A DIY home makeover video showcasing a stained glass-inspired film on the front door of a home has sparked both criticism and admiration from viewers on TikTok.
The video shared by Medina Colaku (@medinacolaku), a licensed therapist and content creator based in New Jersey, has gone viral on TikTok, amassing over 54.8 million views since it was posted on October 20.
In the clip, Colaku walks towards her front door, commenting: “This is me coming home to my tacky, ugly, disgusting door that the internet absolutely hated.” The video shows a screenshot of a harsh comment that said: “That is so hard to look at. Not only did you put it on wrong but it looks hideous.”
Colaku told Newsweek that the video was filmed earlier this fall as part of a budget-friendly DIY project to upgrade her front door and porch. “As we plan to renovate/rebuild this part of our house completely in a few years, I wanted to make it feel more like home,” the first-time home owner said, noting that she purchased the house last year.
@medinacolaku on TikTok
The project involved adding a stained glass-inspired film to the door. Colaku aimed to create a “nostalgic yet modern aesthetic” that adds privacy without sacrificing natural light. “It’s a simple DIY upgrade that makes a big impact—both visually and functionally,” she noted.
The video sparked a range of reactions online. Colaku recounted some of the harshest comments, telling Newsweek “The internet can be…creative. Some people compared it to a church window or joked that I was auditioning for a gothic horror film.”
The viral video comes amid a rise in home renovation spending in the U.S., which has surged significantly over the last three years. The median spend on renovations rose by 60 percent between 2020 ($15,000) and 2023 ($24,000), according to a survey by Houzz, a home design website.
While more than half of U.S. homeowners undertook renovation projects in 2023, the figure marked a slight drop of two percentage points compared to the previous year, the Houzz study found.
‘Unconventional and Non-Traditional’
The homeowner in the viral TikTok video says: “I literally did not imagine that I would get that much unnecessary cruel comments about making over my front door that I paid for with my money and my mortgage, not yours.”
Despite the critique from others online, she defiantly says in the video: “I love it and no, I’m not putting this on the back. I want it right there, so it’s exactly where it’s gonna stay because it’s my house.”
Colaku told Newsweek about her passion for intentional and thoughtful design through her content platform, Healing Your Home with Medina. “I specialize in creating thoughtful, intentional spaces that reflect personal stories and emphasize sustainability,” she explained. “Our homes should be more than just where we live—they should be a reflection of who we are and a source of comfort, healing, and inspiration.”
Reflecting on the unexpected backlash online, Colaku said she believes it stems from the deeply personal nature of design. “I think it’s because design is deeply personal, and people naturally project their own preferences and values onto what they see—both in person and online,” she said.
The poster said: “It’s fascinating—and sometimes a little overwhelming—to witness how strongly people react to something as simple as a door. I think the backlash stems from it being different, unconventional, and nontraditional—all things that can make people uncomfortable.”
She also touched on societal norms, noting that “there’s a connection here to how society, and the patriarchy in particular, often dictates what is ‘acceptable’ or ‘appropriate.'”
“When something challenges those norms—even something as small as a DIY door makeover—it can provoke strong reactions. People don’t always know how to handle seeing someone confidently step outside the box,” she added. “But for me, it’s about creating a home that feels authentic to us, not about meeting everyone else’s expectations.”
Despite the negative comments, the makeover received ample praise from viewers.
User @la_quincayera_de_ballaja commented: “I love it! It’s gorgeous! Forget the haters!!”
Kate echoed this sentiment, saying: “Personally, I love it! And you’re right, it’s your door, your choice!”
Angela admired the creativity, writing: “I love those colors, so smart. Go girl!”
The Irish Explorers complimented the design, adding: “It’s done so tastefully. Well done it’s stunning. Don’t mind the negative Nellie’s they’re just jealous.”
Do you have a home renovation-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
