POURING OUR FOUNDATION + Front Door Makeover // Renovating our 110-Year-Old Home | XO, MaCenna 

Daughter of a cabinet maker here: Next time you’re staining a door or anything else, put the stain on using a foam brush, then use a rag to remove excess. You can then dry brush over the wet stain very lightly with a regular paint brush. Then repeat for other coats. That way, the wood grain will be more apparent and it will have less of a brown-painted look.

The white doorknob is everything! I just love your contagious enthusiasm - watching your videos make me so happy and I've never wanted to renovate a house of my own more than I do now

The white knob was the best choice. So happy for the progress. Everything you've done looks great

Framing goes so fast! You'll go off to hit the thrifts stores one afternoon and come home to find your new house just standing there. So happy for you.

The white handle look so good! And I’m so proud of youuu, you came such a long way and doing great! 🥰❤️

The moment you showed the white door knob I fell in love. It’s so pretty and subtly dainty. Love it!

I know this sounds weird, but I can't help thinking the house has a soul, and you are bringing it back to the glory it deserves after so many decades. I'm sure if your house could talk MaCenna, it would be so proud of your labor of love!

Friends, who else experiences the joy MaCenna does when she is sharing her progress. The music makes me tear up and feel her joy. Best video to date. The door turned out beautiful. Love the lighter doorknob. MaCenna Rocks!!!💕💕💕

One of the main things I look forward to every Sunday. You’re seriously such a role model MaCenna, thank you for providing such a sense of home and always such positive vibes. 🤍

Literally cried when I saw you running over the concrete. It’s so empowering and inspiring to see how much love you pour into this home!! Also, love the white doorknob, and maybe unpopular opinion but how about white outside black inside? Because of the black windows that are more present inside? Otherwise fully white because it’s bringing in the wood tones and the white from the siding!

When you were signing the names in the concrete I totally got all the goosebumps! It’s so wonderful to see someone get everything they deserve. You EARNED THIS! 🖤

MaCenna, I had a stripping and refinishing shop and I've stripped 100's of pieces, you can safely have the doors professionally stripped, just ask around there at antique stores and dealers and you should be able to find someone! It's so much work to hand strip, I never had any problems with damaging the pieces! I did this for over 25 years! Good luck!

Seeing you run around the new area actually brought tears to my eyes. The joy that comes through you is a reminder to us all how wonderful life is suppose to be ! Thank you , so happy for you

I've been watching this renovation since the beginning, but haven't commented until now. Really love how detailed you are about everything, it makes me feel so much more knowledgeable about how this all works and inspires me to want to create my own home in the future. You are so enthusiastic it's contagious, and it helps me reconnect with my own enthusiasm about my interests. Thanks, MaCenna!

I think what MaCenna needs for stripping the doors is Laquer Thinner to sit for 10-15 mins, then you scrape that off. Depending on the amount of paint, you may have to do it twice. Then you use Mineral Spirits with steel wool to get the remaining paint off. After all that, you sand it with coarse sandpaper, then fine paper. I prefer my orbital sander. All these steps will maybe take up a few hours in your day. It won't take days like it's sounding it is. A carpenter from Home Depot told me about this technique, and I used it to restore all the horribly painted furniture in my university apartment back to its original glory. lol This works like magic.

The white door handle definitely! It breaks up the monotony of dark wood/metal in such a lovely way!! I am so excited to see the progress on the house

Everything looks great! I’d go for the white/off-white knobs; I think it’s a nice contrast to the dark of the door and metal.

You are a real-life Anna from Frozen: Bubbly, vivacious, confident, and take charge. You're not afraid to make mistakes. You're definitely an inspiration to this newbie RU-vidr. Keep up the good work.

Aww it broke my heart when the wreath came off the door. It was such a part of the old door, I just assumed you would keep it. I hope you can source one or repair the original. Congrats on pouring your slab and seeing all your hard work pay off slowly but surely!

The part of you putting pre-stain on the door calmed me so much. It felt so much like fall is finally here, also love the music in the background. Love every bit of progress you achieve. You go girl, you’re so inspiring!

Absolutely incredible!! You guys have done such an amazing job on this house!! It really is coming along slowly but surely!!

Fix the missing bits on your door wreath with air dry clay, then paint it and keep it as a Christmas ornament.

The white doorknob is DEFINITELY my favorite! the contrast is stunning and will really compliment the house.

As a furniture painter honestly the best paint stripper is Kwik-Strip from Klean Strip. Is way faster and effective. Also a tip, after strip your paint Mineral Spirits and a steel wool Grade #0000 is the best way to take off all paint and strip residues. If the stripper doesn't work too good you tend to scratch more the wood and eventually you are damaging all the surface. And with the stain is better looking if you wipe off with a lint free rag after application. Otherwise, brush marks are going to dry very visible and uneven staining look. Hope this helps.

Yup option 2! The transformation of the door even before the stain was incredible! After -met you perfection standard! You'll have so many additional skills when you're done! Totally enjoying this each week.

13:07 you running around the foundation made me so happy and emotional! What a journey! Congratulations!

Hello Sweet McKenna! How fun and exciting to get to start seeing the fruits of your labor!❤ You've already done and accomplished soooo much and you've been such an amazing example to all of us with your perseverance, diligence and patience with such tedious projects but never giving up! Thank you for being the caretaker of this sweet little cottage! If only walls could talk and tell us the stories of our old homes! You have extensively journaled your journey and what a gift for the homeowner 100 years from now to see!❤ You are such a sweet, beautiful and delightful person that brings so much joy into all of our lives with every video! I wish you all the joy and happiness you bring to all of us! Blessings to you and your family!❤😊

The music is playing in the background, you’re working your butt off and you’re SO HAPPY and I literally start tearing up!!! WE ARE ALL SO PROUD OF YOU!!!! I could honestly watch an hour long show. That’s what this is. It’s a SHOW! You’re a star and this is all so exciting! The door is GORGEOUS!!!!

I have never found a handle nearly as pretty as the white handle! So my choice would be the white because it would accent the house color and break up the darker door. That front door look gorgeous all stained. I can’t wait to see it all done how beautiful it will be.

The excitement grows every week getting to see the progress of this housee 💙💙💙

White doorknob with brown veining is PERFECTION!! 🤩 Makes just the right amount of dimension and a beautiful warm welcome to your lovely cottage!! 💕

for the handle for the front door - PLEASE do the white one with brown veins! i love that it brings some brightness to the darker colored porch and door, as well as matching the exterior of the house at the same time.. it'd be perfect!

The way you inspire me to achieve things in my daily life is unbelievable. We are similar aged but live such different lives, yet I thrive on your energy and it sets a good tone for my week ahead. Thank you for all the positivity!

I love watching these 🥰 I was just wondering: while you’re still working on the house, wouldn’t it be fun to make a little time capsule with a letter or some other small things and leave it somewhere for future owners to find? :)

DEF the white handle. The door looks fabulous. The amount of patience u have is beyond me. GO U!

The richness of the tortoise doorknob is just so gorgeous with that stain! Plus the white doorknob clashes a bit with the darker hardware

I look forward to your Sundays videos … watched every episode im obsessed, can’t wait for the decor and styling part .. getting closer , so excited .. God bless

Wow, your frontdoor is exactly how my grandparent’s frontdoor used to look. My grandfather renovated their house at the beginning of their marriage in the late 1940’s, back when dark wood was the norm. Love it. Greetings from Belgium.

You make us proud McKenna. Your victory lap on the concrete slab is so deserved. Well done.👏🏼 I agree the white shaded ceramic door knob pops on the color of the stain and brings attention to the gorgeous brass. The door sidings stained the same color as the door with the Grey Mist trims is going to definitely add the presence you are looking for. Looking forward to the next phase and projects.🤗

Definetely go with the white knob! It’s such a beautiful accent on the dark coloured door. Watching your videos every week (from the Netherlands) and you’re such a positive person! It makes watching the videos much more fun! Keep up the good work!

Oh, the stories the front door could tell. You are giving it a beautiful new life with new and exciting stories to share. Everything for the “new” cottage is so wonderful!

I really apreciate the fact that you show that renovating takes times. It's so satisfying when you finally have something you wanted and you know you have done it yourself, not just bought it on a whim. And only a few people show this on social media (and our society in general) You can be proud of yourself, this house will be amazing, no doubt !! (and sorry if my english is not super correct, I'm french haha)

It seems like the stain is more of a paint? I’m used to seeing stains tint and soak into the wood. Can you explain more about the product? I love watching the progress each week!!

White for sure! Definitely like the contrast to the dark door and the white paint! It will look sooo good!👌🏼

Sundays have always been my favorite, and your videos add to that feeling. I’ve been watching your channel for a long time now and your growth as a designer is inspiring. I CAN NOT wait to see your vision come to life as you continue through the building process; watching the amount of joy designing brings you makes me so excited to find a career I love. You’re amazing MaCenna! ❤️

My father refinished the front door of our first house, bought in the early 90's. We lost him several years later, so it became such a special part of our home. ❤️

McCenna, I do hope you read this!! I want you to understand something. The song you had was about being an inspiration which you are to so many of us that LOVE watching your journey. And to be 100% transparent I didn’t really love the early days of your channel until you started to just be YOU! The ‘you’ is a lot like the ‘me’ I used to be before illness stopped my ‘normal’. It’s been 20yrs but I still dream and plan and do little things as I can. (please know I’m not after sympathy) - but what you are doing is a Massive dream and the way your doing it even more so. I’m not jealous, or bitter, but proud! Because I see your channel and you as the tangent my life could have gone and I now get to watch and experience it through all the extra effort you put in with these 2 great RU-vid channels. Thank you, you are sweet, kind, creative, strong and extremely capable. I’m proud of your growth and love being allowed to tag along. Thank you sweetness 😘🏠🌸

Yep, the white knob is the winner, no competition! And wow, that door is stunning! You deserve a reward for all the stripping and restaining, it is no small job!!! Proof of that shows up in the days later aches in your hands and shoulders🤍. Every time I feel that I celebrate, “oh yeah, I did that!!” You inspire! Love you manifesting the progress in this home. I feel like places, like homes, absorb the bright ambitious spirits of the people who invest in them. This home is filling up with your light and contagious thirst for happiness!! You are doing such good, thanks for sharing!! XO!

White handle, definitely! It gives just the right contrast. I can't wait to keep watching the progress 😊

Ugh I’m obsessed with watching how far along you’re getting with the cottage! I love the ceramic white door knob option the most!! ❤️❤️

The white door knob is perfection

Seeing you run on the concrete just brought me so much joy. Your joy brought me joy.

i have never clicked on a video so fast also... IM IN LOVE WITH THIS SERIES!! it inspires me so much and it feels like im watching a special HGTV episode

I love how you demonstrated where everything is going so much love for you, you’re the reason I studied interior design❤️

Was I the only one crying while seeing MaCenna running on the concrete? So happy for you! 🤗

I’m so curious about how you’re going to ensure that the addition blends seamlessly with the original 100+ year old home!! So much of the woodwork is staying, will you match it in the addition?

The best part of Sunday! Your positive energy is truly inspiring✨ Thank you for bringing us along on your renovation journey. P.S: I vote for the white door knob (option two)

I'm watching this while at work and I have to say I have never been so excited for concrete in my life! I actually teared up when you were dancing on the slab. Very proud for you!

The contrast of the white, while still in the color pallette, is beautiful

The white door knob. The vines stand out subtly. This home is looking splendid.

I LOVE THESE. Your house is literally going to be so awesome. All the best for everything!! Hope you're doing well :)

You can make a plaster mold to repair the wreath for the font door.

White doorknob, for sure! Best choice! I’m so excited for you…I’ve loved watching all your progress!

The white handle I think looks the best! And the knob doesn’t get lost in the color of the door. So exciting to see the finished product!! 😍

Your videos on Sundays are one of my favorite parts of my Sunday routines. I find your content so fun, relaxing, and inspiring. Thank you for sharing this process.

That door is gorgeous!🍁🍂 I feel like a kid right now, I'm so impatient to see how everything turns out, lol

MaCenna, when they started framing in the house, your smile was a mile wide. Now that the concrete has been completed, your smile is even wider. It has been a joy to watch your's & Romeo's journey with this renovation. Keep smiling and stay safe. And Mummykins & Daddy O, you are both amazing with the support you offer.

the wiring takes a bit that’s probably what takes the longest on a new build. we built our house by ourselves NO contractors, and wiring the entire thing took awhile! but you probably have contractors that’ll make it so much faster!

Okay, why did I tear up when they signed their names?! 💕

I've been with you through the process and let me tell you, the smile I had on my face this whole video!!!! You are that much closer to completion. I can't wait!

I just want to cry for you in happiness. I love how happy you’re feeling since they put the concrete. We can’t wait either for you, Romeo & Kinsely!!!!!!

I’m so excited for you. I had a huge smile seeing you run on the concrete; It literally warmed my heart. I bet that was very satisfying. I feel like such a proud momma. Sending you blessings

Is this a special type of stain where you don’t need to wipe after adding?

Yay!!! So excited to see the edition being pieced together! ❤️

Definitely the lightest doorknob! Love it! 😍👌

Yes the light handle is gorgeous

I literallyyyyyyyy just binge watch this series yesterday and today and now a new video! I feel complete 🤍

Your excitement is contagious!! I love the door and the white knob was definitely the perfect choice!!🤍

Her little pantomime walk through the house WAS EVERYTHING!!!! So adorable! Lol

After reading all the comments I think this has been confirmed for all of us. You are an inspiration for all of us who follow you. You are such a positive person, full of energy and focused on your goals. Your momma must be so proud of you. If she doesn't see this please tell her she did a great job raising you. And the fruit don't fall far from the tree.

I’m literally so happy for you, the house is gonna be so beautiful, I cannot wait to see it finished 😆😆❤️

This was a huge moment of progress! So very happy for you! Happy tears!!!

Definitely option 2 for the front door handle. The contrast of the white against the wood door looks great!

My favorite thing about watching this home renovation is just how excited you are. I love it🙌

Excitement overload I'm happy for you,the dedication and energy is everything .Sending love from Bahamas

I’ve never been so invested in a renovation!! I love this series! I love that you are reusing what you took off the house!! I’ve binged almost every renovation video 😂👍🏻

I'm so emotionally invested in this entire renovation! 🤩 So exciting to see the door stained, and all your hard work coming together 🙌🙌

What a special moment you and your mom shared!! I’ve been loving this reno!!!! Keep it coming 🥰

If that front door could speak it’d be like “I haven’t felt this damn fine in 100 years” 😂 x

Your names on the concrete 🥲🥺💜 I live for this content, can’t wait to see what happens next 😍 Thank you for bringing us along to this wonderful journey 💜

I like the white knob. I have to say that I love that you are saving and reusing everything you can. I Know that it makes more work for you, but it is worth it! Love your show!

The white one! You are such a hard worker. Truly inspired.

The front door medallion is everything. It says, "This house is loved and special."

Everything looks so great! I’m in awe of your talent and work ethic! The white handle for sure is best! I’m curious what the reaction of your neighbors has been to the renovation?? Are they so excited to see the improvements (understatement!) you’re making?

This reminds me of when my husband and I’s last house was built-the excitement and realization of what the house will be like. It’s so exciting! So happy for you!

oh my god 😭😭 no I'm not crying you are. I have been watching every freaking video you have posted without fail and this is a very special video not just for you me too. you inspire me so much Macenna. Go MaCenna you can do it 🤍🤍🧿🧿🧿

Question - Why didn't you put the stain on and then wipe the excess stain off with a clean cloth? Is this stain different that you don't do that with this kind? It doesn't really look like a traditional "stained" piece as much as it looks like you just painted it brown.

A business that runs itself is an advanced investment. it give you time to go about your other plans and I'm very happy to say I have such

This makes me want to cryyy, every project you tackle is just done with such care and love, the outcome is just breathtaking, i loved the little signings in the concrete too, a really beautiful touch 😍😢

the white door knobs will look great with your door- I can see your vision now with the concrete is poured, I am just as excited as you and can’t wait for the walls to go up!