Your front door is more than just an entrance, it’s also a showpiece – one of the first things a guest sees. That’s why it’s important to choose the right handleset. Schlage offers a wide variety of styles and finishes, from crisp edges to flowing silhouettes, classic to contemporary, all designed to ensure that your front door is the perfect introduction to your home. Here are some stunning examples that prove the handleset is the ultimate curb appeal finishing touch.

1. Century Handlesets

The Century handleset features a clean, rectangular design that’s often described as tasteful and sophisticatedly modern. This contemporary handleset looks chic when paired with the Latitude, Northbrook or Merano interior levers. Matte Black, Bright Chrome or Polished Nickel finishes really showcase its contemporary roots.

 

The Century handleset comes in a 2-piece design with separate deadbolt and handleset grip as well as the 3/4 design with the deadbolt and grip combined into a single piece. The variations provide even more options to help you capture the perfect look for your home.

 

2. Camelot Handlesets

The Camelot handleset brings to mind charming entryways thanks to its scalloped details around the edge. It draws on traditional Colonial style but, because those details are more subtle, also fits into the transitional category. Camelot, which is our best-selling handleset, looks best when paired with the Accent lever or the Georgian knob on the interior and finished in Satin Brass, Satin Nickel or Aged Bronze. For a more updated look, consider the Sacramento lever, which, like the Accent lever, is curved but with a gentler wave.

 

Like the more modern Century design, you can find Camelot as a 2-piece or 3/4 handleset.

 

3. Addison Handlesets

The Addison handleset tends to lean more to the traditional end of the spectrum, but because of its simple yet sophisticated design, it can also suit well with more transitional homes. Featuring a rectangular shape, slight ridging along the edges and gently curving grip, it’s easy to see its allure. The Addison handleset looks stunning when paired with either an interior Georgian knob and Birmingham lever for the traditional aesthetic. The Avila lever, with similar edge detailing, is also a good fit. However you pair it, try this handleset in an Aged Bronze, Matte Black or Distressed Nickel finish.

 

4. Greenwich Handlesets

If you like the clean lines of the Century style but want a bit more softness, you’ll love the Greenwich handleset. Ideal for Mid-Century Modern homes, the slight curves of the grip and trim are inspired by the curves of 1950s appliances and cars. This uncomplicated design pairs with a variety of interior door hardware, but it really shines with the Broadway or Sacramento levers. To give the handleset a more modern flavor, choose a Matte Black or Bright Chrome finish.

 

You can find Greenwich in a 2-piece or 3/4 handleset design.

 

5. Plymouth Handlesets

The Plymouth handleset is recognizable by its oval shape. Most common on traditional homes, it can also be a gorgeous accent for transitional architecture depending on other, surrounding décor. Because it was inspired by Federal-style homes of the Colonial Era, we love pairing this with the Plymouth or Andover knobs or the Accent lever, particularly in Bright Brass, Satin Nickel or Aged Bronze finishes.

 

Find more tips and tricks for improving your curb appeal at the Schlage blog. We also have tons of inspiration for you to click through on our Pinterest boards.

 

Buying your first home or a starter home not the same as purchasing your forever home. Any house is an investment and many of the ideas are the same – Rule #1 is still location, location, location – but if you intend to stay there for 10 or more years, it’s good to think a little differently to make sure you get what you want. Below are eight tips for helping you find the perfect forever home, plus a few extras to keep in mind for aging in place.

Think differently about location

If you’re looking for your forever home, you probably already know the importance of location. You can change a lot of things, but your zip code isn’t one of them. Still, when buying your forever home, you’ll want to think of location slightly differently. If you no longer have kids in the house, finding a home in a good school district may be less of a concern (although school districts do affect property values). Finding a neighborhood with an HOA that shovels snow from your driveway might have greater appeal now. Or maybe it’s more about moving somewhere that doesn’t have snow, period.

 

If you’re looking for your forever home, you probably already know the importance of location. You can change a lot of things, but your zip code isn’t one of them. Still, when buying your forever home, you’ll want to think of location slightly differently. If you no longer have kids in the house, finding a home in a good school district may be less of a concern (although school districts do affect property values). Finding a neighborhood with an HOA that shovels snow from your driveway might have greater appeal now. Or maybe it’s more about moving somewhere that doesn’t have snow, period.

Decide if you want a fixer upper or move-in ready

There are two trains of thought here. If it’s your forever home, you have the time and possibly resources to customize it exactly how you want it. This could be your opportunity to really design your dream house, so you might be excited about the idea of a fixer upper. On the flip side, you might not be at a point in your life when you want to take that on. If your heavy lifting, DIY days are behind you, a move-in ready forever home may be more to your liking. Before you even start looking at the listings, decide how much of a project you want to commit to, both in terms of personal effort and financial cost.

Figure out the right size

Because every family is different and no two use their home in the same way, we call this rightsizing. Growing families will want more house – additional bedrooms for each child, a yard to play in, a large dining room to comfortably seat everyone, and room to grow to be ready for the unexpected.

 

Empty nesters may want the exact opposite. With kids out of the house, you’ll be looking to downsize. A spare room would be nice for hobbies or overnight guests, but you don’t need three extra bedrooms. Meals for two no longer require a massive kitchen. Or maybe downsizing isn’t in the plans at all. Maybe you plan on hosting the grandkids a few weekends a month or inviting the extended family – all 27 of them – over for Thanksgiving. The point is to make an honest evaluation of your current lifestyle needs and find the house that fits the bill.

Get the right amount of outdoor space

Just like the size of your home depends on what phase of life you’re in, you’ll want to consider the size of your yard and type of landscaping. Do you have kids and pets that would thrive in a large, fenced-in yard? Do you want to spend your retirement gardening? Or does your back start to ache at the mere thought of having to mow an expansive lawn, trim bushes and weed flower beds? Basically, your decision comes down to how you’ll use your yard and how much effort you want to put into its upkeep.

Find the right home style for your lifestyle

The style of your forever home should be something you love. That’s obvious. If you plan to age in place or think you’ll have elderly family members move in with you someday, think about ease of accessibility. For example, a ranch style home is ideal if you want to avoid climbing stairs as you get older. If you have children, do you want their bedrooms on the same level as yours or are they old (and trustworthy) enough to be farther away? How do you feel about open floorplans? They can let you keep an eye on the kids from anywhere but also make it harder to find privacy.

 

Maintenance comes into play here as well. Some styles require more effort for upkeep that, depending on where you stand, could be a dealbreaker for your new home. Vinyl siding is a lower-maintenance alternative to wood. Metal roofs last two to three times longer than asphalt shingles. Vinyl or aluminum window frames hold up better than wooden frames. And fiberglass and metal front doors require less maintenance than many other materials.

Look for flexibility in design

According to Forbes, you’ll likely need to stay in your forever home at least 10 years to make it worth the move financially. A lot can happen in a decade. Because our future might not play out like we imagine, you want to look for a home with the flexibility to adapt with your changing needs. That can mean any number of things – another baby, starting a business or suddenly working from home, an elderly parent moving in, a change in your own health. Life might feel a bit more settled at this stage of your life, but you don’t want to box yourself in too much.

Choose high quality

Because you’re going to be in your forever home potentially for 10 to 20 years or longer, you want to be confident that the structure as well as everything in it is designed to last. This is not a time to cut corners on quality. There will always be maintenance, but plumbing and electrical systems should be sound. The same goes for your HVAC. Cabinetry should be well-made and appliances need to last. Foundational issues should be addressed sooner rather than later as well as any concerns about the integrity of your driveway, walkways and home’s exterior.

 

Of course, we also think the door hardware on any home should be high quality. One of the best ways to protect your investment is with durable deadbolts and finishes. With benefits like our lifetime warranty guarantee and commitment to craftsmanship in every piece of our door hardware, you know you can trust your home to Schlage, whether you’re going to live there for five years, 15 or 50.

Plan for aging-in-place accommodations

We’ve already mentioned a few considerations for when you or loved ones plan to age in place. Here are a few more questions to ask yourself.

 

• Will your new bathroom need a curbless shower? These can help reduce the risk of falls on slick tile and make it easier on someone who uses a wheelchair or walker.
  
  
• Are there handrails everywhere appropriate? Again, falls are especially dangerous for older homeowners. Think about railings not just on porches, but also interior steps and in the bathroom.
  
  
• Is there a ramp or room to install one in the future? This can make it easier – not to mention safer – to get in and out of the house if decreased mobility from age or disability is a concern.
  
  
• Is there good natural lighting? Everyone benefits from natural lighting, but a well-lit home is also safer for those with vision impairments.
  
  
• What accommodations are made in the kitchen? How high the counters are, whether the microwave is mounted above the stove or on the counter, and if there are pull-out cabinet drawers can make a difference when cooking comfortably and safely as you get older.

Visit the Schlage blog for more ways to make a home more accessible for aging in place. If you're curious how smart home tech changes the way homes or sold or think maybe you’re more ready for a starter home, we have that too.

 

It seemed like a good idea at the time. Brilliant new innovations, if not tested properly, can sometimes have unintended consequences. What we thought was good for our wellbeing can turn out to be otherwise as we gain knowledge and understanding. This is most obvious in the medical field, but no different in home design. Keep reading to learn more about home décor that turned out to be dangerous.

Home décor that was definitely dangerous

Paint

Lead paint is the most well-known danger when it comes to painting in general. Before about 1980, it was the preferred paint for homes because of its quick drying time and durability. It will eventually break down, though, and ingesting the paint chips or inhaling the dust and vapors can cause lead poisoning, harm our nervous systems and prove fatal.

 

Although lead paint is now banned in the U.S., it is still present in older homes. Before starting a DIY painting project, test for lead, then take the appropriate steps for safe removal.

 

Green paint, while equally dangerous at one time, is thankfully less of a current-day concern. In the mid-1700s, nearly anything with a green color was, in fact, a health risk. In addition to paint, we’re talking dyes, wallpaper, book covers, even green tea. In most of these cases, the green coloring came from arsenic, making that green baby rattle particularly unsettling.

Asbestos

Manufacturing asbestos became quite popular during the Industrial Revolution for its resistance to extreme heat and as a flame retardant. Unfortunately, we found out a bit too late the negative effects it can have on our health. It’s known to cause cancer and has been linked to several other diseases. Like lead paint, if you’re doing any demolition in an older home, test for asbestos and take precautions to avoid inhaling harmful deposits.

Window cribs

This one is so absurd that you almost have to laugh … and then go hug your children. In the late 1800s, it was considered a good idea to expose infants to cold temperatures, believing it would strengthen their immune systems. So, strangely, people responded by putting their babies in window cribs, metal cages that hung over the outside ledge like a window-unit air conditioner.

Victorian toilets

The Victorians were a wildly inventive generation. Among their innovations was indoor plumbing, a huge step toward improved sanitation practices, particularly in crowded cities. Much to everyone’s dismay, however, they didn’t get it quite right the first time around. This resulted in more than a few exploding commodes. It seems that the natural gasses from human waste could build up and then be released back into the house. Ignited by a candle flame, these gasses were clearly dangerous.

Heavy furniture and upholstery

The Victorians were also big fans of heavy, ornate wood furniture and equally heavy upholstery. Because drafts from windows could spell disaster with the newly introduced gas lighting, heavy drapes were preferred for safety reasons. The risk, though, was that they were hard to clean. Dust, which contained all manner of bacteria and disgustingness, collected in the nooks and crannies, and vacuuming curtains just wasn’t done. The style eventually gave way to simpler, more modest furnishings that were also easier to clean.

Household innovations we got half right

Refrigerators

Refrigeration did wonders for dietary health and food sanitation. Food spoiled less quickly and fresh ingredients no longer had to be purchased daily. The first step was the ice box. Unfortunately, early deliveries were often blocks of ice taken from ponds. As the ice thawed, the home cook would find tadpoles, fish and other wildlife in her kitchen.

 

Electric refrigeration removed the risk of aquatic critters, but the first fridges weren’t without their hiccups. They were prone to leaking toxic and potentially fatal gasses such as ammonia, methyl chloride and sulfur dioxide. Clearly, refrigeration continues to keep our food good for longer today, thankfully without noxious fumes … and frogs.

White tile and linoleum

In hospitals, sanatoria and eventually homes, white subway tile and linoleum were thought to be healthier than other materials. In truth, their light color just made it easier to see dirt and grime, so you knew when you needed to clean. Plus, because they’re not porous, cleaning was a breeze. So while white tile doesn’t inherently offer health benefits, it does have its benefits.

Fresh air

It’s only relatively recently that we’ve begun to understand the spread of germs. In the 1800s, it was believed that cholera pandemics were a result of “bad air.” To prevent the disease’s spread and to treat it, public health officials promoted plenty of fresh air. Windows, then, needed to provide better ventilation and natural light. It was also that belief that prompted renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted to design New York’s Central Park. According to Architectural Digest, the famous park and many others were created to give packed-in city dwellers an open and healthful green escape.

 

Cholera, it turns out, is spread through contaminated water. The fresh air had no effect on that particular disease, but it does help with others like tuberculosis. This understanding gave rise to sleeping porches, still popular in some warmer regions.

As our medical knowledge expands, we get a better idea of what it means to keep our houses and families safe. Read Schlage’s tips for keeping a healthy home.

 

Do you have a true entryway or is it just an open expanse where shoes collect? Especially if you have an open floorplan, it’s possible that the only thing eye-catching about your foyer is piles of clutter. Rather than showing off your personal style, it just kind of runs over into your living space. And, because there are no definite boundaries, painting and decorating becomes tricky. The good news is that creating a clearly defined entryway doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Try these feature wall hacks to make walking in the door feel like coming home to a haven.

Why you need an accent wall in your entryway

• My front door opens immediately into my living room and no matter how many hooks and mirrors I hang or console tables I try, the space still looks unfinished.
  
  
• I want to paint, but my open floorplan means that if I start in the entryway, I’d also have to paint the living room and then up the steps and then into the upstairs hallway … there’d be no end.
  
  
• I want to try a new color or pattern, but I’m intimidated by the boldness.
  
  
• I found a wallpaper I love, but I’m on a budget and can’t afford to use it in an entire room.

 

If any of those sound like you, then an accent wall could be exactly what you need to take your entryway décor to the next level. An accent wall can help create the illusion of a separate space, tricking the mind into thinking you’ve entered a new zone, even when the walls haven’t changed.

 

And because most entryways are relatively small spaces, they can be the perfect opportunity to try different décor you might not attempt elsewhere in the house. Bold patterns and bright colors can be used in moderation, making them feel less overwhelming. Plus, the smaller space means you’ll likely spend less money on materials, letting you save up or splurge in other areas.

 

Accent wall ideas that wow with wallpaper

Wallpaper is much more user-friendly than it used to be, which explains its recent resurgence. With more temporary and peel-and-stick options, there’s also less pressure to get it perfect the first time around. And that’s great to hear with all those amazing designs to choose from.

Geometric patterns in bright blue make a strong statement in this entryway by Murphy Deesign. Somewhat surprisingly, despite the pattern, the space isn’t what most would call “busy.” Thanks to the clean white doors and console table and complementary blues in the mirror and umbrella stand, the overall look stays streamlined.

 

Meg at Baker Blooms has a hard time saying no to a mural wall, but we picked this wallpapered entryway as a reminder that even second entrances – side doors, back doors, one off of a garage – can be beautiful and functional. Coordinating the colors in the wallpaper with the green in the door goes a long way toward keeping a cohesive, intentional style.

This foyer shown on House Beautiful is a great example of how a small space can be the perfect opportunity for a splash of the unusual. The wallpaper, artwork and pillows designate this as an official entryway instead of a nook with a random bench. We can imagine coming home to the bright, fun colors each day.

Even soft patterns can make a difference in your entryway. Krystin Lee’s greige trellis wallpaper provides some visual interest while complementing the traditional style of the home. The understated neutral plays well with the color of the tile flooring and matches the overall décor.

Pleasing paint for accent walls

If your entryway gets lots of natural light, this could be prime location for one of the darker, moodier colors you’ve been meaning to try. Remember, it’s all about balance. Choose a dark accent when you have lighter surrounding walls and bright, airy décor. Or go with something unexpected – coral or turquoise – if everything else is neutral.

Sherwin-Williams paired its Majestic Purple with Natural Linen and Downy in this hallway. The golden pop from that mirror helps to keep the accent wall from feeling overbearing as well.

Still have a fear of commitment? That’s why Hawthorne and Main painted half of one wall in their entryway. Having been burned more than once by over-the-top colors in the past, they choose this green that’s almost a neutral and kept it extra interesting by adding the pattern above and pink table as décor. It might be safe, but it’s definitely also gorgeous.

 

Painted murals don’t need to be bright yellow to draw your attention. If you prefer a soft sage green or blush pink, use that. A sandy hue could also work. They’ll still pop – just in a more subtle way – against a white wall. The goal isn’t to smack your visitors in the face with your wall color, but to fool their subconscious into realizing, “I’m supposed to do something different here.”

 

Peony and Honey described this as an “awkward hallway wall” previously, but the soft arch is the perfect backdrop for some simple décor that adds definition to the space.

Find more entryway décor ideas at the Schlage blog. You’ll also find tips to make painting a snap, whether you’re updating doors and trims, walls or even ceilings and floors.

 

One of the main tenants of decluttering is getting rid of duplicates. There’s no great benefit to four footstools or 15 lint rollers. Sometimes, though, two is exactly what you need, whether because multiples add convenience, the symmetry looks more appealing or they give you greater peace of mind. With apologies to Marie Kondo, here are seven times when double the items really is better.

Bathroom vanities

According to Hunker, the double vanity trend – two sinks, one counter – is on the way out. In its place, interior designers predict two separate vanities or sinks will become more popular. Each person has their own space and storage increases. Separate vanities can also give your bathroom a more luxurious feel and open new style options.

Laundry baskets

If you feel like you’re always overrun by laundry, you might need to increase your hamper count. In addition to the one you probably already have in the bedroom or bathroom, consider a second one in a mudroom or garage. As you and the family come home, you can take off any muddy sports jerseys, damp socks or other items that’ll drip and make a mess as you enter the house.

Smart locks

We often think of installing smart locks on your front door. It’s a great strategy. They improve the security of your home, are convenient and boost your curb appeal thanks to their stylish designs.

 

A second Schlage smart lock on a different door has those same benefits, especially if your family most often comes and goes through a side door or the entrance to the garage, for example. Maybe you also want a second electronic deadbolt on an interior door such as your home office or wine closet. It could also be on an auxiliary dwelling unit (ADU) you use as a backyard home office, rental property or in-law suite.

 

Voice assistants

Did you know that if you have two Alexa-enabled devices, you can use them like an intercom system? Stop yelling to get the kids to come upstairs. Instead, simply ask Alexa to drop in on the Echo Dot in the basement and ask everyone to come help set the table for dinner.

 

Alexa Guard is a feature that can help improve your home’s security. To take full advantage of the feature, you’ll want more than one Echo. Available to all Alexa users in the U.S. – there’s a free version and Guard Plus for a fee – a compatible Alexa-enabled device will listen for and alert you to certain sounds such as breaking glass or a fire alarm. For monitoring to be most effective, Amazon recommends multiple devices placed throughout the home.

Door mats

Layered door mats is an excellent way to add a bit of refinement to your curb appeal. Sara of Simply Southern Cottage showed us how in her fall front porch décor. Two mats give you more color combinations to play with as well as the flexibility to have something super durable to really get the dirt from your shoes, paired with one that’s even prettier to look at.

Porch lights

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. A well-lit home is a safer home. When you can see where you’re going, you’re less likely to trip and fall. And when potential intruders see lights on, they’re less likely to attempt a break-in, not to mention there are fewer dark corners for them to hide in. That’s why we say two porch lights are often better than one. Install one on each side of your door for better illumination or if you think the symmetry adds to your curb appeal.

 

Dogs

Because why not? Everyone needs a friend. Plus, a second pet isn’t that much more work. If you need more convincing, check out these adorable porch puppies and our tips for keeping your home clean with pets, no matter how many you have.

 

Looking for more ways to upgrade your home? The Schlage blog has all the style ideas, organizational hacks, DIY inspiration or security tips you didn’t even know you needed.

 

Porch signs, message boards, door wreaths. There’s no better way to express yourself, add some holiday décor and be a little clever at the same time. Keep your message fresh with these DIY sign ideas for every season.

January: New Year, new sign

Simple is sometimes the way to go, especially in the midst of a busy holiday season. Glitter Inc.’s DIY farmhouse New Year’s Eve sign is just the ticket. The wood board can be anything – a piece of store-bought plywood, an upcycled cabinet door, part of a wood palette – and the numbers can be painted to your liking. Choose a color that complements the surrounding décor or glam it up with some glitter paint.

February: Fortune at your door

Paper cuttings pasted to doors and windows are a traditional way to celebrate Chinese New Year. The image in the cutting represents a different wish for the new year – a peach for longevity or a peony for honor and wealth, for example. These can be pretty detailed if you aren’t familiar with the art. An alternative could be a DIY banner. Hung at a home’s front door, they’re meant to greet your guests with a message of good luck and fortune. Keep it simple with red and gold paper, some ribbon for hanging and a steady hand for your calligraphy.

March: Welcome, Spring

A spring front porch sign that doubles as a planter? Yes, please. Giggles Galore gives us a guide for personalizing a wooden planter to hang in your entryway. We can’t think of a better way to welcome guests and the new season.

April: Signs of spring

Want to break a few décor rules? Then start by adopting a loose definition of “sign.” This DIY succulent frame from Balcony Garden Web hangs vertically on your wall, so we can’t think of a better way to say and show you’re celebrating Earth Day. We’re sure you’ll enjoy this indoor living wall year-round.

May: Eid Mubarak

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of a month of fasting for Ramadan. While the holiday typically includes prayers and a large meal with friends and family, décor that includes stars, twinkling lights, flowers and lanterns is common in some communities. Hello Holy Days shares its guide for making a garland of simple paper lanterns to include in your own celebrations.

June: Get growing

If you’re prepping for those late-summer vegetables to go in the ground, be sure you have garden markers. The Inspiration Board made simple signs that not only help you keep track of what’s planted where, but also to keep your vegetable garden looking chic.

July: First class Fourth of July décor

If you’ve fallen in love with macrame and the handicrafts that are so popular with Boho modern style, try this DIY wall hanging. Unlike macrame, you’ll need a loom (you can make your own), but the extra effort is worth it when you end up with this American flag-inspired weaving from The House That Lars Built.

August: Studied door décor

Your kids might or might not be looking forward to going back to school, but this sunny wreath from Infarrantly Creative is sure to brighten your front door. Your guests might not even realize it’s made from school supplies until they reach your porch. Hang it for your own front porch décor (and include it in those back-to-school photos) or gift it to your favorite teacher for their classroom.

September: Ready for fall

As the temperatures start to fall, you might be ready to get your front porch ready for fall. Decorate an exterior wall or your door with a DIY fall wreath like this one from Lia Griffith. We love the way she dressed up a store-bought twig wreath with felt leaves. It’s the balance between natural brown hues and splashes of color that does it for us. Choose colors that complement your front door color and other décor.

October: Trick or treat …

… Smell my feet! Mommy’s Bundle shows how to make a simple sign, using your child’s footprint to stamp out some friendly ghosts. This would be great for Baby’s first Halloween. We’d love to see some variations on this, too. Get everyone’s feet involved for a ghoulish family or use a pet-friendly paint for some puppy paw prints. They might not look as ghost-like, but we’re pretty sure they’ll be adorable.

November: Faux mantel, real style

If you don’t have a fireplace but love all that mantelpiece décor you find on Pinterest, a faux mantel like The Red Painted Cottage installed and decorated might be just what you need. Start by adding your favorite Thanksgiving- and fall-themed accessories. Then, when it comes time to hang stockings with care, you’ll be ahead of the game. Find more stylish ways to fake a mantelpiece.

December: Celebrate to the letter

We made it all the way to December without any letter board ideas. Don’t worry. Try one of these messages for your own Hanukkah celebration or if you’ve invited Jewish friends and family to your home for an inclusive holiday party. The Type Set Co. offers their message suggestions. We like “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness” and, for something a little cheekier, “Did someone say latkes?”

No matter what you’re celebrating, Schlage has the ideas and the know-how to take your holiday décor to the next level. Find everything you need on our blog and Pinterest.

 

It’s almost time to turn another calendar page, which always makes us a little nostalgic. As we head into the new year, we thought we’d recap some of our favorite tips, tricks, hacks and inspiration from 2021.

1. 15 robots you’ll want to bring home in 2021

2. How to make your hollow core doors look expensive when you're on a budget.

3. 10 before-and-after porch remodels you have to see.

4. 13 tips to help you safely remodel your home during pregnancy

5. 10 home security lessons to teach your kids now

6. Improve your security for working remotely from home.

7. Beat electronic clutter with these 5 digital organization steps.

8. Green renovation ideas for an eco-friendly home.

9. Top tips for choosing indoor plants and keeping them alive

10. How to understand lever and door handing

Honorable mention

How to clean porch décor: When was the last time you washed that doormat?

 

Advice for buying your first home: Because buyer’s remorse hits a lot harder on a house you spent thousands on versus a $50 sweater.

 

Time travel: Vacation safety tips from 1953 that still work: A lot has changed in almost 70 years … but not as much as you might think.

 

How to set up a home bar for your best holiday hosting: A Joybird study found that a fully stocked bar is the top-ranked must-have for hosting a party, so are your ready?

 

This is just the tiniest of fractions of what we offered in 2021, hoping to provide you with the ideas and know-how for turning your home into a haven. Find the rest, from DIY projects to technology and security updates, at Schlage.com/blog.

 

Your front door is more than just an entrance, it’s also a showpiece – one of the first things a guest sees. That’s why it’s important to choose the right handleset. Schlage offers a wide variety of styles and finishes, from crisp edges to flowing silhouettes, classic to contemporary, all designed to ensure that your front door is the perfect introduction to your home. Here are some stunning examples that prove the handleset is the ultimate curb appeal finishing touch.

1. Century Handlesets

The Century handleset features a clean, rectangular design that’s often described as tasteful and sophisticatedly modern. This contemporary handleset looks chic when paired with the Latitude, Northbrook or Merano interior levers. Matte Black, Bright Chrome or Polished Nickel finishes really showcase its contemporary roots.

 

The Century handleset comes in a 2-piece design with separate deadbolt and handleset grip as well as the 3/4 design with the deadbolt and grip combined into a single piece. The variations provide even more options to help you capture the perfect look for your home.

 

2. Camelot Handlesets

The Camelot handleset brings to mind charming entryways thanks to its scalloped details around the edge. It draws on traditional Colonial style but, because those details are more subtle, also fits into the transitional category. Camelot, which is our best-selling handleset, looks best when paired with the Accent lever or the Georgian knob on the interior and finished in Satin Brass, Satin Nickel or Aged Bronze. For a more updated look, consider the Sacramento lever, which, like the Accent lever, is curved but with a gentler wave.

 

Like the more modern Century design, you can find Camelot as a 2-piece or 3/4 handleset.

 

3. Addison Handlesets

The Addison handleset tends to lean more to the traditional end of the spectrum, but because of its simple yet sophisticated design, it can also suit well with more transitional homes. Featuring a rectangular shape, slight ridging along the edges and gently curving grip, it’s easy to see its allure. The Addison handleset looks stunning when paired with either an interior Georgian knob and Birmingham lever for the traditional aesthetic. The Avila lever, with similar edge detailing, is also a good fit. However you pair it, try this handleset in an Aged Bronze, Matte Black or Distressed Nickel finish.

 

4. Greenwich Handlesets

If you like the clean lines of the Century style but want a bit more softness, you’ll love the Greenwich handleset. Ideal for Mid-Century Modern homes, the slight curves of the grip and trim are inspired by the curves of 1950s appliances and cars. This uncomplicated design pairs with a variety of interior door hardware, but it really shines with the Broadway or Sacramento levers. To give the handleset a more modern flavor, choose a Matte Black or Bright Chrome finish.

 

You can find Greenwich in a 2-piece or 3/4 handleset design.

 

5. Plymouth Handlesets

The Plymouth handleset is recognizable by its oval shape. Most common on traditional homes, it can also be a gorgeous accent for transitional architecture depending on other, surrounding décor. Because it was inspired by Federal-style homes of the Colonial Era, we love pairing this with the Plymouth or Andover knobs or the Accent lever, particularly in Bright Brass, Satin Nickel or Aged Bronze finishes.

 

Find more tips and tricks for improving your curb appeal at the Schlage blog. We also have tons of inspiration for you to click through on our Pinterest boards.

 

Your front door makes a statement. Along with your front porch, it contributes to the overall curb appeal of your home and makes the ultimate first impression for visitors. Who better than Schlage, whose door hardware is trusted by more than 40 million homeowners, to provide you with holiday decorating tips for even the most unconventional doors? Indoors or out, Schlage has you covered for the holidays and all year round.

Front door

Whether you’re decorating with a traditional holiday wreath or making a holiday display of planters and wall hangings, there’s nothing like fresh, festive holiday greenery to add color, style and fragrance. There’s no end to what you can accessorize with. Garland and wreaths can be customized affordably with pine cones, berries and bows, then changed easily with the seasons. Combine that with the option of literally gift wrapping your entire front door and you’ll have a colorful entrance that comes alive this winter.

 

Just make sure that your door decorations don’t interfere with the operation of your door or the security of your door locks. Wreaths should be placed so that a peep hole still has a clear line of sight through the center or, if that’s not possible, hung below the peep hole or window. If you use an over-the-door hanger, make sure its thickness doesn’t prevent the door from latching.

The same goes for other décor that might hang down and obstruct the door. For example, how do you hang garland around the front door so that it looks good and still lets your door work right? If you don’t want to use nails or screws in your door frame, you can use adhesive hooks and floral wire to pin the foliage away from hinges. Some companies like Balsam Hill also make garland hangers, which work a bit like curtain tension rods. These help keep your garland overhead out of the way and can also be decorative by their own right.

 

French door

The idea here is to let your sense of holiday style out while you let the light shine in. Large wreaths can be cut down the middle and hung on both halves of the door to avoid interfering with its opening and closing and without covering the windows. At the same time, there are many magical ways to decorate around the door, framing it in lavish greens and light and festive finery. Garland and fresh greenery can be decorated much like you’d decorate a Christmas tree with ornaments, lights, tinsel and bows.

 

Because French doors tend to be more traditional, this could be the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your favorite vintage décor. Whether passed down through the family, found at a flea market or merely aged artificially to look old, classic ornaments can round out the overall aesthetic of traditional curb appeal.

Dutch door

With a Dutch door, you have two distinct “canvases” to work with. From covering the bottom half in wrapping paper and bows and adorning the top half with hanging decorations like wreaths and seasonal greenery, you’re really only limited by your imagination. Get creative with your door hanging accessories, but make sure the hanger you choose, whether it’s metal, fabric or ribbon, is the proper length for the height of your Dutch door sections. You don’t want your decorations constantly getting knocked off. As always, the wall décor you choose to display around the door can add a warm, festive accent to your door decorations.

Glass doors

Whether inside or out, the key to glass doors is to let the light shine through. Instead of wrapping your door like a gift or using faux frost on the glass like you might on your front door, try hanging a traditional wreath or two so that you don’t obstruct your view through the window. If you like the gift-wrapped look, though, stick with just using ribbons.

 

This is another instance where what you put over and around the door can make all the difference. Quick and easy wall décor can also be super affordable and there’s no end to the inspiration you’ll find online and at your favorite store.

 

Hanging décor on glass doors sounds kind of tricky. You obviously can’t use nails. So how do you hang a wreath on a glass door? There are a few methods. For light-weight wreaths, use a suction cup like one you might use in the bathroom, which tends to have more staying power. You can also use an over-the-top hook or hanger. These are often metal, so if you’re concerned about it scratching the glass – or just looking ugly – wrap it in ribbon to soften any rough edges and add visual appeal. Magnetic wreath hangers also work if you place one on each side of the window pane to hold everything in place.

 

Sliding glass doors

Decorating sliding glass doors for the winter holidays takes a bit of extra creativity since you don’t want the décor to keep you from being able to open and close the door. The answer is to think in 2D. Use spray-on frost or liquid chalk to create the illusion of snow without taking up any space. Wrap pieces of flat cardboard like presents and attach them to the glass, just remembering to keep them thin and maybe skip the bows for this DIY door décor. Finally, try small, beaded garland. Think more along the lines of those strands of popcorn and cranberries than evergreen boughs for a low-profile festive touch. And if you want to hang something larger or a wreath, simply hang it on the side of the door – inside or out – where it’s least likely to get snagged.

Barn door

Don’t forget your indoor decorations, starting with the sliding barn door. They’re big. They’re beautiful. They’re something special. And when it comes to making them pop for the holidays, the sky really is the limit. From one huge wreath (or even a large split wreath with halves can be hung separately) to adorning the doors with large fabric ribbon and wrapping paper (much like you would with a traditional front exterior door), these doors provide a great opportunity to really express yourself.

Smile and style

A child’s bedroom offers endless and wonderful possibilities for holiday decorating. Transform their door – or any other in the house that could use a bit of whimsy – into Santa Claus. Or a snowman. Create a decorative winterscape. Wrap the door simply with paper, ribbons and bows and hang stockings or wreaths. The goal here is to bring a smile to the little ones and some extra holiday cheer to mom or dad. Whether a standard door or even a pocket door, which you still find in many older homes, there’s a lot you can do with a little imagination and just the right amount of holiday spirit.

All of these ideas, from the front door to a sliding glass patio door, can be achieved on even the most modest budget. With proper planning, you can also incorporate wall décor and other stylish yet cost-conscious elements that will add beauty and personality all year round without a lot of hassle. There are even a host of festive things you can do to spruce up your door knobs!

 

Find more ideas for turning your home into a haven at the holidays, or any time of year, at the Schlage blog and on Pinterest.

 

Searching for unique holiday décor? Instead of rushing to the store hoping for that one-of-a-kind piece, try looking a little closer to home. Sometimes, using furniture or accessories you already own in completely different and unexpected ways is exactly what you need. Here are our favorite picks for unusual ways to use common household items for extra-special style and convenience this holiday season.

Rugs

Just about everyone has an area rug somewhere in their house. Putting one in your entryway to collect dirt and snow as guests come and go is an obvious choice. Don’t forget some of these options, too.

On the deck or porch

If you’re having an outdoor winter gathering, a rug can help keep everyone’s toes from getting too cold too quickly. A thick, durable outdoor rug provides a layer of insulation from the frosty ground. It also just helps to give your outdoor living space a more finished look, ideal when you’re celebrating something special this winter. We love this cozy look from Two Twenty One with a Christmas doormat layered over a neutral rug.

Over the headboard

Try this decorating hack in your own bedroom or the guest room for those overnight holiday visitors. A decorative rug draped over the headboard, especially if the headboard is on the plain side, can give a cozier vibe to the space. And, because you can choose a rug with holiday colors and patterns – whatever your tradition’s colors and patterns are – it’s an easy way to add some festive cheer without taking up a lot of space. That means it’s perfect for those small rooms where adding one more piece of décor makes the room feel cramped.

As a duvet cover

Instead of turning up the heat on a cold night, be more energy efficient by just throwing on an extra layer. A soft rug can double as a duvet cover or throw, whether on the bed or the couch. You’ll commonly see this with sheepskin rugs.

As wall art

Think of this as the more sophisticated version of draping tie-dye in your college dorm room. With the right design or weave, a rug can becomes tapestry, adding color and warmth to your walls. Depending on its size and thickness, the rug can also improve insulation for more warmth and sound dampening, a plus in our book when it comes to snuggling in on a cold winter’s night.

Instead of a tree skirt

Whether you’re just starting out and forming new holiday traditions with your family or you want something a little out of the ordinary, use a rug in place of a typical Christmas tree skirt. We especially love this idea if you go for a non-traditional tree, such as one decorated in pastel colors or with all vintage ornaments. Match the rug-skirt’s style to the colors and theme of your tree for a cohesive and unique look.

Mirrors

Hanging a mirror in narrow and small spaces like an entryway has always been one of our favorite décor hacks. It can make those rooms feel larger and airier than they really are. It’s no different if you’re using a mirror to amp up your holiday décor.

On your fireplace mantle

A mirror on the mantlepiece is a prime opportunity for making a room feel extra big and bright, just what you want when welcoming guests to your home for the holidays. A tall mirror can make the ceiling feel higher, while one that reflects the view from a window makes the room feel more expansive. We also think the mirror itself is perfect real estate for adding holiday decorations. Choose a frame with a shimmering finish, maybe even matching it to your silver menorah or the brass in a picture frame. Drape it with evergreen garland or those popcorn-and-cranberry strands you made with the kids.

Behind bright décor

Whether on your mantle, a side table or anywhere else in your home, a mirror placed behind holiday decorations adds depth to your display. A lantern with a candle or two is nice, but when it’s reflected many times over, the twinkle feels brighter and the shimmer more magical. If you create a miniature village Christmas scene, a mirror in the background makes a single street appear fuller, the same way a large wall mirror makes it look like there are more guests at your party. In this way, mirrors are the perfect holiday hack to make it look like you pulled off more than you did.

Over the buffet or bar

Speaking of holiday hosting hacks with mirrors, hang one over your buffet table or bar. This draws guests in by reflecting your scrumptious spread. The mirror can also help define the space when you’ve added a small bar to your living room, for example. The décor subconsciously tells people, “Top up your bubbly here.”

In the guest bedroom

If you have more people in your home than usual, you know that shuffling them in and out of the bathroom can cause some tension. Hang a mirror over the dresser or prop a full-length mirror in the guest room. That way, one guest can check finish their hair and makeup while another is in the shower. Everyone gets their privacy without the bottlenecks.

In the kitchen

A mirror in the kitchen might sound strange, but the key is placement. We spend a lot more time cooking during holiday times. A mirror behind the stove or over the sink in place of a backsplash can help you stay focused on your dishes and still be able to see friends and family gathering behind you. If you have a traditional, closed floorplan, you might also be able to hang a mirror so that you can keep an eye on the kiddos in the living room while you cook, without dashing back and forth.

Trays

Go ahead and load up a tray with pancakes and coffee for a special holiday breakfast in bed. But don’t forget these uses for a tray anywhere in the house.

As a mobile bar

We’re not talking about serving your guests from a tray like the waitress at a local restaurant. Instead, stock a tray with the treats and drink fixings guests will need to serve themselves. The benefits of putting this all on a tray is that it makes it easy for you to replenish as the night wears on. Take the whole tray to the kitchen to refill chip bowls or plates of hors d’oeuvres instead of doing a balancing act in front of everyone. Plus, if the party moves to another room – from the kitchen to the dining room, from the patio to back indoors to get warm – it’s no sweat to move your bar without missing the celebration.

As a centerpiece

It’s hard to go wrong with a nice flower arrangement for your tablescape, but if you’re looking for something a little less ordinary (and maybe shorter so you can see guests across the table), consider staging holiday décor in a shallow tray instead. It could be a collection of evergreen twigs and pine cones mixed with some red berries for color, or a miniature forest of bottle brush trees, for example. The tray helps corral décor so your display looks intentional and refined. And if you need to move it in a hurry to make room for the main dish, you won’t spend 10 minutes rearranging lots of little décor pieces.

In the kitchen

Countertops can get messy and cluttered, but a tray can help keep that under control. Use a tray to wrangle similar items like a few mugs, spoons and sugar for making coffee. If you have guests, it could be a tray loaded with granola bars and fruit so that they don’t feel like a burden asking for a snack. It could also be cleaning supplies – washcloths and soap – or cookbooks and décor.

In the bathroom

A small tray is a nice way to collect and arrange all those baubles you or your guests need throughout the day. Use it as the staging ground for jars of cotton balls and Q-tips, your soap dispenser, tissues or little bars of hand soap. It will help keep your countertops organized and clean, a good look whether it’s the holidays or just a Thursday.

In the entryway

Everyone needs a tray just inside their front door. Use a shallow tray – a bowl, basket or clay plate your kid made in art class also works, to be honest – to put your keys, phone charger, sunglasses, winter gloves and anything else you might need to grab when you leave the house again. You’ll be glad for this organizational hack when you aren’t still searching for your car keys 20 minutes after you were supposed to be at the kids’ holiday recital.

The holidays can be a hectic time, but with a bit of planning, they don’t have to be. Visit the Schlage blog for more ways to decorate when you’re in a hurry, tips on preparing the guestroom and commands to give Alexa that will make your holiday merry, bright and easier than ever.