Open Door Architecture

Open Door Architecture Architecture and interiors for everyday living. Kitchens, baths + spaces that work. Let’s design yours!

10/15/2026

Quartz countertops, sometimes referred to as manufactured stone, are some of the most popular design choices for a functional kitchen. While still offering a similar look to a marble countertop, quartz is manufactured for extra durability, ensuring that your countertops remain just as bright no matter how many spills they've seen.

👉 See how we've incorporated quartz countertops into our kitchen designs at opendoorarchitecture.com

10/13/2026

Behind The Brick Part 4: Patrick Sullivan's Saloon

On a night out in the Old City, you may have noticed the eye-catching dome on the corner of S Central Street and W Jackson Avenue. What you might not know is the history behind it!

Patrick Sullivan was an Irish immigrant who came to Knoxville in the 1850s and opened a saloon not too far from today's spot. In 1889, he built this much more noticeable saloon, which features a wooden storefront, cast-iron columns, and cast-iron shields.

Whether you're on your way to a game at Covenant Health Park or heading to a show at the Mill & Mine, you'll definitely want to stop and take in the intricate details of this historic building!

Stay tuned for more of Sean's favorite architectural details in the Old City!

10/09/2026

When you're making hefty investments into your home, it's natural to wonder if you'll ever see that money again.

You may not be able to predict future housing markets, but you can make strategic renovations that add to your house's value when or if the day comes that you decide to sell. Rather than a full kitchen remodel, we typically recommend making additions, such as bedrooms or bathrooms, that will yield a better sale price down the line.

Although we'll rarely dissuade you from a beautiful kitchen remodel, fresh countertops and a new backsplash don't always produce the same monetary value as conditioned square footage. If you're hoping to make some of your renovation money back one day, we'd recommend room additions as a more strategic choice.

Should you stay or should you go? A worthwhile question to ask.Before a client fully commits to a renovation, it’s not u...
10/07/2026

Should you stay or should you go? A worthwhile question to ask.

Before a client fully commits to a renovation, it’s not uncommon for them to wonder if the work is truly worth it. Will they still love their house once the new remodel charm fades? Should they be investing in it if they’re having doubts about staying?

Many times, the answer is no! Clients who feel poorly about their neighborhood, dislike their house’s overall character, or often imagine themselves in a completely different location might be better off looking for something better suited to their needs.

In our experience, clients best fit for a custom renovation are those who’ve already fallen in love with their house. Whether it’s the hospitable neighbors, the walkability of the neighborhood, or the house’s spacious backyard, the home you see a future in is also the one worth investing in!

No need to have all the answers right now. We’d love to take a look at your current home, hear your ideas, and help you make the best choice for you and your future.

Let’s get the conversation started.
👉 opendoorarchitecture.com

10/05/2026

Behind The Brick Part 3: 119 Central Street

The building that houses the Alchemy Cigar Lounge showcases several unique details that make the location a particularly beautiful piece of architecture. Built in 1890, the Italianate commercial style structure incorporates bold arches with dentil detailing as well as stunning corbeled brick cornices. While the street can't quite share this discreet detail, a quick peak at Google Earth will reveal the building's triangular floor plan.

Want to see more unique design features throughout the Old City? Take a look at our previous videos for more of Sean's favorite architectural details in Downtown Knoxville!

10/01/2026

Your rancher just needs a little love.

With their simple design, ranch-style homes often feel restrictive to homeowners wanting a more elevated, pronounced style for their space. Thankfully, dressing up your rancher has never been easier.

Incorporating mid-century modern furniture is our go-to trick for blending the natural character of your home with upscaled pieces that speak to your personal style.

09/29/2026

Behind The Brick: Fire Street Lofts

Greeting its neighbors on West Jackson Avenue since the early 1900s, the Fire Street Lofts building is a commercial vernacular style structure that shares the character of its Knoxville community. Unique but down to earth.

Constructed by local craftsmen, the building's large size and restrained materials tell its story as a grand space with humble beginnings. Buff brick, greenstone paneling, and intriguing patterns give it a refined look that can still capture the attention of its sidewalk pedestrians.

In no need of flashy materials or an overly-complex design, the Fire Street Lofts building continues to endure as a stand-out structure within the Old City.

Keep following along for more of Sean's favorite architectural details in Downtown Knoxville!

09/25/2026

Frameless cabinets are a staple for modern kitchens. A European-style that discreetly maximizes your storage space, this type of cabinet features a slim profile that allows the framing to be completely concealed when the cabinet door is shut. The resulting look is smooth and seamless, elevating your storage solutions without taking away from the space's sleek feel.

09/23/2026

Installing a tile backsplash is commonly thought to be a DIY project. But don't be fooled by the magic of social media editing: a DIY backsplash isn't always as simple as it looks. Here are a few design tips to help you plan for a backsplash that's professional, intentional, and doesn't look DIY when you're done.

Codes require outlets every 4 feet along kitchen walls. You'll need to consider how you'll incorporate those outlets into your design. Would it suit your space to place outlets in the backsplash with intention or even symmetry? Perhaps you avoid outlets all together by using plugmold beneath your upper cabinets.

Your backsplash has to start and stop somewhere; it's important to have that decided beforehand. An inside corner is often an easier and more seamless choice than covering part of a wall and stopping at a random point. Is the top of your backsplash terminated by upper cabinets or shelves? If not, is there a coordinating trim tile for these edge conditions?

Most tiles are straight or square while not all existing walls are! Can you start your pattern so that the edges look clean and free of tiny tile slivers? As you ask some of these questions, you might come to find out that your walls need some attention before you dive into the tile installation.

Although the little details of a backsplash installation can feel overwhelming, you'll be glad you took the time to truly plan out your design instead of DIY-ing it upon impulse. If you'd rather not bother yourself with the particulars, we'd love to help!

09/21/2026

Welcome to Behind The Brick, an series highlighting the dynamic architectural history of the Old City.

From rowdy saloons to residential apartments, this historic community has certainly collected an abundance of stories throughout the last century. Despite the countless changes it's endured, many of its buildings remain the same, living to tell their own, quirky tales.

Some of our favorite architectural features throughout the Old City can be found while you're grabbing your morning cappuccino. The next time you need your caffeine fix, take a look at Old City Java's porthole window and pigeonhole brick corner. Once you've seen them, you'll begin to notice these beautiful details all around the Old City.

Be sure to follow along for more of Sean's top design features throughout the neighborhood!

Address

Knoxville, TN

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18656034756

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Open Door Architecture posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Open Door Architecture:

Shortcuts

Share

Category