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How to transform a room with a few key details

February 29, 2016 1:41 PM by emily.bailey

Monday, February 29, 2016

How to Transform a Room with a Few Key Details | Schlage

Here are a few easy ideas to help you transform the look of your home to better reflect your style without taking on a major renovation.

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Whether they're big or small, the details matter when it comes to home decor. Simple choices from light fixtures to artwork play a major role in transforming a room. Here are a few easy ideas to help you transform the look of your home to better reflect your style without taking on a major renovation.

1. Throw pillows

One of the easiest ways to transform a room is to add a few throw pillows that a pop of color or a unique statement. Opt for pillow covers and inserts to make it easy to switch things up as the seasons change or even just with your mood.

2. Artwork

Like throw pillows, artwork and gallery walls provide an easy way to create a versatile look. Switch out family photos as children grow up or swap a print with a holiday favorite. The options are endless.

3. Light fixtures

While this requires more work and is not nearly as versatile as the two ideas above, changing the lighting in a room can provide a dark, dingy space with a major wow factor. As long as you are placing new fixtures where old ones have already been installed, this is a project any homeowner can take on. Just be sure to read all the manufacturer's instructions and take proper precautions by turning off all power to that room.

4. Door hardware

Your door hardware is often an overlooked feature that actually plays a vital role in providing a cohesive look throughout your home. Is your home full of outdated, bright brass hardware? Maybe you have some hardware that does not match or coordinate with the existing hardware in your home. Choosing a door knob or lever style and finish that better reflects your personal aesthetic can be the perfect finishing touch you've been looking for.

5. Plumbing

Now that you've updated your light fixtures and door hardware to match your personal style, what about your kitchen and bathroom plumbing and faucets? You can choose to allow the finish of your door hardware and lighting to dictate your faucet choices or opt for an interesting touch by mixing finishes.

Which details do you notice first in a home? Comment below to let us know!

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Add a Touch of Modern Flair with a Simple Door Hardware Upgrade

February 23, 2016 12:48 PM by radhika.belkhede

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Add a Touch of Modern Flair with a Simple Door Hardware Upgrade

We’re introducing the Collins trim which complements a variety of door hardware styles – from contemporary to traditional – to add a modern touch.

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Whether your home decor tastes fall more on the traditional or contemporary side of design, geometric patterns and squares have become a popular way to add a modern touch to a home’s decor. This is especially true in the lighting and furniture industries where square trims are often found with scroll-inspired lighting fixtures in place of more traditional ovals. To help you complete your next home decor project with the perfect finishing touch, we're introducing the Collins trim.

Refined elegance.

The Collins trim stems from Northern Europe where styles like Bauhaus and minimalism flourished, giving it a modern, international flair. It's known for its ability to soften a room and serves as a good backdrop for more complex modern levers.

A uniquely modern touch in any home, the Collins trim embodies refined elegance, with a square influence that helps modernize a range of styles—from traditional to contemporary. Itcoordinates stunningly with rooms that incorporate cubic shapes, streamlined design, and industrial lighting. And since many new faucets and fixtures come with square back trims, it’s the perfect finishing touch to lighting or plumbing projects.

Unmistakably modern.

See how the Collins deadbolt (left) and Collins with Northbrook lever combo (right) pair perfectly with both the contemporary and transitional settings below. Both rooms feature clean lines and have a sort of minimalist appeal that makes this trim work so well.

The perfect complement.

The Collins trim pairs with a wide variety of styles, making it a great choice for homeowners that are still defining their taste in decor. It also makes a great finishing touch to a project, as it won’t clash with existing hardware elsewhere in the home.

Take a look at two very unique styles below. When paired with the Latitude lever (left), the Collins trim takes on a modern style. However, when paired with the Accent lever (right), Collins can look undeniably transitional.

For more information on the Collins design and details on where to buy, visit schlage.com.

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6 Ideas for Making the Most of Your Hallways

February 12, 2016 12:33 PM by emily.bailey

Friday, February 12, 2016

6 Ideas for Making the Most of Your Hallways | Schlage

Don't let your hallways be a blank slate. Check out these six functional and stylish ideas to make the most of this space.

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Hallways are often the lowest priority on a homeowner's to-do list - yet they're the part of your home that likely sees the most traffic. If your hallways are a blank slate, why not make them both stylish and functional? Here are six of our favorite ideas to help you make this most of this important space.

1. Create a library.

Many homeowners dream of their own, personal library but if space is an issue, try getting creative. Your hallway could be the best spot to store your literary treasures and makes an impressive statement.

2. Add character.

The hallway is the perfect place to take your favorite architectural detail and make it a reality. Try an easy DIY board and batten look or even beadboard to take this narrow space from drab to beautiful. Be sure to check out the before and afters from House 185 on this hallway makeover.

3. Make it kid-friendly.

Why not use the hallway as more entertaining space for your kids? Create a chalkboard wall for hours of entertainment and artwork that has personal meaning.

4. Keep it simple.

Of course, you can never go wrong by keeping it simple. Add a fresh coat of paint to the walls and trim and hang a few pieces of artwork and you'll have a hallway that makes an impact without stealing the show.

5. Try a pattern.

If you're drawn to trendy wallpapers but fear they could be overwhelming, the hallway is the perfect place to give it a shot. Let the width of your hallway determine the pattern and color palette you choose and have some fun.

6. Get organized.

If storage space is limited, put your hallway to good use by making it functional. Add a few shelves or a dresser to store the items that just haven't found a home yet. If your hallway is narrow, this shoe organizer from IKEA is a popular choice among homeowners.

How do you dress up your hallways? Comment below to let us know!

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How to DIY your own smart home

February 5, 2016 9:36 AM by emily.bailey

Friday, February 5, 2016

This infographic will show you everything you need to DIY a more efficient, secure and/or entertaining smart home.

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According to a recent consumer study conducted by Traditional Home Magazine, there will be 25 billion connected devices in use by 2020 - up from 4.9 billion 2015. The same study also found that nearly one-fourth (24%) of consumers think the technology will be an everyday, common feature in US households.

There are many benefits of building your own smart home but many homeowners feel overwhelmed by the cost and wealth of options. Reduce some of the anxiety by selecting devices you can easily install and manage on your own. Breaking it down by the conveniences that are most important to you and your family can simplify it and help you prioritize which devices to buy.

Equipping your very own smart home is much simpler than you may think. Depending on the goals you'd like to accomplish, this infographic will walk you through the steps you should take to identify which devices you need most as well as the amount of time and difficulty it takes to install. Take a look at some of the top combinations of devices we recommend whether you want greater security, energy efficiency or just looking to entertain yourself and guests.

Which smart home scenario appeals most to you? Join us on Facebook to let us know!