via Marvin Windows and Doors (Bonadies Architect, Jean Allsopp Photography)
As we’ve been looking at houses in Seattle while preparing for our move, one thing is obvious: in a competitive market and with a modest budget, many homes will need some TLC. Windows and doors are often the features that older homes lack or could benefit from. Replacing windows, adding patio doors, or inserting new windows can dramatically increase natural light and improve views to the yard.
My mother has remodeled many beautiful homes, and her best advice has always been to add more windows whenever possible. I’ve seen that advice pay off—adding French doors to several homes transformed both the look and the feel of the space. When I’m house-hunting, instead of being discouraged by dim rooms or a blocked view, I think: must add windows and doors. I can’t wait for the day I put that advice to use in our next home.
I was recently invited by Marvin Windows to take part in a virtual design challenge. They asked if I could imagine a room transformed by a new window or door and create a mood board based on that vision. As someone who loves designing rooms, I jumped at the chance. The project felt natural—dreaming about rooms and improvements is what I enjoy most.
The first space that came to mind is a common one: a small, dark kitchen or dining nook. Many older homes have these compact eating areas that feel closed off and lack personality or connection to the outdoors. I kept picturing how much more inviting those rooms would be with elegant French doors to enhance the architecture, flood the space with light, and frame a pretty backyard view. It’s exactly the kind of project I’d love to tackle.
Marvin Windows and Doors
Look at the examples above: those rooms feel open and airy because of large, well-placed windows and doors. For this virtual design, my goal was to transform a typical, formerly dark eating area into a bright, charming breakfast room by adding arched double French doors with leaded glass panes. The arched double door is especially striking—French doors are beautiful on their own, but add an arch and the architecture becomes truly memorable.
Imagine swinging those doors open onto a backyard or courtyard with a striped awning or a pergola overhead. Picture sitting at a round wood table, enjoying breakfast while looking out at a brick or stone patio bordered by blooming flowers and clipped boxwoods. Maybe there are delicate string lights outside the doors, softening the evening. That kind of scene makes a simple breakfast nook feel like a private retreat.
New doors work like small miracles: they bring light into a room, add architectural character, and extend the sense of living space by creating a view and a connection to the outdoors—without adding a single square foot. The room looks attractive even unfurnished, but layer in a beautiful rug, a round table to echo the arch, comfortable chairs, and a statement light fixture and the space becomes truly special.
I’m hopeful I’ll get to make this dream a reality someday.
What room could you transform with new windows or doors?
Door Specifications:
French Door: Marvin Ultimate Swinging Arch Top French Door
Exterior Finish: Stone White
Painted Interior Finish: White
Simulated Divided Lites
Traditional Handles in Bronze Finish
Other Sources:
Paint Color: Icy Waterfall by Glidden
Rug: Lulu and Georgia
Copper Matte Flatware: Casa.com
Gold-Rimmed Dinner Plate: Wayfair
Upholstered Nailhead Dining Chair: Home Depot
Hanging Lantern: Wayfair
Weathered Drop-Leaf Round Dining Table: World Market