Entries by Ted Roberts

Ted talks home hosting and tips for making it work

July 09, 2018 by Ted_Roberts

Monday, July 9, 2018

Managing home security and protecting one’s personal property – and personal space – is an important consideration for a prospective home host.

 

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Technology has been a big driver behind the 26% year-over-year growth of the home-hosting industry in the US. App-driven technologies from platforms like Airbnb are powering this segment of the gig economy. Smart-home technologies are giving hosts control over home automation, management and security. And projected industry revenue of nearly $170 billion is attracting more potential hosts to the category than ever before. According to the 2017 Global Hotel Trends Report published by Tourico, more new hosting properties have been added than new hotel beds in the last year.

 

Managing home security and protecting one’s personal property – and personal space – is an important consideration for a prospective home host. Ted Roberts, the Style and Design Chief at Allegion, shares some insights into the home hosting phenomenon and Schlage’s role in providing door hardware like the Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt and Schlage Connect™ Smart Deadbolt. These technologies make security management convenient, affordable and smart.

Q&A with Ted Roberts

Q. What are the key factors propelling the home-hosting phenomenon?

A. “Like so much in our changing culture, a lot is built upon rapidly evolving technologies. From a security standpoint, we’re talking an evolution of such things as security cameras, changeable lock codes, programmable security systems – a lot of which can be easily and securely controlled from your smart phone. So much of this simply couldn’t have happened before the technology caught up with the need. All the more important since the category has evolved to be so focused on personal fulfillment and satisfaction.



“We’re not just talking about renting a room. Hosts are sharing their homes and belongings, sharing meals, socializing with their guests and sharing themselves in ways we’ve never seen before. Our new smart lock technologies really assure a high level of control, trust and peace of mind.”



Q. What are some general security tips you can provide a prospective host?

A. “Hosts need to think of their homes both holistically, in terms of overall security, but also in sectors. You’re bringing people into your home. First and foremost is general house access, and a programmable electronic lock or a smart lock are ideal for exterior doors. Think of this simply as providing the convenience of an easily changeable and assignable code versus providing a key. With smart locks, you’re providing the added benefits of managing home access using your smartphone.

 

For adapting interior doors to your specific needs, there’s Schlage Custom™ which facilitates a custom designer look, while adding the flexibility of switching a non-locking door to one that locks in a matter of seconds.

 

“You’ll also want to think about access throughout the home. Are there areas that need to be secured – like a home office or utility closet or family area? Many of these rooms are ones you don’t normally think about locking up. In a home-hosting situation, it’s important to really think through how you would like manage your whole-home access.” In cases such as these, a product designed for use on exterior doors, may also have an application inside.

Q. What about the specific advantages of Schlage door hardware?

A. “In addition to the benefits I’ve already outlined, something else to think about is aesthetics. With Schlage door hardware, hosts don’t need to sacrifice style for convenience and performance. In much the same way our products add to the curb appeal of a home that’s being sold, the style of Schlage products provides an appealing point of difference for host rental properties as well. We give hosts the opportunity to incorporate door hardware more beautifully, as well as providing security and practicality. What’s going to make your house, your property and the experience you provide stand out? We see that as part of our job.”

Q. How do I know if hosting is right for me?

A. “Are you a people person? As a host, you’re not just giving people a place to sleep or renting a room. You’re giving your time, your patience, your hospitality. Prepare to adjust to your guests’ specific needs to provide the best possible experience. How flexible are you? What about your schedule? You’ll want to be prepared for any eventuality, whether it be providing directions, lending your guests a bicycle or your car or something as mundane as having an extra toothbrush or some toothpaste handy. Don’t forget, you’re competing against hotels, so you’ll want to be prepared to truly share of your home and of yourself. If that’s you, then welcome to home hosting.”

Q. How do I know if my house is right for hosting?

A. “So much depends on whether you’ll be sharing your home while your guests are there or are planning to be away. But in general, the ideal host home will have extra bedrooms and bathrooms, it’ll either be a private home or a dedicated apartment or condo and it’ll be conveniently located near area attractions, transportation and etc. It’ll have all the amenities a guest would look for in a hotel – from cable to internet to clean towels and bedding. Is there something unique about your residence – is it historic, famous or haunted? Is your home a place you’d want to know about if you were travelling elsewhere? If so, you’ve got yourself a great home hosting prospect.”

Q. Any other general tips?

A. “Expect the unexpected. Really try to anticipate those things you may not have thought about. Are there any legal restrictions (Does your mortgage and insurance agreements allow you to host? Do you have the right kind of homeowner’s insurance? Does your HOA or lease allow you to host?) These types of considerations are just the beginning. Are you prepared to have things break, be it appliances or personal items? What if a guest gets ill? Do you have any home safety concerns that could pose a liability? Finally, again, will your guests feel secure in your home? That’s our focus, and it has been for almost 100 years. Make sure your guests know that and give them every reason to come back again or recommend you to friends and family.”

If you’re thinking about opening your home to guests, carefully weigh the pros and cons. Think it through from every angle. And prepare yourself and your home for the tremendous responsibility you’re taking on, as well as for the tremendous opportunity. Take advantage of the latest smart home technologies to assure a great experience for you and your guests. And look to Schlage to provide the style, simplicity and security you’ll need plus the peace of mind that can only come from a brand that’s this experienced and trusted.

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Steal these ideas: top outdoor trends of 2018

June 27, 2018 by Ted_Roberts

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Selecting outdoor décor is fun because it’s so easy to switch things up season to season without spending a fortune. Here are the top trends we're watching this year.

 

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Selecting outdoor décor is fun because it’s so easy to switch things up season to season without spending a fortune. You’ve already seen a few of our easy DIY tips for increasing your home’s curb appeal this summer. Here are a few more great ideas to steal: the top outdoor trends of 2018 courtesy of Style and Design Chief Ted Roberts.

Q&A with Ted Roberts

Q. What are some of the top outdoor trends you’re seeing pop up this year?

A. We have been seeing a closer association between the outdoors and indoors, both this year and in 2017. This is reflected not only in the popularity of natural materials, textures and floral-inspired motifs throughout the home, but also in the items we see adorning porches, patios, decks, and yards. Products for exterior cooking, entertainment, decorative fireplaces, porch ceiling fans, and comfortable outside furniture all enable the extension of the living space to the outdoors. As the backyard becomes more of a destination, the door between the inside and outside commands new importance. Many of the technological features of the front door are now equally important to back and side doors.



Q. What are the trending styles, colors and types of door hardware for exterior doors?

A. Exterior doors are getting larger and making more use of windows. On the front door, it’s common to see one large window, either frosted or textured, to allow light in without offering those outside a clear view into the home. The back door may have a clear window to further blend interior space with the exterior porch, patio, or deck. We’ve even seen windows covering almost the entire door, further supporting the idea of bringing the outdoors inside. We are also seeing a trend towards rich, saturated color used selectively throughout the home as a statement and combined with muted warm tones. This is especially true on front doors where yellow, purple, red, emerald green, cobalt blue all can be used to make a statement. Stained wood doors also remain popular, with stains trending darker and richer. For hardware, matte black stands out as the perfect color to coordinate with every choice of door color. We are even seeing door frames in black.

Q. What sort of technology trends are you seeing in the outdoor space?

A. Smart locks continue to gain popularity because they can add so much convenience to daily life. The idea of being able to secure the house, yet securely allow access to the homeowner without a key is appealing regardless of the door used. Keeping track of the kids as they come and go, and having control over the door lock from wherever you are can offer major peace of mind. As these features become standard at the front door, the expectation for other doors to adopt the technology increases. These locks strive to enhance and simplify life through technology. As always, it’s best to look for a reputable company (like Schlage) that understands door hardware and home security just as well as they understand smart technology.

Q. Which of these trends do you see living long enough to lead us into 2019?

A. The merging of the indoor and outdoor space is a trend that is here to stay. We see growing interest in simplifying and calming, and this is evident in the natural materials and organic style that continues to grow in popularity. Technology is also shifting towards simpler, more intuitive solutions. Going forward technology will continue to expand into appliances of all types with a growing focus on refining and humanizing the experience.

What are your favorite 2018 outdoor trends? Share them with us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Celebrating a Design Master: Happy Birthday to Frank Lloyd Wright

June 08, 2018 by Ted_Roberts

Friday, June 8, 2018

We sat down with Ted Roberts, our Style and Design Chief, to tell us a little more about Wright and how he has influenced home and interior design today.

 

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Today is the birthday of an absolutely iconic American architect: Frank Lloyd Wright. Born on June 8, 1867, Wright was more than just an architect – he also dabbled in interior design, writing, and teaching, and you can easily see his influence still alive today in some of the most well-known design trends.

 

We sat down with Ted Roberts, our Style and Design Chief, to tell us a little more about Wright and how he has influenced home and interior design today.

Q&A with Ted Roberts

Q. What kind of designs was Frank Lloyd Wright known for?

A. “What’s interesting about Frank’s work is that it spans a pretty long period of time, so he worked in several different styles. The style of his early work is Prairie, where the colors and materials are somewhat similar to Arts & Crafts, but more focused on the social aspect of the space. There was a lot of focus on combining the interior and exterior of the home – bringing outside materials inside and blending the two. These styles tend to be lower to the ground, with a lot of horizontal lines and built-in oak woodwork, stone, with colors of ocher, brown and green. One of his strategies for merging the interior and exterior of the home was to create ‘walls of windows’ – large stretches of glass that opened the home up to the outside environment.

His next period is known as Textile Brick, which took place in the 1920s and 30s during the Art Deco period. This was his version of Art Deco in fact, which featured a combination of smooth surfaces and highly ornamental stone and block patterns.

Usonian was his last major style, which began in the late 30s until his death. This style was very organic, incorporating curves and straight lines but with a more asymmetrical aesthetic that featured a lot of odd angles.”

Q. What was Wright’s overall philosophy toward architecture?

A. “Over his entire lifespan, you can see that his work evolved so as not to become outdated, but his primary philosophy always stayed the same – it was only the strategies he used to carry out that philosophy that changed. Wright always believed that architecture was at its best when it was honest to its environment, incorporating local materials and a design that is harmonious with its natural surroundings. Falling Water is the perfect example of this philosophy – it’s a beautiful home built with local materials from the ground up that melds with its surroundings in a way that feels totally natural.



Wright also believed that the needs and character of the owner were important to the design, as well. While community and having shared space was important to him, Wright was loyal to the American ideal of individualism. With the industrial revolution and standardized, repeatable designs becoming the norm, he was always striving for a unique style different from the Victorian and Edwardian homes that were popular when he first began his career.”

Q. What is Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy today? Where do you see his influence?

A. “Wright’s philosophy of personal independence and blending into nature can still be seen in both architecture and interior design today. But his most important contribution has been the emphasis on open spaces. The Edwardian and Victorian architecture that was popular during his early days featured a lot of very closed off, formalized spaces. Wright opted for an open floor plan that is very popular today because it allows families to interact even when they are in different sections of the house. No one is siloed – there are the standard private areas, bedroom and bathroom, but there is also more opportunity for connection and socializing in an open floor plan.

 

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Wright though is simply his notoriety. I think most people, at least in America, would name him as the one architect they’re aware of – even though there are so many others with comparable talent. His impact and recognition level is very impressive and just go to show how iconic his designs could be – especially when you think about how many of his designs have become museums.”

Have a favorite Frank Lloyd Wright design? Help up celebrate Wright’s birthday by sharing it with us on Facebook or Instagram!

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Ted Talks: A century of Schlage – celebrating the spirit of innovation

April 23, 2018 by Ted_Roberts

Monday, April 23, 2018

Ted reflects upon the many technological and stylistic advancements that have made Schlage what it is today – and the man who started it all.

 

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Schlage didn’t invent the lock. But founder, innovator and visionary Walter Schlage certainly perfected it in ways no one could have imagined when he founded the company in 1920. From his first patent in 1909 – a door lock that could also turn the lights on and off – through the decades of innovation that followed, Schlage literally reinvented the door lock as well as the category of door hardware.

 

One of the first things a visitor notices when entering parent-company Allegion’s headquarters is a wall with 826 patent certificates proudly displayed. It stands as a testament to the lasting commitment to problem solving, customer security and satisfaction, and a spirit of innovation that has stood the test of time.

 

Who better than Ted Roberts, Allegion’s Style and Design Chief, to speak to this spirit? Ted reflects upon the many technological and stylistic advancements that have made Schlage what it is today – and the man who started it all.

Q&A with Ted Roberts

Q. Where did Schlage begin and where is the company now?

A. “The company has been around for a long time and has quite the history. It all started with Walter Schlage, an immigrant lock maker, who brought some very original ideas with him to America which then became patents and the foundation of Schlage. Dynamic, interesting and creative, Walter was what you’d call a “tinkerer.” His very simple goal, when you boil it all down, was to solve problems.

“That’s really our goal today. Whether we’re talking engineering challenges, keeping up with the latest style trends or making our door hardware easy to install and use, everything we do is designed to afford our homeowners the best possible experience. It’s no surprise, with this kind of heritage, that people expect a lot from us. We want to exceed those expectations.”



Q. Where do you see things going?

A. “I don’t see our mission changing in the future, this perfect harmony of style and function. I see us continuing the melding of aesthetics, innovative product features, reliability and performance that continues to delight our customers. We have some big shoes to fill. We take that responsibility – to our heritage and to our customers – very seriously.”

Q. What are some of the specific innovations Walter – and Schlage – are known for?

A. “With over 800 North American patents alone, there are a lot of them. Walter was really the grandfather of the smart lock. His first patent was for a lock that turned on your house lights when you entered. It’s so ironic how that very first innovation was the precursor to the entire generation of smart locks we’re introducing as we speak.

“Another that’s relevant today is Walter’s process of attaching glass to metal to create a glass door knob. They’re popular again today and are prominently featured in some of our newest collections. Taking something old and making it new again while remaining faithful to its origins – that’s a great example of true timelessness. And that goes for the products we make as well as our company as a whole.”

“Walter also improved the cylindrical lock by adding his push-button innovation. which is still in use today. Again, we started with Walter’s desire to make life easier for people and that continues today with the products we make.”



Q. What has changed the most with the company over the years?

A. “In a word, scope. The more we’ve looked at keeping the promises we’ve made to our homeowners over the years, the more new designs, styles, products and technologies have been explored.

“We’ve grown so much as a company and as innovators. Mechanical and electronic locks. Exit devices. Card readers. Biometric interfaces. Door hardware. I don’t even think Walter Schlage could have envisioned what his homegrown company would one day become.”

Q. What do you think Walter Schlage would say if he saw you now?

A. “On one hand, I imagine he would be in awe of the size of the company, today’s technology and, like I said, the sheer scope of the products the brands create. I also think he would still want to tinker with everything – see what’s going on inside and what makes today’s products tick.

“But he’d find a lot of familiar ground too, just in the way we approach our jobs and our commitment to security, safety and product performance. He’d also recognize in us a certain familiar entrepreneurial spirit and our company-wide desire to always look for and achieve the next best thing.”

Q. In your role as Style and Design Chief, how does this sense of history impact you, personally, in your day-to-day duties?

A. “I think I can speak for all of us when I say we feel like torch-bearers in a sense. Technologies change. Needs change. Styles certainly change–and then change back. We have to be in tune with that, just as Walter was in assessing his own customers’ needs way back when.

“That’s really our goal today. Whether we’re talking engineering challenges, keeping up with the latest style trends or making our door hardware easy to install and use, everything we do is designed to afford our homeowners the best possible experience. It’s no surprise, with this kind of heritage, that people expect a lot from us. We want to exceed those expectations.”




“As a designer following in his footsteps, I’m constantly aware that design is more than appearance – it’s a harmony of function as well as style, with each enhancing the other. Walter’s example guides us, as a company, to continue to look at what we do, holistically focusing on our customer and his or her positive experience with our products.

 

“For me, personally, I want us to continue our mission of keeping people safe and secure where they live, work and visit. We’re designing products that people rely on, so we need to get it right. If Walter saw us today, I would want him to recognize and appreciate that and feel as much pride as we do in making it happen. And, maybe a little selfishly, I’d like him to be impressed with our passion for design.”

From humble beginnings and the singular vision of a “tinkerer” to a global company and brand, Schlage has been and continues to be a testament to innovation and style. For more on how Schlage’s century-old heritage contributes to opening up a world of possibilities, visit Schlage.com.

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Ted Talks Schlage Custom™: A Look at Form and Function with Schlage’s Style and Design Chief

January 30, 2018 by Ted_Roberts

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Styles change. Preferences change. Technology changes. How do you enjoy the best of everything?

 

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Styles change. Preferences change. Technology changes. How do you enjoy the best of everything? This is the enviable challenge faced by today’s homeowners who are looking for style, flexibility and function as well as security from their door hardware.
 

Enter Schlage Custom Door Hardware, a major innovation featuring a multi-purpose single-core lock – and an array of premium style options – that have been re-imagined and designed from the ground up to deliver a truly superior user experience.
 

Aesthetics. Reliability. Affordability. All have been factored in, while incorporating functionality that allows locks to be customized to specific styles, security requirements and practical usage needs. It’s one system offering virtually limitless possibilities.
 

For more, we talked with Ted Roberts, the Style and Design Chief at Allegion, Schlage’s parent company.



Q&A with Ted Roberts

Q: Why is the melding of style and function so important in general?

A. “When it comes to style, staying ahead of the curve is certainly challenging. But it’s also only one part of an equation that needs to take into consideration how something feels, works, lasts. Focusing on both style and function allows for seamlessly incorporating aesthetics with features, reliability and performance that delights.

“If all of this is in harmony, our homeowners are less likely to have a bad experience. We look at the entire experience – from the product and engineering itself through to product purchase and installation – to make sure homeowners who choose Schlage get what they expect. And more. Our new Schlage Custom Door Hardware is no exception.”



Q: So just another day in the office for you and your team at Schlage?

A. “Anything but, which will come as no surprise to anyone who has purchased a Schlage product. This kind of innovation is at the heart of what we do and has been since Walter Schlage’s first patent in 1909 for a door lock that had the ability to turn lights on and off.
 

“It’s not technology for technology’s sake, but rather the development and application of new technologies to provide value to our customers, solve problems whether they be from a design perspective or a usage perspective, make things easier and in the end, truly delight. Schlage Custom Door Hardware really reflects this.
 

“With today’s smart homes, we’re developing a world of next-generation connected electronic hardware. Yet here we are introducing a new mechanical lock product that puts just as much of a premium on the needs of today’s – and tomorrow’s – homeowner as our smart home products. We’re really proud of that.”

Q: What was the inspiration for Schlage Custom™ Door Hardware?

A.“Quite simply, we wanted a product that solved more than one problem. We want to be stylistically relevant. We want it to be functionally flawless. We designed it to be customizable in both look and performance. And we want the user experience to be so good, the customer may actually be able to take for granted that it will continue to look great and work great for years to come."

 

“To achieve this, we looked beyond door locks and deliberately sought out and took clues from leaders, innovators in other areas including the tech sector as well as from categories like lighting, furnishings, fixtures, flooring and, believe it or not, even plumbing.”



Q: What exactly is Schlage Custom Door Hardware?

A. “It’s one system with endless possibilities that offers six levers, six knobs and seven trims. Do you want a lock for your bedroom or bathroom door? A non-locking pass-through for the closet or hall? Do you want to be able to change your mind as a room itself changes, perhaps from a nursery to a home office? This product can do that, from simplifying the decisions you need to make at purchase to providing true ease and flexibility with regard to installation and function in the home. What’s more, the next owners have the same options to customize door function, making this very simple and often overlooked feature a real selling point. One lock. A myriad of styles and applications. That’s Custom.”

Q: What’s the one thing you want people to remember about Schlage Custom Door Hardware?

A. “That it is Schlage through and through and reflects our company heritage, our commitment to style, our reputation for innovation and stays true to our mission to create an exceptional user experience for our homeowners. To us, the things that truly set us apart are often things that our customers don’t even notice. I’m both pleased and proud that Schlage Custom Door Hardware delivers in this regard.”

Schlage Custom Door Hardware was designed from the ground up for those looking for both form and function. Schlage Custom opens up a host of possibilities, all of which can be explored at Schlage.com/custom.

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Ted talks Oil-Rubbed Bronze: “Style Sitdowns” with Schlage’s Style and Design Chief

December 19, 2017 by Ted_Roberts

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Oil-Rubbed Bronze is a finish that can fit in many homes, but what sets it apart from all the other finish options for door hardware?

 

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Oil-Rubbed Bronze is a finish that can fit in many homes, but what sets it apart from all the other finish options for door hardware? What style of home will it fit in best, and how is it different than Aged Bronze? We had these questions and more, so we talked to Ted Roberts, the Style and Design Chief at Allegion, Schlage’s parent company. As design leader at Schlage, he is uniquely qualified to explain what Oil-Rubbed Bronze is and how to style it.



Q&A with Ted Roberts

What sets Schlage apart as a style leader?

Walter Schlage’s first patent was in 1909, and he founded the company in 1920, so Schlage has more than 95 years of experience and has seen styles come and go first-hand. The industry is changing with the advent of new technologies and that brings new challenges when determining door hardware’s design and usability. Schlage has the background and experience to tackle these challenges that have never been addressed before.

Where does Schlage get style inspiration?

The industrial design team goes to stores, trade shows and furniture shows to see what is currently popular in the market and what is about to come to market. They also look into cultural trends. What’s happening in movies, TV shows, fashion and auto industries to see what styles are developing.



Oil-Rubbed Bronze

What sets Oil-Rubbed Bronze apart?

Oil-Rubbed Bronze is one of the warmer dark finishes. Because of that, it goes well with beige and yellows. It is a living finish, which means that as the product is used, the finish develops a two-tone look over time, so no two pieces are going to be identical.

Because Oil-Rubbed Bronze is a living finish, it adds a personal touch to any home. Aged Bronze comes with the two-toned look that Oil-Rubbed Bronze will eventually get, but the difference is that the Oil-Rubbed Bronze two-toned look comes from being used in your home and is unique to you.

Why do you think it’s popular right now?

It first started to get popular a few years ago with the rise in arts and crafts (Craftsman) style houses. These homes are hand-crafted and are a rebellion against highly ornamented Victorian homes. The natural color of Oil-Rubbed Bronze and the living finish that evolves as it is used fits right in with this style.



What style of home will it fit into?

It works well with Prairie, Victorian, Southwestern and Craftsman style homes.

How should someone style their home with Oil-Rubbed Bronze?

The blackish-brown coloring and highlighted copper edge of the Oil-Rubbed Bronze go well with beige walls and orange tones. It also works well with earth and brown-toned rooms. It fits into the 70s style that is making a resurgence right now with all its natural colors.

If you are looking to change up your home’s hardware and are interested in Oil-Rubbed Bronze, ask yourself if it will coordinate with what is already in your home. Are you looking for a lot of contrast or something that blends? It is up to you, and Oil-Rubbed Bronze could be a great option in either case.



Looking for more style information and inspiration? Check out our Pinterest page!

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Ted talks Matte Black: “Style Sitdowns” with Schlage’s Style and Design Chief

October 02, 2017 by Ted_Roberts

Monday, October 2, 2017

Matte Black is one of the most popular hardware finishes right now. It’s sleek, modern and can fit into almost any home. But how do you know if it’s right for you and your house?

 

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Creating a beautiful home requires hundreds of decisions. Flooring, paint, furniture, décor, curtains, wall hangings, lighting – the list goes on and on. Door hardware is probably pretty low on your list of priorities. You might be burnt out from making all of the other décor decisions by the time you get to deciding between levers and knobs and trims and finishes. But door hardware is a finishing touch that is instrumental in tying a house together. Like flooring or trim, you want your door hardware to match throughout your house and fit well with your overall décor theme. So how do you know what will be right for your home?
 

Matte Black is one of the most popular hardware finishes right now. It’s sleek, modern and can fit into almost any home. But how do you know if it’s right for you and your house? We talked to Ted Roberts, the Style and Design Chief at Allegion, Schlage’s parent company. Who better to talk to about what finish will fit into your home than the design leader in charge of keeping up with new trends and styles? Ted told us how Schlage gets inspiration for products, why Matte Black is so popular and how he would style with Matte Black.



Q&A with Ted Roberts

What sets Schlage apart as a style leader?

Walter Schlage’s first patent was in 1909, and he founded the company in 1920, so Schlage has more that 95 years of experience and has seen styles come and go first-hand. The industry is changing with the advent of new technologies and that brings new challenges when determining door hardware’s design and usability. Schlage has the background and experience to tackle these challenges that have never been addressed before.

Where does Schlage get style inspiration?

The industrial design team goes to stores, trade shows and furniture shows to see what is currently popular in the market and what is about to come to market. They also look into cultural trends. What’s happening in movies, TV shows, fashion and auto industries to see what styles are developing.



Matte Black

Why do you think Matte Black is so popular right now?

Matte Black is a highly versatile finish. There are a number of styles, both architectural and home décor, that it works well with. The finish also has a direct tie to technology, which is becoming more integrated with traditional products. For years, technology was black and furniture was not. Matte Black can help blend the two worlds.

How should someone style around Matte Black hardware?

Matte Black works with a variety of colors. If you are planning on using Matte Black hardware, keep in mind that if you have dark paint or furniture, a room can get very dark, very quickly, and you’ll find yourself living in a cave.

 

But if that’s what you’re looking for. Go for it!



What should you avoid with Matte Black?

Avoid making a room too dark. Dark walls, floors, or cabinets paired with Matte Black can start to make things feel a little cramped.

 

Bigger rooms and rooms with a lot of windows can sometimes get away with this.

 

Also watch out when combining blacks. Sometimes black paints have tints or undertones that make it a little more red or blue. It is a very subtle difference that you might not normally notice, but if you put a Matte Black doorknob on a black door with red undertones, you will probably notice.

Next time you are in the market for new door hardware, and don’t already have black doors or dark rooms, keep your eyes out for Matte Black. It will bring a sleek, modern look to your whole house. If you’re convinced you need Matte Black hardware or you want to learn more, check out all of your options.

 

Looking for more style information and inspiration? Check out our Pinterest page!

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