Luxury Starts at the Front Door

Patrick Brooks
Nov 4
3 min read

The High-End Entryway Upgrades That Transform Your Entire Home

By PB & J’s Contracting | Western NC

When someone enters your home, they form a perception in seconds. They notice the feel of the door, the lighting, the scale of the ceiling, and the craftsmanship at every edge. The entryway is the first space that communicates the standard of the home, and luxury homes always make a strong first impression.

At PB & J’s Contracting, we specialize in designing and building entryways that elevate the entire home through craftsmanship, detail, and intentional design. The following guide outlines how a high-end foyer renovation creates impact, improves home value, and enhances everyday living.

I. The Door: The First Handshake of the Home

The entry door is the clearest signal of quality. The weight, swing, insulation, and detailing should match the level of luxury inside.

Recommended high-end materials include:

Solid hardwoods (white oak, walnut)
Steel or iron with insulated glass
Oversized pivot doors
High-performance composite doors with architectural detail

Home style pairings:

Modern Mountain: black steel pivot door with clear glass
Traditional Luxury: carved hardwood door with sidelights and transom
European Transitional: natural white oak with an arched glass panel

Typical investment range: $8,500–$25,000 depending on size, hardware, and custom features.

A premium door immediately communicates craftsmanship and performance.

II. The Foyer: Volume, Flow, and Architectural Presence

A high-end foyer creates a moment of arrival. Scale, sightlines, and proportion define the space.

Key architectural considerations:

Increased ceiling height or applied ceiling design
Wide-plank wood or stone entry flooring
Open visual corridors toward the living spaces
Minimal yet refined furniture placement

Best applications:

Modern: clean lines, artistic focal lighting, minimal décor
Craftsman/Mountain: warm wood, natural stone, built-in benches
Classic Estate: grand staircase, paneled walls, gallery artwork

Typical investment range: $12,000–$65,000+ depending on structural and finish upgrades.

A well-designed foyer sets the tone and expectation for the entire home.

III. Lighting: The Difference Between Ordinary and Exceptional

Lighting defines luxury through clarity, warmth, and visual hierarchy.

Recommended layered lighting design:

One statement chandelier serving as the architectural focal point
Wall sconces for warmth and depth
Accent lighting for highlighting millwork or art
Smart lighting systems that adjust by time of day

Home style pairings:

Contemporary: sculptural LED chandeliers
Mountain: artisan iron fixtures with warm color temperature
Transitional: neutral-toned statement lighting with subtle metal accents

Investment breakdown:

Fixtures: $2,000–$20,000+
Professional installation and control system integration: $1,500–$6,500

Lighting is the most immediate visual cue of luxury craftsmanship.

IV. Trim and Millwork: The Quiet Indicator of Luxury

The best foyers reveal attention to detail through precise, intentional millwork.

Recommended millwork enhancements:

Wainscoting or picture-frame molding
Deep baseboards and upgraded door casings
Fluted or slatted accent walls
Curved or arched openings
Hidden storage and custom built-ins

Match by style:

European Traditional: layered molding profiles and tall wainscoting
Modern: clean reveals and shadow lines
Mountain Estate: natural stained white oak or walnut

Typical investment range: $4,000–$30,000+ depending on coverage and material quality.

Millwork is where poor craftsmanship is most obvious and where excellence becomes unforgettable.

V. Flooring: The Foundation of Luxury

Flooring should be durable, visually impactful, and aligned with the home’s architecture.

Recommended materials:

Wide-plank hardwood with matte or oil finish
Marble or natural stone for added drama
Custom borders and inlays to distinguish the entry

Typical investment range: $10,000–$35,000+ based on material and subfloor preparation.

Luxury flooring adds elegance underfoot and grounds the entry space with timeless sophistication.

VI. Hidden Technology: Convenience Without the Clutter

Smart home systems should operate invisibly in luxury spaces.

Recommended integrations:

Keyless smart locks with multi-point security
Concealed security cameras and sensors
Motion-responsive lighting scenes
Communication between door, lighting, and HVAC systems

Typical investment range: $2,500–$12,000 depending on system complexity.

Technology should enhance the experience without interrupting the design.

VII. Entryway Renovation Investment Guide

A luxury entryway consistently provides high emotional and market returns. It is the most influential space per square foot in determining perceived home value.

Approximate investment tiers:

High-end refresh: $8,000–$25,000(New lighting, trim upgrades, flooring refinements)
Full foyer transformation: $25,000–$80,000+(Custom door, millwork, smart lighting, flooring, architectural upgrades)
Custom pivot/iron door installation alone: $8,500–$25,000+

High-quality upgrades here directly reinforce home value and buyer perception.