner was wanting to market to and the types of event clients they were getting at current moment we knew we were absolutely perfect to help up level a space that to many could feel like a brick wall when it comes to design.
We began by drawing inspiration from various places we’ve traveled to and admired. A notable source of inspiration was the small chapel at the Montage resort in Palmetto Bluff, SC, where Justin and Hailey Bieber were married. Years ago, we visited this location, and it left a lasting impression on us. We love incorporating coastal design elements into our projects whenever possible. Although the chapel at Palmetto Bluff is not a barn like the one we were working on, its beauty reminded me of our project, perhaps because the venue is named after a chapter in the Bible. The book of Genesis (meaning "in the beginning").
For the design presentation to the client, I pulled elements of clean crisp look and envisioned leather and metal moments in furniture but bringing in light and texture with other fabrics. Design is all about balance and bringing in elements of masculine and feminine.
Sometimes even when a client has a budget we have to break a room down into phases to get movement or to just start. Not leaving things totally undone but getting a jump on things and then we can add more fixtures or seating a few months down the road .
So we presented the must haves to make the most impact to get started and so the client could be as much in budget as possible to start.
We presented our top three options in fabrics , colors, and fixtures. Then made recommendations of paint both inside and out. As well as signage ideas and minor landscaping.
Once each item was selected and we element to work getting all of the pieces shipped to us for assembly and then installing it all together over the course of a few days.
To add masculine elements we dedicided to do leather these versatile bar stools to go with the rustic wood long high top tables. Right now they are pushed against the wall but can be configured in a variety of ways to make the barn look like a real cocktail bar and lounge.
Bar
Another design element that was important to the client was something that would create storage that was a bit more elegant to display bottles and glassware than just a wood table for behind the bar. We suggested bringing in a long and tall shelving unit that is more display oriented. Also is great for use as a self serve bar if a client wanted it. Ideally I would like to see two of these in the space and have led ambient lighting behind the shelves but we are starting with one to see how it goes for service.
Lighting
On the outside we discussed really playing into a vintage style with a coach light or addign to ehat they already had goign in the larger event space with black farm house lights. One of the most challenging parts of lighting this particular space is there was virtually no power running to it. This meant solar and battery lights are the only option. We opted for these solar farm house sconces. I was pleaseantly surpriosed at how bright they are. They turn on automatically and have three settings
For lighting on the inside I did recommend sconces on the posts that are battery operated.
Windows
To soften the space and make it feel complimentary to the house and the pavilion we added semi sheer lightweight curtains to 10 windows in the small space.
Moving foward adding these privacy films that look like stained glass would be a great design addition and plays into the chapel feel of the barn that the cleint was attracted to.
The client was going to paint the entire space inside and out white so we created mockups of what that woudl look like with our new design features. One other design detail we should mention we did was 4 very large planters on each side of each door. They were light weight but look like concrete and lends to a modern touch we were going for.
And our phase one of this space is complete.
The client said they will take our recommendations that include outdoor lighting, additional seating, and painting to move forward on the design. we can’t wait to show you what phase two of this design looks like in the future.
If you want help designing or redesigning your space, venue or air bnb, reach out to ADORE by clicking here to set up your design consult.
Until next time:
Live life being adored!
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