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How to increase home security with smart home technology

April 26, 2016 12:52 PM by emily.bailey

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

How to Increase Home Security with Smart Home Technology

Looking for ways to increase the safety and security of your home this spring? Check out the latest smart home developments that will do just that.

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Spring is not only a great time of year to clean and organize your home but also the perfect time to make sure your loved ones and belongings are as safe and secure as possible. While you scour your home to replace smoke detector batteries and ensure all home security devices are in working order, look for opportunities to improve the safety of your home.

Smart home technology isn't just for adding convenience or efficiency to your home. There's also the benefit of greater peace of mind as you increase security and stay connected to know your home is safe and sound. With the latest developments in smart home technology, you can rest easy while at home or away knowing you didn't forget to lock the doors or close the garage and have the right equipment in place to deter both criminals and disaster.

Check out this infographic to learn how smart home technology can make your home safe and more secure. Which safety risk are you looking to combat with new technology?

Looking for even more information on smart home technology? Check out our tech board on Pinterest.

Posted in Home Security and Technology | 0 comments »

5 simple but gorgeous front door transformations

April 21, 2016 12:15 PM by emily.bailey

Thursday, April 21, 2016

5 Simple but Gorgeous Front Door Transformations | Schlage

We've collected a few of our favorite DIY front door makeovers to help you think outside the box and create a look that suits your personal style without breaking the bank.

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Looking for some inspiration for your next outdoor project? We've collected a few of our favorite DIY front door makeovers to help you think out of the box and create a look that suits your personal style flawlessly without breaking the bank. Check them out below.

1. A simple update » onsuttonplace.com

It doesn't take much to make a new statement with your home's curb appeal. If you already have the basics in place, a simple coat of pant and a few new plants and handleset will allow the look and feel of your home to transition with your personal style. Ann of On Sutton Place did just that with this front door makeover. Read more about her curb appeal journey.

2. Details matter » somedayilllearn.com

Like many homeowners, you may find it difficult to complete big projects when obligations with family and friends get in the way. In this blog post, Chelsea of Someday I'll Learn takes a step back to admire the little details that have made a big impact in their home remodeling journey, starting with this front door makeover featuring a Schlage Century Style handleset in Polished Nickel.

3. Make a statement » livingrichonless.com

It doesn't always take a full exterior makeover to catch someone's eye. Sometimes, all you need is a new front door with bold coat of paint to be the star of the show. Susan of Living Rich on Less creates a welcoming and fun entry with this front door transformation. Find tips on her painting process and how to save big when purchasing a new door.

4. Transform on a budget » livingrichonless.com

If purchasing a new door is out of budget for your project, then simply refinishing and updating the hardware can go a long way in giving your door new life. Susan is at it again with this side door makeover where she salvaged the character of the existing door and created a polished look with some new hardware, paint and a good cleaning. We love that her choice of Aged Bronze finish coordinates with the hardware she chose for the front door above.

5. Pick a color scheme » lowes.com

Another easy way to switch things up to make a statement throughout the seasons is to coordinate the color of your door and hardware with accessories and plants. Lowe's shows you how to do just that by taking the same front porch and creating five different looks to go from spring in to summer. Find out more from Lowe's.

Which transformation is your favorite? Comment below to let us know!

Posted in DIY Tips | 0 comments »

How to prep your home's exterior for spring

April 12, 2016 2:38 PM by emily.bailey

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

How to Prep Your Home's Exterior for Spring | Schlage

Ready to enjoy that beautiful spring weather? Make sure your home is too. Follow these steps to prep your home's exterior for spring.

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As the temperature moves up and the days draw longer, you're likely itching to go outside and enjoy some fresh air this spring. It also means it's time to check your home's exterior any make any upgrades or repairs after a long, gloomy winter. Here's a few quick steps you should take this weekend to clean up around your home and get ready for a beautiful spring.

1. Clean the gutters

Fall and winter commonly mean falling leaves and harsh weather conditions. It doesn't take long for your gutters to fill up with debris. If neglected, you could prevent your gutters from functioning properly during the spring rain and cause a greater mess around your home. This is a project that only takes a couple hours and will save you a major headache later in the year.

2. Pressure wash the exterior

Now is a great time to refresh the exterior of your house and remove any dirt and mildew that built up in the the last year. If you don't own a pressure washer, there's no need to go out and buy a brand new one. Simply contact your local tool rental facility to see if they have one in stock.

3. Remove dead plants

If you weren't able to clean up your landscaping before the cold weather hit, you may be left with brown and dead plants that are causing a major eyesore. Make room for new growth and cut these down and shape up any bushes or trees that need a quick trim.

4. Clean up front porch accessories

Time to get your cute outdoor accessories out of storage and on display! Take some time to give them a quick wash as it's likely they've built up with dust and cobwebs while in storage. You'll be glad once you set out your chairs, rugs, tables and planters that you took a few extra minutes to make them look as good as new.

5. Care for your hardware

Your door hardware can really take a beating through the seasons. Make it a habit to dedicate the beginning of spring to taking proper precautions so your finish lasts for years to come. Now is also a great time to make sure your doors are aligned properly and all hardware is in perfect working order.

6. Touch up paint or re-stain

Notice any blemishes in the paint on your home or porch? Could your deck use a refresh? Take a small amount of paint and brush around with you and fill in any chips in your home's paint. Taking the time to care for it now will ensure you don't end up with a bigger blemish (and bill!) later in the year.

7. Look for wear and tear

Some years, winter can be unforgiving with your home. Take some time this weekend to walk around the exterior and look for other signs of wear and tear. Are there any cracks in your foundation? Holes in any window screens? Loose boards on your deck? Just like with the paint above, now is the time to repair those small projects before they become a bigger headache.

8. Refresh gravel or seal cracks in the driveway

Over time, your gravel will start to thin or concrete begin to crack when it comes to wear and tear on your driveway. Replenish that gravel before spring hits you with a muddy mess or seal any cracks before weeds take up residence in your driveway.

What spring projects are you planning to accomplish this weekend? Comment below to let us know.

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Create a designer front door look without the designer price tag

April 4, 2016 1:59 PM by emily.bailey

Monday, April 4, 2016

Create a Designer Front Door Look Without the Designer Price Tag

Giving your front door a spring refresh doesn't have to cost a fortune. Follow these tips for a designer front door look without paying the designer price.

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Whether your winter was mild or brutal, your home's curb appeal often takes a major hit during these long gloomy months. With the start of spring, it's time to start thinking about giving your curb appeal a refresh and we think you should start with the front door. Here are six steps you should take to get a designer front door look within your budget.

1. Give it a clean up.

After a long winter, your home's curb appeal can really take a beating. Take some time this week to clean up the last of winter's dead vegetation and spruce up your front porch with a quick rinse of the hose or pressure washer. This is also a great time to clean out your gutters to make sure they continue working properly during the spring showers. Taking the time to clean up around your home will go a long way as you make updates to the curb appeal.

2. Choose your color scheme.

An easy way to refresh your home is by choosing a new color for your front door. Opt for something more neutral to let any accessories shine or make it the focal point with something bold and interesting. If you're not sure where to start, try thinking about the interior of your home and choose a color scheme that complements your personal style.

3. Select complementing hardware.

Next, give the look a polishing touch by choosing a new door hardware style and finish. You can choose to match existing hardware or opt for a unique touch by mixing finishes.

4. Install stylish lighting.

Once your hardware is in place, try adding a new and stylish light fixture to take things up a notch. Over time, light fixtures become dingy and worn from year's of wear and tear and exposure to the elements. New lighting is an affordable way to freshen things up.

5. Place a welcoming mat.

Once the harder part is over, opt for something easy by placing a new welcome mat. Choose one that matches the color scheme or opt for a funny or welcoming phrase. For plenty of ideas to make your own, unique statement, check out our Warm Welcomes Pinterest board for inspiration.

6. Add a few planters.

Finally, you're ready to add a lively touch to your home's curb appeal. Add a couple of planters with flowers and greenery to really bring your home back to life. If you're planning on doing this early in the spring and you live in a climate where temperatures are not done fluctuating, be sure to research which types of plants are best when you're at risk for another overnight freeze.

How are you planning on refreshing your curb appeal this spring? Comment below to let us know!

Posted in Design & Trends and DIY Tips | 0 comments »