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Behind the Design with Elisa Fronapfel

Go behind the scenes with us as we talk with homeowner and designer Elisa Fronapfel about her design process for this charming cabin in Banner Elk, NC.

Q&A About the Cabin in Banner Elk, NC

Situated in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, this home brings a modern twist to the traditional wood cabin aesthetic. We love partnering with homeowners to create unique entryways like this one, watching them come to life from sketch. Follow along as we interview Elisa Fronapfel, the homeowner who worked on this luxury cabin in Banner Elk, NC. 

The Project Profile

  • Designer Name: Elisa Fronapfel
  • Home Location: Banner Elk, NC

Our Exclusive Interview

Q: Can you share a little bit about the inspiration behind your custom modern doors? Did you know what you wanted heading into the design phase, or did you collaborate with the Clark Hall design team?

A: When we purchased land, we knew we wanted to design and build something unique, starting with a barn-like structure with a timber frame. My husband drew the floor plans and the architect made some adjustments. Back home in Charlotte, we have a Clark Hall door, which we love. Since we had a great experience there the first time, we knew they were the way to go. The easiest part was the front door—I knew I wanted it to go with the windows on the house. For the back patio area, we wanted the whole space to be about bringing light in, but not with traditional windows. Adding patio doors allows us great visibility. In the winter time, you can see the views of the mountains behind and in the summertime it’s like being in a tree house.

Q: If you could name one, what would be your favorite part of the doors?

A: For a timber framed house, you want balance between all of your components. I knew I didn’t want fiberglass—I wanted the doors to feel sturdy and substantive and these definitely fulfill that vision. 

cabin

Q: How do you use the space?

A: Right now, it’s a quiet retreat. We’ve had friends over, dinner parties, and small gatherings. We spent time here during the Christmas season, which was very nice. In the long term, we hope to retire here.

Q: What would you say to other homeowners considering a custom iron door for their home? 

A: Go for it. Don’t be afraid to ask for vision help if needed. The first door we did, people walked us through the process. Ultimately, we picked and designed it. Nobody was afraid of saying, “What are your ideas? What glass do you want? And so on.” Secondly, understand that there are things in life where you get what you pay for. A high quality steel door is an expensive investment, but as far as how it enhances the outside of your house, it’s an investment that’s well worth it. Working with Clark Hall makes the process easy.

Cabin in banner elk nc back patio

We are grateful for Elisa’s creative eye and her partnership on this cabin project in Banner Elk, NC. We’d also like to highlight the excellent work of VPC Builders, and Real Boone Visuals, the photographer for the photos seen above. 

If you’re interested in working with Clark Hall on your own project, contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experts. When you come to visit us at one of our design studios in Charlotte or Raleigh,  you’ll have the opportunity to experience our doors up close, chat inspiration, and enjoy a cup of coffee as you work on your sketch. And, if you want to learn more about patio doors, visit our site for more inspiration. Interested in more behind the scenes interviews? Check out our interviews with Jennifer Beaman Pippin and Collette Wilson, too.

Learn More About Custom Iron Doors

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