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DOOR! DOOR! DOOR!

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This post is in collaboration with Pella Windows & Doors.

I feel as though this update couldn’t possibly come to you with more enthusiasm, so just imagine this: as we tell the story, we’re shouting! We’re grinning non-stop, and we’re jumping up and down. I’m feeling flustered just trying to find words at all (a rarity, for sure), so simply put, we have our kitchen door!

This story – as with all of our stories, it seems! – goes way back to this past winter, when our first door turned into a comedy of errors. When that contractor went M.I.A. (I like to speculate what happened, mostly out of curiosity but also because I was in denial, no doubt), Pella Windows & Doors came to the rescue. Working with the Pella team and their certified contractor, from the very beginning, has felt so easy. Everything from options and colors to measurements and feedback were handed out willingly and freely. They patiently listened when we asked many (many) questions, and they followed up with phone calls, emails and advice when asked. Imagine that! To say it was a breath of fresh air would be the understatement of the year. We’ve been singing their praises, and we’ll continue to do so.

A quick recap: After waffling on the merits of a 5′ vs. a 6′ door, we landed on the 6′ wide Designer Series door in the French style, a 1′ transom window above and between-the-glass shades with Insynctive technology (more on that in a minute). The French style has a thicker wood frame surrounding the glass, lending a more traditional vibe – perfect for the age of our old house. The door arrived last Monday, and the Pella certified team, LaPelusa Home Improvement, began installation the next morning. We never imagined we’d be so happy to see a hole in the side of our home!

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My biggest concern when working with a construction team is the presence they have while I’m in the home. We’ve worked with a wide range of contractors since moving in, some we’ve loved, and some we’ve agreed to never call again. Our prior experience with the first GC from our kitchen renovation left us a little anxious, but the LaPelusa team immediately put us at ease. The entire job took three and a half days, and often times, I would forget they were here! They were clean and courteous, masking off their work area in the morning and vacuuming up the debris every afternoon.

I was worried that the work we’d put into the kitchen so far would get grimy from the new construction dust, but those fears were tossed aside when I saw how carefully they masked off their work area:

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At the completion of day one, the door was roughed in. By day two, we had electrical run for a new exterior light fixture. Scott and I spent most of the first evening with a drink in hand staring at the back wall. It. Was. Beautiful. There was so much light!

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For the first several days, if I caught a kitchen glimpse from the corner of my eye, I’d think, who left the back door open?, only to remember that our new door was here! For a while, it seemed as though we were running in circles – we’d say, did we imagine the plans for a door all along? – but now that it’s here, well, it feels good. It feels right, like it’s always been there.

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We’ve always loved the look of a dark door against lighter siding, and although there was a bit of a debate at first, we chose a black exterior finish. It’s so striking; we couldn’t love it more:

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Our exterior light was a bit of a gamble, especially because the plans for our current deck and yard are up in the air. We have a jumble of ideas – big ones, for sure! – but they won’t happen until next summer (hopefully). Although our original intent was to center the fixture above the door, the upper deck placement had other plans. We shifted it to the side, which we’re still very happy with! The raw wood mount and white trim still need paint, which I’m looking to tackle this week:

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Last but not least, our between-the-glass shades are a game changer! We chose white fabric shades in Linen as a part of Pella’s Insynctive Technology. With the touch of a button, the shades rise and fall, and they do so quietly. Because they snap in between two panes of glass, they stay dust (and fuss) free!

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The shades still allow for light to pass through (above), although we prefer to leave them open during the day. (We’d been missing the light!) Jack and CC aren’t quite used to the screen door, and after a few silly instances of trying to run through the screen and failing, Jack will tenderly touch his nose to the screen. It’s a testament to how clear the screen looks!

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Our backyard isn’t the most stunning, but we’re thinking long term. The stairs on the back are no longer necessary since we turned our house into a single family home (by tearing those down, we’ll completely eliminate the less-than-attractive transom view), and one day, we’ll have a (nicer) walk out porch. But for the short term, our door is in need of a little paint! We chose a primed white interior so we could relinquish all control on the final color – ha! I’ve got my paintbrush laid out; it’s going to change everything.

With any luck, we’ll have a completed kitchen within the week! I want to laugh like a maniac just typing those words. We’re thisclose, you guys.

 

This is a sponsored project written by us on behalf of Pella Windows and Doors, and you can learn more about Pella’s Insynctive technology right here.

Pella provided us with a Designer Series sliding patio door with transom, and all text, opinions and storyline drama (what’s a renovation without one?) are our own. Thank you, as always, for supporting those that so graciously support us.

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  • Wow, it totally changed the space. Love the transform window above!! Windows/Doors are always drama, aren’t they?! Glad you guys are taking it in stride.ReplyCancel

    • Kim8.26.15 - 9:08 AM

      They really are! It changes everythiiiiing.ReplyCancel

  • Mags8.26.15 - 7:16 AM

    It looks great! Forgive me for not remembering all of the door saga! But can you tell us why you chose to go with a slider and not french doors? If it were me, I’d want to be able to open up both to the deck sometimes!ReplyCancel

    • Kim8.26.15 - 7:45 AM

      Thanks, Mags! We originally were going to have one door with a sidelight on either side (this was what was ordered back in December, which we found out was done incorrectly by the first GC). After finding out the error we went back to the drawing board and considered sliders mostly for space reasons: we didn’t want to have to fuss with doors being in the way, swinging in or out. I wasn’t on board at first, thinking sliders felt a bit 90s (I couldn’t get that idea out of my head for some reason!), but after looking at photos online, I came around to their practicality and ease. Once we paint them this week, they’ll look even more seamless! The cross breeze between this new door and living room windows has been a game changer!ReplyCancel

  • Jaclyn8.26.15 - 8:12 AM

    I was SOOOO excited when I saw the post title. It is probably a little weird how excited I am for someone else’s home project, but I am so happy for you guys and it looks great!!ReplyCancel

  • Adrienne8.26.15 - 8:36 AM

    Hey, congrats!! If we were staying longer in the house we’re currently in, I’d LOVE to make our back door a big sliding door. Yours is gorgeous! So. Much. Light.ReplyCancel

  • Lyndsey8.26.15 - 8:43 AM

    The big question- where will Jack & CC’s food bowl go?!?! :)ReplyCancel

    • Kim8.26.15 - 8:53 AM

      This literally made me LOL. It was really something we considered! It would have fit with a 5′ door, but not with a 6′ – sooooo we miiiight have to make them something new that’ll fit in the corner. Ugh, so spoiled!ReplyCancel

      • Lyndsey8.27.15 - 8:55 AM

        How can you not spoil them– so. dang. cute!ReplyCancel

  • Amy Lynn8.26.15 - 8:44 AM

    SOOOO happy for you guys that this has finally come to fruition! I know it’s been a long road. Looks great and it seems that the pups are going to love it! :)ReplyCancel

    • Kim8.26.15 - 8:54 AM

      Thanks, Amy! Can’t wait for you guys to come over and hang out around the island in a finished kitchen! :)ReplyCancel

  • Rachel8.26.15 - 9:02 AM

    OMG IT LOOKS INCREDIBLE!!! SO worth the wait. I can’t even imagine your excitement! Every time we do something in our house (like, we just got cellular shades in our bedroom after being shade-less for over a month) I can’t stop saying how excited I am about it every 15 minutes… I’d be even more out of control and annoying with such a long-awaited and AWESOME addition like these doors. Love it!ReplyCancel

    • Kim8.26.15 - 9:09 AM

      Ha, same here! We’ll say, “hey, remember when our kitchen door was installed?!” and then scream, because we’re dorks.ReplyCancel

  • Trilby C.8.26.15 - 9:17 AM

    I usually never comment, but this post deserves a big CONGRATS!! I know how excited (and then bummed) you guys were for the completion of the door. It looks wonderful – and the LIGHT!!! We just had a Pella storm door (removable glass/screen) installed in our kitchen, and we love, love, love it. It wasn’t cheap, but it was worth every pretty penny!! Congrats again! Can’t wait to see what you guys have in store next.ReplyCancel

    • Kim8.26.15 - 9:40 AM

      Thank you for chiming in, Trilby! It really has felt like a roller coaster.ReplyCancel

  • karen8.26.15 - 9:27 AM

    I was so excited to see this post! I have been anxiously waiting for the pictures, and the doors look beautiful. I just completed all my work on a kitchen/dining room renovation. I finished the caulk on the backsplash Monday, finished the last coat of paint on Sunday. It was a 6 month process. The feeling of accomplishment is so amazing! Great job, and thanks for all the inspiration!ReplyCancel

  • Christin8.26.15 - 9:35 AM

    AWESOME! I’m so glad to see you finally have your door! It looks like the doors were meant to be there. It’s amazing the kinds of things you get excited about when you’re an adult. I was so excited when we got our exterior doors replaced and I still love them.ReplyCancel

  • julie8.26.15 - 9:44 AM

    Wow such a huge improvement! You must be absolutely delighted. Living in the city myself I wonder how the locks are on the door. I know you have Jack and CC on watch, but sliders seem like vulnerable entryways — we used to have a broom handle jammed in the track just in case.ReplyCancel

    • Kim8.26.15 - 9:48 AM

      Good call, we were concerned about that ourselves and questioned the Pella team on the safety features! There’s a foot lock on the floor, and there’s a heavy duty lock at the top AND at the handle. It’s made so well, we fell really comfortable and safe. We also love that the blinds give us privacy in the evenings!ReplyCancel

  • Fara8.26.15 - 9:49 AM

    That is gorgeous! We have been dreaming of replacing our current contractor sliding door for a false french w/transom. However, it is in the awkward living room, so I think it would be weird having the door swing. This, however, doesn’t have that sliding door look, and I love it!! Our door is about 8 1/2 or 9 feet high (weird), so I don’t think we’d have to do too much demo. Going to Pella now to shop!ReplyCancel

  • Lori8.26.15 - 10:00 AM

    YESSSSS!!!!! At last! It looks amazing! I am desperate to do the same thing in my kitchen. It’s like a cave in here, and the swinging door I currently have really limits what I can do for furniture.

    So happy for you guys!ReplyCancel

  • Jodi8.26.15 - 10:44 AM

    YAY YAY YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It looks SO great!!ReplyCancel

  • jenn aka the picky girl8.26.15 - 10:47 AM

    This is SUCH great inspiration on rethinking a space. I loved the kitchen before this huge change, but WHOA! Holy moly, this created the most sophisticated space. It looks amazing, and I’m so glad you guys will finally have the kitchen you’ve worked so hard to create.ReplyCancel

  • Stephanie8.26.15 - 10:47 AM

    Gorgeous! What paint colors do you use for your walls and trim?ReplyCancel

    • Kim8.26.15 - 10:53 AM

      The walls are Intense White (Ben Moore) and the trim is Ultra Pure White (Behr).ReplyCancel

      • Anna, Sydney8.26.15 - 4:58 PM

        Soooo… Which is whiter, Intense or Ultra Pure…? Hehehe (sorry, not enough sleep)ReplyCancel

        • Kim8.26.15 - 5:03 PM

          Yeah, funny names for sure! Intense White is actually a really soft warm gray. :)ReplyCancel

  • Jenn8.26.15 - 1:37 PM

    Yay!!!! So glad you guys finally got your door! That light coming in is amazing: enjoy enjoy enjoy!ReplyCancel

  • Josh | The Kentucky Gent8.26.15 - 3:05 PM

    SO fancy with those window blinds! I love your decision for the black exterior, it looks great against the rest of the house.

    Josh | The Kentucky Gent
    http://thekentuckygent.comReplyCancel

  • Heather8.26.15 - 3:54 PM

    YAY! OMG it feels so good when projects like this – huge, room-changing or intensely frustrating – finally come together.

    Also contractors who are clean are my absolute favorite.

    The door looks stunning! I hope you keep noticing ALL the light for longer than it took to get this door installed :)ReplyCancel

  • Anna, Sydney8.26.15 - 5:00 PM

    DOOOOOOOR!

    It looks awesome. Congratulations! (Is that ok to say for a door?)ReplyCancel

  • Erin8.26.15 - 6:14 PM

    SO happy for you! The door looks great!!ReplyCancel

  • Vanessa8.27.15 - 1:05 AM

    Oh, fantastic!ReplyCancel

  • Trude8.27.15 - 10:16 AM

    Oh wow, looks like it was worth the wait! It’s absolutely gorgeous! And blinds I don’t have to clean, sign me up! :)ReplyCancel

  • Kate8.28.15 - 9:51 AM

    I pulled up your site today and saw the door picture and just broke out into a big grin. :). You got your door!!! And it looks amazing!!! Perhaps you can enjoy the supermoon this weekend by going in and out your back door all night to look at the sky. Bravo on getting this giant “to do” checked off the list.ReplyCancel

    • Kim8.28.15 - 9:55 AM

      I give that idea a thousand thumbs up!ReplyCancel

  • kb8.31.15 - 12:29 PM

    I want and need these doors!ReplyCancel

  • Jen8.31.15 - 1:33 PM

    Gah! It’s glorious!!ReplyCancel

  • Erica8.31.15 - 10:07 PM

    I am green with envy! My garage is pretty organized, but I would love to be able to get more items up on the walls!ReplyCancel

  • | BHG Style Spotters10.30.15 - 8:00 AM

    […] See more of the light, bright, airy after. […]ReplyCancel

  • Catherine9.16.16 - 2:02 PM

    I am very late to commenting on this, but first – LOVE. Also, we are going to tackle something similar very soon so I am stalking all your posts on this. Looks like you eventually painted the inside black as well? So, did you plan that all along and did you do that or Pella? To do that, did you have to get a special door that was primed but not painted? Or how does that work? We have a VERY similar situation and are considering Pella with that technology for both cosmetic and safety/security reasons.ReplyCancel

    • Kim9.16.16 - 2:11 PM

      Great question! I really wanted the inside of the door to be black, but Scott just wasn’t convinced. When we had our meeting with the Pella representative, I tried to convince Scott that we should choose the black finish for inside AND out, but I think the Pella rep convinced us to stick to a primer finish for the inside since Scott was so unsure! Of course once the door was installed, I made a photoshop mockup for Scott in black, and he LOVED it, so then I ended up painting it in the end. The good news is that if you know that you want black, I’d just get the black finish to save yourself the hassle of painting! Hope that helps you out. :)ReplyCancel

  • libby4.25.20 - 6:35 PM

    Love your style! Super curious about that light green/blue door beside the new door. Is it a swinging door and where did you get it?ReplyCancel

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