Design

Why We Opted for a Dutch Door

A quick history lesson …

From the moment we started planning our Tumalo home here in Bend, I knew I wanted a Dutch door. There’s something so charming about them that instantly makes a space feel more welcoming! Plus, we just love that mix of old-world style and modern functionality. These doors actually have a cool history, originally used in the Netherlands in the 17th century. They were designed to let in fresh air and light while keeping animals (and kids) inside—super practical!

Photograph by Liesa Johannssen

What sold us, though, was how versatile they are. Dutch doors are great for those days when you want to enjoy a little fresh air without fully opening the door has been a fun conversation starter whenever we have guests over. It adds so much character to the house, and feels like a little nod to the past, even though it works perfectly in our ranch style home. Trust me, once you have one, you’ll wonder how you lived without it!


There’s something about a Dutch door that instantly makes a home feel cozier and more inviting. For me, they offer the perfect balance of style and function, especially when you have pets. Being able to leave the top half open lets in fresh air and light while keeping Lucy (our golden) inside. No worrying about her dashing off after a squirrel!

From a practicality standpoint, it’s a game-changer. But, beyond that, a Dutch door adds a quaint, old-world vibe to the house.  It’s a simple detail that brings personality to a space.

Source: Unknown

Balancing Light and Privacy

For our front door, I really wanted to incorporate glass, but a fully paned glass door wasn’t what I had in mind this time around. We’ve had those before and, while I do love the look, they don’t offer much in terms of privacy. Not that it’s a huge concern up here since our home sits higher up from the road, but for those living in more visible areas, that lack of privacy can definitely be an issue.

For us, it was more about aesthetics. I knew the Dutch door would give me that open, airy vibe I wanted without having to commit to a full glass front. Plus, the idea of cracking it open for fresh air just seemed so fitting for this space. We’ve had Dutch doors in the past, but never as our main front door, and I have to say—I’m loving it!

Sure, we could have gone with a solid wood door and maybe added a side window, but it wouldn’t have let in the same natural light. Our entryway was originally pretty dark since it sits back in a little niche. The door is tucked away in an alcove, so I really wanted to brighten it up. The glass on the top part of the Dutch door does the trick, making the space feel more open and welcoming—way more than a plain wood door would have.

Final Thoughts on a Dutch door

All in all, the Dutch door has been the perfect choice for us. It adds charm, lets in plenty of light, and still offers privacy when we need it. It’s functional and beautiful—a win-win in my book! If you’re looking to add a little character to your home and brighten things up , a Dutch door might just be the perfect touch.

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It’s funny how the things you don’t notice in a space end up being the ones that make the biggest impact. In our opinion good design isn’t just how a space looks- but how it functions too. We always strive to match the lifestyle of those that live there. 
I imagine how it will feel to move through a new space making it as effortless as possible. 
Today on the blog we will be diving into all these details. Which one of these elements do you love the most?
We built this life on love, hard work, and a whole lot of dreaming.
I was 17 when I met Derrick. The thought of that alone makes me teary. I don’t think you ever really grasp how much life you’ll walk through with someone when you first fall in love—how many versions of yourselves you’ll grow into, how much change you’ll experience together.
Somewhere between then and now, we have built a life. One that looks nothing like we thought it would, but one I wouldn’t trade for anything. 27 years married, three kids, countless homes, and more chapters than I can count. It hasn’t always been easy. We’ve had to start over, take leaps of faith, and rebuild from scratch. When Derrick lost his job several years ago, we had a choice—to let it break us or to build something new. So we built. A business, a dream, a life that feels deeply ours.
And somehow, through all of it, he’s still my favorite person. The one I want to tell every little thing to, the one who makes me laugh when I need it most, the one I choose—over and over again.
So if you’re new here, welcome! This is us. A family who believes home should be a place where you want to linger longer. Thoughtful design, cozy spaces, and a lot of heart. Oh, and meet Lucy—our golden retriever who thinks she runs the place.
And if you don’t know this song… you’re definitely younger than us. 😉 
Happy Valentine’s Day to all the other love stories out there!❤️
Life is Short. Make it Beautiful. ✨✨
Comment ‘Bedding’ and we’ll send you a roundup of some fun ideas for Spring bedding!
 
Simplicity is never dull when done right. With natural fibers and earthy tones, simple designs exude effortless luxury and calm. 
Right now, I’m loving the balance of crisp whites, warm linens, and soft tonal layers that make the bed feel inviting without overpowering the space. A neutral base gives you the flexibility to play with different looks throughout the year—whether that’s swapping out pillow covers, adding a heavier throw in winter, or mixing in lighter, airier fabrics in the warmer months.
One new addition I’m loving? This velvet bolster pillow in a muted mocha with piping. It adds just the right amount of shape and contrast while still feeling soft and tonal. Bolsters are such an underrated styling piece—they help define the bed and create a polished, finished look without feeling overly styled.