It seems the holidays start earlier every year. We can’t get enough of the festive feeling and we can’t wait to share the magic of the season with our favorite people. Start spreading the joy at your front porch with these tips to boost your curb appeal for the holidays.

Greenery for holiday porches

Your landscaping doesn’t have to go totally dormant just because it’s cold. Front porch holiday planters with winter-friendly greenery like boxwood and spruce trees can add a pop of color to your entryway. Mix in winter berry, tie a ribbon around the planter or add ornaments to the arrangement for even more vibrancy.

Garland is another great go-to and can be even simpler than that holiday planter. Hang it around your front door or windows or wrap it around porch posts. Whether for your garland or planter, consider also adding pinecones for a crisp, fresh smell.

Lights for long, festive nights

Glittering outdoor lights year-round have become more popular in the last few years, but they really shine (pun 100% intended) during the long winter nights. When deciding where and how to hang holiday lights, focus on your home’s architectural details. Line the roof, windows, an arch or porch overhang, even a winding walkway to highlight the everyday beauty your home already has. And don’t forget to brush up on these tips for designing the perfect holiday light show.

 

If climbing up in the eaves and scaling trees to hang lights isn’t your idea of a happy holiday, consider other options like luminaries to line your porch steps and complement the rest of your patio décor.

Windows for winter magic

Decorating your windows can create an ultra-traditional look for your holiday curb appeal. A single candle – choose LED for safety – in each window might be all the décor you need for a sophisticated street-side view. A wreath on each window, like Dixie Delights, is another classic choice.

Or you can be totally playful with holiday window decorations. Window clings that catch the light, maybe the Grinch peaking from around the casing, a winter scene with elves and polar bears for the kids’ windows. And the best part might be that this décor can all be done from inside where it’s warm and protected from the elements.

Holiday decor for the front door

Every guest that comes to your home is going to see your front door, so make sure it’s welcoming. Wreaths are a popular choice for door hangings and come in all styles, from traditional green branches and berries to bright colored ribbon. A DIY holiday wreath like this one from Country Living can be a great craft to do with the kids on those cold winter afternoons. Just keep an eye on them when they’re using the glue gun.

A holiday porch leaner or sign might be your answer when decorating a large porch or if you don’t want to hang something on the door itself. These can be bought online in any size, with any saying. They’re so simple, though, we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to make your own.

Door mats are another smart touch. Not only can it help anchor your décor and bring everything together, but it’s also fantastically functional, helping you keep your home clean as people come and go. There are all kinds of options, from festive phrases to images of, reindeer, snowmen and more. For an extra level of refined style, layer your mats. Place one of a natural material like coir, which will help trap the dirt and slush, over a larger patterned rug, perhaps one that’s plaid or in a color matching the rest of your holiday décor.

Photo by Simply Southern Cottage

Smart locks for party season

Spending time with family and friends is one of the best parts of the holiday season, but hosting often means juggling lots of tasks and responsibilities. Make it easier on yourself and your guests by installing a smart lock. Let those trusted visitors come and go securely by giving them their own code, especially if they’re staying overnight. There’s no more hiding a key under a rock, which isn’t very safe, and it’s so much easier for everyone to finish up that last-minute shopping in secret when you don’t have to keep track of who has a key and who needs one.

 

When you pair a connected smart lock like the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt with other smart devices in your home, you might find that hosting just got even more convenient. For example, when all your guests have arrived, ask Alexa to start the holiday party. Then any events you’ve scheduled as part of your holiday party scene – playing music, adjusting the lights, even locking the door – are triggered at once without you running around the house and ignoring your guests. Check out these 50 holiday Alexa commands for more ideas.

 

Lastly, if you’re the one headed out of town, a smart lock can help you trust that all is calm while you’re away. Using a compatible app, you can make sure your door is locked, see if someone like the pet sitter has used an access code to enter the house or receive a notification if there’s a disturbance at the door. Pair your Schlage smart lock with another device like the Ring Video Doorbell, and your options get even greater.

 

For more front porch holiday decorating ideas, check out our Pinterest or learn more about our smart locks at Schlage.com.

 

If you’re hosting a get-together, especially at holiday time, you’re going to need a bar. Now before you say, “But I don’t know how to mix drinks” or “I have kids, so I don’t really do the home bar thing,” remember that you can serve any number of treats. In addition to cocktails – or instead of them – your bar could offer hot chocolate and coffee, punch for partygoers of any age and snacks to munch on. When it’s time to welcome guests for holiday entertaining, try one of these versatile home bar ideas.

Home bar ideas we’ll say cheers to

How you set up a home bar – specifically whether you choose a drink trolley, bar cart, cabinet, tray or a decked out wet bar – is up to you. The important thing is that you provide guests with some refreshments. In fact, 58% of Americans in a study by Joybird said that a fully stocked bar is a must-have for hosting a party. That’s nearly double the No. 2 answer of fresh flowers.

Bar cart

What do we love best about bar carts? They’re small, which makes them perfect for when you’re short on space or don’t want them dominating the festivities. They’re also mobile. With a wheeled cart, you can take your food and drink mixings wherever the party goes, whether in the living room, dining room or out on the deck. You wouldn’t want your guests to feel tied down.

Those advantages, however, can sometimes work against you if you don’t plan well. You’ll want to choose your ingredients wisely so that the cart doesn’t feel overcrowded. Your guests will shy away from mixing their own drinks if there’s no place to set down their glass while they’re shaking and stirring. To help with this, choose a cart with at least two levels. Put the most important ingredients, napkins and a bit of décor on top, and extra glassware, coasters, ice and water beneath.

Let the essentials, like glasses and bottles, double as part of the décor. That could mean investing in nicer dishes than you already have or finding colorful, festive versions of your everyday utensils. A vase of flowers can be a nice finishing touch that helps keep your cart from looking like a tray standing like a wallflower on the edge of the action.

Don’t be afraid to decorate your bar cart for the season or to match your party theme, either. Think leaves or an arrangement of dried flowers in the fall, evergreen or miniature faux snow-covered trees in winter and anything glittery for New Year’s.

Bar cabinet

If bar carts feel a little like yesterday’s news to you, try a bar cabinet instead. Apartment Therapy called them “poised to become the next big home decorating trend” because they lend a cozier feeling to our homes and give us even more opportunity to personalize our space.

With that in mind, you can use a cabinet or hutch you already own, purchase a bar cabinet that matches the rest of your home’s décor or upcycle your latest thrift store find. Whatever you choose, think about customizing it with new paint or stain, updated legs and hardware, or swapping out the door facings. A Beautiful Mess shared an IKEA hack, turning the Ivar cabinet into a home bar, which would be easy to replicate and add your own twist.

One of the upsides of a bar cabinet is how discrete it can be. Because they can look like any other cabinet, they’re great everyday décor, regardless of whether you’re planning a party. And because they typically have doors, these bar cabinets let you keep your fixings out of sight and away from curious kids if that’s a concern.

Like carts or the other home bar ideas below, you can decorate your bar cabinet for the occasion. To make it even more versatile, no matter the season, use a tray to keep items on top organized, to carry drinks to guests or to make pulling your ingredients in and out of storage easier. Remember that hosting should be fun, not nerve-wracking, so let your décor and furniture help reduce the stress.

Small bar hacks

If you entertain often and want something with bigger impact, consider a more permanent built-in bar. You don’t need a dedicated bar room, just a small nook, under-utilized cabinet or even an empty wall. The key for any of these is to choose a location that makes sense. For example, don’t set up a home bar in the basement if your parties all unfold in the dining room. And don’t put it in a hallway that could obstruct the flow of traffic as people mingle.

When converting a nook or closet into a home wet bar, treat it like you would a kitchenette. If space and utilities like plumbing and electrical allow, install a small sink and drink chiller. You’ll also want some storage, either in the form of simple shelves or cabinets. To display your glass and bottle collection, use glass doors or open shelving. A decorative backsplash or feature wall helps complete the look, too.

For those of us who don’t have an obvious space for a home bar, look for a blank wall. Then install a counter or use a bar cabinet to stock your supplies. To make sure guests know for sure where the bar is, use an accent wall or mural to create the illusion of a separate space. A painted arch, a panel of wallpaper or a large piece of artwork can all serve as backdrops for your serving station. You might even paint a single portion of a large built-in bookcase like this one on Houzz.

Like the bar cart and cabinets, don’t forget to decorate and accessorize your new bar area. Some extra lighting, a gorgeous wine rack or stand to hold mugs, maybe a letter board sign or some books can give your new bar an air of sophistication.

 

What else do you need to host a good party besides a well-stocked home bar? Find more home entertainment must-haves in the latest Schlage gift guide. Get them for yourself or gift them to a friend so you can throw the perfect celebration, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s and beyond.

 

As autumn approaches, now is a great time to give your space, not mention your mood, a little lift. We have the perfect inspiration for your fall refresh: Mid-Century Modern. This style features colors that scream fall and décor you’ll continue to love year-round.

What is Mid-Century Modern style?

Mid-Century Modern style took root after World War II at a time when homeowners started living the suburban American dream. For the first time, our homes were somewhere we could find new enjoyment. Our yards were large enough for a barbecue and personalized living space was within the average person’s reach.

 

Homes had large picture windows and open-concept floorplans. Clean lines, both inside and out, were paramount. Furniture had gentle curves, making them cozier than traditional minimalism but less fussy or ornate than earlier Victorian design. These clean lines are also partly why ranch houses, with their flat and low-pitch roofs, came into their own in the 1950s.

 

Outside, we often see reinforced concrete block as the home’s exterior, sometimes creating a breezeway in warmer climates. Circular driveways, assuming the homeowner had enough room, were also a feature.

Mid-Century Modern Colors

You don’t need to buy a 1050s home or even overhaul an entire room to get the Mid-Century look. You’ll find a variety of colors in this style, ranging from muted pastels to saturated earth tones, that make it easy to work into your existing décor. For the Mid-Century-inspired fall look, give some of these hues a chance.

Yellow

Not just any yellow, though. Sunflower and mustard, which have more brown undertones, are what you want. A soft yellow is also a nice touch, especially if you want to lighten things up during the cooler months. This is an easy color to make your room feel dated, however, so use it strategically. Focus on accent pieces to bring the 50s vibe into the 21st century.

 

Try this: Use yellow for an accent wall or, like we see with @driesotten, accent stripes on the ceiling. This subtle way to add color to a predominantly white space works well with the Mid-Century Modern furniture on the lower level.

 

Chartreuse

This is sort of an olive green, by the way, and was one of the most popular shades of this era. As we get closer to 1970s style, it starts to creep toward avocado. But for early Mid-Century Modern, look for greens with, again, some brown and earthy undertones.

 

Try this: Upholster a statement piece of furniture, such as a couch, in chartreuse or olive green. Balance it with monochromatic décor in the rest of the room. If a chartreuse couch feels too much, try a smaller piece like an armchair.

 

Turquoise

If you prefer colors in the blue family but are steering clear of the pastel, powdery tones, this is for you. Turquoise, aqua and teal are among some of the bolder hues you’ll find on our list. Not only are they distinctly Mid-Century Modern, but you’re in luck as they’ve also seen a resurgence in recent years for their ability to improve our mood.

 

Try this: These blues are a great opportunity to also tap into another hot trend: two-tone kitchen cabinets. A soft aqua paired with darker wood finishes or a deeper jewel-toned teal with white will give you a rich look. We’re pretty sure you’ll love fixing those comfort meals surrounded by such style.

 

Pumpkin

We’d be remiss if talked about fall colors without mentioning pumpkin. One of the original exterior accent colors chosen by the Eichlers, renowned Mid-Century architects, pumpkin is the way to go when you want orange without going neon.

 

Try this: Paint your front door pumpkin or a similar earthy orange. We especially like this color if you have a white or beige house where the muted orange will give a gorgeous pop of color without alarming the neighbors. Tread carefully, however, if you have a dark brown or brick exterior. The combination of those colors with pumpkin could weigh down your curb appeal.

 

Red

For this hue, we’re inspired less by fire engines and more by spices like paprika. Tomato red, with some orange tones to it, is another good match. Like so many of these colors, there’s a darker, almost brown, underlying note that helps it pair with those earth-toned neutrals.

 

Try this: You’re probably thinking about adding a red throw pillow or some other modest accessory. But what about using this for your mailbox? Update your curb appeal by focusing on clean lines, a Mid-Century Modern font for your house number and, of course, a rich red paint.

 

Mid-Century Modern Decor

Aside from colors, there are few more interior design elements that are easy to bring into your décor. Here are some of our favorites, plus some DIY hacks you can do to make the classic look your own.

Natural Wood

A key element of Mid-Century style is its earthiness. It’s part of why architecture of the time used so many big windows – to bring the outside in. Another way to use those organic influences is with natural woods, whether for furniture, cabinets or even wall panels (although that wouldn’t be our go-to unless you want to feel super-retro). We love the idea of adding natural wood to your home décor now because of the earthy feel of fall with its rustling leaves, cozy fires and trips to the pumpkin patch. At the same time, natural wood is classic, so you’re sure to enjoy it for seasons to come.

 

Try this: Look down. Wood flooring, especially parquet, is a good way to bring the natural wood of Mid-Century Modern into your home. It doesn’t have to be true hardwood. Choose the right material and it will not only look fabulous but also be easier to clean than carpet come wintertime.

 

Tapered Legs

Mid-Century Modern furniture is often most recognizable by its legs. They’re on the narrow side, tapered and tend to flare out. Some style experts recommend this style of furniture leg if you have a small space that you’re trying to make feel larger. By lifting the furniture up off the floor, you create open sightlines and the illusion of having more room.

 

Try this: You can buy furniture that already has tapered legs. Or you can try a DIY IKEA hack. In this project from Apartment Therapy, an IVAR cabinet was dressed up with some paint, glam hardware and classic Mid-Century legs to go from boring to party-ready.

 

Geometric Shapes

Mid-Century Modern style often features abstract, geometric shapes, especially as you narrow the look to the 1960s and early 70s. You won’t see a lot of florals here. This is also where you incorporate your boldest colors. The more neutral, earthy colors may dominate your walls, but those more saturated reds and teals come into play with accents via geometric décor.

 

Try this: Perhaps the easiest way to include geometric shapes in your home décor is with rugs and artwork. Find accessories with color blocking in those classic Mid-Century colors. Another option is with graphic tiles for a kitchen or bathroom backsplash.

 

Other details, including door hardware, can not only help you create the look in the first place, but when paired with those other accessories, keep your overall style looking cohesive. The clean lines of the Schlage® Bowery knob with Collins trim, for example, make a strong geometric statement. Choose a finish like Matte Black or Bright Chrome to stay in the Mid-Century Modern realm.

Pendant Lighting

The nights are getting longer, which means it may be time to refresh your lighting. Take a cue from our Mid-Century style and switch to pendant lighting. The shades are often domed or ball-shaped and made of glass or other structured material. This could be a fun place to add one of the accent colors we mentioned earlier, too.

Try this: Hang a series of pendant lights over a kitchen island. The origins of Mid-Century Modern style are in functionality, and extra lighting over a meal prep or dining area does the trick. The trio of domed lights in this room by Kylie Fitts perfectly complement the rest of the décor, too, straight down to those curvy chairs with tapered legs and floor lamp.

 

 

Want to learn more? Check out our Mid-Century Modern Design Guide at Schlage.com

 

A small change can make a big difference. Sometimes that means making a relatively minor upgrade – replacing curtains – that can transform an entire room. But sometimes, that means trading one element for another of a different style to create a fresh look. It’s true of a new lampshade on an existing light or different jewelry with the same dress. It’s also true with Schlage door hardware.

 

Schlage offers trims, door knobs and levers to accent virtually any style of home – traditional, transitional or contemporary. Depending on which knob or lever you pair with a trim and in what finish, your door hardware can give a totally different feel. See what we mean with these combinations made from simple style swaps.

Contemporary

Schlage Plymouth knob with Greenwich trim

If you like the Greenwich trim but want a more contemporary look – something that relies on simple color and shape, rather than elaborate design – you’ll get just that when you pair it with the Schlage Plymouth knob. A Satin Nickel finish enhances the modern style.

 

Try this pairing in modern homes that feature clean lines, modern surfaces and metallic finishes on anything from coffee tables to lighting to artistic accessories. Your décor is likely simple without a lot of elaborate patterns or overstuffed furniture.

Transitional

Schlage Plymouth knob with Camelot trim

Let’s keep the Plymouth knob but change up the trim. Pair this round knob with a Schlage Camelot trim and you’ve gone back to transitional style. The Camelot trim features scalloped edges, putting it most often on the traditional-to-transitional side of the spectrum. In this case, it’s the knob and the Satin Nickel finish that updates it.

Traditional

Schlage Custom™ Whitney lever with Camelot trim

If you’re wondering what a more traditional Camelot trim pairing looks like, look no further than the Schlage Custom™ Whitney lever. When you combine these two stylish pieces of door hardware, you capture design rooted in the past and focused on comfort, familiarity and romanticism.

 

Try this pairing with décor that also incorporates floral patterns, fringe and tassels, and classic, luxurious designs like what you might see in 19th-century Europe. Your home may also have wrought-iron features, which is why the Whitney lever on Camelot trim in an Aged Bronze finish is so striking.

Traditional

Schlage Custom™ Whitney lever or Georgian knob with Alden trim

The Whitney lever is also often paired with the Alden trim for a traditional feel. The Georgian knob and Alden trim pairing has a similar aesthetic and is a beautiful touch with the same style of home. Aged Bronze and Matte Black finishes are good choices with these combinations as they can call out the warm wood tones of Arts & Crafts-style architecture or complement other features that evoke artisanal molding or ironwork.

Transitional

Schlage Georgian knob with Collins trim

Even though the Georgian knob is a classic style that draws on architecture of the 1700s, you can still use it with a more modern trim for an eclectic look that complements your transitional home. Try the Georgian knob with the Schlage Collins trim in Matte Black finish for an unexpected combination of shapes that’ll catch the eye for all the right reasons.

 

Look to Mid-Century Modern architecture again, or maybe even some funky farmhouse designs, to help make a statement with this pairing.

Contemporary

Schlage Broadway lever with Collins trim

Let’s look at one more pairing to bring us all the way back to contemporary. The Collins trim, with its clean, square shape, is most often seen in more modern spaces. This is especially true when you add one of our straight levers like the Schlage® Broadway lever to it. In Satin Chrome or Matte Black finishes, this Collins-meets-Broadway combination is perfect for urban styles inspired by the Bauhaus movement.

 

We offer a variety of trim, door knob/lever and finish combinations across the Schlage Custom Door Hardware line. That means endless possibilities for you to create a look that flawlessly complements the style of your home and expresses your unique personal taste. Try our Style Selector Tool to help you find the style that’s right for you and learn more about Schlage Custom Door Hardware at Schlage.com.

 

A small change can make a big difference. Sometimes that means making a relatively minor upgrade – replacing curtains – that can transform an entire room. But sometimes, that means trading one element for another of a different style to create a fresh look. It’s true of a new lampshade on an existing light or different jewelry with the same dress. It’s also true with Schlage door hardware.

 

Schlage offers trims, door knobs and levers to accent virtually any style of home – traditional, transitional or contemporary. Depending on which knob or lever you pair with a trim and in what finish, your door hardware can give a totally different feel. See what we mean with these combinations made from simple style swaps.

Contemporary

Schlage Plymouth knob with Greenwich trim

If you like the Greenwich trim but want a more contemporary look – something that relies on simple color and shape, rather than elaborate design – you’ll get just that when you pair it with the Schlage Plymouth knob. A Satin Nickel finish enhances the modern style.

 

Try this pairing in modern homes that feature clean lines, modern surfaces and metallic finishes on anything from coffee tables to lighting to artistic accessories. Your décor is likely simple without a lot of elaborate patterns or overstuffed furniture.

Transitional

Schlage Plymouth knob with Camelot trim

Let’s keep the Plymouth knob but change up the trim. Pair this round knob with a Schlage Camelot trim and you’ve gone back to transitional style. The Camelot trim features scalloped edges, putting it most often on the traditional-to-transitional side of the spectrum. In this case, it’s the knob and the Satin Nickel finish that updates it.

Traditional

 

Schlage Custom™ Whitney lever with Camelot trim

 

If you’re wondering what a more traditional Camelot trim pairing looks like, look no further than the Schlage Custom™ Whitney lever. When you combine these two stylish pieces of door hardware, you capture design rooted in the past and focused on comfort, familiarity and romanticism.

 

Try this pairing with décor that also incorporates floral patterns, fringe and tassels, and classic, luxurious designs like what you might see in 19th-century Europe. Your home may also have wrought-iron features, which is why the Whitney lever on Camelot trim in an Aged Bronze finish is so striking.

Traditional

 

Schlage Custom™ Whitney lever or Georgian knob with Alden trim

 

The Whitney lever is also often paired with the Alden trim for a traditional feel. The Georgian knob and Alden trim pairing has a similar aesthetic and is a beautiful touch with the same style of home. Aged Bronze and Matte Black finishes are good choices with these combinations as they can call out the warm wood tones of Arts & Crafts-style architecture or complement other features that evoke artisanal molding or ironwork.

Transitional

 

Schlage Georgian knob with Collins trim

 

Even though the Georgian knob is a classic style that draws on architecture of the 1700s, you can still use it with a more modern trim for an eclectic look that complements your transitional home. Try the Georgian knob with the Schlage Collins trim in Matte Black finish for an unexpected combination of shapes that’ll catch the eye for all the right reasons.

 

Look to Mid-Century Modern architecture again, or maybe even some funky farmhouse designs, to help make a statement with this pairing.

Contemporary

 

Schlage Broadway lever with Collins trim

 

Let’s look at one more pairing to bring us all the way back to contemporary. The Collins trim, with its clean, square shape, is most often seen in more modern spaces. This is especially true when you add one of our straight levers like the Schlage® Broadway lever to it. In Satin Chrome or Matte Black finishes, this Collins-meets-Broadway combination is perfect for urban styles inspired by the Bauhaus movement.

 

We offer a variety of trim, door knob/lever and finish combinations across the Schlage Custom Door Hardware line. That means endless possibilities for you to create a look that flawlessly complements the style of your home and expresses your unique personal taste. Try our Style Selector Tool to help you find the style that’s right for you and learn more about Schlage Custom Door Hardware at Schlage.com.

 

No, it’s not a spicy green paste. Wabi-sabi is much cooler. And cozier. International flavors continue to influence our home décor, and wabi-sabi is just one that could be piquing your interest. So what is it exactly and how do you use it in interior design? Find out with our guide to wabi-sabi.

What is wabi-sabi?

Wabi-sabi is a centuries-old philosophy, so let us give you the Reader’s Digest version. In 14th-century Japan, Buddhism described wabi-sabi as a combination of rustic simplicity, specifically the positive aspects of living alone in nature (wabi) and the beauty of imperfection (sabi). In other words, when we seek wabi-sabi, we learn to find peace and comfort in natural flaws and the graceful aging that comes with time and experience.

 

According to Japanology, wabi-sabi “stands in particularly marked contrast to the characteristics of modernism, with its mass-produced uniformity and its seemingly indestructible materials like plastic, stainless steel, silicon and the rest. … The clean, smooth lines of modern design and architecture are the opposite of the uneven, asymmetrical and always curved lines of wabi-sabi. The technological polish and visual clarity of the modern is nothing like the naturalism and ambiguity of wabi-sabi.”

 

So when you’re searching for wabi-sabi, turn away from pristine glass-and-steel structures and instead look toward weathered wood, hand-thrown clay and uniquely woven textiles.

How do you use wabi-sabi in home decor?

If we had to drill wabi-sabi down to a few basic rules, we would recommend (1) focusing on bringing the outdoors in, (2) introducing one-of-a-kind rustic pieces and (3) balancing form and function because as The Spruce explains it, you only want to keep what is “essential to a calm and happy spirit.” Here’s how to get started.

Natural materials

With traditional Japanese style, you might think natural materials have to be bamboo or cane. This isn’t wrong, but wabi-sabi includes so much more. Any kind of wood, typically in light- to medium-tones, can be used. You’ll often see exposed-wood furniture frames softened with neutral-colored cushions for chairs.

Some design experts also suggest live-edge wood features, particularly for tabletops, counters and doors. These can get expensive, but there are more budget-friendly options. Instead, get the look with small shelves or, in the kitchen, decorative cutting boards.

 

Natural stone and raw concrete also fit the bill, particularly for flooring, backsplashes and countertops. If you’re worried your space will feel too industrial, use these materials in smaller doses, such as for a concrete vase or carved-stone bookends.

 

Natural colors and lighting

 

With such an emphasis on natural materials and nature-induced calmness, it should come as no surprise that a wabi-sabi color palette is also inspired by the outdoors. You’ll see plenty of browns – tan to beige to darker walnut – as well as grays and deep earthy greens.

 

Because natural lighting is important in wabi-sabi design, many homes will choose lighter overall décor with darker accents sprinkled throughout. Accent pieces – a two-tone chair, an armoire with dark inlays – are often in blacks or charcoal but you’ll also see more colorful splashes like terracotta.

 

Artisanal touches

 

Mass-produced items remove any individual qualities in favor of symmetry and sameness. For wabi-sabi, try handmade décor. Each piece, whether it’s furniture or decorative art, dinnerware or textiles, should be unique, even down to its so-called flaws. In traditional Japanese style, this is often exemplified in pottery and tea sets. Much of their beauty is found in small cracks or imperfections in the glaze, something you won’t find coming off an assembly line.

Rounded shapes

 

You don’t find perfectly straight lines in nature. Rivers meander, clouds float in amorphous wisps, tree branches twist. When you’re creating the natural wabi-sabi look at home, you want rounded edges and curves. Where you choose to use these shapes is entirely up to you. It could be in the silhouette of a chair, with a ball-shaped paper lantern-style light fixture or crescent-shaped mirrors. Particularly popular right now are mushroom forms, especially for accessories like vases and lamps.

 

Aged

 

Wabi-sabi embraces age – in décor as much as in people – because it sees age as necessary for valuable experience. In much the same way people love old houses for their charm and character – the creaky floor boards, odd nooks and crannies, and wavy window glass – homeowners embrace wabi-sabi for the personality it reveals. In a way, it gives us permission to showcase less-than-perfect, but equally desirable, qualities.

 

Lean toward the vintage and weathered rather than modern. As the writers at Martha Stewart put it, “If an old chest has significance to you, for example, a missing drawer pull doesn't have to be an eyesore. It can also be a sign that the piece has been used and enjoyed.”

Mistmatched decor

 

If identical chairs or those oversized matching bedroom suites of the 1990s feels restrictive, wabi-sabi could be for you. Mixing your décor – mismatched end tables, seating upholstered in different but complementary colors – releases you from the idea of perfectionism through symmetry.

 

Don’t be fooled into thinking that this is eclectic like Bohemian modern, however. Because wabi-sabi, and the related Japandi style, have ties to minimalism, you want to avoid being overly decorative. Instead, intentionally choose the exact two chairs you love or pair simple linen shades with a more exotic rug to get the perfect look using a mere few pieces. Capture calm through simplicity.

 

 

Check out more design trends and style guides from Schlage.

 

Doorways are so much more than just a gap in the wall. They are an actual and symbolic passageway in our everyday lives, a point of transition. When you carry your new spouse over your home’s threshold, it’s a representation of leaving one phase of life and entering a new one. On a more average day, as you leave for work and come home after drinks with friends, passing through your entryway signals a mental shift as you head into a new task.

 

Fortunately, you can use your entryway – everything from your front porch to your foyer – to make that transition smoother. Imagine how you could use this space to stay organized and hit the ground running in the morning. How would you design a mudroom to help you unwind quickly at the end of the day? And how can it help protect your home during the times in between?

 

 

Crush the chaos

There’s always that family that’s darting down the driveway to catch the school bus at the last minute. Or that person who can never get out the door without searching for missing keys or a lost left mitten. If either of those scenarios look familiar, organize your entryway in a way that makes your transition from one activity to the next smoother.

 

• Upcycled coat rack – When you and the family transition home, are people in the habit of tossing their coats and bags on the floor right inside the door? It sounds like you need some hooks. We love the idea of repurposing other items for a unique coat rack. The simplicity and coastal vibe of this driftwood-turned-coat hook DIY is refreshing. If you have young kiddos, be sure to include hooks lower on the wall so they can reach them on their own.

• Coat closet organization – Has your coat closet turned into your entryway’s version of a junk drawer? Organize your closet with smart storage to make coming and going easier. Install a shoe rack or shelves at the bottom. Hang baskets on the inside of the door to collect smaller items like hats, sunglasses and the dog’s leash. Or try this organizational hack: Hang curtain rods with shower curtain rings on the inside of the door for scarves, purses and more.
  
  
• Mudroom lockers – Sometimes your entryway isn’t actually at your front door. If you come through your garage into a mudroom, for example, you might have the perfect space for lockers and cubbies. Good Housekeeping shows how you can turn a basic set of lockers into something that’s more colorful but still super functional. Try this to easily corral coats, books, boots, sports gear and anything else you collect throughout the course of the day. And don’t forget these other ways to repurpose household items for an instant mudroom.

Set yourself up for smooth sailing

As you transition from one realm to the next, you want to be able to leave everything else behind you, worry-free. If you’re going out for a night on the town, you need to trust that your home is safe. When you’re in the office, you need to know that your kids will be able to get in the house after school without a problem. When you’re lounging in bed, you don’t want to have to get back up to check your locks. These DIY home security tips will help you focus on what’s ahead rather than what’s happening at your door.

 

• Locks – When deciding how to secure your home, high-quality locks for the front door seem obvious, and to some extent, you’re right. Gain extra peace of mind, though, with a Schlage smart lock. Not only will it help you secure your home, but it also provides greater ability to monitor and control who’s coming and going. When you connect your lock to your home network, you can manage access codes, see when those codes are used and even lock the door if you forget, all from your phone. Plus, with our easy installation, making a Schlage smart lock part of your entry is quick and simple. Because they’re battery operated, there’s no need to run wiring or call a professional to install your lock.
  
  
• Video doorbells – To go along with your smart lock, consider a video doorbell. The Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt works with Ring Video Doorbell, so you can see and talk to someone at your door, even when you’re not there. If you need to let them in – maybe Aunt Edna is dropping off her famous apple pie – you can do that from a compatible app, too. Pairing these devices together can help you build a safer home, inside and out.
  
  
• Glass doors – Whether the whole door is glass or you just have side lights, it’s important to take extra steps for securing a door with glass. Intruders usually pick the point of least resistance when breaking into a home. In many cases, that’s a window. To help prevent them from smashing in the glass and reaching around to unlock the door, try adding break-proof film to the window. Alarm sensors at the windows can also serve as a deterrent.

 

Shift your mindset with style

Organizing your entryway and making it more functional is a good start to making everyone feel welcome in your home. Next try adding some stylish touches. Because this is a transition point, don’t get stuck thinking about just inside or just outside. Carry elements of your curb appeal into the home and the other way around.

 

• Colors – Carrying a color scheme throughout the home, inside and out, can help with a sense of cohesiveness. Before you start getting estimates for painting your home’s exterior, though, try a simpler solution. Paint your patio furniture that complements your foyer’s wall paint. Use rugs with similar colors and patterns on your porch and inside your entryway. Paint your front door to match the artwork on your interior walls.
  
  
• Door hardware – Installing complementary fixtures throughout the home is a subtle detail that adds an extra feeling of sophistication. For your transition zone, choose a front door handleset and interior door hardware that matches. They could complement each other in terms of style – maybe they both have elegant curves or straight, minimalist lines. Choosing the same finish is another stylish way to go, especially if you coordinate it with other accessories such as Matte Black door hardware and lighting fixtures.

 

• Mirrors – Let a mirror create the optical illusion that you’ve brought the outside in. If you position it so that it reflects natural light or the view from the outside, you and your guests will subconsciously see it as a continuation of the outdoors.
  
  
• Plants – Look for ways you can bring your garden into your foyer. If you have potted ferns on your porch, for example, could you also include one inside your front door? Maybe it’s as simple as putting a vase with fresh-cut flowers from your garden on your landing strip. The near-symmetry will be less jarring to the brain and make for a smoother transition between spaces.

 

If you’re ready to make door hardware part of your entryway transformation, be sure to check out our Product Selector and Style Selector. These interactive tools will help you choose the right hardware for your home so you can improve your security and curb appeal while moving through life with ease.

 

 

Giving your home new style is easier than you think. Instead of looking to make a big blowout, focus on the details and smaller design elements that make a big impact with little effort. How do you do that? One way is to focus on your doors. Here are six times stylish door hardware completed the look, no major renovation required.

 

DIY hardware to update your front door

The Schlage® Camelot handleset is a perfect complement to this farmhouse modern front porch. If you were updating this entryway, you probably wouldn’t want to mess with the natural wood grain anyway. It’s simply too beautiful. But with a Matte Black finish to match the light fixtures and stay true to the classic black-and-white contrast of farmhouse décor, this hardware completes the look.

 

When you want to give your front porch décor a more modern vibe, try the Schlage Century style. This smart lock and handleset, with their straight lines and dark finish, beautifully balance the bold contemporary coloring and Mid-Century Modern house numbers. This is one door you’d be happy to come home to every day.

 

Of course we love smart locks for your front door, but don’t forget about your other exterior entrances. In this one, we see how the Schlage Connect® Smart Deadbolt was paired with the Plymouth knob on a side door leading directly into the dining room. We’d call this a gorgeous combination of modern innovation with traditional hospitality. And the Matte Black finish completes the look by blending with the dark door, complementing rather than competing with the room’s fine touches.

 

Any room in the home can be beautifully updated with new door hardware. When making the switch, be sure to match the style to work flawlessly with other décor. In this example, the Schlage Birmingham lever and Addison trim – two of our more traditional designs – look stunning on the door to the en suite bathroom. You can just peep the classic plumbing fixtures and how they coordinate with the Bright Chrome door hardware finish.

 

While this is a bit more of an extensive home makeover, it still took our homeowner just a single afternoon. New flooring and light fixture to go along with Matte Black door levers and hinges take this hallway from something that looks like my first apartment to a more modern home we can see ourselves enjoying for years to come.

 

When you have an historic home, you want modern convenience without losing the classic charm you love. Replacing your hardware with high-quality door knobs, levers and deadbolts is the best way to do that. This makeover shows how you don’t have to abandon your favorite glass knobs. Just swap out the originals for a glass Schlage Hobson door knob. You’ll love that it works as beautifully as it looks.

 

Sophisticated style, inside and out

When choosing stylish door hardware for your home, think about the whole house. Choose matching or complementing hardware from your front door to your back and everywhere in between to elevate your style. You might be surprised how this simple DIY home improvement gives your space a new level of sophistication.

 

Need to see it to believe it? You might install the Schlage Greenwich handleset on your front door and the Merano lever, which mirrors Greenwich’s curved lines, on the coat closet in your entryway. Or for a more contemporary look, try a Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt in Century with the Bowery knob.

 

Remember to choose finishes that complement the other door hardware as well as other décor. Your guests might not be able to put their finger on what you’ve done, but they’ll sense that little something special that makes a home feel welcoming.

 

If we all had unlimited budgets, time and know-how, we’d probably tackle the most ambitious projects we can imagine. While it’s fun to dream, sometimes what you need is easy home décor. Skip the painting job with all its brushes, rollers, cleaners, drop cloths and primer. Save the DIY Dutch doors and French doors for another day. Instead, choose easy-to-install Schlage door hardware. With just minutes and a screwdriver, you’ll be well on your way to a whole new look.

 

For more help finding the right door hardware for your next easy DIY project, try our interactive Product Selector and check out the Design Guides at Schlage.com.

 

You don’t need us to tell you that a lot of things, including how we work, changed during the coronavirus pandemic. With more people facing the reality that working from home could become permanent, now might be the right time to jump on the auxiliary dwelling unit (ADU) trend. Here’s what you need to know – plus some Instagram inspiration – for your backyard tiny office.

Take advantage of backyard offices

Privacy became a hot commodity in the time of COVID. What are the other advantages of a backyard office?

• Eliminate distractions: Whether it’s the kids asking for snacks (again), someone else on another video call or that pile of laundry staring you down, getting out of the house to a dedicated work space can improve focus and productivity.
  
  
• Improve relationships: Many have found that when they aren’t constantly crowding each other, their relationships are less strained. An ADU can provide important physical distance and alone time. Because there is a such thing as too much quality time.
  
  
• Find balance: The change in scenery can help you make the mental break from the workday and shift your mindset so you’re fully present for your family. In the absence of a commute, that short walk can do wonders to start reclaiming some work-life balance.
  
  
• Get outside: Working remotely outdoors offers a range of potential health benefits such as lower blood pressure and anxiety, better creativity and problem solving, and more vitamin D from natural sunlight. Throw open the windows or include a small patio in your backyard office plans.

 

Plan before you build

Now you’re sold on a backyard office. What do you need to make it a reality?

 

• New construction vs. conversion: Will you convert an existing garage or shed? Or will you take advantage of the growing number of companies and specialty contractors to build something brand new?
  
  
• Professional help: It’s possible to build some of these structures yourself, especially if you’re converting a garage. You may still need a pro for some projects, though, such as when installing electricity.
  
  
• Local regulations: Follow your city’s zoning and permit laws. If they allow building a new structure, there may be regulations about size, proximity to the main house, whether it needs its own address and more.
  
  
• Long-term opportunities: Will you use this ADU for something else – a yoga studio/home gym, in-law suite or rental property, for example – when you no longer need it as an office? Plan with the long-term future in mind so you can include features like plumbing you don’t need now but might want later.

 

Mix in multipurpose furniture

Just as if you were designing a small space in your primary residence, you want to choose multipurpose furniture for your office ADU.

 

• Light hacks: A stylish mirror can make the space feel larger and reflect more light, which might be especially important if you’re converting a garage with smaller windows.
  
  
• Storage: Storage that rolls out of the way when you don’t need it makes the space more flexible and convenient. A bench seat can be a comfortable place to read through documents or take a coffee break. With shelving underneath or storage inside, you have a flexible piece that’s functional and stylish.
  
  
• Wall hangings: Hooks can also be surprisingly multipurpose. Not only are they ideal for that spare cozy sweater, but you can also use them to hang baskets for office supplies and other odds and ends. Use them to easily hang artwork and beautify your workspace. You can attach your hooks directly to the wall or on a peg board for even more design flexibility.

 

Be energy efficient

Because of its smaller size, it shouldn’t be too difficult to keep your office ADU energy efficient.

 

• Materials: Even with a smaller footprint, you still need to choose your materials wisely. A smaller A/C unit that doesn’t drain tons of energy from the grid will still be a letdown if you don’t have good insulation or if the windows and doors let it drafts.
  
  
• Soundproofing: Many of the things you do for energy efficiency, like insulation and quality windows, can also help with soundproofing. This could be especially important if you need to block out road noise or barking neighborhood dogs.

Remember power and internet

Electricity might not be at the top of your priority list for a meditation space, but it certainly is for an office.

 

• Plenty of power: Your new workspace will quickly lose its charm if you have to run back to the house every few hours to recharge your laptop. Remember enough outlets not only for your computer and phone, but also for anything that else – a coffeemaker, smart speaker – that makes the space more comfortable.
  
  
• Strong WiFi: You could run an internet line directly to your backyard office or, depending on how close it is to the house, invest in a WiFi extender to provide a connection that reaches your private workspace.
  
  
• Think ahead: Remember your future plans. If you hope to turn your ADU into a rental property, for example, make sure that whatever electricals you add have the juice to safely run appliances like a mini fridge.

 

Stay secure

You need to protect your computer and other devices in your new home office. You might even have confidential documents to keep under lock and key.

 

• High-quality locks: Your office ADU is a great place to try a Schlage smart lock or electronic deadbolt. Not only are they among the most secure locks available for residential homes, but they have the added convenience of you not needing to carry a key. What better way to start your work day than to walk out to the yard with your cup of coffee, punch in your unique access code and immediately get down to business?
  
  Plus, when you choose a connected smart lock like the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt, you can control your lock remotely through a compatible app. That means you can check that your office is locked, even if you’re already in bed. And if you did forget, simply lock the door through the app, no need to wander out in the dark and rain. You can also receive notifications if there’s a disturbance at the door, giving you even greater peace of mind that everything is as it should be.
  
  
• Motion sensors: Motion-activated lights on the outside of your ADU or a camera that records when it senses activity can also add to your security. You might choose a camera or security system that connects to your WiFi or mesh network so that you can receive videos and other notifications on your phone, no matter where you are.
  
  
• Reinforced windows: Similar to securing a door with windows, consider using reinforced glass or a security film to existing windows. A film can make it especially hard for intruders to shatter the glass and gain entry.

 

These tips cover the essentials. But once the must-haves are under control, think about your home office décor. A beautiful space that’s comfortable and welcoming will make going “into the office” that much more enjoyable. Find more tips and inspiration for your WFH space at the Schlage blog.

 

You’re expecting! You can’t wait to get all those adorable little clothes, fun toys and, most importantly, decorate the nursery. If you haven’t been dreaming about it already, or if you and your partner can’t decide on the décor, try these nursery design ideas.

Gender neutral nursery ideas

If designing a gender-neutral nursery is important to you, check these out for inspiration. Looking at popular posts on Instagram, we found you’re most often to come across paint schemes in green and yellow. You’ll notice in these nurseries from @homestyle_at_7 and @justsimplyjessica that although the greens are dramatically different – a dark almost hunter green in one and a softer dusty shade in the other – they’re still completely adorable. 

 

In addition to gender-neutral colors, many of these nurseries focus on nature and animal themes to complete their look. What kid wouldn’t love to be surrounded by their favorite plants and animals?

 

Traditional nursery ideas

Traditional nurseries are the perfect choice if the rest of your home’s architectural style can be best described as “charming and full of character.” They’re also ideal if you have family heirlooms you plan to use in your nursery décor, such as an old crib or classic quilt handed down from your grandmother.

 

We noticed a lot of wallpaper in our research, particularly in traditional baby rooms. There’s no need to cover every inch off wall space, but an accent wall with a classic print is a great focal point to help pull the rest of your furniture and accessories together.

 

Mid-Century Modern nursery ideas

It’s not too hard to create a Mid-Century Modern look in the nursery. These moms- and dads-to-be took their inspiration from the 1950s and focused on colors and classic furniture to stay true to the style. One of the upsides of a Mid-Century Modern baby room is that it can be cute without seeming too childish. Try this look if you’re looking for a new level of sophistication.

 

The slim legs on the cribs and dressers are classic Mid-Century Modern style as are the darker wood finishes. The goldenrod walls and dark green crib in the @morgancaddellphoto nursery are also key characteristics of Mid-Century Modern.

 

A comfy chair is a must-have for a nursery. Just think of all the time you’ll spend rocking and feeding Baby at all hours of the day and night. Few furniture pieces scream Mid-Century Modern than the classic Eames chair, although they’re more commonly seen in studies and living rooms. Fortunately, though, @theohheygirls shows that it can also fit beautifully in the nursery.

 

While very different from the Eames chair, the curved back and arms of this rocker help keep it true to the era. We also love @lovelyladythings’ choice of turquoise blue for this room.

 

Coastal-themed nursery ideas

Whether you live seaside or just wish you did, a coastal-themed nursery is another great way to combine kid-friendly whimsy with a touch of grown-up style. Opt for natural materials like sisal, distressed-looking woods – think driftwood-inspired finishes – and colors in the blue and green family.

 

While a highlight of @jensgatheringnest’s nursery is that woven jute rug, remember to use similar natural materials for accessories like baskets. They’ll help you keep your home organized with a newborn in the house, and when Baby gets more mobile, the soft-sided storage will be less of hazard if they trip and fall into it.

 

Wall art can also really bring home the nautical theme. We’re not sure which we love more, the simple waves in @tsecalligraphy’s nursery or the sailboat wallpaper in @oh.eight.oh.nine’s.

 

Boho modern nursery ideas

Bohemian modern style, with its focus on natural materials, artisanal accessories and slightly funky aesthetic has been a popular home trend for some time now. It’s no surprise then, that we see it quite often in Baby’s room, too.

If you’re looking for that one-of-a-kind crib, look no further than @arrowsandbow. The entire bed looks to be made of materials like jute and bamboo, woven and latched together in a simple yet decorative style.

 

 

There are so many highlights in this @meganmolten nursery that capture a clean, Boho feel. Light woods and fabrics, not to mention the fringed light fixture are beautiful details. Plus, those oatmeal-colored linen and cotton shades not only look gorgeous but because they’re also cordless are a great way to childproof your home and help prevent choking hazards. 

 

Best colors for nurseries

The sky’s the limit when it comes to the colors you choose for your nursery. While looking at popular nurseries on Instagram, we saw a full rainbow, from the super colorful, like these from @jens_den09 and @quirkybubba, to monochromatic.

 

Despite being just black and white, this nursery seen on @houseofrounds is anything but boring. The different prints on the curtains, bedding, rug and throw blankets add for visual interest in an otherwise neutral color scheme.

 

If you’re looking for some middle ground between ultra-colorful and monochromatic, take a page from @thejessstyle. The varying shades of blue give the room some extra life despite it actually being just two colors.

 

 

A final note on color. One combination that continued to pop up in our research was pink and gray. Some leaned toward the neutral and simple, like the predominantly gray nursery shown by @cheriekayhome, while others embraced the glam and frilliness that might be perfect for the little princess in your life.

 

Outfitting your new little one’s nursery is perhaps one of the most exciting parts of nesting. Once you know what look your hoping to create, see which DIY projects for growing families can help you pull it off. And don’t forget to add some of those important nursery items to your baby gift registry. Find inspiration, how-to’s and more on the Schlage blog.