Designing timber frame entryways requires the right balance of careful planning and creative play. It’s an opportunity to consider the purpose of a specific entry point—such as the front door versus the garage—and to create a pleasing space that supports that purpose. A well-designed entryway welcomes while setting the stage for the rest of the home.
Let’s look at some of the most popular entryway designs and some of the factors that go into our design process for entryways at Hamill Creek. With years of experience and a variety of entryway addition plans to choose from, we are your source for timber frame home additions that bring out the best in your beautiful home.
What Types of Timber Frames are Best for Entryways?
The best timber frames for entryways depend a lot on the home they are part of. It’s typically best to match the design style of the entryway with the overall style of the home to avoid clashing styles. For example, you usually wouldn’t want to add a craftsman entryway to a modern design or vice versa. Everyone has their aesthetic sensibilities, though, so there are no hard and fast rules—just suggestions.
Three of the most popular timber frames we use for entries include:
1. Craftsman Style Sheltering Timber Frame Entryway
Although craftsman-style entries are quite popular, you can also use other styles here. The key point is that the entryway shelters those entering the home from the sun, rain, and other elements. Depending on the size, it might be just big enough to cover visitors to the door—or it could be big enough to provide seating space and create an area for entertaining.
2. Timber Bracket Entryway
The timber bracket entryway is at the opposite end of the spectrum from the sheltering entryway. By adding timber brackets to the side or sides of a doorway, you can highlight the entry point without adding a lot of additional building materials. Even a single bracket on the corner of the home next to a side door is enough to emphasize the entry point and add some style. This option is great for smaller budgets and for entries that are not as important as the front door.
3. Timber Porch Posts and Railings Entryway
This option sits somewhere in the middle between sheltering entryway and bracket entryway designs. By adding timber porch posts and railings to an existing entryway, you can considerably increase the aesthetic appeal of the entry point and add beautiful timber elements without excessive cost. Instead of building out an entire entryway, you convert the existing entryway to a more timber-focused design.
Things to Consider When Designing a Timber Frame Entryway
There are several things that we think about with each entryway we design for our clients.
These include:
Making the Transition Seamless
It’s fun and exciting the add a beautiful new entryway to a home—but it’s important to avoid getting too flamboyant with the design and accidentally creating a break with the overall home. The entryway should be as lovely and impressive as you can make it without overshadowing the rest of the home. On the other hand, you don’t want to be so understated with your design that it doesn’t give a preview of what’s to come once someone enters the main space.
Avoiding Going Too Big
A timber frame porch can be large and elegant—which is what you often see when you search for the most beautiful designs online. But it’s important to be realistic with the size of your home and surrounding space. We strive to design the most attractive entryways for the specific space instead of going for broke with the most extravagant designs we can think of. It can be helpful here to have a second opinion, like one of our timber frame home builders, to make sure you pick the right design for the space.
Interested in a Timber Frame Renovation? Contact Us Today!
When it comes to finding the perfect design style for your home’s entryway, it’s important to take the time to get it just right. At Hamill Creek, we’re here to help you make those important decisions. Contact our professional team to discuss your next timber frame build.
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