One of the joys of custom building homes is the small touches that can make each project unique. For the last few weeks, you have seen some of our nuances to our Kirkwood custom home project from the back porch to the front porch and from floor to ceiling.
To better personalize the home and add more unique design, we also looked at the windows and doors. More specifically, right above the windows and doors to something called the transom.
Back before the days of central air conditioning, transoms were common in office buildings and apartments. They could provide both ventilation, and their height above windows or doors allowed for privacy. Transoms became popular in the Southern United States as a way to increase air flow during hot and sticky summer months.
While they still can provide that level of functionality today, transoms are now also used as an architectural accent and a creative, easy way to brighten a room or hall. In our Kirkwood custom home, the decision to use them over interior doorways extended the opening and increased the natural light throughout the home. More sunlight is more attractive, healthier and also reduces light energy expenses. This was a huge benefit for the stair hall of this custom home.
Transoms also function as a classy way to aesthetically spice up what would otherwise be a traditional opening. They have a similar effect on the interior design to vinyl window upgrades, which we wrote about last year.
As another interesting side note, we met a little challenge along the way with the transoms, and we got to use our DH problem-solving skills. The homeowner had chosen a beautiful crown mold to be used throughout the home. However, second floor of this home has a 9′ ceiling height. The height of the transom and the thickness of the crown mold created an awkward space between them. We ended up adding a 5/4 trim board capped with crown mold used at the ceiling to provide a handsome, mantel-like look over each transom. Details like that can make all the difference on a space looking great.
