Daniel Lindahl - I didn't say to get rid of it - I just said to change it for something else - I have a 70's home owner built - cavity brick - Daniel sometimes it is working with what you have in order to keep costs down - paintings - if you have several - can be changed around your home for a interesting look - as our homes are our homes - the paintings - can always be shared in various rooms/walls to suit ones mood.

Lisa, it depends on how clever the person is who designs, details and installs the door, and what elements in the photo appeal to you. Judging from the adjacent doors it doesn't look like it is much bigger than a standard size door. If I was engaged to design it I would consider using one of the engineered flooring timbers, such as the ones made by Mafi, as a way to keep things lighter, cheaper and more stable, on a steel frame. http://www.mafi.com.au/domino-larch-vulcano-sanded-natural-oil/ Somebody else may use conventional planks of wood that have been planed then sanded smooth. Both ways are bespoke, so will cost big dollars, and probably not a job that would be covered by your standard carpenter. It would be a matter of working closely with a clever craftsman to get the best value. Do you like the door due to the height of the entry hall, or the character from the mismatched timbers? Is your entry hall as tall as the one in the photo? Is it the other elements in the photo, such as the amount of light flooding in from the sidelight and highlight windows that contribute to how you feel about it? At the end of the day the design and installation is a really important element to the entry of your home, so it is often worthwhile to spend a bit extra to get something special. Best of luck withh your new home, Regards Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Thank you so much for everyone's thoughts, it has honestly been very helpful. We are going to consider going right across the front of the house and over that problematic front door. Going to consider going across with the same space as we originally had going straight out. I'll keep everyone posted as I so appreciate all the help!!

Oklouise and Sirius, thanks for the ideas. Actually the first one could work us very well, removing part of the wall and having a partition instead of a door. A lot more work but we are pretty handy. Regarding the barn door, most of the people I talked to agreed it might date quickly, unless I use a different mechanism than the ubiquitous black one you see everywhere,maybe.