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Chill spots for hot dogs

Keep your pup cool when the temperatures rise by making sure she has a shade tree or other cover to keep her out of the sun. A pool also not only keeps her cool but adds some extra playtime as well. Inflatable options are available if you’re short on space or want something less permanent.

Don’t forget the classic doghouse either, which is great for protecting her from summer sun and spring showers. Channel your inner barkitect, check out these unique doghouses and make Snoopy proud.

Water stops for thirsty dogs

You know your dog always needs good, fresh water. This is especially important when he’s romping about in the yard during the summer. Make sure you have an easily accessible water station for him to refuel in between play rounds. This flower pot water bowl is so much simpler than sending Timmy down the well to get Lassie a drink.

Furniture for Fido

When it’s time to relax, give him someplace comfy to lay. If you choose cushions, make sure fabrics are suitable for the outdoors to avoid mildew and fading. You can even strut your DIY stuff with this homemade option from This Old House. Stylish enough for Lady, comfy enough for the Tramp.

Doors for doggos

The original Dutch doors were made for animals. The top half opens to let cooling breezes into the home, while the bottom closes to keep out animals. Those animals were typically livestock in the early days, but it works with doggos, too. Install a Dutch door to keep them out – or in – your home.

Doggy doors are hugely convenient, but it’s important that the they don’t compromise the overall safety of your home. For starters, don’t install your doggy door on an entryway visible from the street, and choose one that’s the smallest possible size for your pet to help deter intruders from squeezing through it themselves. Also, consider a pet door that locks. Some electronic versions are activated to unlock only when a chip in your dog’s collar is nearby. That gives you security and Toto access even when you’re not in Kansas anymore.

Smart locks for easy walks

While you’re thinking about doors, consider a smart lock. We don’t expect Fluffy to remember his own user code, but his dog walker certainly can. With Schlage smart locks, you can create multiple user codes and track when those codes are used. It’s the perfect convenient and safe solution when you have to rely on someone else for walks. And don’t forget to tell your dog walker where you keep the Scooby Snacks.

Gates for good boys

Do you have an escape artist on your hands? Keeping them fenced in or contained on a deck can be a challenge, but it is possible to keep your dog safe and your yard stylish. If you want your pup to stay on the deck, try this baby gate upgrade that is also customizable to his size and level of sneakiness.

Wooden fences can be a beautiful privacy feature for your yard with the added benefit of making it difficult for your dog to see something enticing on the other side. Also consider options that are hard for her to climb (so no chain link), tall enough to prevent Marmaduke from leaping over and with slats narrow enough to keep tiny Slinky Dog from slipping through. River rocks around the base of the fence can dissuade some dogs from digging, which not only keeps your yard looking sharp, but it might help keep them from burrowing under the fence. (Maybe. That Hairy Houdini is tricky.)

Safe plants for pups

If your pup likes to chew and eat everything in sight – Labrador owners know what we’re talking about – then make sure your garden is full of pet-friendly plants. Stick to native plant species in your area, but you can start by looking into daylilies, purple basil, African daisies, snapdragons and other greenery recommended by the ASPCA.

And don’t forget pet-friendly pesticides when keeping your yard lush. Even if you don’t have a chewer, they’ll be walking on the grass and you might not want some of those chemicals on their feet. Rin Tin Tin was all about safety, so you know he’d approve.

Landscape for paw protection

When the temperatures heat up, so does the ground. If you have concrete, stones and gravel, that can mean that puppy’s paws will be feeling the heat, too. Grass instead of materials that conduct heat and plenty of shade will help keep toasty toes to a minimum. Petey and all your rascals will be thankful.

Convenient cleaning for muddy mayhem

Looking for a bigger project? Install a dog wash – or even just a handy spigot near your door – for cleaning muddy feet. Getting into, and sometimes getting you out of, a bit of trouble can be dirty work, right, Balto?

We want to hear your pet-friendly patio ideas and see your porch puppies. Share with us on Instagram or Facebook.

Why would I have multiple smart locks?

Schlage smart locks are intelligent solutions for all types of entryways. If you already own one smart lock, you know about the keyless convenience and peace of mind it provides. But whether you’re looking to add more smart security or are just now considering taking the plunge into electronic locks, imagine the combination of possibilities.

• Multiple locks on the same home, like both the front and back doors, or the front door and garage entry
  
  
• Your parents’ house, perfect for when you’re caring for older family members aging in place
  
  
• A rental property, whether it’s nearby or in another state
  
  
• A private entrance for house-sharing guests at your own home

What can the Schlage Home app control?

The Schlage Home app works with the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt and the Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt. Whether you have one of each, two Schlage Encode locks or a pair of Schlage Sense locks in different locations, you can use a single Schlage Home app to set up and control them all.

How do I keep my smart locks organized?

Using the Schlage Home app, you assign a unique name to each lock during setup. For example, you might choose “Home Front Door,” or “Guest Entrance” if you have a dedicated entryway specifically for home-share guests. It might be “Mom’s Front Door” if you have access to your parents’ home or “Beach House” for your vacation rental.

Whatever names you choose, we recommend keeping them as easy-to-remember as possible, particularly if you’re managing multiple locks. You don’t want a confusing name to cause you to accidentally change a setting on the wrong deadbolt.

How do I create or change my smart locks’ names?

You will be asked to choose and enter the name of your lock during the deadbolt’s setup process with the Schlage Home app. To change it later, choose the lock you would like to update from your Schlage Home app’s main screen. Go to Settings, found by tapping the gear icon in the lower left corner. From the list, select Name, then type in the new identifying title for your deadbolt and select Done.

There’s so much more you can do with your Schlage Home app, regardless of whether you have one, two or even three locks. Lock or unlock your door from anywhere, create and manage multiple access codes, customize push notifications for when an access code is used or when a disturbance is detected at the door, and change auto-lock timing or other settings. All of this is done simply and conveniently from the palm of your hand.

How do I access my smart locks from anywhere?

Because the Schlage Encode lock features built-in WiFi, you can access your lock from anywhere using the Schlage Home app with no need to purchase an additional accessory.

In order to communicate with the Schlage Sense lock, you’ll need either the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter or, for Apple HomeKit users, an Apple TV/iPad. Use these tips to choose the accessory that’s right for you and control your Schlage Sense deadbolt remotely and conveniently.

Learn more about the Schlage Home app or use our interactive tool to get help deciding which smart lock is right for you and all the homes where you want the safety, style and simplicity of Schlage.

Whether exploring the world of door hardware online at websites like schlage.com or visiting your local home improvement store to purchase door hardware that meets your specs for security, performance and style, it helps to be able to talk the talk.

From backset to bore, strike plate to spindle, we’d like to help you understand some of the more common terminology and help unlock the sometimes mysterious and occasionally confusing world of door hardware. It’s actually easier than it sounds once you get the hang of it, and soon you’ll be able to help you impress your friends with your newly acquired knowledge of parts of a door lock. We’ll also provide some practical understanding of the various door lock and security options available to you.

Let’s start with the parts of the lock you’ll typically find in the box when you purchase door hardware from Schlage.

Parts of a door lock

Chassis:

Like your car’s engine under the hood, this is the internal body of the lock, the unseen working mechanisms inside the door. Among other things, the chassis determines if your lock is Privacy/Bed & Bath, Passage/Hall & Closet or Combined Interior. Visit schlage.com to see a variety of mechanical and electronic options including the latest smart locks.

Trim:

Sometimes called a rose, the trim is a decorative plate attached to the door under the knob or lever. Depending on the lock you choose, there are a number of available trim styles and finishes to meet your specific preferences and that fit the uniqueness of your home’s look and style.

Deadbolt:

One of the strongest methods of securing a door, deadbolts are operated only using a key from the exterior or thumbturn from the interior. The deadbolt is typically installed on exterior doors above a knob, lever or grip for a handleset.

Escutcheon:

This refers to any plate, including trim and handleset plates, that surrounds a keyhole or lock. It protects the lock cylinder from being drilled out, providing you with additional security, and protects the surrounding area from being scratched by a key.

Faceplate

A metal plate on the edge of the door, next to the latch or deadbolt, the faceplate protects the lock from wear and tear. It may have rounded corners or be a circular drive-in faceplate. The shape of the faceplate used during installation depends on your door’s preparation.

Backplate:

Used with a rounded corner faceplate, the backplate is installed with the latch so that it is positioned between the faceplate and the latch bore (the hole where your latch enters the door).

Latch bolt:

Sometimes abbreviated as latch, this is the type of lock that has a beveled, spring- operated bolt that engages when you close the door. If you’ve ever accidentally locked yourself out of your house or a hotel room, you know this type well.

Spindle:

The spindle is the bar that connects knobs or levers through the door and operates the lock mechanism.

Strike plate:

Similar to a faceplate, the strike plate is a metal plate that is affixed to the doorjamb and has a hole (or holes) that accommodate the lock bolt. It is not only decorative. The strike plate protects the doorjamb and adds security to the opening.

Other door hardware terms

Beyond parts, there are a few more terms you might find helpful when it comes to purchasing and installing your door hardware.

Backset:

The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center line of the prepared cross bore hole drilled to install most locks. With all installations, there are minimum and maximum measurements required for your lock to be compatible. Schlage locks are designed to fit all standard doors with a 2-3/8” or 2-3/4” backset.

Bore holes:

Bore holes are the holes in the door that house your door hardware and allow it to be installed. The cross bore is the main hole drilled into the face of the door where the body of the lock (chassis) is installed. The latch bore, also known as the edge bore, is the hole drilled from the side of the door into the cross bore to allow the latch of the lock to be installed and to accommodate the sliding of the deadbolt. The diameter of the latch bore is generally 1” to accommodate bolts from either mechanical or electronic locksets.

Handing:

Handing is a term used to indicate how a door swings. This is important to know when choosing a compatible lock for your use. A left-handed lever has the door hinges located on the left side as you look at the door’s exterior. A right-handed lever has the door hinges located on the right side of the door as you look at it from the outside. For more information, check out our blog post on understanding lever and door handing.

Take your lock with you

Transferring your lock to your new home is easier than you think. When you disconnect your Schlage smart lock to move, don’t worry about losing your information. In nearly every case, as long as you do not manually complete a Factory Default Reset, your access codes, synced devices and other data will continue to be stored even after uninstalling your lock or removing the batteries. When you get to your new home, simply reinstall the lock, make sure your WiFi network or smart home system are up and working again, and you’re ready to go.

A special note for those using the Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt with the Schlage Sense™ WiFi Adapter: Your devices will remain paired after your move. However, if your WiFi network information changes at the new house, you will need to complete the setup process with the adapter again. This is so that the adapter and lock can identify the new WiFi network name and Service Set Identifier (SSID) to continue providing you access from anywhere.

Leave your lock for the new owners

If you decide to leave the smart lock on the door for the new homeowners, you’ll want to complete a Factory Default Reset. This removes your manually programmed access codes and allows the new owner to create their own. It also resets the lock so that it’s no longer synced to other smart hubs or devices. Follow the links below to complete the Factory Default Reset on your lock:
 

• Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt


• Schlage Connect™ Smart Deadbolt (Z-Wave Plus and Zigbee)


• Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt


• Schlage Touch™ Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt

Hopefully you still have the pre-programmed access codes and programming code that came with the lock. If so, provide those to the new owners as well. You can find these codes in the Quick Start Guide or on the inside of the back of the lock.

Like the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt, the Factory Default Reset of your Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt with Z-Wave Plus technology can also be accomplished by holding the Enrollment button on the lock for seven seconds. The LED lights will indicate if the reset was successful. The new homeowners also won’t require the programming code to re-enroll the lock. They can use the Enrollment button or the Smart Start QR Code for enrollment.

Moving might feel overwhelming sometimes, but at Schlage, we try to make sure your home security isn’t part of that stress. Visit our Real Estate page for more tips and a helpful moving checklist.

Function

First things first, you need to determine the function of the door lock. In most cases for your bathroom, you want a privacy, or Bed & Bath, lock. “What does this mean?” you ask. A privacy lock lets you lock the door from one side using either a push-lock mechanism or a thumbturn.

While a privacy lock is appropriate for most bathrooms, you may find that, depending on your living situation (small children, individuals needing special care, etc.), you would prefer to have access to the bathroom at all times. When that’s the case, a passage, or Hall & closet, lock is the desired function. A passage lock allows you to latch the bathroom door knob or lever to latch the door, but it will not lock on either side.

Schlage Custom™ Door Hardware has Combined Interior functionality. That means that you get both passage and privacy functions in the same lock. Switching between the functions is easy and convenient. Simply insert and rotate the privacy pin to convert it from passage to privacy. With the versatility of Schlage Custom Combined Interior functionality, you never have to worry about miscounting how many of each kind of lock you need. And you never have to replace the entire lock if your needs change.

Quality

Just as with any purchase, you want to make sure you are purchasing your interior door hardware from a trusted lock company, like Schlage, that manufactures high-quality door locks. Look for companies that honor both a lifetime mechanical warranty and a lifetime finish warranty. Because let's face it – sometimes things happen and you want to ensure you're buying a quality door lock from a company that offers great service and will stand by its products and warranties.

Handing

In addition to deciding on the finish, you need to consider whether a door knob or lever would work best in your bathroom. What difference does it make? While door knobs and levers operate the same internally, they do provide a different look and style to the room. Additionally, levers are often ideal for young children or those with arthritis or need the extra leverage a lever provides to open the bathroom door. Levers are also different than door knobs in that they are ADA compliant.

If you choose a lever, you might need to pay attention to the handing. This impacts the way the lever is installed, specifically which way the lever points when it is affixed to the door. When you purchase a Schlage interior lever, your hardware comes with a pin tool that allows you to switch the levers if necessary. Watch this video to help you adjust the levers to the appropriate handing during installation.

Finish

When it comes to selecting interior door hardware for your bathroom, or any room, you want to look at the finish. These finishes can range from historically popular finishes like Bright Brass and Satin Nickel to more modern finishes like Satin Brass and Matte Black. A good rule of thumb is to complement your interior door hardware with your current bathroom fixtures. For example, if your faucets and lighting are a timeless satin nickel, you might not want to choose Bright Brass for your bathroom door lock. Selecting Satin Nickel will coordinate better and make your bathroom look that much more polished.

You can even create even more visual interest by mixing finishes. Just because you have appliances in one finish doesn’t mean everything has to have the same metallic look. Copper and nickel, satin brass and polished nickel, aged bronze and satin brass are all classic combinations that make a statement.

Style

Part of completing your perfect look is choosing the right style of door hardware. Schlage offers designs that range from traditional to modern and clean and minimalist to ornate and eclectic, so you can find the door knobs, levers and trim that are right for your home and your own unique sense of style. Use our Style Selector tool to find the designs and finishes right for your décor.

You might also choose to match door hardware in other parts of your home. Because Schlage offers locks in a variety of functions, you can easily create your ideal look no matter what door you’re updating, from the front door to back porch and everywhere in between.

If you find yourself in need of inspiration, check us out on Pinterest or Instagram. You can also discover which styles fit your home and personal taste at Schlage.com.

As far as we’re concerned, improving your home security is important any time of year, not just at holidays when you’re concerned about packages. But with the change of seasons, now might be a good time to do a quick audit of how safe your house and belongings are. Here are 10 ways to improve your home’s security without breaking the bank or your back.

Rule #1: Regardless of the kind of locks you have on your home, use them. It’s easy to forget to lock up or feel like it’s necessary, especially if you’re at home. But an unlocked door, no matter how strong your deadbolt or security system, won’t protect you from would-be-thieves.

Smart security

Not all smart technology costs an arm and a leg, and it’s not all difficult to set up.

• Timers: With a simple smart plug or plug-in digital timer, you can schedule lights and even shades to give the impression that someone is home. This is especially handy when you’re on vacation, although it’s effective for everyday life, like when you head out to dinner. Some of these have the benefit of “set it and forget it” for additional ease of use. When you add a garage door timer to your security efforts, there’s no more wondering if you closed the door after bringing in the groceries either. These timers automatically lower the door after a certain length of time.
  
  
• Smart locks: There are so many features on a Schlage smart lock that can enhance your home security. Keyless convenience means there are no spare keys to lose and no fake rock, which isn’t that secure anyway, to hide. When you sync your smart lock with an app like the Schlage Home app, you can easily monitor the status of your deadbolt, lock it from anywhere if you forgot before you left the house and see who has used access codes to come and go. Many smart locks also have an auto-lock feature, meaning that if you do forget to lock up behind you, your deadbolt will take care of it for you.
  
  We have a variety of smart locks that work with different home technology. The Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt features built-in WiFi, making it increasingly affordable because no additional smart home hubs or accessories are required. It’s battery-powered, so no wiring is necessary, and interactive instructions make installation easy.
  
  
• Motion sensors: Lights are always a good way to deter burglars. Motion sensors have the additional benefit of being a bit startling when a light unexpectedly shines on an ill-intentioned individual. Depending on your setup, sensors can also activate cameras, a push notification to your phone or even sound effects like a barking dog.

Low-tech security

Cavemen had spears. Because sometimes all you need is a stick.

• Sliding door stops: How can a stick keep your home safe peacefully? Place it in the tracks of a sliding door to make it more difficult to sneak in the back door. According to Safety.com, nearly a quarter of thieves enter the house through the back. You can go high tech or keep it basic. Try a piece of PVC pipe. Then run a string from end to end to make pulling out of the slider’s tracks simple for you.
  
  
• Window stops: You never want to seal off a window – what about those refreshing breezes? – but a window stop can keep a ground-level window from opening wide enough for unwanted entry.
  
  
• Shed locks: Not everything that’s valuable is necessarily in your house. Secure substantial sheds and garages with mechanical deadbolts to protect your power tools, mowers and other big-ticket outdoor items.

Green security

Plants can both help and hurt your home’s security. Make them work in your favor.

• Trim shrubs: Overgrown bushes, especially around entryways and windows, provide easy cover for intruders. If you really want shrubs in these areas, keep them trimmed down.
  
  
• Prickly plants: Another option if you love greenery around your doorways is to choose bushes with thorns and other painful defense mechanisms. No one will want to hide in acacia or climbing roses.

Social security

No neighborhood watch? No problem.

• Meet your neighbors: Even if your community doesn’t have an official neighborhood watch, ask those living near you to keep an eye on your house, especially when you head out of town. They can pick up your mail, park their car in your driveway and even put some of their garbage in front of your house on trash day so it doesn’t look like you’re away.
  
  
• Avoid social media: Yes, we know it’s exciting that you get to go to Hawaii. And it’s probably even more exciting for potential thieves who know it’ll be a while before you return. It’s tempting, but try to hold off on status updates that make it obvious your house is empty.

Remember that enhancing your home security doesn’t have to be expensive and it certainly doesn’t have to be unattractive. Find more ways to make your home safer while also boosting its curb appeal here. And don’t forget to share your security ideas with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Access codes

Schlage smart locks allow you to create unique access codes, so you never need to use a key if you don’t want to. Assigning access codes to trusted family, friends and caregivers can add another level peace of mind. Maybe your parents have a healthcare aid or housecleaner who stops by a few times a week to help out. With access codes, you don’t have to worry about handing out spare keys. Particularly when mobility or illness is a concern, this is a great option for simplifying something as critical as welfare checks or as mundane as household chores.

Even if you’re the one primarily visiting your family members, access codes can be helpful to you in that you don’t have to carry or remember a separate set of keys. No more making a special trip home to find other keys or losing the spare just so you have the flexibility to stop by and say, “hello” at any time.

It’s easy to create and manage codes. The Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt can store up to 100 unique codes, while the Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt has memory for up to 30. No matter which lock you choose, you can then use the Schlage Home app to add, delete or change settings for codes.

This includes creating schedules for individual codes. For example, if the housecleaner is only expected Wednesdays between 9 and 11 a.m., you can schedule the code to be active only during that timeframe. When you no longer wish someone to have access to your parents’ home, you can delete the code at any time, all from your smartphone or the lock’s touchscreen.

On a side note, if you already have a Schlage smart lock on your own home, you can continue to manage that lock as well as your parents’ from the same Schlage Home app. The app is designed to work with multiple locks in multiple locations as easily as if you were monitoring only one door.

Lock Status

Many of us struggle with memory as we get older, and forgetting to lock our doors can be a safety concern. Would you be more comfortable with elderly relatives living alone if you could be sure that their home was locked at night? With the Schlage Encode and Schlage Sense deadbolts on your door and the Schlage Home app on your smartphone, you can check the lock’s status remotely. And if you find it hasn’t been locked, a single tap on your smartphone’s screen lets you change that.

You can also use the Schlage Home app to unlock the door from anywhere when your Schlage Encode or Schlage Sense deadbolts are connected to WiFi. This may be appealing to you in the event of an emergency when first responders need to enter the home and no one can come to the door. We hope you never need this feature for that reason, but it is available just in case.

Voice commands

The Schlage Encode and Schlage Sense smart deadbolts work with hands-free voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. If you’re thinking that this type of technology and artificial intelligence aren’t a right fit for your older parents, consider these capabilities:

• Set daily reminders to take medication or complete other regular tasks
  
  
• Use speech-to-text functions, perfect for those with hearing disabilities or who struggle with smartphone touchpads
  
  
• Make hands-free calls and texts, similar to how you use your phone’s Bluetooth technology in your car

Forbes also reports on a study that also found voice assistants help older adults feel less isolated and that that connection to family, friends and their community can maintain or improve brain function.

So what’s voice commands’ relation to locks? For one, you can use voice commands to control your Schlage smart deadbolt. A simple, “Hey, Google. Is the front door locked?” will give you a status update. And “Alexa, lock the front door” will secure the deadbolt. There’s no more worrying about going down the steps at night just to check the lock when you can do it from bed.

You or your family member can also create simple scenes, essentially a chain reaction of “events” that gets triggered with a single voice command. Just say, “Alexa, it’s time for bed,” and the scene you built will turn down lights, lock the door, adjust the thermostat and more.

At Schlage, we strive to make life safer and more convenient for you and your entire family. Get help deciding which of our smart locks is the right fit for your family at any stage in life.

Flowers

1. Potted plants – When you build Mom a container garden, you open up new possibilities. They’re mobile so you can move them inside if you get a late freeze, they can be customized to fit a tiny balcony or a huge deck, and you can pick and choose her favorite blooms. Think of it as a living floral arrangement that can light up any room, the porch and her smile.
   
   
2. Kitchen herb garden – If Mom likes to cook, plant her a small herb garden. Like the container garden, these can be perfect for large outdoor spaces or small kitchen window sills. They’re pretty, most of them smell good and they certainly taste great.
   
   
3. Front yard makeover – Amp up the curb appeal of Mom’s home by doing a garden overhaul. Try some of these spring landscaping tips from Home Made Lovely, ranging from planting a tree to adding color with window boxes to improving drainage with a pretty gravel walkway.

Spa Getaway

1. Salt lamp – The verdict is still out on whether salt lamps have any actual health benefits. What everyone can agree on though is that they create a calming environment and can help limit light in the evening when you’re trying to relax before bed. It’s a great start for that stay-at-home spa alternative.
   
   
2. Porch swing – Can’t you just see Mom relaxing in the evening with a glass of iced tea and her favorite book, lazily swinging away on the front porch? Porch swings, or any kind of comfortable seating, is a great way to add style and function to Mom’s home.
   
   
3. Bedroom makeover – If Mom is looking for an everyday escape, make over the bedroom to transform it into that oasis. New linens – don’t forget the extra-soft sheets – as well as an updated headboard or a relaxing sitting area/reading nook could be just what Dr. Mom ordered.

A Day Off

1. Porch renovation – Give Mom that day off by tackling a larger renovation project she’s been asking for. Give the front porch a deep clean, paint the front door, replace the handleset with something that’s both secure and stylish, and definitely fix the wobbly handrail.
   
   
2. Cabinet pulls in the kitchen – We’re pretty sure Mom doesn’t want to live in a construction zone – it’s one of the main reasons people don’t take on kitchen renovations. But you can still make some minor updates that will have a big impact without big dust clouds. Replace the cabinet and update your door hardware. With Schlage’s variety of styles and finishes, you can easily create a cohesive look between your door knobs or levers, new pulls and appliances. The best part is that you can do all this and still have a working kitchen to make her breakfast in bed.

Homemade Art

1. Personalize a frame – Instead of drawing another picture (which we’re sure she’d still love), how about decorating a picture frame or mirror? It still has your personal touch and you can get as fancy or as modest as your artistic skills – and Mom’s style – allow.
   
   
2. Vignette – If you can’t decide on one piece of art to create, assemble a collection of meaningful items. These vignettes are increasingly popular with the resurgence of maximalism and Art Deco style. All you need is to bring together a handful of her favorite things – maybe you go thrift shopping to find pretty glasses you know she’ll love – and arrange them as a statement piece.
   
   
3. Create a smart scene – “Homemade” doesn’t have a monopoly on art and food. If Mom has a smart home, try creating a scene that makes her life easier. With a smart hub and the right compatible devices, you can create a scene so that all she needs to do is say, “Alexa, it’s time for bed” or tap one button on her smartphone. Her smart devices will then complete whatever scene you set up – turn down the lights, turn on relaxing music, adjust the thermostat and lock the front door.

Digital Photo Frame

1. Smart lock – If Mom likes digital photo frames, she might appreciate other user-friendly technology in the home. Each of Schlage’s smart locks – the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt, Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt and Schlage Connect™ Smart Deadbolt – adds everyday convenience and peace of mind she’s sure to love. Access codes means she never has to carry keys if she goes out for a run, a log of lock use lets her know when the kids got home from school and remote access means she can control her lock from anywhere with her smartphone. Find more reasons why a smart lock may be the perfect Mother’s Day gift here.
   
   
2. Amazon Prime subscription – We’re kind of biased, but we think one of the big reasons Mom might love a Prime subscription is its link to the Schlage Encode deadbolt. Prime members in select areas can pair their lock with Key by Amazon and opt-in to in-home delivery. That means all those things Mom’s getting free shipping on can be placed right inside the front door and no one has to worry about porch pirates or rain-soaked boxes anymore.
   
   
3. Alexa-enabled smart plug – This is a great idea if Mom is looking for more ways to make her home smart without investing in sometimes-pricey hubs. She can control lights and more either with voice command or the Alexa app. This is one way to give Mom the convenience she craves.

Looking for even more gift ideas for Mother’s Day? Try these 5 ways to treat mom to luxury. You can also share how you’re celebrating Mother’s Day on Facebook or Twitter.

1. Focus on the essentials

Whether you’re building a smart home only for yourself or thinking about others in the house, decide which devices are most important to you. Are smart lights/thermostats you can adjust remotely/smart locks/irrigation control for your backyard/all of the above critical? The more smart devices you try to integrate, the more difficult it might be for young family members, visitors – anyone you welcome into your home. There’s so much fun technology out there, it doesn’t take much to get carried away. But if ease of use is a high priority for you, be judicious about how you set up your home automation system from Day One.

2. Keep it simple

Are you using voice control as part of your home automation system? Keep the commands simple. You don’t want guests stumbling over “Turn on downstairs desk lamp” when “Turn on lamp” will suffice. And if you have kids, How-To-Geek recommends keeping voice commands as basic as possible and with short, easy-to-say words.

3. Grant access with a code

Sending a virtual key for your Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt or Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt is a super-convenient way to grant home access to guests without having to share a physical key that can be lost or forgotten. Virtual keys are administered and used via smartphone, but if guests don’t want to use the Schlage Home app or are too young to have a smartphone, you can also set up access codes to use on your Schlage smart deadbolt’s keypad. No matter which smart lock you choose, you can assign multiple access codes that give visitors, your kids or whoever you trust keyless convenience and the ability to come and go as they please.

4. Enter guest mode

Some devices, like Google Home, will be more guest-friendly when you enable their Guest Mode. Sure, visitors can still activate the device’s basic functions even if it’s not in Guest Mode, but to play their own music from their own phone, you’ll want to set this up. Most devices have some similar features – Apple HomeKit lets you send invites to guests for greater access – so take the time to learn how your technology works best for your visitors. They’ll definitely appreciate it.

5. Back it up

Some people simply won’t or can’t take advantage of all of your smart home technology. You can’t always expect a toddler to control the lights with voice control after all. Maybe a visually impaired guest can’t see the touchscreen. When this is the case, be prepared with traditional backups. A typical light switch, a mechanical key for your front door or a traditional remote may be just the thing that makes people feel more comfortable in your home.

6. Go ahead and cheat

When all else fails, never underestimate the power of a cheat sheet. A simple list of instructions and common voice control commands that lets guests take advantage of your smart home’s technology can reduce confusion.

Security – for themselves, their loved ones, their belongings – is one of the main reasons people integrate smart home technology into their lives. Visit Schlage.com to learn about smart solutions for your own home.

1. Add a comfy seat

The perfect front porch starts with a comfy place to sit. Although patio furniture can be pricey, there's plenty of DIY inspiration across the web to help you get the perfect look for the right budget. We're especially loving this DIY outdoor daybed for starters.

2. Upcycle unique planters

Head to your local re-sale store or even your garage or attic to find a unique piece that can act as a new planter. We love this idea from DIY Network that uses an old tricycle to display succulents in this outdoor space.

3. Create DIY planters

If the vintage look isn't quite your style, try building your own unique planter instead. We're loving this hexagon planter idea from The Home Depot.

4. Brighten the front door

There's no better way to say goodbye to winter than with a fresh coat of bright paint on your front door. This project can be completed in a single afternoon. It's an easy way to give yourself a cheerful welcome every day. Check out our door painting tips to make this project as easy as possible.

If you love the idea of a bright door but are afraid to pull the trigger on something too bold, consider these tips for “colorful neutrals” from the April 2019 issue of Better Homes & Gardens:
 

• Choose blues with soft gray undertones. Light to medium shades provide a touch of color to escape the dull.
  
  
• Try clay-like colors – terra-cotta for example – to hint at pink without feeling like you’re at a baby shower. Think earth tones with a touch of rosiness.
  
  
• Dark green can be surprisingly neutral. Green in general compliments other colors, so when you go dark, it sets the stage for other elements to pop. Consider a deep green with lighter wood accents, such as those made of pine.

5. Refresh entry door hardware

Nothing makes a front door pop better than a fresh handleset or smart lock in the perfect finish. Take some time to clean your hardware or swap an outdated set for a new style that better complements your front door. Check out our Instagram feed for plenty of inspiration.

6. Hang a $25 spring wreath

A spring wreath that's affordable and easy to make? Sign us up! We love the look of this spring wreath from Life by Anastasia as much as we love the price tag on this project. Be sure to check out our Accessorize Your Door board on Pinterest for plenty of DIY wreath inspiration.

7. Have fun with fabrics

Just because you’re outside doesn’t mean you can’t still have plush fabrics. You’ll want to make sure they’ll still hold up to the elements, but adding cushions, rugs and even drapes are an inexpensive way to bring new color and texture to your porch. Get the details on these indoor/outdoor drapes, courtesy of our friends at HGTV.

8. Hang plants somewhere new

Have a little fun with your plant placement by creating an arrangement that hangs from the ceiling of your porch rather than the perimeter. This hanging basket arrangement from Country Living adds the perfect amount of personality to this front porch retreat.

9. Re-arrange

You may already have everything you need for the perfect front porch atmosphere. Try re-arranging your furniture, accessories and decor to give the front of your home a fresh new feel. We love this list of 15 ways to arrange your front porch from How to Decorate.