Fixing a Front Elevation: The Key Details That Made the Difference

Even the most thoughtful design can miss the mark if you don’t focus on the right details.

This was the case for a couple building their home in East Texas’s exclusive Eagle’s Bluff golf club community on Lake Palestine. As construction progressed, they realized their front entry wasn’t living up to their vision. Here’s how LittleCreek+Co. helped them correct course.

The Challenge: An Entry that Didn’t Quite Fit

Take a look at the original elevation. The homeowners envisioned a vineyard-inspired design with a mix of stone, siding, and stucco—beautiful elements on their own, but the design wasn’t working together.

The two-story façade caused the highest point to sit awkwardly off-center, diverting attention away from the front entry. Instead of making a strong first impression, the entry felt overshadowed.

Though the solid mahogany doors were impressive at 8 feet tall, the surrounding windows made the proportions feel off, making it hard for the entry to stand out. These elements, while lovely individually, lacked harmony when combined.

The Fix: A Balance, Cohesive Look

The first step was adding a dormer above the porch. This simple design change brought balance to the façade, directing the eye to the front entry. It also raised the height of the foyer, amplifying the sense of arrival. The dormer was positioned to flood the foyer with natural light throughout the year, capitalizing on the home’s south-southwest orientation.

This wasn’t just a design choice—it was a strategic move to create a grand, yet welcoming entry that set the tone for the rest of the home. And with a stunning view straight through the entry to the golf course, the experience upon entry became just as captivating as the view.

Fixing Proportions: A Simple Yet Effective Solution

Next, we addressed the proportion issue between the doors and windows. Though we couldn’t raise the windows or order taller doors due to the completed framing, we found a solution that worked within the existing structure.

By adding a wooden lintel above the doors, we extended their visual height, creating harmony with the surrounding windows. Not only did it solve the proportion issue, but it also added a touch of old-world charm that echoed the vineyard estate style the homeowners loved.

Including header heights in the window schedule could’ve flagged the original imbalance early on, providing an extra layer of quality control. This seemingly minor detail can prevent costly design mistakes by catching discrepancies before they become permanent.

The Result: A Welcoming, Balanced Front Entry Design

With these adjustments, the front elevation is now cohesive, balanced, and intentional. The entry is no longer an afterthought; it’s the focal point that welcomes guests into the home. Inside, the raised foyer height and natural light create a grand, inviting first impression.

Strategic Design That Works for You

This project shows why early-stage design review is so crucial. That’s exactly what our C[H]SO™ service provides. We’re not here to replace your architect or interior designer. Think of us as the Chief Strategy Officer of your project—we connect the dots between the specialized roles, making sure every detail aligns with your vision.

In my previous career as a civil engineer, I worked on value engineering—improving functionality while reducing inefficiencies. We bring that same mindset to home design, uncovering opportunities for refinement and creating solutions that align with your goals, budget, and timeline.

Curious about how we can refine your design and bring it to life?

Let’s talk about how our C[H]SO™ consultation service can elevate your project.