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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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November 10, 2020

A New Front Door

I wish there were such a thing as a ‘threshold counter’. This is the thought that crossed my mind recently as I watched our old front door being removed and the new one installed.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to know just how many times someone has crossed the threshold into your home? How many times you’ve welcomed family, friends and neighbors? We count how many steps we take each day so why couldn’t we also count how many times someone walks through our front door?

I think I’ll ask Apple to get on it with making this possible!

We moved into our home in 2008 and it had the original front door which was a bright red (almost pink) color and definitely did not fit with the style of the house. As a quick, inexpensive fix, we painted it black and painted all of the hardware as well. There were SO many projects to tackle and only so much money in the bank so replacing it was definitely not on the priority list.

But after 16 years, it was time to finally upgrade. And, upgrade we did!

I wish I could just welcome you all over the threshold and through this beauty!

We wanted something that had an old world feel to it since our house has a distinctly Tuscan look even though we are in the Pacific Northwest.

And, little did I know, that my daughter had always secretly wanted a door with a tiny window in it to open up. She didn’t even tell me until she saw the door we had chosen. That’s providential for sure!

Can I just tell you how much fun we had with our trick-or-treaters this year? We would open the window up (almost always startling them!) and say, “What’s the password?” and watch with delight as it dawned on them to say “TRICK OR TREAT!”

The new hardware is perfect with it’s clean lines and even though my 17 year old son is pushing for a ‘smart’ lock I’m not sure I’m willing to break up the simplicity of it with technology.

I didn’t realize just how much a new front door would also change how our entry looks on the inside and I think it adds so much charm and character.

It’s been a different kind of year for all of us. And it’s meant fewer people crossing my threshold.

But, nothing can ever change the fact that one of my greatest desires is that everyone who walks through my door will feel like they are seen…valued…welcomed.

So, I will keep opening my door to my physical home as well as the door that is this page right here. Because I truly believe that doors kept closed for too long are very hard to open back up again.

“I want my home to be that kind of place–a place of sustenance, a place of invitation, a place of welcome.” (Mary DeMuth)

*Link to door from Lowes*

14 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas

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Comments

  1. Sharon Rimsza says

    November 10, 2020 at 5:42 PM

    We have a door like this as bell. It is a lighter color and more rustic but, we love it. Very solid and sound which makes you know you are safe inside.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 11, 2020 at 8:47 AM

      I love that you have one that is similar! Yours sounds like maybe it’s original to your house? Yes, it definitely makes me feel safe and sound!

      Reply
  2. Rhonda says

    November 10, 2020 at 6:01 PM

    Where did you purchase the door at?

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 11, 2020 at 8:46 AM

      Hi Rhonda! We got the door from Lowes and I added the link to the bottom of the blog post if you want to check it out. 😉

      Reply
  3. MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) says

    November 10, 2020 at 6:05 PM

    Vanessa, I love your new front door. That window is so neat. I have never seen a door like this before. I know that everyone who crosses your threshold will be welcomed and loved! Bless you!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 11, 2020 at 8:46 AM

      Thank you so much Mary-Ann!! xoxo

      Reply
  4. Michele M / Finch Rest says

    November 10, 2020 at 7:00 PM

    WOW!!! Now THAT is one huge home improvement. I am so happy for you!

    What a difference it makes! It is remarkable- as is your sentiments about thresholds.

    We have a part of our Mass that says, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof, but only say The Word and my soul shall be healed.”

    I pray that all who enter under your roof shall be blessed, always.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 11, 2020 at 8:45 AM

      Thank you so much Michele! I love that line from your Mass. It’s perfect! Blessings to you friend. xoxo

      Reply
  5. Laura Harrie says

    November 10, 2020 at 8:15 PM

    That is a fantastic door! Very good choice!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 11, 2020 at 8:44 AM

      Thank you Laura!

      Reply
  6. Jodie Shaw says

    November 11, 2020 at 6:11 AM

    Your home is just gorgeous and the door adds so much character to it. Just beautiful…

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 11, 2020 at 8:44 AM

      Thank you so much Jodie!

      Reply
  7. Carol Reddin says

    November 12, 2020 at 7:17 AM

    I love your new door – and especially the window.

    Your Dad and I have crossed your threshold too many times to count and we’ve always felt welcomed with much love. Your home is a haven. XX00

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 12, 2020 at 11:03 AM

      Wish you were here to cross it right now! Love you both! xoxo

      Reply

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