Country French Entryway

There are a lot of things I like about my work. To be able to express my creative abilities by designing, building, finishing, and installing a project are just a few of those things. But at the top of the list is getting to know the people I am designing and building things for. So many are so very nice to work with and that makes me feel lucky to be doing what I do. 

This entryway was for one of those families. I went on to design and build other doors, mantels, bathroom cabinets, book shelves, chandeliers and architectural details. My clients have a special love for Country French design and want to surround themselves in that rich tradition.

The entry is the first thing that greets you when you arrive at a home and I want that entry to express who the family is. This entry is made of beautiful warm solid walnut, it's very thick with heavy 18th century moulding and carved details. The matching side lites have fused glass that I made in my kiln. I leaned the technique by experimenting for over a year to replicate some 18th century antique glass panels that I saw in another client's home. We made the heavy ornamental tip hinges and the lock and handle set came from France. I made all the detailing the same, inside and out, so that you enjoy the entry from the moment you walk in the door to the times you walk through the home. From the kitchen to the living room to the bedrooms you pass the entryway and can enjoy it's beauty continuously.

Above: All the carving you see is done by me, by hand.  

Above:  More hand carving.

Above:  Fused glass design done in my kiln. 

Above: View from the inside. Just as beautiful as the outside.