Luxury Starts at the Front Door

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. 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. This 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.

VIII. Why First Impressions Matter

A luxury entryway impacts:

• Day-to-day enjoyment

• Resale value and competitive differentiation

• How your home reflects personal success and lifestyle

  
  

Luxury should be experienced immediately. The entry signals attention to detail, pride of ownership, and thoughtful design.

IX. Enhancing Your Home's Value

Investing in a high-end entryway not only enhances your living experience but also increases your home's market value. A well-designed entryway can be a significant selling point when it comes time to list your home. Buyers often look for homes that make a strong first impression, and a luxurious entryway can set your property apart from others on the market.

The Long-Term Benefits of Entryway Renovations

Renovating your entryway can lead to long-term benefits. Not only does it improve the aesthetic appeal of your home, but it also enhances functionality. A well-planned entryway can make daily routines smoother, providing a welcoming space for family and guests alike.

Creating a Lasting Impression

Remember, the entryway is the first thing people see when they visit your home. It’s your chance to showcase your style and attention to detail. Whether you opt for a modern look or a more traditional feel, the right upgrades can create a lasting impression.

PB & J’s Contracting — Mastering the Art of Arrival

From custom millwork to high-end doors to lighting that transforms architectural space, we build entryways that leave a lasting impression.

Serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding Western NC regions.

Contact Us:

• Phone: 828-989-5175

• Email: info@pbjcontracting.com

• Website: www.pbjcontracting.com

  
  

Your home deserves a better first impression. PB & J’s Contracting is ready to design and build it.