Welcome!


For my last most recent birthday, my darling husband sort of sheepishly approached me and said, "I've been thinking about your birthday. And you might not think this is a birthday present kind of thing." He was thinking about a front door.

When we moved into our house nearly seventeen years ago, there were a few things that were not to our hearts' desires. The kitchen had to be redone, and we had fun doing that. Wonderful hardwood floors were covered with hideous shag carpet and the walls with metallic or -- gasp -- flocked wallpaper. We dealt with those things before we even moved in. After a couple of years, Himself built a wonderful deck off of the kitchen. A carpenter came and worked his magic on many of the closet doors, changing them from sliding to opening, with cute little opener-handles. We updated the powder room which had been minty green and brown. The real bathroom is on the list for some cosmetic work in the next year. One year my birthday present was spectacular wooden louvres for the living room windows.

The house was built in the 50s, back when houses were pretty much built to last. It's a good house. But some of its features were so fifties. The most prominent and visible of which was the front door. I've looked for a photo of it, but apparently don't have one. It had three windows, stair-step style. Neither of us liked it. But it was sturdy, it did the job, and replacing it seemed extravagant. Until my most recent birthday.

We didn't rush into anything. We waited, we considered, we shopped. But now, with another birthday looming in the not-too-distant future, I was invited to pick out any door I wanted with any hardware I wanted.

I cannot tell you how smitten I am with my new front door. I posted it on Facebook a little bit ago and my friend Pat immediately said, "So welcoming!" Yes! Yes! Exactly.

Comments

Mrs. Goodneedle said…
It is gorgeous, and welcoming, indeed! Happy birthday, my friend!
Anonymous said…
it is a fine, fine door
Quiltdivajulie said…
One year, my birthday present was a retro fit ice maker for our freezer (when the boys were still at home). This past year, it was a new gas grill to replace our elderly and failing model. So I think a marvelous new front door is an excellent birthday present. So very stylish -- I know you'll enjoy it!
Lori said…
What a fun and practical gift! I'm sure it will be inviting to many!
Karen said…
The door is beautiful! Congratulations on the door and your birthday!
Pat said…
We replaced our front door last year. Our house is a 1950's split level, and had the same, 3 stair-step windows, only our door was white. I love,my new door. It has made such a difference, and makes me happy every time I pull in the driveway and see it. A door does not sound like a very romantic birthday present, but it is one you will see and enjoy every single day. Enjoy it in good health, and tell Joe he done good!
Pat said…
We replaced our front door last year. Our house is a 1950's split level, and had the same, 3 stair-step windows, only our door was white. I love,my new door. It has made such a difference, and makes me happy every time I pull in the driveway and see it. A door does not sound like a very romantic birthday present, but it is one you will see and enjoy every single day. Enjoy it in good health, and tell Joe he done good!
AnnieO said…
Beautiful door! A luxurious entry to a happy home. Great gift!
Barbara Anne said…
This door does say "Welcome! Come on in" and also lets lovely light into your foyer. You made a beautiful choice in both finish and design. Happy birthday (whenever) to you!

My parents' home in suburban Chicago had that same stair-step-window front door when we moved in in July, 1962.

The melting continues in our part of the world.

Hugs!
Anonymous said…
Lovely,, lovely... I can see why you are so pleased!!!
Janet O. said…
Love that door, Nancy! Would you say it is an "arts and crafts" style? I hope so, because that is my favorite! : )
Denise in PA said…
A wonderful door! It makes such a huge difference....we replaced our 1964 door with exactly what I wanted a number of years ago and I still smile when I go through it!
marge jansonius said…
Nancy, I love your posts, both sad and heart warming. Read daily for my uplifting moment of the day. Keep them coming.[
Love your new door,it is always special when you can choose your own accessories to anything, quilts or homes.

Marge
glad you crossed out "last"....lol
Millie said…
Hippo birdie two ewes!
Hippo birdie two ewes!
Hippo birdie dear Nancy!
Hippo birdie two ewes!

... and many more!
Ronald Armeen said…
Great read. I love reading moving in stories. You always get these strange surprises. When I moved into my most recent house, I found these strange religious things everywhere. There were random posters rolled up on shelves and little ornaments buried in the garden. After we found a few we decided to keep the collection and now have it boxed.

Giovanni @ Coastal Contract Hardware