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College in the time of coronavirus. Your 20-something is facing a lot of anxiety about whether they’ll return to campus in the fall or live at home, take some or all of their classes virtually or defer their education until we’ve established a new normal. Last spring’s graduates might be struggling with their next steps. Because you’re a parent, their uncertainty is probably also affecting your own life. And if they’ve moved back home, you have even more challenges to navigate as a family.

According to Zillow, more than two million of the record 32 million adults living with their parents last spring were 18 to 25 years old, so if you find your nest is no longer empty, you aren’t alone. Here are five common challenges families like yours are facing, plus a few ways your home can help maintain peace and peace of mind in your new living situation.

Challenge #1: Lack of independence

One of the most common worries of an adult child moving back home is losing their sense of independence. They’ve grown accustomed to a certain level of autonomy while living on their own at school. Many parents worry about their own level of independence as well since, when their kids moved out the first time, they found a new equilibrium. Now that you’re used to a new way of doing things, will your balance be thrown off yet again?

One solution is a smart lock. When you install a Schlage smart lock, it’s easier to give your adult child the freedom to come and go based on their own schedule, whether it’s to get to work or late night meetings with friends. Unique access codes can be made quickly and easily, so no matter when your kids show up, they’ll be covered. There’s no more mad dash to make a spare key and hoping they remember to carry it with them if they’re out of the habit.

If curfew is a point of contention – they think they’re too old for one but you still worry – try setting up notifications on your smartphone so you know when a code has been used. With a compatible app, you’ll know they made it home safely without feeling like you’re hovering.

Life Lesson: Set your expectations from the beginning to avoid conflict down the road. Make it a two-way conversation and be prepared to negotiate. Maybe you agree not to set a curfew, but you do ask that they tell you when they’re leaving and when they’ve returned.

Challenge #2: Lack of privacy

If you’ve had an entire house to yourself for a few years, things might feel a bit tight with another body or three. Get creative about how you divvy up the space in your home. Rework your space as necessary to make sure everyone have a place to study, sleep and socialize without crawling on top of each other.

There are lots of options for creating the perfect guest room/office, so don’t fret if you’ve already converted their old bedroom. Many of these tips, like choosing multipurpose furniture, work for any combination room or small space. You might also try some simple décor solutions like decorative screens, curtains or French doors can create a sense of privacy even in close quarters.

Since we love door hardware, we also recommend adding Schlage Custom Combined Interior to your home. The unique design of these knobs and levers lets you switch easily between locking and non-locking functions without replacing the entire lock. So if your craft room is now their bedroom, you can simply switch functions and then back again when they’ve moved out at the end of their stay so everyone gets the privacy they need.

Lastly, consider how you can adjust your home’s layout if you need to quarantine. Your young adult may have different views on social distancing than the older members of your household. Give them their own basement “apartment,” for example, if you’re concerned about them bringing the virus into your home.

Life Lesson: Decide upfront how you’re going to handle each other’s social lives. Do they have to ask before inviting friends over? Will significant others be welcome to spend the night? Is your adult child invited to your own gatherings?

Challenge #3: Needing everyone to contribute

As much as everyone wants to maintain their independence, it can be easy to fall into old habits with your kids expecting you to manage all the meals, laundry and cleaning for them. You can ask them to handle chores like doing their own washing up and keeping their room reasonably clean. Or agree to divide and conquer. On days that you cook, ask them to do the dishes, for example.

This phase could be the perfect opportunity to take on some larger DIY tasks. At the most practical level, your adult child is an extra set of hands for holding a ladder while cleaning the gutter, carrying heavy furniture you’re refinishing or relocating, or making yardwork go faster. By taking on projects or learning new DIY skills together, you may find that you can bond with your child more easily and get to know them as an adult.

Life Lesson: Asking your adult child to contribute to the home’s daily upkeep can be a generous alternative to them paying rent.

Challenge #4: Worrying about feeling stuck

For some adult children, moving back in with their parents or grandparents can feel depressingly like they’ve stopped making progress toward their ambitions. One way to beat this malaise is to redecorate. Let them update their childhood bedroom to suit their more mature tastes or, at the very least, make it feel different from when they were still wearing braces and pigtails. If you’re worried about them not matching your own style and don’t want to re-redecorate when they move out again, try some of these temporary décor ideas.

Life Lesson: Seek balance between being supportive and giving your college student their space. You want to do your part to help them avoid any anxiety associated with moving back home but you also want them feeling capable when it’s time for the next stage. “Safety, security and familiarity can be a powerful thing for a young adult looking for a base to regroup, reassess and plan for the future,” writes Community for Accredited Online Schools.

Challenge #5: Being on different schedules

The college student who is just starting their day at 10 p.m. and makes nachos after midnight is a cliché for a reason. If you’re turning in for the night when they’re turning up the TV, trouble can ensue. Install adjustable lighting so the brightness doesn’t wake you up in the middle of the night. Dimmer switches, directional lighting around cabinets and even old-fashioned plug-in nightlights can help them see their way around without causing a disruption. If they’re a little too noisy, you can soundproof your bedroom with sound-dampening panels, soundproof wallpaper or sealing gaps around your door.

If your smart home voice assistant seems to be yelling at all hours of the day and night, switch Amazon Alexa to Whisper Mode or Google Home to Night Mode. Alexa’s Whisper Mode, as you’d expect, makes her quietly issue her responses without waking up the entire house. Google’s Night Mode lets you turn down your assistant’s volume and LED screen’s brightness as well as keep your devices from speaking at all.

Finally, try a command center, especially if you feel like ships passing in the night. We often suggest these for parents of younger school-aged children, but you can adapt them to your current needs. Instead of cubbies for a kindergartener’s crayons and toys, consider baskets for each family member’s car keys and sunglasses. A bulletin board is great for chore reminders, giving others a heads-up about when they’ll be holed up studying for an exam or asking someone to pick up more milk at the store … again.

Life Lesson: Join them from time to time. You don’t have to regularly binge Netflix until 2 a.m., but you might find that you enjoy the occasional late night. Time Magazine’s David French discovered he liked playing World of Warcraft with his Boomerang son. Now’s your chance to relive some of your college glory days.

Touchless access on college campuses

If your child is going back to campus, know that many universities are taking extra precautions to keep everyone safe. That includes installing touchless access solutions on dining halls, libraries and other buildings. They might be as high tech as Schlage’s contactless mobile student IDs or as simple as a foot pull produced by Ives, another Allegion brand. Schlage is most often recognized for the safety and style its door hardware brings to homes, but we are equally proud of our work in the commercial sector, making the places where you work and play just as secure.

While you may find yourself in an unexpected parenting position this year, we hope these tips make it easier to enjoy your time together and build stronger intergenerational bonds. If you’re also planning for back-to-school with younger kids, check out our recent blog about using household routines to keep your family safe and sane this fall. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter to share your ideas with us.

Best places to hang a mirror

Entryway

You get big bang for your buck with an entryway mirror. Because foyers can be small, the mirror will help it feel more open. It’s also a low-profile way to spruce up the look of that small space without taking up square-footage. You’ll never find yourself tripping over a mirror when you’re trying to get out the door in a hurry. And speaking of hurries, you can of course use it for a last-minute spot check before rushing off to work or a dinner date.

Narrow hallways

Much like in an entryway, a mirror in a long and narrow hallway can create the illusion of a larger space. You’ll want to choose a mirror that is also long and narrow for the best effect.

Mantel

Reflect light and cozy activities taking place around the fireside. A mirror is good for every season, too, so it’ll look right at home whether you’re decking the halls at Christmas time or displaying your favorite summer wildflowers.

Kids’ bedroom

First, banish the idea that a mirror has to be square or round. You can find them in adorable shapes, like bunnies, to add a touch of whimsy any kid would love. If a mirror for your toddler seems unnecessary, A Beautiful Mess points out that you can use it to play games with your kids. Peek-a-boo just got a bit more interesting. Place it strategically near the crib, and you can even use it to check if Baby is sleeping without needing to come all the way in the room.

Blind spots

You might like a mirror where you typically have your back to the door. This will let you keep an eye on things in the rest of the room or easily see if someone is coming up behind you. Consider a mirror over your desk in a home office or in a kitchen where your meal prep station puts you facing away from the kids’ play area.

Furniture

Don’t forget to include mirrors tastefully in your furniture. A tabletop mirror, even a small one placed just under some candles, can add extra shimmer to your décor. Cabinets might also do well with some mirrors, inside a curio cabinet or outside on doors. It doesn’t even need to be a true mirror, if that’s too much for you. Any kind of reflective surface, including metallic chair legs or vases, can create the same effect.

Worst places to hang a mirror

• Ceilings – They’re just creepy. The less said the better.
  
  
• Low in the dining room – Dining rooms can be ideal for mirrors, but if you’re going to use one as part of your dining décor, hang it a little higher than usual. No one likes to watch themselves chew.
  
  
• Facing a toilet or shower – Most people will feel uncomfortable having to look at themselves while they’re sitting on the toilet or in the shower. It’s best to leave bathroom mirrors over the sink.
  
  
• Kitchen – Kitchen mirrors are generally considered bad for Feng Shui. They can also be hard to keep clean, and when your mirror constantly shows water droplets or grease splatters, your kitchen will look messy.

Find more design ideas and trends, including our rules for a welcoming entryway, on the Schlage blog. There’s more inspiration where that came from, too. Find us on Instagram and Pinterest.

How can I help my child get ready for school?

One way to give everyone peace of mind is to practice your routines before the school year even begins. Start getting everyone back on a regular bedtime schedule – being well-rested is a good way to strengthen your immune system anyway – and have your kids start doing things like picking out their clothes and packing a backpack the night before.

You can also have them pack their lunches the night before, even if they’re just going to eat them at the kitchen table later. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has lunchtime recommendations to help schools to mitigate risk, including having students provide their own meals each day, when possible. If your kids can practice prepping their own lunch, it might help them stay healthier when school is in session, not to mention make your daily task list a bit shorter.

If your school allows it, see if you can visit before the first day. There may be new drop-off and pick-up procedures, classrooms may have moved to accommodate for social distancing and hallways may be one-way. It may help your student’s anxiety to know the protocols beforehand.

Start figuring out what your child does and doesn’t need at school. It’s now believed that the main way the coronavirus is transmitted is through droplets from respiration or saliva. However, it can still survive on surfaces that, when touched, can infect us when we then rub our eyes, mouth or nose. If your child doesn’t need a game or graphic novel in the classroom, make sure it stays home to reduce the chance of contamination.

You might be able to put house keys on that stay-at-home list, too. With a Schlage smart lock, you can give your child their own access code. Then, when they return home, there’s no wondering if they’ve lost the key or where it’s been during the day. They can simply enter their code on the touchscreen. Find out what else parents need to know about smart locks here.

How do I keep my family healthy when kids go back at school?

Step one of your back-to-school routine should be washing your hands regularly. You can’t control what your kids do at school, but you can make sure they wash up when they walk in the door after school. Try these entryway ideas for a healthy home, which include rethinking your point of entry so that you’re near a sink the minute you cross the threshold and creating a “shoe quarantine” area.

In addition to leaving shoes at the door to limit the dirt and germs tracked throughout the home, you may want to have kids change their clothes immediately after school. That way, if a classmate sneezed or coughed on your child’s back at some point, you can quickly confine the shirt to the hamper.

Part of your back-to-school COVID routine might also include disinfecting your child’s belongings – their backpack and other school supplies, lunch box, face masks – when they get home. It’s best to follow the CDC’s and manufacturers’ suggestions for disinfecting so that you successfully kill as many germs as possible without damaging anything. If you’re running a carpool, throw some extra disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer in the car for everyone to do an initial wipe-down before you even make it out of the drive.

When you’re disinfecting their supplies, you can also check to see if they’re running low on anything they need. Check if you need to restock pens, pencils, paper, art supplies or tissues, for example. This way they’ll be less likely to have to share items, including cooties, with their friends.

At the end of the day, it’s important to connect with your child, perhaps even more so during times of high stress. Talk to them about their day. See if they have any questions or concerns about what’s happening. Ask them how they’re feeling now that they’re back to school but having new, sometimes difficult, experiences.

Build in time to play outside and get some exercise every day. Like sleep, this helps boost everyone’s immune system. The physical activity can also go a long way toward helping your child release stress and, because they might be spending more time at a desk throughout the day, burn off some extra energy. Go for a walk or bike ride together – and leave the keys at home – break out the lawn darts or simply run around the yard.

How can routines help with e-learning?

No one is quite sure how the return to school will fare, and different regions have different policies. That means you could still be doing e-learning, either from Day One or in the event of another outbreak. Your child might also be splitting their time, spending a few days a week at school and the others at home. Staggered start times, full-time homeschooling and fewer after-school activities are all possibilities in these uncertain times.

But don’t let that scare you. We can manage this with a consistent routine and a bit of planning. Even when they don’t have to get on the bus, wake them up at the same time each morning and get ready as if they were going to school. Have lunch at the same time each day. Keep them working during “school hours,” but don’t forget to work in periodic breaks, too.

Particularly if you have multiple children on different schedules, you’ll need a command center to keep everything straight. We recommended these for back-to-school in the best of times, but a single location to manage paperwork, calendars, school supplies, announcements and whatever else your family needs could become even more important this fall.

When your kids are e-learning, make sure they have a designated place free of distractions to work. They’ll be more productive and, with luck, so will you. What that work station looks like depends on your child’s needs and how much supervision they require, but you won’t regret giving them a spot of their own.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed during this time of change, we don’t blame you. Among the things you can do ease some of the strain is to make your home welcoming and comfortable. Try these tips for creating a center of calm during stressful times and more at the Schlage blog.

1920s: Home style that was the cat’s pajamas

• Art Deco style debuted, letting us display our prosperity on the heels of World War I.
  
  
• Electricity became more common in homes, replacing gas lighting and giving us vacuums, toasters and electric irons. Its high cost led to a tradeoff for smaller homes, resulting in the Western bungalow.¹
  
  
• WWI taught us a lot about cleanliness and nutrition. Companies sold appliances with “sanitary” metal finishes and promoted the health benefits of pasteurized milk, Grape Nuts and congealed salads. ²
  
  
• Walter Schlage invented the push-button lock, changing forever the way we secure our homes.

1930s: Keen design through tough times

• The Great Depression meant that few new homes were built. Those who already owned homes often defaulted on their mortgages at alarming rates.³
  
  
• To help make ends meet, growing and canning your own food became more common.
  
  
• In an effort to provide people with affordable, durable and cheery home goods, Fiestaware and Depression glass were introduced.
  
  
• More homes had refrigerators as they became more reliable and consumers could buy them on credit.⁴

1940s: Victory began at home

• People’s lives were consumed by patriotism as they planted Victory Gardens at home and women followed Rosie the Riveter into the factories.
  
  
• Many companies, including Schlage, transitioned from producing their typical goods to manufacturing munitions needed for war.
  
  
• The post-war construction boom led to popularity in Cape Cod and kit homes, which could be constructed quickly. Life for many shifted to the suburbs as people began to chase the American Dream again.

1950s: Swell mid-century style

• Ranch-style homes, complete with picture windows and garages, became popular and barbecue pits were a sign of being well-off.⁵
  
  
• New home features included laminate and Formica, “First Lady Pink” and Mid-Century Modern furniture.
  
  
• Fixing up the home with DIY projects became more common and it often involved the entire family chipping in.⁶
  
  
• Many women, wishing they could still be a part of the workforce after the war, found an outlet by hosting Tupperware parties from their home.

1960s: Home décor that was outta sight!

• Split-level and A-frame houses were the home style of choice for many.
  
  
• Décor could often be traced back to larger cultural movements, including patterns tied to Flower Power and Sputnik chandeliers inspired by space exploration.
  
  
• Colored plastics, Lucite furniture and, of course, lava lamps were common.
  
  
• Julia Child and Jacqueline Kennedy influenced homemakers, giving them the inspiration and the skill to emulate these sophisticated and elegant role models.

1970s: Far out style right at home

• Few things say “1970s” like shag carpet and macramé. Homes also often had sunken living rooms, water beds and plenty of earth tones.
  
  
• Americans paid greater attention to the energy crisis resulting in earthships, meant to leave a small environmental footprint.
  
  
• Microwaves were introduced to the home, letting kids fix their own after-school snacks and parents make dinner with less effort than ever before.
  
  
• Color television became a reality, adding new enjoyment to The Brady Bunch, while Star Wars debuted in theaters.

1980s: Looks that were most excellent

• Technology made major jumps. Now small and simple enough for the average user, Apple released the first Macintosh in 1984.⁷
  
  
• Shed-style homes, today often seen as cabins and woodsy vacation homes, grew in popularity.
  
  
• The bright colors and abstract shapes of the Memphis style were popular in décor, as were bright brass finishes in hardware.
  
  
• The eighties were a decade of entertainment blockbusters that included hits like Raiders of the Lost Ark and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial as well as other pop culture favorites like Transformers and G.I. Joe on television.

1990s: Houses that were totally stylish

• Décor was characterized by the shabby chic aesthetic, while light pine and mirrored walls were a necessity for some nineties homes.
  
  
• Also popular were sponge-painted walls and oversized curtains, neither of which fit in later in the decade with the rise of minimalism.
  
  
• The first cell phones hit the market, although they had not advanced to the “smart” stage yet.
  
  
• Friends debuted in the middle of the decade and eventually became a cultural reference for entire generations.

2000s: Décor that was da bomb

• More families lived in the suburbs. Many of those homes included multiple generations under one roof thanks to the Great Recession, giving rise to the “Boomerang Generation.”
  
  
• Perhaps due to watching our wallets, the “quickie reno” became a popular and effective way to give your home a lift without breaking the bank.
  
  
• While some homes adored Bubblegum Pink, others gravitated toward coffee-inspired colors for their décor.
  
  
• Technology put control at our fingertips and life on our schedule as the iPod and iPhone as well as DVR, Hulu and YouTube all came into existence.

2010s: Recent looks ICYMI

• Three home styles, all with very distinct feels despite using similar natural materials, became popular. Farmhouse Modern, Industrial Modern and Scandinavian were in vogue.
  
  
• Nearly a century after its heyday, Art Deco returned with people’s love of rich colors and mixing metals.
  
  
• Mid-Century Modern furniture also returned (thanks in part to our obsession with TV’s Mad Men), as did updated macramé, terrazzo and rattan furniture of seventies fame.
  
  
• Technology worked to simplify our lives as the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt was introduced, along with other technological revolutions like the Amazon Echo and Alexa, AirPods and ride sharing apps.

Find a more complete snapshot of who we were and who we’ve become at Schlage.com.

¹ Kyvig, David E. Daily Life in the United States 1920-1940: How Americans lived through the 'Roaring Twenties' and the Great Depression. Ivan R. Dee, 2004.
 

² McBride, Tom, Nief, Ron The Mindset Lists of American History: From Typewriters to Text Messages, What Ten Generations of Americans Think is Normal. Wiley, 2011.
 

³ Kyvig, David E. Daily Life in the United States 1920-1940: How Americans lived through the 'Roaring Twenties' and the Great Depression. Ivan R. Dee, 2004.
 

⁴ Lindop, Edmond. America in the 1920sTwenty-First Century Books, 2010.
 

⁵ McBride, Tom, Nief, Ron. The Mindset Lists of American History: From Typewriters to Text Messages, What Ten Generations of Americans Think is Normal. Wiley, 2011.
 

⁶ McBride, Tom, Nief, Ron. The Mindset Lists of American History: From Typewriters to Text Messages, What Ten Generations of Americans Think is Normal. Wiley, 2011.
 

⁷ Kurin, Richard. The Smithsonian's History of America in 101 Objects. The Penguin Press, 2013.
 

1. Family radio shows

During the Great Depression, money for leisure activities simply wasn’t there. Entertaining for the vast majority of Americans in the 1930s tended to be an at-home, family-only affair. Even when money was tight, families invested in radios in greater numbers. Only one-third of U.S. households owned a radio in the late 20s, and that had increased to approximately 60 percent by 1933.¹ A fun evening was a gathering around the radio, listening to shows like The Lone Ranger and Our Gal Sunday.

2. Cocktail parties

The first cocktail party was reportedly held in St. Louis in 1917. Prohibition in the 20s likely didn’t do much to create the image we now have of ladies in cocktail dresses and gentlemen sipping their Old Fashioned in someone’s living room. That came later, in the 1950s and 60s, and food like cocktail weenies, cocktail peanuts and Jell-O made the party an all-out event. We still love a good cocktail party today. Google how to throw one and you’ll get tips from everyone from Martha Stewart to Wikihow. Just don’t forget the bar cart.

3. Grilling

The idea of outdoor entertaining rose in popularity following World War II. Americans took advantage of the post-war building boom, moved to the suburbs and suddenly found themselves with backyards. With newfound space, time and money, 1950s American families could invite friends over for an open-air meal. For the first time, men did the cooking, although Wife was still preparing the salads and side dishes indoors. Still popular, modern outdoor gatherings may take different forms. In 2018, Pinterest reported a 192 percent increase in searches for stargazing parties.

4. Fondue parties

Some at Schlage think this isn’t list-worthy, but if you entertained in the 1960s and 70s, you were a party pooper if you didn’t invite friends over for fondue. The 1964 New York World’s Fair introduced Americans to Swiss fondue. Before we knew it, stores were selling fondue party kits. What started as a cheese dish – the Swiss Cheese Union declared it the official national dish of Switzerland in 1930 – fondue eventually included chocolate for dipping, a fantastically American adaptation.

5. Dinner parties

At one time, particularly around the Victorian era, dinner parties were a way to showcase how affluent you were. It proved you could afford a home large enough for a dedicated dining room or great hall, you had all the fancy silverware for very specific purposes – don’t even think about using a pickle fork for the lettuce – and you could serve elaborate multi-course meals to all your guests. Many argue the dinner party is a lost art, but we still see them. They just aren’t formal anymore. Especially among younger generations affected by the Great Recession, it might be a potluck and someone’s probably sitting on an ottoman, but it’s still a party.

6. Game and movie nights

Like casual modern dinner parties, other forms of home entertaining have also gotten more relaxed. Having friends over for games or to binge watch Stranger Things/Arrested Development/Cheer has taken over. It’s not so much up to the host to “entertain” as it is to make sure the streaming is cued up and the table is cleared for a board game.

7. Brunch

Brunch as we know it is a relatively new phenomenon, but it might simply be a matter of word choice. According to the New York Times, brunch is likely an American version of the English hunt breakfast, enjoyed after a morning of stalking foxes and whatnot. Today, brunch-as-entertainment is largely a girls’ outing with mimosas and a full range of decadent food you wouldn’t normally indulge in without your pals.

8. New Year’s Eve

For each of us who wants to go out and ring in the new year with masses of strangers, there are just as many who prefer to stay in for a house party or with a small group of friends. Interestingly, these New Year’s Eve house parties have gone largely unchanged in recent history. We still like to get dressed up, even if the clothes have changed a bit. We still enjoy a libation or two. And while the only way to get the countdown in the 1940s was on the radio, we’re still waiting to set off our noisemakers at the stroke of midnight.

9. Children’s birthday parties

In early history – think ancient Egyptians and Romans – only the pharaohs, gods and wealthy had birthday parties. Fast forward to the 18th century, and the Germans finally figured out we want sweet cakes to celebrate. Wealthy Victorians threw the first events that we would recognize as children’s birthday parties, but even they were just excuses to teach their kids etiquette and show off how many servants they had. Around the middle of the 20th century, we finally see more kid-friendly parties, complete with games where children can run amok, paper hats and candles.

10. Gender reveal parties

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, gender reveal parties are thought to have been invented in 2008 with the simple cutting of a cake with pink icing. So why are they so popular now? Some credit medical advancements like the ability to find out the baby’s sex before it’s born and more people wanting to celebrate their miracle babies born via IVF. Others say it’s just our love of sharing private moments more publicly, and isn’t that the reason for most parties?

¹ Kurin, Richard. The Smithsonian's History of America in 101 Objects. Penguin Books, 2016.

1. Accent wall

If you have a large amount of paint left over but still not enough to do an entire room, now’s your chance to try an accent wall. Remember that not all accent walls have to be bright blue or daring red. That soft green you just used for the living room might look lovely in the bedroom. Try it behind your headboard if it complements other, darker walls.

When you have smaller amounts but like the idea of an accent wall, consider designs instead of a solid color. Tape off stripes like Organized*ish – she painted between two strips of tape for minimal paint use – or go freehand like My Style Vita.

2. Trims

Baseboards don’t have to be white, and neither do your window frames. Door frames don’t have to match the color of the door, either. Use your smaller amounts of paint to spice up the details. This can be especially fun in a child’s room or eclectic powder room.

3. Doors

When painting, we often think of entire rooms or artwork. And if we do think about painting our doors, it’s usually just touchups after our kids have done a number on them. But having leftover paint is the perfect opportunity to switch the color from builder’s grade white, paint just the inset for some sophisticated detail (or to fake sophisticated detail on a hollow core door) or really think outside of the box with an “accent door.” Need more ideas? Paint just one side of the door, give each side (or each door) a different color or sneak in a new color by painting the edges.

4. Cabinets

Replacing cabinets are expensive and time-consuming. Giving them a new look by painting isn’t revolutionary advice. But when even that job seems a bit too much right now, try freshening up parts of your cabinets with leftover paint. Maybe it’s painting the trim. It could be a new hue for just the upper or lower cabinets for a two-tone look. Maybe it’s the backs of the cabinets and shelves for an unexpected pop of color when you open them. In addition to the kitchen, don’t forget the cabinets in your bathrooms, laundry rooms and other storage areas.

5. Drawers

Like our cabinet tip above, you can paint drawers in unexpected ways with small quantities of paint. A Girl and a Glue Gun shows how painting the sides can reveals a touch of unexpected fun when you open the drawers.

6. Furniture

There are so many options for updating furniture with leftover paint, we don’t even know where to start. Chairs and tables are always prime candidates, and remember that you don’t have to paint the whole thing. Apply a coat just to the legs or the top of that end table/nightstand/occasional table/kid’s workstation/desk/coffee table … We said you had options, right? Don’t forget about lamp bases, book cases and dog beds.

7. Floors

There are special considerations when painting a floor, but don’t let it scare you. If redoing the entire floor is out of your comfort zone or budget, consider a stenciled pattern. Faux rugs can be very stylish, not to mention easy to clean.

8. Murals

Show your artistic streak by painting a mural, either right on the wall or on a canvas. The best home accessories are the ones that have special meaning, and often that means a piece of artwork that you created yourself. Give your kids a paint brush and canvas and see what they can do. You might have the next Picasso on your hands and not even know it.

9. Fireplace

It’s summertime, so the fireplace might not be top of mind. Think of it as getting a jump on the busy holiday season. Or maybe you want to brighten it up for the warmer months. Depending on the size of your fireplace and the amount of paint you have, you can paint the face and surround. For a smaller job, focus on the mantel.

10. Fabrics

For some of us, fabrics aren’t the first place our mind goes when thinking about paint jobs. But this can be your go-to solution, especially if you want to use up leftover spray paint. Outdoor rugs and doormats often take well to paint jobs. Indoors, consider curtains, including shower curtains, pillows and lampshades.

11. Utensil handles

Wooden spoons are useful but boring. Dip or paint the handles of kitchen utensils and they can instantly match any décor.

12. Frames

Whether they surround a mirror or a picture, painting frames is a quick way to add color and use up the last dribs and drabs of paint. If you have a gallery wall, use the same paint to give all the frames a uniform look. But if you have a collection of leftovers or samples (it is hard to make up your mind sometimes), painting each frame a different color can take your artwork to new levels of vibrancy and interest.

13. Flower pots

Paint flower pots to help give your garden that extra personal touch. This is a great craft for kids. It might give them a greater sense of ownership over those herbs you’re helping them grow this season, or they might want to decorate it as a gift for someone.

14. Storage containers

Plastic bins are great for organizing but not always pretty to look at. Coat them in a solid layer of paint or go to town with the design of your choice. The same applies to vases, jars, baskets and any other storage container.

15. Base coat for a future job

When you make a dramatic switch from dark to light paint, it can take a lot of work to cover up the old color. You might be able to use your leftovers as a base coat or primer for a future job.

A bit of sweat equity can be incredibly rewarding when it comes to making your home uniquely you, even more so when you’re able to upcycle materials. Find more DIY projects at the Schlage blog or get inspired on our Pinterest board.

Keyless convenience

No parent wants their kids to be locked out of the house, but maybe you aren’t ready to give them a key yet. They might be too young for a set of keys. Maybe they’re just forgetful. The keys, if they make it into your kids’ backpack in the first place, might fall out. With a lock like a Schlage smart lock, you won’t have to hide keys under the mat or worry that your kids are stuck outside until you get home from work.

Keyless convenience is more than just your child using the lock’s keypad at the door, however. When you connect your Schlage smart lock to your home network, you can control your lock remotely from anywhere. Once after-school activities start, it probably seems like no one gets home at the same time. With people coming and going at all hours of the day, you can use your smartphone to unlock the door for trusted friends who might be dropping off your kids. Or if your child does lose a key or forgets their code, you can let them in with your smartphone then, too.

Scheduling

If you have babysitters or grandparents who come over to watch your kids after school, Schlage smart locks are perfect for them as well. The Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt holds up to 100 access codes, while the Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt and Schlage Connect™ Smart Deadbolt each hold up to 30. That means that everyone, from Junior to Grandma to the nanny can have their own unique code and you can track who accessed your home and when. More on that in a minute.

When you assign codes to your kids’ caregivers, you can also set the codes to work on a certain schedule. For example, if you only want the babysitter to have access to your home between 3 and 6 p.m. during the week, you can schedule their code to be active only during those times.

Peace of mind

Every parent is going to worry about their kids. Schlage can’t stop that, but we can help make it better. With the Schlage Home app, which works exclusively with the Schlage Encode and Schlage Sense locks, you can monitor who uses their access code and when, right from your smartphone. Get push notifications when the code is used or check the activity log on your own time to see when your kids got home from school or practice. You’ll be thankful for that peace of mind when you don’t have to worry if they’re safe at home.

If your kids are old enough to be going out with friends, you’re probably familiar with staying up until they get home. Or maybe you remember how many you broke curfew as a teenager. The Schlage Home app’s notifications are the perfect way to end those late nights waiting up on the couch worrying about your child or hoping for that “gotcha” moment.

If you’re ready to ditch the keys and quit making copies that will end up in who knows whose hands, if you’re ready to control access to your home more securely and conveniently, what do you do? Start with our Get Help Deciding Tool to see how our smart locks work with the technology you already use at home. Ask us your questions on Twitter and Facebook. Then rest easy knowing your home is safe and easily accessible for your family with Schlage.

We’re turning 100! Over 10 weeks, Schlage is sharing its favorite top-10 lists. That’s 100 tips, ideas and moments of inspiration so you can enjoy the safety, simplicity and style of Schlage for another 100 years to come.

Remote access from anywhere is many people’s favorite Schlage smart lock feature. To take advantage of that and be able to monitor and control your lock any time of day no matter where you are, you basically need two things: a WiFi connection and a smartphone app like the Schlage Home app.

The free Schlage Home app for Apple iOS and Android is your “remote control” if you have a Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt or Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt. If you have a Schlage Connect™ Smart Deadbolt, you will need to use one of our partners’ apps like the Nexia or Samsung SmartThings app.

Now on to our top-10 list of things you can do with the Schlage Home app.

1. Get interactive instructions in the palm of your hand

Installing a Schlage smart lock is pretty simple, but even we’ll admit that having a step-by-step guide is helpful. The Schlage Home app provides interactive instructions to make adding smart security to your home easier than ever.

2. Check the status of your lock from anywhere

Whether you’re already snug in bed or halfway to work, you might need to know if you remembered to lock the door. With the Schlage Home app, you can check the status of your lock from anywhere. And if you did forget to lock up before you left or settled in for the night …

3. Lock or unlock your door from anywhere

… you can lock or unlock your door with the push of a button in the Schlage Home app. Of course it adds major convenience when you’re away from home, but remote ability to lock or unlock the door can also give peace of mind in emergency situations. If you have an elderly relative who has trouble remembering to lock up, you can check the status and then switch the deadbolt from your phone when you’re in your own home miles way. Or if you live alone and take a fall, you can unlock the door for emergency responders, even when you can’t get up to let them in.

4. Create and manage access codes on your smartphone

The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt holds up to 100 unique access codes, and the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt saves up to 30. Using the app is a great way to create those codes for trusted individuals, program when the codes are active – like Wednesday afternoons only for the cleaning lady – and delete them when they’re no longer needed.

5. Store codes securely

When you create many access codes for different individuals, it can be difficult to keep track of those codes. The app can help you securely manage them so that you don’t have to write them down and hope no one finds your list.

6. Check your battery

All Schlage smart locks are battery operated, which is great during installation because there’s no hardwiring necessary. But how do you know when you need to replace the batteries? There are actually many ways, but one of them is in the app. You’ll receive a notification when your power is running low, so you have plenty of advanced warning.

7. Know when your lock is used

You have two ways to track who is using their access codes and when: the history log and push notifications. If you simply need to see a record of whose code was entered and at what time, the log is for you. For a more active approach, you can designate which codes you receive notifications for and receive an alert in the moment. It’s perfect if you want to be notified when the dog walker arrives or when a caregiver heads out for the day.

8. Choose or update your settings

When you install your lock for the first time or if you need to make adjustments as your life changes, the Schlage Home app is where you go to choose a variety of settings. Activate your alarm, change the length of time before your deadbolt will automatically lock, turn on one-touch locking and more, all in the app’s Settings menu.

9. Confirm firmware updates

You don’t have to replace your entire lock to take advantage of new technological developments. As long as your lock stays connected to your network, Schlage will push firmware updates to your deadbolt. If you want to verify that you have the latest updates or want to manually initiate those updates, you can do so in the Schlage Home app.

10. Manage multiple locks

If you love and trust Schlage smart locks enough to put them on multiple doors, the Schlage Home app can help you manage each of those locks all in one place. Enjoy any of the first nine points whether your locks are on the front door, the back, a vacation rental or all of the above.

Learn more about the Schlage Home app at Schlage.com. If you’re still wondering which lock is right for your family, try out Get Help Deciding Tool. Just answer a few simple questions, and we’ll suggest which lock might the best fit for your lifestyle and the technology you like to use.

Throw the rules out the window! The only thing you really need to remember about décor is to choose what you like best. But what if the things you select – a chevroned lampshade, a fuzzy blanket, a curved couch – leads to a hodge-podge of a room? Instead of people saying, “That’s so you!” they’re thinking, “What happened in here?”

This is the risk we run when we find a trend with some elements we like and others we can’t stand. Sometimes it’s that the trend doesn’t work seamlessly with our lifestyle or we can only afford to redo part of a room. Capture the essence of today’s top design trends in a way that works for you with these tips.

Go Art Deco – or global – with jewel tones

Art Deco and global styles are both marked by bold colors and generous amounts of pattern and details. Focusing on the jewel tones common in both is a great opportunity to hint at the trend without the lavishness or excess that comes with going all-in.

Show maximalist flair in a single piece

Many homeowners and designers are shifting away from minimalism in favor of showing more personality. If you like the pizzazz of maximalism but it still feels cluttered to you, put all the vibrancy and patterns of the style into a single piece. Apartment Therapy shows how to make a glittered clock on its list of maximalist DIYs.

Plant the idea of Bohemian Modern

Bohemian Modern continues to gather steam in 2020, partly because of its nod to the natural and fun. Think fringe, crochet, burlap and floor seating with oversized pillows. If that all feels too hippy for you, focus on the houseplants. Potted plants on windowsills, coffee tables or hanging over a sink are great indoor options and, chosen wisely, can be low-maintenance.

Update your Mid-Century Modern with color

If you want your room to scream Mid-Century Modern, get an Eames chair. For a more subtle nod to the style that also gives you the flexibility to meld it with your existing décor, you might focus your attention on colors again. Houzz.com shows us some common color palettes for this time period. Like Art Deco’s jewel tones, Mid-Century Modern colors work equally well as wall paint, furniture or accessories.

Another option is to choose a more vibrant shade of orange as an accent while making the rest of your space a more neutral color. Even with an extra touch of Mid-Century Modern thanks to the low, square couch, we still don’t feel like we’ve been transported to a 60s sitcom in this sunroom.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to making your home on trend yet still personal. All you need to keep it unique is a few simple swaps and a shift in focus. Find more inspiration and tips from Schlage on Pinterest and our blog.

10-Step New Home Security Checklist

Review our security checklist before and after you move to protect your home and family.

1. Change all of the locks as soon as possible. For superior in-home security, install Schlage deadbolts and front entry handlesets. Nearly all of Schlage’s products are rated Best in Security, Durability and Finish by the BHMA, meaning you can trust your hardware to protect your new home and everything in it.
   
   
2. If the house has a security system, change the access codes immediately and notify any alarm service of the new ownership. The same goes for a smart lock that came with the home as well as your garage keypad. Change their codes ASAP.
   
   
3. Tour your new home and property and look for weak links in your home's defenses such as missing deadbolts on exterior doors, flimsy door and window locks, and lack of outdoor lighting. Every entry door, including the door linking your garage and house, should have a Schlage deadbolt.
   
   
4. As part of your home security audit , check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You want one in each bedroom, the kitchen and the garage, at a minimum. If they aren’t already installed, add them. If they are old or not functioning properly, replace them. Even if they’re in pristine condition, it can’t hurt to replace the batteries.
   
   
5. Add, service or replace fire extinguishers. Also, learn how to use them. You don’t want to be reading the instructions for the first time when there are flames on the stove.
   
   
6. Consider your perimeter security. Walk around your yard at different times of the day to judge lighting and shadows. Think about how you will enter and exit the home from different doorways and consider upgrades from smart lighting systems and sensors to simply increasing the wattage of existing bulbs.
   
   
7. Locate plumbing, electrical and HVAC valves and controls. Many new-home DIY projects require you to turn off the power or the water before replacing light fixtures or faucets, for example. It’s also good to know where they are in case of unexpected flooding or other malfunctions.
   
   
8. Find out the phone numbers and locations of the emergency services that serve your area.
   
   
9. When you move in, join your local Neighborhood Watch.
   
   
10. Update your insurance coverage. This obviously includes your homeowner’s policy, but see if any adjustments can be made to car insurance, too. Do you have a garage instead of street parking now? Maybe your commute to work is shorter? These things can sometimes lower your premium.

Your new home deserves the latest technology

Installing the latest in smart home technology can help improve your home’s security and energy efficiency. Combined, that gives you peace of mind, added everyday convenience and more money in your pocket, always a good thing after buying a new home. When choosing a Schlage smart lock, it’s worth the time to investigate which other devices and smart home hubs they work with so that you can easily and seamlessly control everything from lights to your thermostat, locks and maybe even the coffeemaker.

See which Schlage smart lock is the right fit for your home and the technology you already have with our Get Help Deciding Tool.

It can be easy to overlook details – some of them obvious, others less so – when you’re in the middle of a move. Try our Moving Checklist to make sure you have everything covered, from security to pet and child care to creating a relaxation oasis in the midst of it all.