EXTREME KITCHEN RENOVATION EP 4 | Custom French Doors & Restoring 90-Year-Old Windows

A month and 1/2 into our kitchen renovation we are already entering what I like to call “the pretty stage.” This week we are designing our custom French doors to lead out to our pool area and restoring our 1930’s windows so after decades of being painted shut they finally open.
LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE below if you guys love DIYs just as much as I do!
❥ XO, MaCenna
Watch the last video // • EXTREME KITCHEN RENOVA...
Watch the series // • KITCHEN RENOVATION *Fr...
Mega Builders - General Contractor (Tarzana, CA): bit.ly/megabuilders
Click Here To SUBSCRIBE: bit.ly/subscribe-xomacenna
Follow Me on INSTAGRAM: @xomacenna
VLOG Channel: @xomacennavlogs
Podcast Channel: @withmyowntwohandspodcast
*Submit Podcast Topics, Ideas and Design Dilemmas: forms.gle/CftyvmUXmmbdFLJT9
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯
SHOP
✶ Auden Lueur Candles: www.audenlueur.com/
✶ Amazon Store Front: www.amazon.com/shop/xomacenna
✶ TwoPages Curtains (8% OFF code XOMACENNA): twopagescurtains.com/WR11FbqM...
✶ Fable Dinnerware (10% OFF code XOMACENNA): glnk.io/4y0x/xomacenna
✶ Mom’s Art Shop: bit.ly/3kBzy2V
✶ Print art at The Stackhouse (25% OFF code XOMACENNA): bit.ly/thestackhouse
Some links may be affiliate links!
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯
Follow me on:
✶ Instagram @xomacenna
✶ Pinterest @xomacenna
✶ Blog // bit.ly/xomacennablog
✶ Tiktok @xomacenna
✶ Facebook @xomacenna
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯
BUSINESS INQUIRIES ONLY: [e-mail]
⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯
FTC: This video is not sponsored

[@XOMaCenna]

Hi guys! I hope you enjoy today's new episode! Putting a DISCLAIMER now (because I know I'll get asked). We tested our home for any lead-based paint before starting renovation and we are all clear! Thank goodness! just in case you were wondering! I'm so happy we were able to get the windows functional again :)

[@mmalek49]

Love you MaCenna ❤️love you all

[@Pkeats817]

Awesome. Yes, we worry a little.

[@beholdyehushua675]

Thanks, MaCenna! Almost time to leave a disclaimer that, if you're not back soon, you've had your baby boy! 🎉❤

[@helenjubert4744]

Everything is coming along so nicely.

[@kathleenwoodbury7491]

Ah! Macenna’s in her glory! Doing DIY!

[@Iris1822458]

Endlessly impressed with your contractor in every video. I've worked with many, many contractors over the years and yours is so professional and seems to always make sure that all subcontractors are listening to you and never talking over you.

[@nenayrigoyen8624]

Looking good.

[@Bird-Nuggets]

He's Israeli :)

[@jmk1962]

Truest words ever "SHE KNOWS".

[@boopsie9g3k]

That was an awesome comment by that contractor!!!

[@nixi7688]

Yeah, honestly I think Belin would hire her 😂

[@jmk1962]

@@nixi7688 - Maybe he will as she could help with designing spaces and interiors for his clients.

[@loriefulmer4716]

Now you can open your windows and smell the roses! 🌹🌹🌹

[@XOMaCenna]

YESSSSSSSSS

[@Pkeats817]

@@XOMaCenna That’s bliss. 🌷

[@mrsr559]

I'm sure that the tradesmen who did the doors were thrilled to hear your excitement. That kind of quality work takes such skill!

[@XOMaCenna]

suchhhhh skill! they really did an amazing job

[@sherylbentley3724]

Are you gonna place screening over the kitchen windows ?

[@deborahschmitt143]

@@sherylbentley3724 I’m not sure they use screens in California. When I’ve visited, no screens, no bugs. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@cathleenweaver6483]

​@@deborahschmitt143We definitely need screens in Southern California. We get bugs...flies and mosquitoes and gnats and spiders and ants etc. Probably not as bad as any really humid climate but we sure do get bugs so windows and doors need screens 💜💙💚💛🧡

[@denisejones1863]

@@deborahschmitt143 Not true

[@ChilledJil2010]

I really appreciate when you restore Windows to their former glory. Good for you, Girl!

[@leeluvslife]

It's so satisfying watching those windows open for the first time in decades.

[@nicoleparis975]

Your contractor is so impressive. Hard to find people in the industry who is such an advocate for their client 🙌🏽

[@lisaduncan-purcell1450]

The French doors are perfection! And you did a really amazing job stripping your kitchen windows. We lived in a 1911 house and it had a sunroom with lots of Windows and every one of them was painted shut. My husband worked like a demon on those. I really want to compliment how well you are staying true to the age of your house with all the new things that you put in. You've really done an exquisite job so far.

[@XOMaCenna]

thank you so much!

[@ronellarodney1320]

Its giving project manager, the way you interact with your contractor and vendors. That in itself, is a skill 😉

[@somnguni]

Yes! Lol she comes alive. Love it for her

[@bud6745]

The contractor listened to everything that you asked for. See them do Drews home too, it is refreshing to see, the different levels of workmanship they achieved. 😊

[@samanthabolger3146]

They did great work on Drews house didn't they? So glad she is using them too. X

[@Bird-Nuggets]

​@samanthabolger3146 The contractor is Israeli :)

[@jimwalker76]

Your contractor is amazing, as well as the people he works with. He watches so intently and double checks to make sure there are no misunderstandings. This guy is amazing.

[@rosalynjohnson168]

I love how intentional you are with your designs. You always think about the details before committing to anything and you can really tell that it’s a passion.

[@MicheleLRid]

Oh Macenna - it is SO fun to see you DIYing again! I bet it felt great to be doing it! I love ALL of your videos, but this was cottage-level fun! So nice to see you enjoying life and loving this stage of it. Best wishes to you and your family!

[@missannetteslittlefarminth9069]

I agree, I didn't miss the cottage at all in this episode.

[@CourtneyBishopPOA]

Absolutely adore that you're breaking up projects into more episodes to give each part of the process the time it deserves to shine!!

[@Cachetona777]

I love that your contractor takes you seriously like a human not like a woman❤ he listens to you and works together with you.

[@innorahome]

I understand the intent in your comment, but it just feels sad to know that a woman is not considered a human.

[@rachelledeluccio4923]

In the preview for the next video, I love how your contractor has become so comfortable with the vlog! “She knows!” Color

[@Pkeats817]

That was so cute and funny.

[@XOMaCenna]

hahahah he's the best

[@TheBeautifulTruthh]

living for this renovation! i like the way you’ve been batching the videos too

[@XOMaCenna]

thank you so much! I like it too! You get to see an entire process of something in one video and then all together the kitchen :)

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

I agree!

[@CarlyAnn16]

I agree! Its so cool to see so much get done in one video

[@MattieDianeMunson]

Macenna came into my life almost simultaneously at the time of my only beautiful daughters passing I have enjoyed her so much sometimes it feel as if she saved my life

[@alexispennings380]

It’s awesome how discovering a KZbin channel can really help you through a hard time. I’ve had some experiences like that too. ❤

[@denisejones1863]

Yes, certain ones do fill a void. So sorry for your loss.

[@tracygarrett3952]

I hope MaCenna gets to see this comment. I believe it would mean so much to her.

[@lizorozco03]

I was in a similar situation… going through the loss of a loved one after a battle with cancer and I remember watching her videos was the only thing that got me through most days…

[@jgeorge4919]

It makes me so happy to see someone actually care about the integrity and history of things while updating them. Yes, you spray painted the locks and removed windows, but you also restored the other windows and kept bricks and so many little oddities. I dislike so many other renovation channels because they make everything so sad beige, ikea looking or renovate just to change things. This kitchen makes more sense now, the front room somehow seems to fit your house better than before.

[@Agutkowa]

As much as I appreciate Macenna's style and ideas, I find my own sad-beige, IKEA-furnished apartment peaceful and full of integrity. It is all a matter of taste and skills.

[@jgeorge4919]

@@Agutkowa if your house is peaceful and full of integrity, then it’s not sad beige or ikea crap. Personally my house also has a lot of those things too and I don’t consider it to be disheartening. I was talking about the YT “interior designers” that purposely strip personality down. The ones who go thrifting/antiquing to find something unique only to make it look like it came from a big box store. “We’re renovating a Victorian home! We’re ripping all this out because it’s not very modern”

[@Agutkowa]

@@jgeorge4919 👍

[@southernassweettea2228]

The look on your face when the window opened was priceless!

[@judybooth5078]

I know you are so appreciative of your contractor's professionalism, and I'm thinking he probably is enjoying working with you because of your professionalism. "She knows" says it all. Looking out at the pool through your beautiful doors with baby boy in his playpen or highchair while you prepare breakfast...priceless.

[@kiramiryam208]

My 2.5 year old daughter was watching with me today and she said, “She’s doing a nice job! Hey she has a baby in her tummy! Babies can’t work. She’s doing a great job! She’s doing it fast! Fast fast fast!” 😂❤️ So excited for you to meet your sweet little boy! ❤️ The kitchen is looking amazing!!

[@JlNXED]

You’re almost at 1 million! Crazy how time flies by I remember watching your apartment videos years ago

[@sarav9725]

You are beaming momma! How beautiful! Thank you so much for all your hard work we love watching your videos!

[@XOMaCenna]

aww thank you so much!

[@beaaccountable4419]

Yes, thank you for sharing this progress of the kitchen renovation. Its gonna look beautiful, can’t wait til your next video! 👍🏻

[@karolgrabiel3838]

Don’t know what I’m most excited about, the baby or the kitchen. They’ll both be beautiful ❤❤❤

[@charyllwenger1376]

The smile on your face when you are doing a project, is so heart warming. 😁❤️

[@jojodesrosiers8096]

Macenna, you are an amazing woman in side and out. Your son is going to have the best mommy ever. I just love watching your videos. Thanks 😊

[@flis9618]

If I were you I would flip the doors around so they open outwards, that way you gain more space in the kitchen when the doors are open… 😊 I also find it quite weird that most doors in America seems to open inwards, in Sweden all exterior doors open outwards in case of fire so it’s easier to get out 😅

[@XOMaCenna]

I just saw another comment about the opening in instead of out too and I loveeee the idea of flipping it. It would allow for the ledge of the box to be used too! Im going to ask my contractor if there is anything against that like code wise.

[@nikkikenny1165]

I was looking for this comment! Opening out just seems more practical

[@lovly2cu725]

In Florida doors open out due to the force of hurricane since would blow them in it they opened in.

[@ksl2634]

The window doors would be great to wing outward! If you're referring to the access door - most residental front facing exterior doors swing inwards for safety reasons. Codes vary by some states (in the USA). Doors swing in the direction of the hinge knuckle. Don't want burglers pulling the pins out of your front door and gaining free entrance. Also, for fire safety; rescuers are able to gain access easier with an inward-swing. As far as interior design, the direction for the swing of the door is based on the flow of foot traffic for a space.

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

@@ksl2634 Exactly!

[@jennygouws413]

The contractors you are using are superb! The workmanship is amazing. You muat be SO excited.😊

[@tambij]

Such a Beautiful Transformation. I Love the French Doors so much!! The builders really take pride in their work.

[@taylorewalters]

"she knows!" your contractor seems like the sweetest man & the kitchen is going to be gorgeous!

[@user-kx5xl4sg1e]

I love the fact that the cottage has not only given you so much experience but the confidence for other things. ❤

[@margaritadiaz3779]

I am enjoying these blogs so much! Your general contractor is definitely a professional in his field and truly respects working with a client who is also a professional! Your kitchen is going to be a dream come true. ❤❤❤

[@vdc7153]

It’s so incredibly satisfying to watch stripping off old colors 😀

[@VarnasBaltas]

Hello! MaCenna!!! I can't wait for your mom to come to your house! And meet baby boy!❤

[@emilymyers7436]

This kitchen is going to be BEAUTIFUL. You're home is just becoming more and more special

[@arinemiko]

I love seeing you interact with the contractors and be as hands on as you can (of course 😅) You seem to really be in your element. I know you’re loving it! 🤍

[@heidi.a.thomson]

MaCenna, you are getting close to a million subscribers! Woo hoo!

[@cassandrac.4681]

Why would anyone ever want to seal beautiful windows shut for over a decade!! I mean, to each their own. Great job restoring them ❤ this was satisfying to watch lol

[@carolschlosser2716]

I don't comment much. But I just want to thank you for all you content on the Texas house and this one. It has helped and inspired me on doing my renos on my house. ❤

[@turtle60]

Painting windows shut is EVIL. You have the patience of a saint removing the awful paint and restoring them. They look great. Love the French doors too. Good to know there are still master craftsmen doing their thing.

[@barbarashelton6709]

So glad you saved the sink widow, It is BEAUTIFUL! The new doors Wow!!!!

[@dawnbeaird5183]

The birds singing in the background. Glorious, I'd have those windows open all the time. 🐦🌹🌼

[@tracyellis4094]

Stopping everything for this video!!

[@glampergirl4495]

I was so happy to see the windows open. What a great feeling!

[@irenetovar7756]

I love the way your windows are coming along and your French doors are gorgeous. I'm happy that everything is coming along smoothly.

[@saras.6641]

Please protect your beautiful eyes! You always make everything look beautiful and so excited to see the finished kitchen.

[@robinhoward4204]

From what I can see from your interactions and the enthusiasm and appreciation you show to your tradesmen, you must be a joy to work with!

[@jakimcmurdo4810]

Seeing you use baby crow brought back memories of you working on the cottage !😁🇬🇧❤️

[@chantalclark9222]

Hey Macenna, I love watching your videos you do such beautiful work. I thought this may help you in future projects but to make your life so much easier, you can use a old crockpot to remove years of paint on hardware. Set on low heat with water and add either dishsoap or a dishwasher pack, add all the hardware and leave between 6-10 hrs. Use tongs to remove from water and the paint will come right off so easily. Hope this helps!!

[@the_rivencap]

So excited to see the window revamp/rehab! 🎉😊 Remember to rest & make you first. ❤😊

[@andreafeltner6452]

You are positively glowing. Motherhood looks great on you many blessings to you and Romeo and your little one❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Cinderella1125]

McCenna, I realize that DIYing is your passion and you're so meticulous. It's fun to see your interaction with other craftspeople. You're so appreciative of their work and I'm sure that they feel great after seeing your joy. The windows look great!

[@rebeccaeblin3413]

Everything looks just beautiful MaCenna and Romeo ( and of course your little one ❤) Your style and vision is always right on point! You are glowing!

[@hollysaylor2292]

Ahhhh!!! The doors!!! The windows!!! Squeeee!!! All beautiful!!

[@susanguzzo3643]

It so pays to have professional door and window guys do it they really knew what they were doing! So beautiful ❤

[@msmith9516]

OMG…loved this episode. I screamed with excitement like I was at a football game when you opened the first window! Then I relaxed as I watched you scraping the paint…ohhhh that was super satisfying! The new doors did EVERYTHING for the design of the kitchen. I’m so glad you get to enjoy the view of your patio from the most used spaces in your beautiful home!

[@julieaustin4684]

How exciting. I felt a little flutter of excitement in my belly as I have done all this myself so I know the excitement. Have fun 😊

[@Julia-jz9vl]

This french doors are stunning. ❤

[@sattenfieldable]

It's so satisfying when you've worked so hard on something & it turns out so beautiful! Love you're enthusiasm when it's done!!! ❤❤❤

[@darlaburnett8666]

Wow!!!! It’s coming to life so anxious to see the cabinetry and to really see your envision come to life! Don’t get me wrong I can visualize, but I’m always surprised by how much more extravagant it looks not only as you show us the progress but the finishing productcan’t wait!

[@MyWestCoastVintage]

I love your renovation videos, it's great to see you with a power tool again. Women can do anything 💕

[@nancymarx3512]

Working on those windows is for all those people who are really missing the cottage...lol

[@scribblypuns2577]

I love the relationship you have with your contractors! They are capable and good-spirited and know that you are as well :)

[@janethernandez2934]

I vote to restore the side window and make it open. That way, you have an option to open the windows in the future. Doesn't hurt to have more options.

[@Beruthiel45]

I agree. I don't believe in windows that don't open!😊

[@misspepe7416]

All the Partys that can be an indoor outdoor event now?! Amazing!... Obviously I consider a party anytime you guys just open those doors to the pool an chill inside or out. Because it's faaaab❤ Great job, tradesman and MaCenna!

[@saragildo4026]

So exciting!! Felt like the old days with you stripping windows😂❤❤❤

[@maerorable]

Doors and windows all open out in Norway. It's considered safer that way (i.e if something is blocking the entry way in a fire, the door can still open from the outside). It's interesting how in other countries the opposite is to code. The doors opening in to the room just takes up so much space! Anyway, the bespoke doors are stunning. Those guys did well! And so did you on the windows :)

[@dawert2667]

We have the same practice in the US, but there are many places where it actually makes more sense to have them open “in” because of preplanned fire escape routes etc. The french doors might open in because of the pool being just outside for example

[@divinesignatures6225]

I love how the contractors are so nice to MaCenna.

[@natalielawyerchick]

I’ve been refreshing all day. So excited for this

[@odettepeters7493]

Those doors are gorgeous!

[@loidaperez9509]

The renovations is making your house look more beautiful.

[@mklarson2980]

Ohmygosh, I teared up when I saw those French doors! One, because they are gorgeous, but two, because it was your vision so beautifully brought to life.

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

I can't tell you how much I loved this video!! It brought back so many memories! My first home was built in the 1920s and had the original kitchen cabinets. They weren't boxes like modern cabinets, but were constructed as one large framework attached to the wall and the doors were attached to the frame. Inside, it was basically one huge cabinet running from one end to the other with a lot of doors opening into it. Like a hallway. Anyway, the upper doors were all just frames with glass panes like the inspiration window for your French doors. (The lower cabinets had solid doors and the countertop was wood!!! I loved it!) They were all painted creamy white - I'm sure they always had been - and I decided to strip them. I'm ashamed to say that after 3 sets of cabinet doors (they were hung in pairs, opening like French doors) I gave up. I painted them white again and painted the others to freshen them up and called it a day. I had no idea what I was doing so it was taking me forever! In my third house, I had the exact same windows over my kitchen sink that you have! Mine weren't painted shut, but the hardware had been painted many times and looked awful! I stripped it down and it looked beautiful! My kitchen faced out over a patio and the window had screens that slid from side to side. I loved it because when my husband was out grilling, we could just slide the screen and pass things through! It was so convenient. And if my daughter was outside with her friends, rather than everyone trooping into the house for something to drink, I could just pass drinks and snacks or ice cream out to them! Watching you work on that window was like deja vu. And I love your new French doors! The first time I saw your home, I posted a comment about changing those windows into doors opening onto the pool/patio area! So I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this one! ❤

[@SuperDuperBrit]

Those doors are an absolute dream. Your contractor seems awesome!

[@sherriecollins1570]

This is one of my favorites! You are in your element working on windows and can't wait to see the next episode. The doors are beautiful.

[@maralavern]

My Sunday is now complete!

[@XOMaCenna]

you made me smile :)

[@maralavern]

@@XOMaCenna those windows over the sink, all stripped down, are just beautiful. And when the French doors went up……I got a little emotional. You’re gonna knock this kitchen out of the park!

[@rosalynjohnson168]

This was such a nostalgic video, totally reminded me of when you were in the tick of it at the cottage

[@katiebrown7617]

Those french doors are beautiful and seeing your face light up when those painted windows finally opened! Priceless! 😊

[@wendyscott7432]

Going well MacCenna, I'm sure your mum is very proud of your capability with the builders.

[@carolschultz3588]

I am always so surprised at your patience MaCenna. Your work is beautiful. The kitchen is going to be lovely. I think the guys know that you’re a perfectionist.😊

[@lisamichnick4777]

Those contractors need to realize what a privilege it was to work with you! It's ALL so exciting! All of it! (Baby too!! Can't wait!) Thank you for sharing!

[@kayerin5749]

I believe they do; you can see it in their work. Her contractor is a gem, and as I said, he raises the bar for what we can expect of any contractor!

[@christina15will]

The doors! 😍 Wow, I'm speechless! They give of this french riviera vacation vibe, it's just stunning!

[@user-sv6wf3bc4y]

It’s gonna be BEAUTIFUL! Your contractor is superb! So glad you are comfortable with him… it makes the job so much easier! Loved watching your hands at work …. While all the while taking precautions to protect your Baby! See you on Tuesday! 😊

[@michellem434]

Its always a good day when MaCennas is in the housseeeeee! Love watching the process of this beautiful kitchen!!

[@magwed4120]

MaCenna, painting the window shut is called a landlord special😂

[@cinder8290]

Your new doors are gorgeous! Your windows will look brand new too. What a beautiful renovation this is turning out to be. You are an amazing woman!

[@rachellewis907]

Oooo yay! Its all looking so amazing...you guys just must be beside yourselves with how its all coming together ❤️

[@welldonewit5129]

When the window opened I was excited for you😂 I'm always surprised when windows get painted shut. The doors turned out so nice! I can't wait for the next video!

[@MaryseRacine7640]

Bring back some cottage memories!

[@anastasiahall2711]

Everything is looking gorgeous! As a fellow creative that loves to work with her hands I'm so happy for you that you had the opportunity to work on this project before baby boy arrives! Having to keep away from DIYs is so hard!!

[@itzelgarcia4099]

Oh Macenna if only yopu can see how happy your renovation videos make me! the doors are amazing and the wood on those windows is so pretty! I want to fastforward time to next episode!

[@amayajoye4996]

You amaze me every time I watch your videos. Your creative mind is inspiring✨

[@pman2916]

You're blessed to have such a great team of builders working with you. Hope we're as blessed when our time comed🙏

[@jessmercedes2669]

Omgosh they’re perfect! Your contractor is an angel.

[@hollymanaia2507]

I love these design videos over the home goods videos but I watch them all. Entry console looks A M A Z I N G

[@heidi.a.thomson]

I love the wood windows stripped. The doors are a dream! 🚪🎉

[@michaelamaestas4950]

WOW!!!!!!!!!! Great job on the windows. The New French Doors are Wonderful !

[@deaddoll7618]

As someone who has a big floral garden right outside of their kitchen and old beautiful windows that over look it. They definitely sealed those windows because of bugs. Even with modern windows bugs still get in. If you're not going to use it, I would just leave it be. Your kitchen is so beautiful already BTW.

[@beachysands4036]

Oh my, your home looks straight out of a fairy tale. Loving the kitchen redo!! Also the every other week format so we really see lots of progress in every episode. Beautiful work.