Coming to a decision that the whole family agrees on can be a difficult process. When your family can’t even agree on what’s for dinner, finding a phone that everyone likes is nearly impossible. We know that there are a lot of families that include both Android™ and Apple^® users. In fact, more than a quarter of U.S. households own at least one device on each platform.

What happens when you want to get a smart lock?

Some smart locks only support one smartphone platform, so how do you choose? Does only half of the family get to have smartphone access? Who decides which family members get to use their phone and who can only use access codes?

 

With Schlage, you don’t have to choose. All of our smart locks, including the Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt, is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones so everyone receives full access. The Schlage^® Home app, which works with the Schlage Sense lock as well as the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt, is now available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. That means your entire family can lock and unlock the door from their phones, no matter its platform.   

WiFi Adapter

The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt provides multiple ways to access your home. It comes with a physical key, stores up to 30 access codes and uses Bluetooth to communicate with your smartphone when you’re within 40 feet of the lock. But what if you’re away from home? With the Schlage Sense™ WiFi Adapter*, Android and iOS smartphones can control the smart lock and receive notifications of all smart lock activity. No matter where you are, you can be notified when anyone, from your children to the dog walker, accesses your home.

 

To start, you’ll need the Schlage Home app to install the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt. Then simply plug the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter into an outlet and use the app to pair the adapter to your smart lock and connect to your WiFi network.

 

Along with receiving notifications, the adapter allows you to lock and unlock your Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt from anywhere. You can check to see if you remembered to lock your door or let someone in without having to send them an access code regardless of whether you’re at home, in the office across town or hundreds of miles away on the beach.

Discover all the features available with the free Schlage Home app by downloading it now from the App Store or Google Play Store. To learn more about the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt, or to make sure it’s the right Schlage smart lock for, try our Get Help Deciding Tool.

 

*The WiFi Adapter is not compatible with Apple HomeKit™.

 

When it comes to choosing the right smart home technology for your home, the amount of information available can be overwhleming but thorough research is key. Whether you're looking for ways smart locks can simplify your life, want to stay up-to-date on the latest Schlage product developments or are interested in future tech trends, our experts have you covered.

 

Here's a look back at our top ten smart home articles of 2017 to help you in your search for more information.

1. How to get started using Amazon Alexa with your Schlage Connect™ deadbolt

Here’s a step-by-step guide for syncing your Schlage Connect compatible smart home hub with Amazon Alexa and controlling your lock with Alexa.

2. The future of the smart home is accessible

Learn how advancements in technology –from smart home to everyday living– have become easier to adopt, making daily life more convenient for consumers.

3. How secure are electronic deadbolts and smart locks?

Take a look at the security behind Schlage electronic locks. Here’s what you need to know about smart lock hackers, and why you should ditch the spare key.

4. 11 things to know about the Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt and Android compatibility

Learn how to set up your Schlage Sense lock with the Android app, how to send virtual keys, edit access codes, and update the smart lock’s firmware.

5. 3 reasons smart locks are your best move when moving

See how a smart lock can make your home more attractive to potential buyers and add convenience to the home selling and moving process.

6. 6 things you must know before purchasing a smart lock

It's never been easier or more affordable to build your own smart home. Consider these 6 qualities before purchasing a smart lock.

7. How to choose the best smart lock to protect your home

When buying a smart lock, look for these 7 features to ensure you choose a keyless lock with the most advanced and secure technology.

8. Smart and safe home sharing

Eliminate worrying how your guests will make it through the front door when you home share. See how keyless locks make your Airbnb safe and smart.

9. Lifehacks for smart locks

Smart locks are meant to make life easier and more connected. Here are convenient lifehacks to help you use your smart lock to its full potential.

10. How to build a high tech smart home without sacrificing style

Adopting smart home tech shouldn’t mean sacrificing personal style. Here are 4 smart home assistants that are high tech and look good doing it.

What smart home topics would you like to learn more about in 2018? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter. In the mean time, be sure to visit Smart Locks on schlage.com for even more details about our full smart lock line-up.

Curb appeal, door hardware installation tips and style trends were hot topics in 2017. Take a look at our top 10 DIY and design blog posts of the year.

1. How to properly install door knobs and levers

Installing door hardware is a simple project you can easily complete with a few minutes and minimal tools. Here are all the steps you need to follow to properly install a Schlage door knob or door lever in just a few minutes.

2. How to understand lever and door handing

Installed your door lever and it doesn't look quite right? Here’s a quick guide that will show you how to determine the handing of your door to ensure you choose the right door hardware and lock for your home.

3. Get a jump-start on spring cleaning with a bathroom refresh

Refresh your bathroom the easy way and get a jump-start on spring cleaning with these five bathroom projects you can complete quickly and affordably.

4. How to understand BHMA lock security grades

Learn how to tell which lock is best for you by understanding its BHMA grade based on security, durability and finish testing.

5. 9 most popular home styles and door hardware to match

Take a look at popular home styles from farmhouse to mid-century modern, Victorian and even Craftsman and view our recommendations for door hardware.

6. What type of door hardware is best for each room in your home?

This quick guide to door hardware functions will help you navigate the lock aisle and find just the right knob or lever for each room in your home.

7. The best hardware pairing for your front door color

A front door makeover is a quick way to give your curb appeal an affordable upgrade. Check out which finish you should pair with your front door color.

8. How to choose replacement hinges

Installing door hinges is an easy project for any skill level to take on as long as you choose the correct hinges first. Here’s what you need to know.

9. The best door hardware for transitional style homes

From finish to knob and lever style, take a look at the perfect door hardware pairings you should consider for your transitional home.

10. 7 reasons to consider dutch doors for your home

Dating back to the 17th century, dutch doors are certainly not new but homeowners that value casual style are embracing this trend all over again.

What DIY and style content do you enjoy most and want to see more of in 2018? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

Smart home products are quickly being adopted by homeowners everywhere as the appeal for greater convenience and peace of mind takes priority. When choosing the best smart home products for your home, quality, security and design all matter. It's important to choose a product you can depend on to work when you need it from a company you can trust. 

 

That's why home remodeling experts like Mike Holmes, trust the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt. Whether you're purchasing this smart lock for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, you can rest easy knowing that Schlage put the same attention to security and strength as we have for all our products for the past 95 years. See what Mike and his daughter Sherry have to say about their favorite smart lock purchase in the video below.

 

Looking for more smart home advice? Be sure to keep an eye on the Technology section of our blog and follow us on Twitter for the latest news.

We've all been there — you want to get a room pulled together, but it's just not happening. When the paint swatches (none of them just right) have been on the wall for months, your pictures are still waiting to be hung or your space just doesn't feel complete, it's time to get to the bottom of the problem so you can finally finish that room. From color quandaries to clutter, we will take a look at five of the most common roadblocks and ways to overcome them once and for all.

Roadblock 1: Color is all over the map.

If your space is a hodgepodge of colors and patterns, the good news that is you are probably not afraid of using color. Really, that is good news — many of us hem and haw for months about which shade of white paint to use! The key to finishing your space is to tighten up the color palette in your room, zeroing in on certain shades and tossing (or moving to another room) what doesn't fit.

Use your camera

Try taking photos of each item in your room. Then print the pictures and play around with different arrangements on a big bulletin board, or spread them out on a table. Looking at photos will help give you distance, so you can make decisions about what looks best without letting your feelings for your belongings take over your decision-making process.

 

Focus just on color first. Then, once you've winnowed the pieces down to a color palette you like, note which pieces in your room no longer fit with the new scheme and make a list of things to add. Bonus: You can bring your photos with you when you are out shopping to quickly and easily match colors and prints.

Roadblock 2: I've lived here for years, but it looks like I just moved in.

This is such a common problem, and there are as many reasons for it as there are people — perhaps you are waiting to put up art until you've chosen the "perfect" paint color, or you are really busy at work and don't have the time to face decorating decisions, or perhaps this isn't your ideal home and you keep thinking you will wait to decorate when you move.

 

No matter the reason, it's important to understand that having a warm, welcoming, comfortable home is important to us all, and you deserve to have that now, not at some unknown future time. The first step is to simply acknowledge that you want a "homier" home and commit to doing something about it.

Design your room in layers

When you are trying to take your home from bare and empty to warm and inviting, the process can feel a bit overwhelming. Tackling one layer at a time can make the task feel more manageable. And if you get stuck on one decision (like paint color), just move on and come back to it later — don't let it paralyze you.

 

The layers:

• Rugs, window coverings and paint
• Lighting (aim for at least three light sources per room)
• Furniture
• Soft stuff: cushions, throws and bedding
• Finishing touches: art, mirrors, books and plants

Roadblock 3: My family is so messy, I don't know where to begin.

It is possible to have a fun, stylish home with kids in the house, but there's no point in tackling any other decorating projects when clutter is spilling out from every corner. Set aside a whole weekend to pare down and donate unwanted items, or do a little bit each day — the important part is to actually get rid of some stuff before you try to organize it. When you are starting with less, the organizing process will be much easier.

Organize for daily life

When the clutter is (sort of) in line, try one or more of these strategies for minimizing the mess every day:
 

• Add hooks behind every door
• Swap out coffee tables and benches for versions with hidden storage inside
• Try carpet tiles instead of a rug — you can easily replace individual tiles if they get stained or damaged
• Choose slipcovered or stain-resistant upholstered pieces
• Start a 10-minute tidy-up period each evening that the whole family participates in — put on music and try to make it fun, or do it after dinner with the promise of dessert as an incentive

Roadblock 4: An all-neutral scheme feels boring.

I count myself among the legions of people who adore neutral or all-white color schemes, because they seem so foolproof — and they are. But sometimes all of that beige and cream begins to feel a little too predictable. If you are ready to shake things up a bit, first take a moment to consider what it is exactly that is bothering you about the room now.

 

Do you like the neutral hues but want more of a wow factor? A single special piece, like an oversize mirror with an interesting shape or a piece of art you love, could be all you need to add. Or try adding accessories with metallic shimmer. Platinum, gold or silver will add a rich, luxurious quality that elevates the neutrals around it.

spice up your neutral scheme

When the clutter is (sort of) in line, try one or more of these strategies for minimizing the mess every day:
 

• Choose one bright color to add in small doses — a few red pillows, a basket, a vase of flowers. Just enough to wake things up.
• Paint a single accent wall a fun hue. It's easy enough to paint over one wall if you hate it, and that one wall could inspire you to keep choosing more color.
• Deepen the neutral scheme with painted walls or a new rug. If it's the pale, washed-out feeling you are trying to avoid, bringing in deeper, richer neutrals like charcoal or espresso could be just the thing. The floors and walls cover the most area, so using color there will make a big impact.

Roadblock 5: Fear of getting it "wrong."

This is perhaps the most common fear of all when it comes to decorating. None of us is perfect, and even professionals sometimes make purchases they regret or have a tough time finding just the right piece to complete a space.

 

The important thing to remember is, this is your home. It does not need to please anyone but you. It feels good to move forward — you can always change things later.

Have you recently finished a room you're proud of? Share your photos with us on Facebook and Instagram.

This article first appeared on Houzz on December 10, 2012.

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

Q&A with Ted Roberts

What sets Schlage apart as a style leader?

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

Where does Schlage get style inspiration?

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

Oil-Rubbed Bronze

What sets Oil-Rubbed Bronze apart?

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

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

Why do you think it’s popular right now?

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

What style of home will it fit into?

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

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

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

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

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

Creating a well-designed space requires an intentional, and focused plan to achieve the look you want. A great way to stay focused and narrow your choices is by using a mood board. Check out our tips for building one of your own and the tools to help you get started.

What is a mood board?

Mood boards are a collection of ideas that help you organize and plan for the design of a space. When the blank canvas of a room becomes overwhelming, mood boards help you to stay focused by narrowing your options to colors and styles that fit your aesthetic best. Whether you're working with a designer or want to do-it-yourself, this step can help keep your project on track and ensure that your personal style is reflected.

Must-have elements

Mood boards are perfect for making sure you're considering the big picture of your space. You'll want to make sure you have a good variety of color and texture to set the right aesthetic. Creating a cohesive look goes beyond the paint color or large furniture pieces so be sure to include the smallest of details like hardware and accessories. It's often the finishing touch that ties an entire space together.

 

Still not sure where to begin? Start with something you are certain will be used in the space. Do you already have a large furniture piece - like a couch or bedroom suit? Maybe you have a family heirloom that you want to be sure to showcase. Use that as your start and begin adding other elements that catch your eye - paint colors, throw pillows, lighting, etc.

Create your own

You may be thinking - "I'm not a creative. There's no way I could create a mood board." - but with so many tools available today, it's easier than ever to go beyond catalog cut-outs taped to the mirror in your room. Below are the tools we recommend checking out to get started. We wouldn't be surprised if you're already using a few.

Canva

Canva makes it easy to create a fully custom mood board that fits your style by eliminating the need for advanced design software. Simply choose the type of layout you'd like to use with your canvas and upload images of items that inspire. You can even browse through hundreds of free images or choose a premium image for $1 each. Here's a great tutorial to help you get started.
 

Pinterest

With over 100 billion Pins on Pinterest, there's no shortage of inspiration within the tool. If you aren't familiar with Pinterest, think of it as a catalog of ideas stored from across the web. It's a great place to collect ideas and scroll for something new. Try creating boards for each room in your house and saving ideas that appeal to you. Over time, you'll begin to notice a common theme or pattern for the basis of your mood board.

Instagram

Last year, Instagram launched a new feature that allowed users to bookmark posts they were inspired by. A few months later, they launched Instagram Collections making this feature much more useful by allowing users to organize ideas by folders. Similar to Pinterest, you could use Instagram Collections as the first-step to creating a mood board by saving the images that are inspiring to you to identify the style you'd most prefer.
 

Olioboard

Olioboard is a mood board tool specifically made for interior design. You can choose between 2D and 3D models and select actual products to get a visual of your room before you purchase furniture, textiles or accessories. It's a great tool for experimenting with the overall mood of your space and features a large community of designers so you can browse for inspiration before you get started.

Photograph

Sometimes, you simply cannot beat a good old fashioned photograph of various textiles, paint swatches and hardware you'd like to use in your space. This practice helps you take a step back and see what the details look like in the real world. Check out a few of our favorites from DreamGreen DIY.

 

Now that you are equipped with the tools that make creating mood boards easy, we want to see your projects as they come to life! Share them with us on Instagram and tag @schlagelocks.
 

It’s the holiday season and that often means you will have guests at your house pretty regularly. How do you make sure the outside of your house looks welcoming? Below are some tips to boost your curb appeal for the holiday season.

Greenery

Even in the middle of winter, there are a few plants like boxwood and spruce trees that can add a pop of color to your entryway. If you are looking for winter-friendly plants, check out HGTV’s post. If you want to do something a little simpler, garland is a great go-to. Hang it around your front door or windows to add color. While you’re getting the greenery, consider also getting pinecones to add to the pots or the garland for a crisp, fresh smell.

Lights

There is a limited amount of time you can have lights up on your house during the year. Take advantage of the long winter nights where you can show them off. Adding lights to your roofline and windows can highlight your home’s architecture. Check out the dos and don’ts of outdoor lighting from Hallmark.

Front door décor

Every guest that comes to your home is going to see your front door, so it’s important to make sure it is welcoming. Wreaths are a popular choice for door hangings and come in all styles, from traditional green branches and berries to bright colored ribbon. If you’re looking for something a little different, this DIY holiday door frame from Modern Masters can add a fun, festive touch to your entry.

 

Door mats are another great touch you can add to bring your decor together. There are all kinds of options:, phrases, reindeer, snowmen and more. There is sure to be a doormat that will fit perfectly with your home and delight your guests before they even enter the house.

Smart lock

Spending time with family and friends is one of the best parts of the holiday season, but hosting for the holidays can quickly become stressful. Make it easier on yourself and your guests by installing a smart lock so you can give each guest a code instead of hiding a key under a rock. The Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt holds up to 30 access codes, so everyone that needs access can have it.

For more holiday decoration ideas, check out our Pinterest!
 

Deciding on finishes is one of the most challenging parts of a remodel — particularly a kitchen remodel. Browse the Houzz discussion boards and you'll get a taste of how confusing the process can be. 

Of course, what makes it even more complicated is that there's no set rule to choosing materials and finishes. "There are as many rules as there are clients and designers, or even combinations of clients and designers," says architect Thomas Ahmann. Every project is different. But there are still some general guidelines that can help you make sense of your kitchen remodel. We talked to three Houzz professionals — Ahmann, Steve Justrich and Robert Kelly — who gave us their best professional tips for choosing a kitchen materials palette.

1. Start with your Countertops

“Countertops require careful contemplation, especially for a large island, as this can be the biggest single item of color and texture,” says Ahmann. This large surface area is a great place to start and can be the basis for the rest of your kitchen’s materials palette.

 

Choose a countertop that’s durable and easy to clean. Justrich recommends looking into granite or composite materials like Caesarstone first. For a bigger statement, go for stainless steel, zinc or natural wood. Aim for light, smooth and reflective materials. Large-format tiles or slabs of stone will minimize grout lines and create a smooth and easy-to-clean surface. 

 

Kelly recommends sticking with a single countertop material, with a slight variation at the pantry or island, for consistency and simplicity.

2. Consider the cabinetry

Depending on the kitchen, Ahmann might start with the cabinet as the beginning of the materials palette. “This is what ends up being most ‘in your face,’ as the wall cabinets are smack dab at eye level,” he says. 

Kelly keeps his materials choices as simple and natural as possible. Slate, marble and wood are all common choices. He recommends sticking to a small palette — three or four materials — to keep it simple. Look for light-colored cabinetry to keep the space open and bright, using other materials in small doses for visual depth and texture.

3. Use additional finishes to pull the space together

“Let contrast be the key,” says Justrich. “If the counters are rich and dark, go with a lighter backsplash. A monochromatic approach is great, but if the countertop is visually active, calm it down on the backsplash.” Choose a backsplash color that visually contrasts with your countertop and cabinetry. Floors are usually decided based on the surrounding rooms, but make sure the colors won’t clash with what’s in your kitchen. 

 

The other little things — lighting, fixtures, bar stools and hardware — can tie the look of the kitchen together. Again, less is more here. “Kitchens of multiple materials and colors require a lot of finesse,” says Ahmann. 

How did you choose your kitchen materials palette? Share your photos with us on Facebook and Instagram.

This article first appeared on Houzz on August 11, 2012.

The Schlage Sense™ Wi-Fi Adapter lets you lock/unlock your Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt from anywhere with your Android™ smartphone, iPhone^®, iPad^®, or iPod touch^®. Simply plug the small Wi-Fi Adapter into power at home. Use the Schlage Sense app to pair it with your deadbolt and connect it to your home Wi-Fi network for anywhere access.

 

After you have downloaded the Schlage Sense app and paired it with your lock using the Schlage mode setup, you can quickly and easily set up your Wi-Fi Adapter. The Wi-Fi Adapter is not compatible with HomeKit so if you've paired your lock with your phone using the HomeKit setup, you will need to complete a factory reset and re-pair your lock using the Schlage mode setup before completing the steps below.

How to set up your Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter for iOS

How to set up your Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter for Android

Now you have anywhere access to your home through your phone. Check the status of your door, and lock and unlock your door from anywhere with your smartphone. Keep in mind, the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter must stay plugged into power at home, connected to Wi-Fi and in Bluetooth^® range (about 40 feet) from the lock to enable remote access. For more information, visit schlage.com/sense.

For those of us in the door hardware industry, electronic locks are a no-brainer. They’ve quickly become indispensable in offices, hospitals, hotels, and many other professional locations, but many consumers are still learning about the possibilities that electronic deadbolts and smart locks can offer at home. “Are they really secure?” is a question we hear consumers ask frequently. So let’s take a look at the security behind Schlage electronic locks.

Residential security grading

The first thing you should know is that a group of industry experts called the Builders Hardware Manufacturing Association (or BHMA for short) set national standards regarding the security level, durability and finish quality of door hardware products. This helps professional locksmiths, building managers and other professionals to ensure that they are using the right hardware in the right places, especially when they have to adhere to local building code requirements.

 

In order to help homeowners make the same decisions about which hardware is best for their home, BHMA created a set of standards specific to residential door hardware. They created three categories - Security, Durability, and Finish – with rigid criteria for testing the hardware to ensure it meets either a C (good), B (better) or A (best) grade in each category. Most Schlage products receive a AAA, which means they have received the best possible grades in Security, Durability and Finish.

So what does all that really mean? It means that all of our products, whether mechanical or electronic, run through all kinds of heavy-duty, intense testing procedures – including, yes, hitting it with a sledgehammer really hard. So regardless of what kind of lock you buy, you know you’ll be getting a product that has been tested against the rigorous demands of daily usage. Our Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt, Schlage Connect™ Touchscreen Deadbolt, and Schlage Touch™ Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt and Lever have all received a grade A in security, the best possible grade to keep your home, and everything inside it, safe.

What about hackers?

We’ve all heard about the neighbor’s garage door code getting hacked. The good news is that these days that story is a bit of an urban legend – there were some instances of compromised garage door codes back when the technology was new, but major strides have been made in electronic security since then, making these types of hacks much more difficult to pull off. Basically, if you’re comfortable ordering items from Amazon, you can trust that the connection between your Schlage smart lock and your smartphone is just as secure.

 

Besides, when it comes to entry points to the home, blunt-force attacks are much more effective than sophisticated electronic methods, though the rising popularity of home security systems is putting a dent in traditional break-ins as well. Electronic locks that integrate with home security systems, like the Schlage Connect lock, actually add a layer of electronic security to your home, allowing you to keep better track of who’s coming and going, and when.

 

Locks that add extra security without requiring a smart home or security system are also on the rise. The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt is a great example - with multiple options to connect your lock to the cloud, you can receive real-time notifications and view a history of who used the lock and when. There’s also a built-in alarm on the Schlage Sense and Connect locks that sounds when the lock or door is forced, or the wrong code entered repeatedly. 

Spare keys are a safety faux pas

There’s an added security element to simply doing away with spare keys and using access codes instead. Codes are easier to control – if a code becomes compromised, simply delete it. No need to rekey or buy new locks because a key has been lost and anyone in town could have it. A lock without a cylinder, like the completely keyless Schlage Touch lock, also eliminates the possibility of picking or bumping because there’s no keyhole for intruders to manipulate.

 

As you can see, electronic locks are a smart choice for any home. They can save time, add convenience, and make it safer and easier to share access by eliminating spare keys. Paired with the easy installation and exceptional customer service that Schlage is known for, adding one of our electronic deadbolts or smart locks to your home is an easy step toward a safer, simpler day.

The holidays are fast approaching and if you haven't started thinking about gifts, it's probably time to start. According to the National Retail Federation, more than 40% of people start shopping before November. Maybe you have a list full of people that are easy to shop for. If so, we envy you. For the rest of us, there is at least one person that is impossible to buy for - often multiple people. Sure, you could always get them a gift card, but if you’re looking for something a little more fun, we compiled the ultimate list for you.

 

Everyone appreciates a gift that make their lives a little easier. Our suggestions feature a range of smart devices that are sure to be a hit this holiday season.

Apple TV^®

Apple TV is a great, all-in-one piece of technology for any home. It is TV customized to you. Apps like Netflix, HBO Now and Hulu allow you to watch whatever you want, whenever you want. You can listen to music, use Siri, and play games, too. It also connects to Apple HomeKit®, the latest smart home technology from Apple, allowing you to have remote access to HomeKit-enabled devices. If you have a Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt or other smart home devices, you can use HomeKit to get anywhere access to your home’s electronics on your iOS device. You could lock your front door if you forgot when you left the house, or turn up the furnace before you get home so the house is warm when you arrive.

Google Chromecast™

If you want to give a gift that will allow your loved ones to stream TV, video and music, but they don't have an Apple device, Chromecast might be your best bet. It plugs into the TV and is controlled through smartphones, tablets or laptops. It also works with Android™, Apple and Windows, so everyone can use it.

Arlo™

For anyone that is interested in home security, the Arlo Pro is a perfect gift. It is a wire-free, weatherproof camera that records what’s going on in the home and sends mobile or email alerts when it senses motion or sound. It is also perfect for pet owners that don’t like to be away from home and want to be able to check in on their animals. With two-way audio, you can hear what’s going on at home and talk through the camera.

Roomba^®

No one likes to do household chores when there are a million other things that they could be focusing on. Give someone back their free time with Roomba. There are multiple models with different features so that it’s easy to choose what works based on the home it will be cleaning. All of the models are Wi-Fi connected and accessible through the app so you know what has been cleaned.

Smart speaker

Smart speakers are becoming more and more popular, so if you have someone on your list that doesn’t own one yet, they will be grateful to get one as a present. There are multiple smart speaker brands already and more that are in the process of releasing new products, but the two biggest smart speaker names are Google Home™ and Amazon Echo™. Both speakers work with Apple and Android devices and integrate with various smart home products and apps. The Amazon Echo is compatible with the Schlage Connect™ Touchscreen Deadbolt and Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt. You can ask her to lock your door if you’ve already gone to bed and don’t want to get up, or ask the status of the door if you aren’t sure if you locked it. Both speakers come with so many features that choosing between them is more a matter of preference and what type of smart home device you have rather than which one is better.

Smart lock

This is the perfect gift for any homeowner. Whether they are interested in smart home devices or not, everyone could use a touchscreen lock so they never have to deal with house keys again. The Schlage Connect Touchscreen Deadbolt is perfect for people that want to have, or already have, a smart home. It uses Z-Wave technology so it can connect to most home automation hubs. The Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt has its own app that is compatible with both Android and Apple smartphones so that anyone can use it.

Home Automation Hub

For those on your gift list that are interested in smart homes but haven’t yet made the leap, a home automation hub would be a great way to get them started. There are so many options out there to choose from: Apple HomeKit, Wink™ and Samsung SmartThings™ to name a few. Each hub has its own strengths so it’s important to know what someone wants out of a smart home and what devices they have to work it. Some, like Homekit, only work with Apple, but many are compatible with Apple and Android. Some hubs lend themselves to certain tasks, like home security, while others are very customizable and make it easy to set up sequences between smart home objects. When buying a home automation hub, your choice will depend more on who will receive it than name brand recognition.

Schlage Sense™ Wi-Fi Adapter

If someone doesn’t want to plunge into the world of smart homes, but you know that they would still love the convenience of never worrying about their house keys, the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter is the perfect gift to pair with the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt. The Wi-Fi Adapter pairs with the deadbolt to allow it to send notifications through the Schlage Sense app. This allows the owner to lock and unlock their door from anywhere, using their smartphone.

 

Wi-Fi Adapter is not compatible with Apple HomeKit.

Do any of these things sound like something someone on your holiday gift list would enjoy? Do you think we missed something that should have been on the list? Let us know on Facebook!

If you’re anything like us, you love checking out the latest styles and trends showcased across interior décor showrooms, magazines, and online. How do they manage to achieve that perfectly stylish yet livable look that makes you want to run out to the story to replicate it at home? The truth is, the secret to a perfectly designed space is attention to detail.

 

So how do you get that polished look at home? The first thing to remember is that the spaces you see in magazines were staged and kept in place for the photoshoot. No room that is actually lived in can stay perfect all the time. Which leads us to our number one tip for adding stylish details to your home:

Design for the function of the room

When choosing and arranging furniture and other large pieces in a space, keep in mind the natural walkways leading into/out of the room as well as the function the space will serve. Is it a play room for the kids? Or a place for adults to relax by the fire? Maybe it’s a little of both – that’s okay. The key is to make sure items are placed in a way that makes the room easy to use for its intended function and easy to tidy up afterward – an important but surprisingly easy detail to forget.

Use fixtures to add stylistic balance to a space

Themes can be fun – when they aren’t overstated. One way to avoid overdoing a particular style and instead add your own fresh take is to choose a few details that differ from the overall theme – door hardware, lighting and plumbing fixtures are perfect for this. If you’re designing a mostly contemporary, modern space, add some ornate Victorian fixtures in a modern finish likes bright chrome. Don’t be afraid to mix styles – variety adds balance!

Look at lighting in a new way

When choosing overhead lighting, pay attention to scale – in other words, the size of the room compared to the size of the light. The key, as always, is to maintain a sense of balance – an overhead light with long, hanging embellishments isn’t best for a wide room with low ceilings.

 

Lamps are great because simply repositioning them can add a fresh feel to a room you’ve become bored with – without spending a dime.

Don’t shy away from unique items

If you want to create a space unlike any other, you’ll need items that are unique to you. It may be your favorite worn old teddy bear from childhood, or a handmade item you bought during a special trip. Keep in mind there are many facets to your personality, so a hodgepodge of eclectic items can work.

 

Meaningful items, like heirlooms, often have a place, even if the style doesn’t immediately seem to mesh – we are often so used to looking at them that we forget their potential. Try asking a friend how they would place the item.

Pull inspiration from your surroundings

Is your home near a lush forest? Try adding some natural elements of wood or shapes that mimic wild, untamed growth, like vines.

 

A beach or lake house is a no-brainer – go straight for that beachy or nautical style if it’s what your heart desires, but use restraint and add details that are specific to you. Maybe the beach house features a vintage fifties surfer style with pastel colors and faded driftwood. Your lake house could invoke your Irish heritage with rich greens and classic novels like Moby Dick lining the shelves. Be creative!

It isn’t the size of the space, it’s what you do with it

Don’t focus only on the large spaces of your home – turn an eye toward all the little nooks and crannies. The brightly lit but empty corner by the window could become a cozy reading nook. A striking new color of paint and a few new shelves can make an old, boring closet fresh and fun.

There are probably thousands of other ideas we haven’t thought of – share your favorite stylish home details by tagging @Schlagelocks on Instagram!

Are you thinking about updating your door hardware? Are you also struggling to decide what finish to choose? Schlage offers 12 different finishes so that you can find the perfect look for your whole house. Here is an explanation of each of those finishes, as well as suggestions of knob/lever and trims that go best with each.

Bronze-to-black tones

Aged bronze

Aged Bronze is a traditionally inspired finish that is styled from the Victorian Era, but also has roots in the Arts & Crafts movement. Aged Bronze works exceptionally well with ornate, handmade, craftsman-style furnishings.

Recommended pairings

Aged Bronze lends an air of luxury to the Siena knob with Wakefield trim or Avila lever with Addison trim.

Coordinates well with

Natural tones. This could be wood floors or natural paint colors like browns, yellows and greens.

 

BROWSE AGED BRONZE PRODUCTS

Matte black

Matte Black has never been more fashionable—catering to a modern look that takes style cues from Bauhaus homes, wrought iron fences and fixtures made by blacksmiths in the Colonial Era. Matte Black is unique in its ability to serve as a bridge between the worlds of modern and traditional styles.

Recommended pairings

Matte Black is a stylish and daring choice best suited for the Bowery knob or Broadway lever with Greenwich trim.

Coordinates well with

Grey tones, geometric forms and large windows. Matte Black is a modern finish that fits best with a modern look. Big windows help keep a space from feeling too dark and crowded.

 

BROWSE MATTE BLACK PRODUCTS

Oil-rubbed bronze

The Oil-Rubbed Bronze finish is suited for a specific look and feel — blending seamlessly into Mediterranean and Tuscan settings. The dark brown tones in the hardware lend it to warm colors. Oil-Rubbed Bronze is a “living finish” that changes over time to give it a constantly evolving presentation.

Recommended pairings

The Oil-Rubbed Bronze finish works with several styles, but looks particularly charming on the Siena knob or Flair lever with Camelot trim.

Coordinates well with

Luxurious wallpapers and stone accents. Oil-Rubbed Bronze is all about ornate details that you can find in many Mediterranean and Tuscan homes, but are also very prevalent in Craftsman homes.

 

BROWSE OIL-RUBBED BRONZE PRODUCTS

Gold tones

Bright brass

Bright Brass is common in older, colonial homes, especially homes styled in the 1990s. The widespread availability of Bright Brass makes it easy to find and, therefore, easy to match with other hardware, fixtures and accessories. This finish will fit easily into almost any house.

Recommended pairings

Bright Brass is common in older, colonial homes, especially homes styled in the 1990s. The widespread availability of Bright Brass makes it easy to find and, therefore, easy to match with other hardware, fixtures and accessories. This finish will fit easily into almost any house.

Coordinates well with

Vintage style. Bright brass pairs well in homes that have a very classic, elegant style. Homes where an ornate chandelier would not feel out of place.

 

BROWSE BRIGHT BRASS PRODUCTS

Satin brass

Satin Brass can be considered the “modern brass alternative.” It offers a more refined take on the rustic look of unfinished brass. The Satin Brass finish is becoming one of the most popular choices for the home. The matte look of the Satin Brass finish won’t show fingerprints or tarnish easily, which often makes it more appealing than bright brass.

Recommended pairings

Satin Brass looks particularly great on the Georgian knob or Accent lever with Camelot trim.

Coordinates well with

Dark surfaces, modern accents and details. This finish is best displayed against dark surfaces where it can really stand out. It fits well with and brings elegance to a house that has modern touches.

 

BROWSE SATIN BRASS PRODUCTS

Antique brass

The Antique Brass finish closely resembles the look of natural brass and has a warm look due to its brown and golden tones. Though Antique Brass stems from the Victorian Era, its high-gloss finish gives it a touch of the modern world.

Recommended pairings

The Georgian knob with the elegant Brookshire trim or the Flair lever with Addison trim are often finished in Antique Brass for a sophisticated look.

Coordinates well with

Stacked stone and exposed wood. You will often find these elements in Craftsman homes, but many other styles of homes have wood flooring and stone fireplaces.

 

BROWSE ANTIQUE BRASS PRODUCTS

Silver tones

Bright chrome

Bright Chrome is inspired by the Art Deco movement and the jazzy style of the roaring 20s, but can easily transition into the minimalist approach of the 1930s and 40s that is becoming more popular in modern styling. The smooth, mirror-like finish makes Bright Chrome a statement piece that could fit into any contemporary home.

Recommended pairings

Bright Chrome is often seen on the contemporary Merano lever or the Latitude lever with Century trim.

Coordinates well with

Neutral colored doors and walls. Bright Chrome is an eye-catching finish that shines best when it isn’t competing with bright colors.

 

BROWSE BRIGHT CHROME PRODUCTS

Satin chrome

Satin Chrome has a contemporary look and feel and originates from the Bauhaus style movement. It is typically used in commercial applications as it is a finish that doesn’t stand out too much and fits in with most styles.

Recommended pairings

Satin Chrome feels fashion-forward when paired with the Orbit knob or Elan lever with Century trim.

Coordinates well with

Stainless steel appliances, grey tones and reclaimed wood. This finish is modern and clean and does best in an environment that is simple and not overstated.

 

BROWSE SATIN CHROME PRODUCTS

Polished nickel

Polished Nickel was inspired by the sophistication of the Victorian Era. It is made from solid nickel and a change of lighting can change its color and appearance. The lacquered look of the Polished Nickel finish makes it one of the easiest to clean.

Recommended pairings

Polished Nickel looks expertly paired with the Sacramento lever or Bowery knob with Greyson trim.

Coordinates well with

Reflective surfaces, glass and bright lighting. Polished Nickel is a bright finish that does best in a bright environment. It shines best when paired with similar surfaces.

 

BROWSE POLISHED NICKEL PRODUCTS

Distressed nickel

Distressed Nickel has a rustic vibe that is reminiscent of the Old World. Today, the finish is growing increasingly popular and can be seen in urban lofts in cities across the globe. Because Distressed Nickel is tumbled to get the look, no two pieces are exactly alike.

Recommended pairings

Distressed Nickel looks particularly stunning on the Georgian knob or Accent lever with Addison trim.

Coordinates well with

Reclaimed wood, concrete and exposed brick. This finish fits well into Industrial Modern homes that are styled around exposed building components.

 

BROWSE DISTRESSED NICKEL PRODUCTS

Satin nickel

Satin Nickel rose to popularity with the Victorian and Mid-Century Modern design movements. Satin Nickel looks great against dark colors like black, navy blue or grey. Its looks best when paired with bold, geometric shapes and patterns, bright solid colors and edgy, unconventional furniture.

Recommended pairings

Satin Nickel is an excellent finish for almost any piece of Schlage hardware, but is often paired with more refined styles like the Bowery knob or Accent lever with Camelot trim.

Coordinates well with

Dark-colored doors and geometric shapes. Satin Nickel is a chic finish that does best when it stands out from its surroundings. Its modern look helps it to go well with bold patterns and furniture.

 

BROWSE SATIN NICKEL PRODUCTS

Are you feeling inspired? Get more ideas and inspiration on our Style Talk Pinterest Board.
 

Fall is the perfect time to prepare your home for colder weather ahead and take care of any summer projects that may have gone undone. Take advantage of the cooler temperatures and downtime before the holiday bustle to tackle these must-do fall projects.

Test Alarms and Sensors

Prepping for the holidays can be so much fun, but it can also mean increased safety hazards in the house. Over the next couple months, you'll be decorating for the holidays, cooking large family meals, burning your fireplace, lighting candles, and maybe setting up a Christmas tree. Prepare for the additional hazards these activities bring by testing your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
 

Also, make sure you have a functioning fire extinguisher on each floor of your home. Look for an expiration date on the label and make sure it hasn't passed. In addition, ensure that the pressure dial is in the green, or charged, area.

Check Insulation Points

Doors and windows are the primary sources for wasted energy in most homes. Apply caulk, weather stripping and insulation inside and outside of the home to ensure you don’t waste any energy – or see increased energy bills – by letting heat leak out. So be sure to check on weather stripping around your doors, windows, and garage door. The felt strips seal these openings to prevent drafts, but they can wear down over time. Replace any faded weather stripping and complete any other insulation tasks you've been putting off.

Clean Your Gutters

Your gutters work hard over fall and winter, and they need your help. Clean them out before it gets too cold. This will prevent gutters from overflowing with rain or snow and damaging your roof. Remove the leaves that accumulate on your roof with a roof rake. Simply position the rake behind the leaves and pull forward until they fall off the roof. Once you’ve climbed up to your gutters, put on some waterproof gloves and scoop the leaves out by hand. Just remember to always keep one hand on the ladder for safety.

Prepare Your Fireplace

For wood fireplaces, clean them out thoroughly, check the chimney, and make sure that you have an ample supply of wood. Even if you plan on cleaning and maintaining it yourself, have a professional do an initial inspection. Gas and electric fireplaces can also benefit from an annual inspection before winter begins.

Clean Up Your Lawnmower, Grill and Other Outdoor Yard Tools

Your lawnmower, grill and other yard tools are probably dirty after a spring and summer of use. Don't let that dirt and grime sit around all winter. Instead, take the time to clean, tune up and properly store and/or cover these items so they will be ready to be fired up in the spring.

Clean Carpets

Fall is an excellent time to clean your carpets inside. Carpets and rugs tend to collect dirt and dust and grime all summer long, and you’ll want them clean for indoor winter activities. Be sure to open your windows and air out your house as the carpet dries – another bonus of tackling this project in the fall.

Drain Outside Water Faucets and Irrigation

Not prepping your exterior water outlets could result in an expensive mess on your hands. Water lines exposed to outside temperatures, including underground irrigation lines and exterior faucets, can freeze. When water freezes, it expands, which can crack the pipes or hose bibs.
 

Start by turning off the water lines inside your house. The shutoff valves are usually located near the main plumbing line that brings water into the home. Then open the spigots to drain the water in the lines. (If you have to drain your irrigation lines, you'll need a pro.) Check the faucets on occasion to ensure that water isn't leaking out. If it is, the shutoff values either aren't closed all the way, or they're leaky and need to be replaced.

Trim Problem Bushes and Trees

The last thing you want are branches to freeze, get too heavy and fall on your house during a snowstorm. Now is the time to inspect nearby trees and shrubs, and cut any low-hanging or dying branches before they can do damage. Resist over-trimming though. Trimming promotes new growth, so wait until your bushes and trees are truly dormant (after winter, early spring) to do your annual pruning.

What other projects are you taking on this fall to prepare your home for winter? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

The Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt makes it easier to control access to your home – getting started is simple with the Schlage Home app and gaining remote access from anywhere is no problem when you pair the lock with the Schlage Sense™ WiFi Adapter. And now you can also access your lock with Amazon Alexa voice commands. Here’s what you need to know to combine the superior security of the Schlage Sense lock with the great convenience of Amazon Alexa.

1. Will current Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt models be compatible with Amazon Alexa?

Yes, all current Schlage Sense lock models are compatible with Amazon Alexa devices through the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter (sold separately), which is perfect for remote access for split-device households or owners who haven’t chosen a home automation system yet.

2. What hubs does the Schlage Sense lock work with?

The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt is compatible with Alexa-enabled devices via the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter. The Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter does not work with HomeKit or support the use of Siri^® voice control.

3. How do I connect with Amazon Alexa?

To connect your Schlage Sense lock with an Alexa-enabled device, plug the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter into power at home within Bluetooth range of the lock (about 40 feet). Then use the Schlage Home app to pair your deadbolt with the adapter and connect it to your home WiFi.

 

Once it is connected, you are ready to complete the setup within the Alexa app. Enable the Schlage Home skill in the Alexa app and link your Schlage account to your Alexa account to give the skill permission to access the lock.

4. What can the Schlage Sense lock and Amazon Alexa do?

After connecting the devices, you can ask Alexa to lock and unlock the door, and check the status of your Schlage Sense deadbolt . This offers the peace of mind and convenience of knowing your home is always locked and protected by one of the strongest, most convenient locks on the market.

 

Voice unlocking is one the newest functions available in the integration between Schlage and Amazon Alexa. The feature was made possible through technological improvements that now requires Alexa to authenticate the user’s identity prior to unlocking the door. The additional step helps to maintain the superior security you expect from Schlage while still enjoying the convenience of voice activation. Read more about unlocking your door with Amazon Alexa here.

5. What can't the Schlage Sense lock and Amazon Alexa do?

Already trusted in over 40 million homes, Schlage always aims to create carefully designed products that bring the possibilities and potential of every door in your home to life – keeping you safe and making life easier and more connected. We are unwilling to compromise that, especially when it comes to smart home integration. With this in mind, Amazon Alexa is not enabled to check battery status or create/maintain secured codes. This ensures that control of these features remains directly in consumers’ hands rather than relying on third-party components.

 

Whether asking Alexa from bed if the front door is locked or manually securing your deadbolt from the touchscreen, the Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt provides all users with keyless convenience and confidence in their home security. Add to that additional benefits that come when you pair your lock with the other technology in your home and it’s proof that smarter homes start with Schlage.

 

Learn about our other smart home integrations for the Schlage Sense lock at schlage.com. If you have questions about setting up your smart lock, message us on Facebook or Twitter.

 

The kitchen is all about mixing and matching. Experienced chefs often love to break away from that ho-hum recipe mold and create something new with a dash of unexpected flavor. Achieving this in your kitchen design is possible in many ways. Here are some tips for combining materials to create a unique kitchen look that suits your individual taste.

Countertops

An easy way to get started mixing materials is by using a statement material for the island and a simpler surface for countertops, like in this recent project in which two different quartz stones from Cambria on the island and counter are mixed. And don’t hesitate to contrast quartz against marble, granite or other stones.

The key to mixing surfaces is to use tones that relate (by sticking to either cool or warm families) and also to use strong contrast so the mismatch is clearly intentional and beautiful. Pick a material with a grain or variation, and then use one of the grain tones for the solid surface. Here the dark zinc on the islands matches the grain tone of the polished Calacatta gold marble.

These material combinations are often applied to white kitchens. The white keeps the mix from looking too wild, yet the contrast gives the minimalist palette extra life. Here we see a light Statuario marble island and darker Emperador marble counters.

Continuing a material theme with other surfaces helps tie everything together, such as using a marble-topped dining table (like the classic Saarinen style seen here) to pick up on a marble counter and backsplash.

You can also beautifully mix stone counters with butcher block. Take a cue from this room and use a demure, subtly patterned stone to avoid its fighting your wood grain.

Upper and lower cabinets

Another great way to mix in wood is to use a little on the lower cabinets (matching or lighter than the floor), and stick to the wall color on the uppers for a rich natural flair mixed with airiness. Dark gray or a punchy color also works well on lower cabinets (with light uppers) to keep the eye moving without the feeling being claustrophobic.

 

For more drama, apply a dark color to the uppers instead, but stick to neutrals. A calm gray like below won’t crowd you in as much as a very saturated color — save that for a few small accents.

You can also try breaking up dark cabinets with glass door fronts to reduce the dark surface area. On the other hand, darker cabinets also work well to frame the kitchen for a modern look, because they visually define where the kitchen starts and ends even if your floor plan is open.

 

For a traditional look, try applying a dark finish to the island so it stands out from the main cabinets as its own furniture statement.

Mixed metals magic

In modern and traditional spaces, copper is one of the hottest finishes of the year; it works best in small doses, like on a few pendants or hanging pots.

 

In general you shouldn’t be afraid to mix in a touch of a new, warm metal, like the brass pendants seen here, to add decadent contrast to stainless steel appliances or accents.

Matte black gunmetal also works wonders as a stunning counterpoint to shiny stainless steel.

 

Keep in mind, when mixing many materials and tones, it’s best to pick some themes to repeat to create a sense of harmony, such as using multiple shades of wood or sticking to only neutrals. When in doubt, wood, metal and glass make a classic trio.

One last idea

In this TIDG project, the same wallpaper used in the dining space was applied as a kitchen backsplash, layered under a glass panel. This unusual use of material connects the adjacent spaces and makes a unique statement that stands up to passing trends.

As long as you combine materials you love in a way that feels right to you, you’ll achieve a look you’ll love beyond the passing of trends. So go ahead and mix with confidence!

How are you mixing materials in your home? Share your photos with us on Facebook and Instagram.

This article first appeared on Houzz on September 17, 2014.

You rarely leave home without it. It's the one thing that's always by your side, whether home or away. If forgotten, a sinking feeling may overcome. How can you navigate without it?

 

Your smartphone plays a bigger role in your life than you may already realize. Here are ten unique ways you can extend the power of your smartphone and start taking advantage of many of its conveniences.
 

Have you ever left the house in a hurry, and later wondered whether you accidentally left the door unlocked behind you? With so many things to juggle in life, it’s happened to us all.

 

That got us thinking – what if you never had to wonder whether your door was unlocked again? What if you could lock it from wherever you are? And wouldn’t you like to receive smartphone notifications whenever the lock is used so you can keep track of who’s going in and out and when?

So we designed the Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt so that users could have this functionality – if they want it. Smart lock beginners who want to benefit from the lock’s basic features can do that out of the box with just a smartphone, no need for a home automation system or other smart accessories.

 

However, if you’re looking for the convenience and peace of mind that comes with being able to access your lock from anywhere, there are multiple options available for doing this – and it’s easy to choose the right one for you.

 

Here are the basics:

Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter option: Android smartphones + iPhone

If you want to use both iPhone and Android smartphones with your lock, you’ll want a Schlage Sense™ WiFi Adapter.

 

The Adapter is a simple wall plug-in that connects your lock to your WiFi network so you can lock and unlock it from anywhere and receive activity notifications. It’s easy to set up – plug it in within Bluetooth range of the lock (usually about 40 feet), and use the Schlage Sense app to connect the Adapter to your home Wi-Fi network. Then pair it with your lock.

 

As long as your Adapter stays plugged into power, connected to WiFi and within Bluetooth range of the lock, you’ll be able to access it using your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Android smartphone from anywhere.

 

Keep in mind that while the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter will work with your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, it does not work with Apple HomeKit and is not compatible with features like Siri or the Apple Home app.

Apple HomeKit option: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch only

If you have an Apple TV or use iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch in your household, you might prefer the Apple HomeKit setup option. If your lock is up to date with the latest firmware (use the Schlage Home app to check for updates), it will ask you simple questions at setup to determine whether this Apple HomeKit option is best for you.

 

If you set up your lock with the Apple HomeKit option, you can pair your lock with your Apple TV and gain anywhere access using Apple HomeKit technology. You’ll still be able to control your lock and manage settings from anywhere with the Schlage Home app, plus your lock will work in tandem with other HomeKit-enabled devices in your home through the Apple Home app. You’ll also be able to use Siri to lock and unlock your door, and receive notifications when the lock is used (use the Schlage Home app to manage your notification settings.)

 

Keep in mind that this option is intended for Apple HomeKit users and does not work with Android smartphones.

 

Here are the technical details:

 

We recommend an Apple TV 4th generation or an iPad with iOS 10.0 or higher. If you decide to use your iPad as your Apple HomeKit hub (a new functionality offered by Apple with iOS 10.0), the iPad must stay at home powered on and connected to WiFi just as an Apple TV would be.

 

You’ll also want to make sure that the Apple TV/iPad is set up with the same iCloud and iTunes account information as your iPhone.

If I already have a Schlage Sense lock, how do I update it so that I can use it with Android and/or the WiFi Adapter?

First, you’ll need to make sure your lock has the latest firmware. Firmware updates are important because they ensure that your Schlage Sense lock has the latest features and capabilities. The lock will notify you of a firmware update through the Schlage Home app. Firmware updates for the lock must be performed through the app within Bluetooth range of the lock:

When you're within Bluetooth range of the lock, connect your lock with the app.

Tap “Begin Update” or go to Lock Settings > Information and tap the firmware version information to request an update.

The firmware will be updated over the next several minutes.

Once you’re up to date with the latest firmware, you can change the setup option on your lock so it will work with Android devices and the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter. In the Schlage Home app, you’ll need to delete the lock from your account and pair it again, choosing the new setup option. This will return your lock to factory default settings and erase any new codes you’ve added, so make sure you record those if you want to add them to the lock again.

If the lock is currently set up with an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, first delete the lock from the account by going to Lock Settings and tapping Delete Lock.

Then, use the Schlage Home app to pair the lock again. If adding the lock from an iOS device, select “Explore Other Options” and then “Set up with Schlage system.”

 

A firmware update may be required, after which you will need to restart the “Add a lock” process and select the Schlage system.

 

Once setup is complete, the lock will be compatible with both Android smartphones and iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch and can be paired with the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter.

Questions about lock setup? You can reach us on Facebook or Twitter or try our FAQs online.

 

Halloween is almost here - the one time of year that squeaky door hinges are acceptable. If you like getting into the spirit of the holiday by making your house as spooky as possible, put off fixing those squeaky hinges until November.

However, for those who don’t feel like living in a haunted house, there are plenty of ways to fix your hinges.

WD-40

There’s a reason dad always kept a can of WD-40 in the garage – it’s perfect for fixing squeaky hinges of all sorts. Rocket Chemical Company created WD-40 to prevent rusting on aerospace technology in the 1950s. “WD” stands for “water displacement,” and it took the three-person team who developed it 40 attempts before finalizing the formula, giving the product its name. Rocket employees started taking the solvent home and using it on a variety of household problems – from lubricating hinges to removing bugs from car windshields to removing road tar from cars. More than 75 years later, WD-40’s original formula still does the trick. Give your hinges some love by attaching the small straw to the canister spout for a more precise application, and enjoy your squeak-free door.

Household items

WD-40 isn’t the only option – there are other temporary fixes for your hinges. BrightNest has some great tips on household items that will fix a squeaky door.

• Bar soap - Just rub it on your hinges until they are coated.
• Petroleum jelly – Remove the pin from your hinge and cover it in petroleum jelly before reinserting.
• Paraffin candles – Remove the pin from your hinges and rub hot wax onto it before reinserting.
• Olive oil – Use a cotton swab to apply a little bit on top of your hinges.

 

When using these common households products, be sure to concentrate on the hinges and avoid getting it on your doors as much as possible.

New hinges

Chances are you probably haven’t thought much about the style or finish of your hinges, but it’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in tying a room together. Replacing your hinges serves a dual purpose: improve the functionality of your door while also adding beauty and consistency throughout your home. If you just updated your door hardware with Matte Black finishes, swapping your Bright Brass hinges for Matte Black is a small and simple project that makes a big difference. Schlage carries hinges in a variety of finishes to match any décor.

See how easy updating your hinges is in our step-by-step instructions. Or keep the squeak until after Halloween!

 

For other how-to tips and tricks and decorating ideas, visit our Pinterest page.

Fall is a time of transition that is marked by the changing colors in the leaves. One of the best ways to embrace this change is by updating some of the décor inside and outside your home.
 

Taking the time to clean off your front porch and refreshing it with a few accents like a seasonal wreath, potted plant and a gourd or two, will help you get in the fall spirit. While traditional fall décor often times comes in hues of orange, there are an abundance of color palette options available today. These are some of our favorites.

Purple

While the color purple easily finds its way into spring and summer blooms, it’s also a bold color that can be used to easily transition your front porch from summer to fall. It comes in a variety of shades and its cool and royal feel will leave your porch looking rustic and regal.

Sage

Though sage is a subdued hue, when it’s used in fall décor it can act as a neutral backdrop or an accent pop of color. Incorporating sage into your fall décor will leave your porch light and bright, while still on key with the season.

Brown

Brown may not be the first color you think of when you want to freshen up your front porch for fall. However, when used properly it can be both rustic and charming. Use dried corn stalks, wooden crates, brown leaf garland and wooden chalkboard signs to create a neutral monochromatic look that lets the brightly colored leaves pop.

Yellow

Welcome the fall season with a bright and cheery front porch by incorporating pops of yellow in your décor. From brightly colored mums and painted accents to the leaves falling from the trees in your yard, this golden hue is sure to warm up your porch as the temperatures cool down.

Red

Though Red is a shade found naturally throughout the fall season, it’s not necessarily a commonly used color in fall front porch décor as it typically takes a backseat to its sister shade of orange. Using apples, fabrics, florals and painted pumpkins, red can be the star of your fall front porch.

Black and white

Black and white are decorating classics. And with a season speckled in color, sometimes it’s the absence of color that makes a scene visually interesting. With white pumpkins, buffalo check rugs and iron accents, black and white can be a palette that works on any front porch.

Indigo and orange

Opposites attract. It’s a fact of life. Let your orange pumpkins and copper toned mums pop off a deeply indigo palette.

Are you experimenting with a new color palette for your fall front porch décor this year? If so, what colors are you featuring? Share your pictures with us on Instagram by tagging us @schlagelocks.

If you haven’t already heard, we recently updated our Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt with some exciting new capabilities. Not only does the lock work with both iOS and Android devices, there are also new options that make sharing access easier than ever. Using this smart lock is simple and convenient, from scheduling access codes so the babysitter can have access only when neededand  to making sure the neighbor can get in to water the plants while you’re on vacation. 

 

Best of all, sharing access with your smart lock is much safer and more secure than hiding or copying keys. You may even save money – you’ll never have to head to the hardware store to copy a key again. No more headaches trying to keep track of the keys you’ve handed out or worrying when one is lost or stolen, and no more keys weighing you down when you take your morning run. Adding an electronic lock to your home is definitely a lifestyle change – for the better.

Easy access for everyone

The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt offers multiple ways to share access with those you trust - even if they don't have a smartphone to get in. The lock holds up to 30 access codes which are entered on the lock’s touchscreen, so you can create a personalized code for each person you’d like to allow into your home. The Schlage Home app makes it easy to add codes in just a few taps, and keeping track of codes is simple because you can name each one according to who it was shared with – so Mom, Dad, and Uncle Jerry can all have their own codes. You can even use the app to send them their code via text or email.

To add new user codes through the Schlage Home app:

 

Tap the “Users” icon in the bottom right of the screen.

Under the “Access Codes” tab tap the “+” in the upper right of the screen.

 

 

Enter a name and digits for the access code. Choose between granting All Day Access or schedule the code for a specific time period.

Tap “Save” in the upper right corner to save the code. You’ll be prompted to share the new access code with your guest through text or email.

Custom schedules

The Schlage Home app gives you even more control over access sharing by allowing you to set schedules for each access code so they only work when you want them to. For example, if you want the babysitter to be able to use her code to enter your home only on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, you can do that. The rest of the week, the code won’t work – so you have greater control over who can access your home and when. It’s also easy to delete codes with the app when you no longer need them – much easier than tracking down a spare key or re-keying your lock because a key has been lost or stolen.

Here's how to schedule access codes for your Schlage Sense lock:
 

Tap the “Users” icon in the bottom right of the screen. Select an access code to manage or create a new one.
 

Under Access Schedule, tap the “All Day Access” slider off to make scheduling options appear.
 

Select one of the two available schedules to edit. Select the days and times that the access schedule will allow or deny access to that code. Tap Save.

Virtual keys

If your guest has a smartphone, you can send them a virtual key through the cloud from wherever you are – even if you don’t have the lock set up for remote access (Learn how to enable remote access for your lock here). Virtual keys are like electronic credentials. Your guest will receive a secure link that expires within 24 hours and leads them to the Schlage Home app where their virtual key is accepted. When they arrive at the door with their Bluetooth® enabled smartphone, the lock will recognize their secure credentials and allow access. Thanks to the Bluetooth connection between the lock and their phone, they’ll be able to unlock the door right then and there using the Schlage Home app.

 

*It's important to note that virtual keys will not work with locks set up using the HomeKit option. If you'd like to take advantage of virtual keys, you will need to reset your lock to factory settings and re-pair it using the Schlage system setup. See our FAQs for Schlage Sense for more information.

Here's how to send virtual keys:
 

Open the app and select the lock the invite will be for. Tap the “Users” icon on the bottom right of the screen.
 

Tap “Virtual Keys.”

Enter name of invited user and indicate whether you’d like to provide Admin access or Guest access (recommended).

Select a method to send the invite – email, text, etc. The invitation will be available for 24 hours before it expires. When the user is near the lock with Bluetooth turned on, they will be able to use the Schlage Home app on their smartphone to lock or unlock the deadbolt.

Lock history

Another very cool feature offered by the Schlage Home app is the lock history, which you can tap to view a log of the last 100 times the lock was used. The history will tell you whether the lock was accessed manually with an access code (and show you which access code it was, so you always know what time the kids got home) or unlocked using the smartphone app.

 

The great thing about all of these features is that they aren’t just convenient – they offer you a lot of peace of mind when it comes to protecting your home, your possessions and, most importantly, your family.

 

Questions or comments about the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt? Ask away on our Facebook or Twitter page.
 

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

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

Q&A with Ted Roberts

What sets Schlage apart as a style leader?

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

Where does Schlage get style inspiration?

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

Matte Black

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

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

How should someone style around Matte Black hardware?

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

 

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

What should you avoid with Matte Black?

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

Electronic locks have been around for a long time, but there are still many homeowners who haven’t given them a try yet. After all, there are a lot of questions to be answered – how difficult is installation? What happens if the power goes out? Will the lock work with other technology you have in the home, or maybe even your smartphone?

Easy installation

The good news is that the answers to these questions are simpler than you think! Take our latest smart lock, for example: the Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt. Because the lock runs on batteries, it’s easy to install yourself in just a few minutes with no hardwiring – all you need is a screwdriver. We’ve even included a special patented feature called Snap ‘n Stay that holds the deadbolt to the door while you reach for your screwdriver, so it’s truly a one-person job.

 

Instructions for installation are included in packaging, as always, but we’ve also put together an instructional video so you can see exactly how it’s done. As you’ll see in the video, with no hardwiring into your home’s electrical system, if the power goes out at home it’s no problem – you can still enter your access code on the touchscreen to gain access to your home. 

A smart lock for the whole family

The Schlage Sense lock was also designed to make life easier by working with both Android smartphones and iOS devices, pairing with them over Bluetooth just like you’d pair your phone with your car. Getting your lock paired with your phone is easy – just download the Schlage Sense app from the App Store or the Google Play Store. The app will walk you through the pairing process, so there’s no guesswork.

Remote access

What if you were able to access your front door lock through an app when you’re away from home? This is actually very simple to do, and can make life so much easier – imagine no more worrying about whether the kids have lost the house key, or hiding a spare under a rock and hoping the right person gets to it before anyone else can. Just grab our new Schlage Sense™ Wi-Fi Adapter (sold separately so existing Schlage Sense lock users can pick one up without buying a new lock!) and plug it into a power outlet near your lock. Connect the Adapter to your home Wi-Fi network, and ta-da! Anywhere access directly from your smartphone to your lock – without an existing smart home or alarm system or any subscription fees. Plus, the Schlage Sense app will walk you through the entire process step by step, so you don’t have to worry about a frustrating or complicated setup process.

Home automation integrations

How about using the lock with other technologies? We’ve all heard about the rising popularity of smart home gadgets, but figuring out which ones work together can be a headache. The Schlage Sense lock makes it easy by guiding you to the right choice for your home during initial setup, depending on whether or not you are an Apple HomeKit user.

 

If you love Apple products and have opted primarily for HomeKit-enabled smart devices in your home, you’ll be guided to use the HomeKit setup option. The HomeKit setup option allows you to set up anywhere access through your Apple TV, similar to the Wi-Fi Adapter, and allows you to control your lock alongside your other HomeKit-enabled devices within the Apple Home app. However, this setup option really is ideal for HomeKit users because it will only work with iOS devices and will not pair with Android smartphones or with the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter. If you prefer to be able to use Android smartphones with your lock, or you aren’t interested in an Apple HomeKit-centered experience, the app will guide you to the setup option which works with both iOS and Android smartphones, and allows you to pair the lock with the Wi-Fi Adapter.

Since we are always working to add new features to our electronic locks, you’ll want to be able to gain access to new functionality without having to buy a new lock each time. That’s why the Schlage Sense app is so important – it allows you to receive firmware updates so you can update your lock easily with no hassle. Check Schlage.com/SensePlatforms to see the latest technologies supported by the Schlage Sense lock, and check back here on the blog often to learn about new features and capabilities being added.

Smart locks are the perfect way to add a little more convenience and security to your home. With a smart lock from Schlage, you can choose to enter your home with a custom code you define, a mechanical key or your phone (depending on the lock you choose).

 

Installing a new smart lock is a project that any skill-level can take on with just a screwdriver and a few minutes out of your day. Before you get started, it's important to note these five things to ensure the installation goes as smoothly as possible.

Download the app

If you are installing the Schlage Sense^TM Smart Deadbolt, be sure to download the free, Schlage Sense^TM app before you begin installing your lock. The app has great step-by-step instructions so you can quickly install the lock and pair your smartphone seamlessly. You can also access other valuable information and helpful resources that allow you to take advantage of all the lock's capabilities and future updates.

 

Before you download, make sure your smartphone is up-to-date with the latest software version. You can check this by accessing your phone's settings and looking under "General" or "About".

Make sure your door is properly aligned

Because the bolt on your smart lock is extended automatically, it's important that the door and jamb are properly aligned. You can check this by testing your current lock. You'll want to answer yes to each of these questions:

Can you lock your door without pushing, pulling or lifting the door?

Does your door alignment stay the same no matter how hot or cold the weather may get?

When the door is closed, is there space for the deadbolt to extend 1" into the frame when locked?

Check your door measurements

All of Schlage's smart locks are designed to fit any standard, pre-drilled door. To double-check that your door will be compatible, you can find a quick look at standard door dimensions for deadbolt installation here. If your door is thicker than the standard 1-3/4", you may need to purchase a thick door kit which will extend the lock's capabilities to 2-1/4". You can contact our customer support team at 888.805.9837 for assistance.

Wait to install the batteries

To make sure your lock is properly paired to any smart hubs or phones, it's best to wait to install the batteries when instructed to do so. This ensures that nothing interferes with the auto-handing process of the lock and properly initiates the setup sequence that is needed after the lock is installed. If you do make a mistake or miss a step, you can simply perform a factory reset to start over.

Choose a coordinating handleset

Don't forget to complete the look by pairing a coordinating handleset, knob or lever. You'll need to consider which function will work best with your lifestyle. Do you want to make sure you can easily come and go without a mechanical key? Choose a Hall & Closet (Passage) function so you're never accidentally locked out. Keep in mind that if you keep a keyed knob or lever, you'll still have to manage mutliple mechanical keys for household members and guests. For handlesets, we offer a lower half, front entry handle that easily suites with the style of your smart lock.

You can find complete video tutorials for installing each of our smart locks by visiting our How-to-Center.

When it comes to sprucing up your entryway for the season, simple decorations can go a long way. Hang a brightly colored wreath of decorative berries, tuck in bronze-colored foliage to deepen containers, or stack a trio of pumpkins for a cheerful hit of color. Turn to the rich abundance of nature as your source of inspiration, and see just how effective a few well-chosen elements can be at creating a warm entryway.

1. Go for bright hues

Crisp white walls and a lemon-yellow door create a fresh entrance to a modern farmhouse-style home. Containers stay clean and green with feathery asparagus fern, chartreuse coral bells (Heuchera), and a mix of golden-yellow and dusty-blue ghost plants (Graptopetalum). Deepen the colors for fall by hanging a wreath rich in plum, bronze and gray-green.

 

Here, burgundy Leucadendron foliage mixes with orange echeveria flowers and clusters of persimmons. At the base of the wreath, two gnarled ‘Buddha’s Hand’ citrons pick up the door’s yellow paint.

2. Embrace natural country style

For a house with wood siding, all that’s needed to create a festive fall display is a pair of jewel-toned wreaths, along with one perfect pumpkin. With such limited decoration on the home, one’s eye is drawn to the surrounding garden’s seasonal changes, including the fern fronds turning bronze at the base of the house, and the canopies of golden leaves beyond.

3. Plant a vine for fall color

If your entryway has an overhang, create a stunning entrance with a vine selected for its autumn leaf display. This rambling specimen of California wild grape (Vitis californica‘Roger’s Red’) planted over a doorway turns a brilliant shade of red by midautumn and provides decorative little clusters of grapes for wild birds. In summer, the leaves (still green) provide a natural shade canopy for the front door.

 

Other vines with a dramatic fall display include black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata), Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) and American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens). Note: Be sure to look for true American bittersweet, rather than look-alike Oriental bittersweet (C. orbiculatus), which can be invasive. Both species are toxic.

4. Transition summer containers

There’s no need to completely rework your summer containers to give them fall flair. Replace tired-looking warm-season annuals with richly colored fall perennials, such as bronze- and golden-leaved coral bells (Heuchera), and rust-colored autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora).

 

Even easier than planting: Simply add a pumpkin for an instant fall container update. ‘Fairytale’ pumpkins (Cucurbita moschata ‘Fairytale’) are particularly stunning with their unusual squat shapes and eye-catching striations.

5. Keep it minimal

A single pumpkin placed by the entryway to this Southwest-style home nods to the season while keeping the decor understated. To re-create this minimalistic style, choose a single element to represent autumn — perhaps a bronze jug filled with branches, a crookneck gourd or a bundle of dried wheat — and display it where it can be appreciated for its simplicity.

6. Hang a wreath

If you do nothing else this season, pick up a simple fall wreath and tie it on your front door with a decorative bow for a quick upgrade. Here, a ring of whimsical berries stands out against a charcoal door. Wreaths of artificial berries, preserved leaves or dried fall fruits can be used year after year for fall decor.

 

If you’re feeling a bit more creative, make a wreath with elements foraged from the garden or purchased at your local floral shop.

7. Set out potted flowers for instant color

By late August, nurseries are stocked with containers brimming with fall-blooming perennials with flowers in gold, orange, red and deep purple. Chrysanthemums, perhaps the season’s most popular bloomer, keep pumping out flowers for months. To brighten your entryway, pick up potted bedding mums, then place the containers where they’ll receive at least a half-day of sun.

 

Once blooms begin to fade, bedding mums can be planted in the garden for color year after year. ‘Fireworks’ wrinkleleaf goldenrod (Solidago rugosa‘Fireworks’) lines the driveway.

8. Use dried foliage for lasting outdoor bouquets

Flanking a grand entrance of a traditional home, urns brimming with dried foliage lend seasonal interest with minimal effort. If kept out of the elements, dried foliage, seedpods and grasses can be used again and again to create an autumn display. Choose ingredients for your dried bouquet that pick up the paint color of your door or walkway for an integrated look.

 

To preserve your own garden’s foliage, clip stems of perennial seed heads and ornamental grasses, then hang them upside down to dry. Keep in mind that most untreated, naturally dried leaves and berries will lose their color.

9. Celebrate the harvest

For a rustic farm look, gather a bushel or two of dried cornstalks (available at garden and feed stores), tie them with thick ribbon or jute cord, then lean them by the front door. To really play up the farm feeling, add a pitchfork, wooden rake or other garden tools.

10. Add baskets

Don’t wait until Halloween night to set out baskets on the front porch. Throughout the fall, baskets can offer rich texture and act as vessels for displaying natural elements like pumpkins, squashes, Indian corn or colorful fall leaves found around the garden.

 

On Oct. 31, use the ingredients you’ve collected to decorate your doorway, and fill the baskets with candy for eager trick-or-treaters.

How are you decorating your front door's for fall? Share your photos with us on Facebook and Instagram.

This article first appeared on Houzz on September 5, 2017.

Within several hours, it’s possible to renovate your house or apartment into a smart home - one that pulls from the latest technology to make your space more efficient, secure, convenient or just more entertaining to hang out in.

 

Smart home technology is quickly becoming the next renovation project homeowners are adding to their to-do lists. With many of the devices ranging from $75 to $200 and falling into the Easy DIY-category, apartment dwellers also are starting to embrace smart home technology as a way to quickly update their living spaces. An added bonus? Many smart home products can be uninstalled and packed up with the next move.
 

Advantages cited by smart home residents

Drop the need for keys

With keyless entry systems, you no longer have to worry about misplacing keys. Assign each person a unique access code for entry; it’s easy to know when someone has made it home because the data is sent to your smartphone. And if an unexpected visitor arrives, you can remotely let them in with your smartphone while you’re stuck in traffic.

Cut the energy bills

Smart home thermostats automatically cut down the heat when outdoor temperatures rise, while irrigation systems water your lawn only when Mother Nature decides to take a break.

Light the way

Based on your preferences, smart lighting systems can be installed to turn on as you enter a room and turn off when you leave. You can also use your smartphone to control all the lights throughout your home, whether you’re in the bedroom or hundreds of miles away.

While these are among the most common smart home applications, innovations also have led the way to refrigerators that text you with selfies of their contents, beds that make themselves, and smart toilets that give you a warm seat on cold days.

 

You may not be quite ready to take a leap toward warm toilet seats, but you can take on several projects to get a head start on transforming your home into a smarter home.
 

3 steps to building a smart home

1. Understand the basics.

As with any new innovation, there typically is a slow rate of adoption until people become more familiar with the product. That was the case with the smartphone which first came on the market in 1994 as the IBM Simon Personal Communicator. Priced at about $900 with a two-year contract and weighing in at slightly over a pound, it’s no wonder only about 50,000 were sold in that first wave. About 77 percent of Americans now own a smartphone -- up from only 35 percent in 2011, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center. For many of those owners, the survey revealed, it’s now “something they can’t live without.”

 

Today, the smartphone has been paving the way toward the significantly quicker adoption of smart home technology, especially since it is considered a key component of how a smart home operates. By 2019, about two-thirds of Americans say they expect to have at least one smart home product in their homes, according to a recent survey by the Acquity Group. So, how does the smartphone (and tablets, laptops and computers) figure into the operation of a smart home? Good question.

 

Here’s one example. The latest smart locks are Bluetooth®-enabled so you can control and program the lock through a simple app on your smartphone. With the click of a button, you can unlock the door or create a new personalized code to share witha trusted friend or service professional, allowing them to access the home without interrupting your day.

 

In addition to smart locks, your smart home can have lighting systems that automatically turn on and off, surveillance cameras that keep an eye on things, and thermostats that adjust temperatures depending upon how hot and cold it is outside. All these functions, including many others, also can be controlled remotely through your smartphone, tablet or laptop.

2. Do your research

While many smart home products can be installed within minutes (yes, minutes), it’s best to research the products available to customize a smart home designed with your priorities in mind. It’s also important to determine if there are products you may want to purchase in the future. By doing so, you can come up with an integrated plan that meets your needs and desires.

 

Determine what you and the other people in your household want. More security? Lower electric bills? Safety measures for young children or elderly relatives? More conveniences? Or a more dynamic space for entertaining friends? Maybe it’s as simple as not dealing with your teenager losing the keys to the house. Again. As it turns out, there’s a smart home plan to meet all of those objectives, while staying within your budget. Here are a few examples of what you can accomplish:

 

• Energy-efficient smart home: With a smart thermostat and smart irrigation systems, you can lower bills by using power and water only when you need it. These products automatically adjust to weather patterns or your preferences.

 

• Convenient smart home: Install smart keyless door systems, blinds, lighting systems and motion sensors that will make daily routines simpler. With a click of a button, you can get the coffee going in the morning or the blinds shut, the doors locked, the alarm activated and the lights turned off at night. All from the comfort of your bed.

 

• Safe smart home: Your home can be set up with smart cameras, motion sensors and keyless door systems so that you can keep an eye out for the safety of family members. You can also install smart carbon dioxide and smoke detectors that send messages to your smartphone when something is awry.

 

• Entertaining smart home: If you like the idea of staying at home for movie night, install a smart entertainment system along with smart lighting that pulsates and lights up the room with color along with the action scenes. Your smartphone doubles as the remote control. Your home also can be set up to play your favorite tunes in different parts of the home as you enter a room.

 

As part of your transition to a smart home, gauge your level of comfort with the technology. For example, if you have an automated garage with a keypad, it may not be a huge transition to install a keyless lock that allows you to enter with a code. A smart thermostat that automatically adjusts temperatures may be equally appealing for a first try. You may decide that you’re ready to take the plunge into all the main components a smart home can offer, including technology that gradually determines your living pattern and adjusts accordingly.

 

With either approach, it’s important to select products that can effortlessly interact with each other through one central Wi-Fi controlled hub that acts as the brain of it all. You can purchase a hub that works with all your smart home devices. Some companies like AT&T, Xfinity and Vivint offer home automation packages that include a monthly maintenance fee to ensure the products work together. 

3. Installing and connecting it all

With many of the latest smart home products, DIY installation ranges from ridiculously simple to moderately simple. And installation time can be quick. That new smart lock? Under 15 minutes to install. Smarter thermostat? Home surveillance? Automated lights? Energy-efficient outlets? All about the same – 15 to 30 minutes each with common tools like screwdrivers.

 

Of course, some smart home products are more complex, and may take longer to install or require the assistance of a professional with experience in the industry. Even with DIY-products, you may feel more secure hiring an expert to help with installation as well as the operation of the system.

 

According to a poll conducted by Harris Poll and Lowe’s, 50 percent of Americans would prefer to install smart home products themselves with no monthly fees. About 21 percent said they would opt for a professional to install their smart home systems and pay a monthly maintenance fee.
 

Smart homes in 2022

With innovations for the smarter home moving at a record pace, futurists and other industry experts are predicting that a significant number of Americans will transform their homes at a record pace. According to the research firm Gartner, the average American household will own 500 smart home or connected devices by 2022.

 

If you’re already using your smartphone as an integral part of your day-to-day routines, a smart home could become another component of your lifestyle you can’t live without.

The Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt makes daily life easier and more convenient. Enter an access code on the touchscreen to unlock the door instead of searching your pockets for keys. Pairing the lock with your smartphone over Bluetooth^® is as easy as pairing your phone with your car, and the free Schlage Sense app makes setting up and using the lock as simple as checking email. Share access with trusted friends and family with just a few taps – no more keeping track of spare keys.

 

Now that this smart lock is compatible with Android smartphones and iOS devices, there are a few things you need to know. Check out a few frequently asked questions below.

1. Do I need to create an account to use my Schlage Sense app?

Both new and existing Schlage Sense lock users will be asked to create an account to use with their Schlage Sense app. Creating an account allows you to take advantage of all the latest features that the lock has to offer. If you’ve already been using the Schlage Sense lock with your smartphone, creating an account will not affect your lock’s settings.

2. How do you add an access code?

With the Schlage Sense app, adding and deleting access codes is easy. Simply set up a new code by going to "Add new access code." You can also give the code a name so you always know who should be using that code and even apply an access schedule so the code is only valid during certain days.

3. How do I receive notifications for my lock's activity?

If your lock is set up with HomeKit, you’ll need to add a HomeKit-enabled Apple TV 3rd or 4th generation or an iPad with iOS 10.0 or higher to your home Wi-Fi network. Make sure that the Apple TV/iPad is set up with the same iCloud and iTunes account information as your iPhone. Push notifications may need to be enabled from your iPhone as well. You can customize the types of notifications you receive by going to the Lock Settings > Push Notifications menu.

 

If the lock is set up with the Schlage system option (ideal for Android users or households using both Android and iOS), you’ll need to add a Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter to your home Wi-Fi network. Notifications will be enabled by default from the Schlage Sense app but can always be updated to your preference in lock settings.

4. Will my current Schlage Sense lock work with the Android app?

The current Schlage Sense lock can be updated to the latest firmware to support Android smartphones as well as other new features. If you are currently using the iOS app with the lock, open the Schlage Sense app and accept the firmware upgrade, or go to Lock Settings and tap on the firmware version to request an update.

5. If my lock is already connected to the iOS app, how do I connect it to the Android app as well?

 

To connect your existing Schlage Sense lock that has already been paired with an iOS device, you will need to complete the firmware update then follow the steps to remove your lock and repair it with the app. You can do this by going to lock settings and tapping "Delete Lock." This will return your lock to factory settings which means you will have to reset your access codes.

 

After you've removed the lock from your app, use the app to pair the lock again. This time you will be presented with two options for set up - "Setup with HomeKit" or "Set up with Schlage System." For your lock to compatible with both the iOS and Android smartphone app, you will need to select "Set up with the Schlage System."

6. I'm using an Android smartphone. How do I share access to my lock?

 

Virtual keys are electronic credentials that allow smartphone users to lock or unlock the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt when in Bluetooth range using the Schlage Sense app. Locks that are paired to your smartphone using the Schlage system setup option support the sharing of virtual keys with other smartphone users – both iOS and Android.

 

To send a virtual key, open the app and select the lock you want to provide access to. Tap the users icon on the bottom right of the screen then select "Virtual keys." Enter the name of the invited user and indicate whether you'd like to provide admin access or guest access (recommended). You can send the invite via email or text. Note that it will only be valid for 24 hours before it expires.

7. How do virtual keys work?

 

When an invited user is within Bluetooth range with Bluetooth on their phone turned on, they will be able to use the Schlage Sense app to lock or unlock the deadbolt.

 

It's important to note that virtual keys will not work with locks set up using the HomeKit option. If you'd like to take advantage of virtual keys, you will need to reset your lock to factory settings and re-pair it using the Schlage system setup noted in number 5.

8. How can I share access with someone who doesn't have a smartphone?

 

The Schlage Sense lock makes it easy to share access to your home with the people who need it. Even if a guest does not have a smartphone or access to the Schlage Sense app, you can provide a unique access code to allow them to unlock the door via the lock's touchscreen.

9. How do I update my lock's firmware?

 

Firmware updates are important because they ensure that your lock has the latest features. The lock will notify the user of a lock firmware update through the Schlage Sense app. Firmware updates for the lock must be performed within Bluetooth range of the lock.

10. How do I update my Schlage Sense lock firmware from Version 3.42 or 3.49?

 

Some homeowners may have experienced trouble updating from lock firmware version 3.42 or 3.49. There is now a way to work around this issue and update to the latest lock firmware. First, make sure you’ve downloaded the latest Schlage Sense app from the App Store or the Google Play store.

 

You will need to re-set your lock to factory settings by deleting it from your account in the app. Pair the lock again by tapping the "Add a lock" icon located at the top left of the main screen. Choose "Setup with the Schlage system" then you'll be prompted to update your lock's firmware. After that, complete the Add a lock process again, this time selecting HomeKit if this is the setup you prefer for your iOS device.

11. I lost my phone. How do I secure my Schlage Sense account?

 

If your smartphone is lost, you can access your Schlage Sense account on another mobile device to change your password and secure your account.

We want to know your Schlage Sense questions! Leave us a note on Facebook to let us know.

It’s almost fall, the days are getting shorter, and it’s time to start swapping out your summer decorations for a look that is more fit for cooler Autumn weather and the season of pumpkin flavored everything. In other words, it’s time to think of fall curb appeal ideas. Redecorating for fall and improving the look of your house doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of budget-friendly ways to make your home stand out.

 

Whether you’re selling your house and want to impress prospective buyers or just want to spark a healthy amount of jealousy from guests and neighbors, your home’s curb appeal is the place to start this fall.

Landscaping

Landscaping is the first step in improving your curb appeal. Summer is over and you don’t need to mow as often as you did at the beginning of the year, but the lawn still needs care. Keep up on the mowing and weeding so that your home looks cared for and welcoming to guests.

 

Fall is also a great time to plant certain year-round plants and trees. Visit your local nurseries to make the most of their year-end sales and spruce up your yard.

 

Landscaping Inspiration: See HouseBeautiful’s post about fall landscaping to learn more.

Front door

You’re probably familiar with the idea of painting your front door to improve your curb appeal as a lot of curb appeal tips revolve around it. And we absolutely agree, in fact, we have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to our love of pretty doors.

 

But paint isn’t the only thing that can improve the look of your front door. Changing your door hardware can really improve your whole entryway. If you’re unsure what would work best with your house, it’s important to think about the style of your home as well as the color of your front door. Schlage has a wide range of front door products that include touchscreen and “smart” locks, so you can find the door hardware that’s perfect for your home.

 

Perfect Door Hardware: Check out all of Schlage’s handlesets to see what’s right for your front door.

Painting

If you’re interested in painting something to give your home a splash of color, don’t limit yourself to the front door. Check out Country Living’s ideas about how to use paint to update your outdoor living space. Painting your porch can really add some brightness to an otherwise unnoticeable space. Whether you are working with wood or concrete, paint can improve the appearance of your porch or patio. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could do what Bella Tucker did and add a fun pattern to your front porch.

 

Front Porch Makeover: See what a difference painting can make.

 

Seasonal plants

Fall doesn’t have to mean the end of colorful plants. There are plenty of options to keep your house looking bright. Mums and pansies last much longer than most flowers and can keep your porch colorful in the fall. Whitney Curtis over at The Home Depot combined flowers with pumpkins and hay to really make her porch feel welcoming.

Fall decorating: Combine pumpkins and flowers like Paula Coldiron of Two Ellie did and make planters out of Styrofoam pumpkins.

 

Check out our Pinterest for more ideas about curb appeal and how to accessorize your front door.

If you're a homeowner with an active lifestyle, or a busy parent with kids who are always coming and going, then Schlage Touch can help simplify your day by eliminating the hassle of keys entirely. If you're on the fence about which electronic lock is best for you, here's everything you need to know about the Schlage Touch™ Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt.

1. Fingerprint-proof touchscreen

The Schlage Touch lock is equipped with a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen that helps protect privacy of access codes. No matter the weather, you can still use this touchscreen in the rain and while wearing gloves.

2. 100% pick-proof

With no key and no cylinder, there's nothing for you to lose and for would-be intruders, nothing to pick. You no longer need to worry about re-keying your lock or cutting new keys. Simply change the code on your lock whenever you need to give or take away access.

3. 9V battery backup

You may be wondering, if there's no cylinder, how can you get in your home if the battery dies? The Schlage Touch is powered by a 9V battery and because it is a standard electronic lock, the battery life will last two years with a low-battery warning that will alert you long before the battery is completely drained. In the unlikely event that the battery does die, this lock features a 9V battery backup on the front of the lock that allows you to perform a battery jump. Once the battery jump is complete and a valid credential is entered, you'll then be able to rotate the bolt throw and unlock the deadbolt.

4. Security grade

The Schlage Touch deadbolt has the highest industry ratings for residential security, durability and finish (AAA). The Schlage Touch lever Meets residential industry standards for B security rating (C = good, B = better, A = best) and A durability and finish rating (BAA).

5. Can store up to 19 user codes

Codes are easy to set up and easy to change through the Schlage Touch touchscreen. You'll need the original programming code which can be found on the product manual or inside the interior housing as a solid backup. Be sure to checkout our tips for creating a secure user code.

6. Security with options

The Schlage Touch deadbolt provides a little more security on an exterior door. The Schlage Touch with lever is perfect for interior doors that need a little extra protection but a key would be far too inconvenient, like an office or the door leading to a connected garage.

7. Warranty

The Schlage Touch is backed by a 3-year limited electronics warranty and limited lifetime mechanical and finish warranty.

8. Easy installation

The Schlage Touch installs easily in just a few minutes with no wiring needed. The only tool you'll need is a screwdriver. Its slim profile fits easily between the front door and screen door and is guaranteed to fit on standard doors.

The Schlage Touch is perfect for those who want convenient access and a little peace of mind not worrying about lost or stolen keys but aren't interested in the connectivity that smart locks provide. If you decide Schlage Touch is perfect for you, we want to see your makeover photos! Share them with us on Facebook.

Smart locks are meant to make life easier and more connected. If you have a smart lock, have you been using it to its full potential? If you’ve been considering buying one, have you thought about all the ways it could simplify your life? Here are a few examples of how a smart lock could help your day-to-day life.

Keyless Convenience

One of the appeals of smart locks is not having to carry around your house keys. But maybe you’re not sure when that would actually be useful to you. After all, you have to have your car keys, so house keys don’t seem like that much of an inconvenience. From experience, we know having a keyring that is too big to fit in your pocket isn’t particularly enjoyable.

 

But what about going running or biking from your house? Maybe you make use of the little built in pocket in work-out pants, or tie a house key to your shoes. But with a smart lock, you never have to worry about taking the key off your ring to go exercise, or losing it if do. You also don’t have to worry about hiding a lock under the mat or in your mailbox for visitors. The Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt can hold up to 30 access codes so anyone visiting your house can have their own code.

 

Maybe you have a dog walker that comes to your house regularly. Or a lot of maintenance people coming in and out. You either have to give them a key to your house, or leave one hidden for them if you aren’t able to let them in every time. With a smart lock you’ll never have to worry about that again. Give the dog sitter their own access code so they can get in when they need to, and you can know when their code is used. See when your pets are being taken care of instead of worrying while you’re away.

Home sharing

Maybe you have been thinking about listing your home on a site like Airbnb, Home Away, VRBO or something similar. Did you know how useful smart locks can be for home sharing? Because you can set up multiple codes, you can just text your guests their code for their stay. You’ll get extra host points for ease and convenience if you make their access code the last 4 digits of their phone number. That way they know it’s just for them.

 

You can also set time frames for all of the lock’s access codes. That means you can make sure a guest’s access code only works for the time they have rented your house, and you don’t have any strangers with 24/7 access to your home.

Smart home living

Smart locks don’t have to be the extent of your smart home world. The Schlage Connect™ Touchscreen Deadbolt can connect to multiple home automation hubs such as Samsung SmartThings and the Wink Hub. When paired to your home automation hub, the Connect can work with Amazon Alexa devices. Ask Alexa if your front door is locked when you’re getting into bed instead of double checking. Do you live with a child or spouse that leaves the house and never remembers to lock the door behind them? Or maybe you’re the forgetful one. Now you can just ask Alexa to lock the front door.

 

*Update May 9, 2018: Schlage announces new Amazon Alexa voice unlocking capabilities. Get the details here.

 

You can start adding smart products to your home with a home automation hub. Philips Hue lights are an option for smart home lighting that allow you to control color and brightness of your lights through your phone. The Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat is a programmable thermostat that can help you save money on your energy bills and keep your home the perfect temperature. Both of these systems work with the same home automation hubs that the Schlage Connect Touchscreen Deadbolt works with. This means that you could set up your home so that the lights and A/C turn on when you unlock your door in the afternoons. Your house will be ready and waiting for you.

 

Do you have other lifehack ideas? Share them on our Facebook page.

Do you like to check on your home via your cellphone while you’re away? How about monitoring your little one’s nap time from the computer downstairs? If so, you’re part of a growing number of people using smart technology at home.

 

About 45 percent of renovating homeowners have added or are adding systems and other products that can be controlled with a mobile device or computer, according to the Houzz 2016 U.S. Smart Home Trends Study. Slightly over half are not joining the smart home trend — some citing privacy concerns for their choice.

 

The study, from the Houzz research team led by principal economist Nino Sitchinava, polled nearly 1,000 Houzz users in the U.S. who own homes and had either completed a home renovation project in the last year or were planning one within the next. Read on, then tell us what you think. Does smart home technology appeal to you?

We care about being safe

The most popular area for new smart systems or devices to appear is home security or safety upgrades, the study found. One-fourth of renovating homeowners install smart products for this area. After safety comes entertainment: 18 percent of renovating homeowners put smart technology in their entertainment systems.

But let’s not break the bank

Homeowners who choose smart security technology spend more, not surprisingly, than those who choose more conventional alternatives. About one-third of renovating homeowners spend $500 or less on smart security, while another 41 percent spend between $501 and $1,500.

No intruders here

The No. 1 reason renovating homeowners choose to upgrade to smart security is to protect their home against intruders. After that, renovators cited the ability to control and monitor their homes, both while inside them and while away.

This home is protected by smarts

The most popular safety-related upgrades that use smart technology are alarms and/or fire and carbon monoxide detectors, and cameras; those two types are installed by about 9 percent of renovating homeowners each. About 5 percent of owners opt for smart door locks, which can be connected to Wi-Fi and controlled via a computer or mobile device.*

 

*Schlage smart locks require pairing with a smart home hub to allow remote access.

After safety, it’s all about having a good time

About 8 percent of renovating homeowners install TVs, speakers and video- or music-streaming devices that are smart — meaning they can be controlled with a mobile device or computer. Video-streaming devices — think Apple TV, Roku — and music-streaming devices — for Spotify, Pandora and so on — are more likely to be smart than not.

It’s hard to say no to a smart TV

Homeowners who buy entertainment systems shell out in a wide range of cost categories. About 21 percent of renovators who opted for smart entertainment spent more than $5,000, while only 5 percent budgeted for this spending.

Let’s be comfortable and save energy too

Renovating homeowners who choose smart climate-control systems or devices — most frequently smart thermostats — say it’s all about improving comfort. A close second is reducing energy consumption, cited by 68 percent of renovating homeowners who choose smart technology. Reducing energy consumption is also a big motivator for owners who choose smart lighting solutions.

Nontechie, and it’s OK

Although a growing number of renovators are using smart tech at home, more than half of renovating homeowners choose not to use smart security products, lighting or systems and devices for climate control or entertainment. Among that group, only about one-third considered them as an option. Among those who considered, about 37 percent just weren’t interested. Notably, nearly one-fourth of the entire group of nonadopters shied away because of privacy concerns.

 

See the complete survey results.

This article first appeared on Houzz on September 15, 2016.

It’s that time of year again. The kids are headed back to school, and whether you’re excited or sad about the prospect, Schlage wants to make sure that you’re also prepared. The school year brings all kinds of new situations for families, and a smart lock can help you navigate them.

Keyless convenience

No parent wants their kids to be locked out of the house, but maybe you aren’t ready to give them a key yet. They might be too young for a set of keys, or maybe just forgetful. The keys might fall out of their backpack or just never make in into it. With a lock like the Schlage Connect™ Touchscreen Deadbolt, you won’t have to hide keys under doormats or worry that your kids will have to wait outside until you get home from work.

Scheduling

Scheduling can become difficult once school starts back up. Once after school activities start, no one gets home at the same time, especially if you have more than one child. When you have people coming in and out of your house at all hours of the day, a smart lock is your best friend. The Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt can hold up to 30 access codes, so everyone in the family can have their own code to the front door. If you have an Apple TV or iPad in the home, you can use it to connect your Schlage Sense deadbolt to your iPhone through Apple HomeKit, and use the Schlage Sense app to unlock or lock the door even when you're not at home. Then, if there is ever a time that someone is picking your child up, or gets home before you do, you can let them in with your smartphone.

Curfew enforcer

If your kids are old enough to be going out with friends, you’re probably familiar with staying up and worrying about them until they get home. Or maybe you remember how many things you got away with when you were a teenager and are determined to catch your own children in the act. This can lead to many nights sitting on the couch in the dark waiting to surprise your child as they come in late.

 

When you have the Schlage Sense app installed on your phone, you get notifications when the door is unlocked and which code was used. No more late nights waiting up on the couch worrying about your child, or hoping for that “gotcha” moment. Your deadbolt and smartphone can do all of that for you, and you can get some sleep.

 

Peace of mind

Most importantly, a smart lock can offer you peace of mind. Every parent is going to worry about their kids, and Schlage can’t stop that, but we can help make it better. With the Schlage Sense app, your Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt lets you know when your kids get home from school or practice. You’ll never have to worry about whether or not they’re safe at home again.

 

If you have babysitters or grandparents that come over to watch your kids when you can’t be home immediately after school, Schlage smart locks are perfect for them as well. You can create codes on a schedule that matches when the babysitter is going to be at your house. You also don’t have to worry about making multiple copies of your keys for anyone that might need access. Rest easy knowing your home is safe and easily accessible for your family with Schlage.

 

Check out our Pinterest for more ideas on how our products can fit in to your home.

In my work, I’m frequently surrounded by experts and people heavily immersed in the latest and greatest technology tools and sciences. That makes talking with people who are not as exposed to the Internet of Things (IoT) a special opportunity. I always tell them, the fact is that the success or failure of IoT oriented solutions is all about being flexible.

In my experience, these conversations and interactions quickly become a discussion about operating systems. When the term operating system is used, many of us think about our personal computing devices: phones, tablets, perhaps a laptop. But today’s operating systems aren’t necessarily tied to a single piece of hardware or a traditional “technology tool.” They can be ubiquitous, completely cloud-based and interact with devices based on circumstance.

 

That said, in the more traditional vein we have operating systems for our watches, cars, and I would certainly now argue for our homes. All of these operating systems appear to be on very different paths to maturity, but in reality, they are following a similar map, largely based on the core foundations of their construction.

To understand these paths, start with the basics. For IoT-oriented solutions, the three core contributors to growth/maturity are:

• The cost and availability of sensors
• The decreasing cost of data transport
• The decreasing cost and increasing efficiency of data cleansing/optimization tools

   

Sensors are affordable, and becoming more so daily. These sensors are also delivering more data than ever before. The cost of the pipes and transport of this data continue to decrease and become more accessible. All of this unstructured or “dirty” data is now more easily cleansed, sorted and made available through optimization tools. These are foundational, core trends that feed the ability for IoT operating systems to exist. These core components allow for these maturing operating systems to form, evolve and expand at the rapid pace we are witnessing.

 

I work for a company that makes security and safety products focused on where people work, live and play. My job is challenging and immensely interesting to me, because we are in the process of bridging a divide. On one side are the typically hardened, tough metal objects meant to keep out the people you don’t want coming in, and on the other are newer digital components that are meant to protect but can also enable a higher level of convenience, interoperability and function than ever before.

So let’s focus on the evolving home or building operating system for a moment. Some call them Smart Homes or Smart Buildings. Here we are finding the fusion of energy management, security and most recently, convenience. Historically, energy management and security are well understood. We manage the costs of lighting, HVAC, etc. We understand why it is important to have locks on our doors and to keep our buildings secure. The seed change of the IoT in this operating system is now appearing. By installing connected, smart or sensor-driven devices, we are effectively bringing the element of convenience to more people. As we witness the fusion of these historically disparate elements of energy management, security and convenience together, we can provide a more tailored and personalized experience to the user. In other words, we can provide flexibility.

 

Will my watch, car and home be able to support multiple operating systems? What if I want just one? Or will these operating systems themselves demonstrate the type of flexibility that consumers crave and demand as the technology matures? How will these operating systems evolve? If I choose one, am I stuck? 

Great questions, and early on, operating systems have been very proprietary. History shows us that less proprietary systems are typically faster to evolve and change, allowing them to adopt newer technology to positively impact function, availability and costs. Again, in a word, flexibility.

 

In addition to the influence of traditional market demand-based innovative design and crave-worthy marketing efforts will be the critical elements of security, privacy and the management of data. These elements are potential game changers if not suitably and continuously addressed. There is no flexibility here.

 

Operating systems will become broader and more transparent as IoT-oriented devices and tools enter our lives in masse. The growth curve is undeniable, and the opportunities are becoming much more obvious to even the least exposed observers. The measure of adoption and perhaps most importantly, satisfaction that they deliver will be largely dependent on how flexible they are for the user. To learn more, visit Schlage.com/thoughtleadership.

When choosing and installing keyless locks, ditching the key doesn't mean ditching style, too. Our customers have some of the most beautiful homes so we gathered up real world photos on Instagram to help inspire your next makeover and give you the courage to add a little tech to your front door! Tell us: Which look is your favorite? Be sure to follow us on Instagram for plenty of inspiration!
 

With recent advancements in smart home technology and many brands entering the industry, it's never been easier or more affordable to outfit your home with smart technology. By focusing on a few aspects of your home that could benefit from a little more convenience and security, you'll be living like the Jetsons in no time. But with so many available options, the features can become a little overwhelming. Here are six things you need to know about smart locks before you decide to make the investment.

Ease of installation

Will you need to hire a locksmith to install your new lock or is it a quick and easy DIY project? Be sure to consider available installation manuals and videos before you choose a lock.

 

With the Schlage Sense^TM Smart Deadbolt, installation is easy. Just follow along through the Schlage Sense app for step-by-step instructions. A screwdriver is the only tool you'll need to complete the installation in just a few minutes.

Ease of use

A smart lock that becomes confusing to use is going to add more frustration than convenience to your day-to-day. Make sure you understand all modes of access a smart lock allows and how to share access with a family member or service personnel. It may be too confusing for a friend to download an app to take advantage of keyless entry so you'll want a lock that gives you options.

 

Both the Schlage Sense lock and Schlage Connect^TM Touchscreen Deadbolt allow multiple modes of entry whether it's through an app on your phone, a 4-8 digit PIN or a manual key. Simply create a custom PIN for any guests that need access to your home. No confusing app instructions necessary!

Proven track record for strength and security

At the end of the day, it's important that your smart lock stand the test of time when it comes to keeping your home safe and secure. While there are many smart locks on the market that have plenty of cool features to keep you connected, they fall short when it comes to strength and durability. Choosing a smart lock from a company that has a long history of producing quality deadbolts and locks will give you the peace of mind knowing that even if the wi-fi is out or your batteries fail, you'll still have a durable lock built to protect your home.

 

If you're unsure whether or not a lock passes the strength and durability test, look for locks that are backed by the BHMA certified secure home residential door hardware grade. At Schlage, we put our locks against rigorous testing, such as sledgehammer attacks, attempts to manually pull the lock from the door, and measures of durability that ensure smooth functionality after a lifetime of use. Both the Schlage Sense lock and Schlage Connect lock with built-in alarm received a grade of AAA from the BHMA - the highest rating you can receive in the categories of strength, durability and finish.

Available features

Take the time to learn all the available features for your smart lock. A great lock can do more than lock and unlock! With a Schlage smart lock, you can take advantage of extra features like built-in alarm technology that senses the slightest vibrations against the door and responds with an audible alarm and optional auto-lock technology that automatically locks the deadbolt behind you so you never have to worry about someone forgetting to lock the door again.

Battery life

Make sure you understand the type of batteries used to power your lock and the expected battery life. You don't want to end up with a lock that uses an obscure battery or needs to be changed every month. Schlage smart locks are powered by 4 double A batteries that only need to be changed once a year.

Smart device compatibility

Do you already have other smart devices installed in your home? You'll want to be sure you choose a smart lock that is compatible. Do you have a smart home hub powered by z-wave technology? Then you'll want to choose a z-wave lock, like the Schlage Connect lock. Are you interested in building a smart home within the Apple HomeKit Ecosystem? Then Schlage Sense is right for you.

 

Have specific questions about your smart lock's features or capabilities? Reach out to us on Twitter or Facebook for help!

It’s likely you’ve used a virtual assistant at least once. Anytime you talked to Siri or said, “OK Google,” to search for information or automate a task on your smartphone, you used a virtual assistant. 

You can take the virtual assistant a step further by adding one to your house. You may have seen these home assistants in TV ads or on a tech-savvy friend’s kitchen counter. The small speaker-like gadgets are wirelessly connected to a kind of smart online software. Some examples of this software are Alexa and Google Assistant, which you can verbally ask to perform tasks such as telling you what the weather is like, scheduling meetings or playing music. 

These home assistants can make any house feel more like a smart home, but how do you choose the best fit for your home and personal style? To figure this out, you have to weigh the function and appearance of these high-tech devices. Let’s take a look at four home assistants that work well and look good doing it.

1. Amazon Echo

Cost: $179.99

The Amazon Echo is an internet-connected device that
gives you access to Amazon’s virtual assistant, called Alexa. The Echo is capable of playing music and answering miscellaneous questions (“Alexa, what’s the weather like?”), and it can even place shopping orders on Amazon.

Alexa was primarily designed to make life easier for its users, and users have seen that having the beginnings of a “smart home” isn’t as complicated as they originally thought. 

Julia Fain of Huntersville, North Carolina, received an Amazon Echo as a Christmas gift from family and has found Alexa to be a convenient virtual helper.

“We use ‘her’ a lot to play music: upbeat music in the morning before school and classical while our kids do homework,” Fain says. “It’s nice that we can easily say, ‘Alexa next,’ to skip songs, and, ‘Alexa, volume 3,’ to turn music down without touching it. We ask her frequently about the weather, news and what the date is [for writing down it on homework].”

2. Amazon Echo Dot

Cost: $49.99

The Echo Dot is Amazon’s more compact version of the Echo. It still connects to Alexa and offers the same features, but the home assistant’s hardware is much smaller. A mere 1½ inches tall, it looks something like a small hockey puck. 

The biggest difference between the Echo and the Echo Dot is the devices’ speakers. The taller Echo has room for a large speaker that wraps around the entire cylinder, providing better sound quality when playing music or replying to questions.

Matthew Anderson of Lincoln, Nebraska, says he likes the versatility of his Echo Dot. “When I have guests over, I will use it to stream music, either from a specified artist’s ‘station’ or by connecting my phone to it,” Anderson says.

Anderson also uses his Echo Dot to listen to podcasts and play Jeopardy, which is one of many “skills” you can teach Alexa. 

“I use the timer-alarm function often when multitasking around the kitchen or tending to various tasks around my condo,” Anderson says. “Heck, I’ll often ask Alexa, ‘What time is it?’ if my hands are busy with kitchen stuff and I don’t want to touch my phone.”

 

The Echo Dot’s speaker is much smaller and is located on top. While the sound quality is still good (full disclosure: I own one and have no complaints about the sound quality for basic, everyday use), it’s not quite as good as the original Echo’s. 

To make up for this, the Echo Dot has an audio output jack, so you can attach an external speaker to improve the sound quality of your music. 

The Echo Dot’s size means that it looks at home in nearly any setting, regardless of the decor. [Browse rustic coffee tables for your Echo Dot.] It is also available in white or black, and its low profile means that unless your guests hear it speak, they probably won’t even know it’s there.

“I just learned there are fabric-faux wood cases for the Dot now, but the aesthetics aren’t worth [the money] to me,” Anderson says.

3. Google home

Cost: $129

This voice assistant is Google’s first foray into the home assistant market. 

Google Home responds to the same voice commands as your Android phone’s assistant (“OK Google”) and works with the Google infrastructure. 

“I really like how receptive it is to my voice,” says Google Home owner Sammy Purcell of Mountain View, California, noting that the device is able to pick up her voice if she gives it a command from another room.

Purcell uses her Google Home for many different tasks around the house, even letting it talk her husband through making French toast with step-by-step instructions.

“But most often I use it to entertain and educate my 2-year-old son,” she says. “We use it for music a lot, and he’s obsessed with asking Google — or “Googoo,” as he calls it — to make a variety of noises. We started with animal sounds and [have since] evolved to different musical instruments and various vehicles like cars and trains. It makes my life easier because sometimes Mommy doesn’t know what sound a lemur makes, and my imitation of a train horn is not very accurate.”

Google Home recently gained the ability to detect different voices, so if you and your spouse each have events scheduled for the day, it will be able to remind each of you about your events by recognizing your voices. 

Google Home has a single speaker (located around the bottom half of the product) and a customizable base, meaning you can make it match nearly any decor or color scheme you want. There are even third-party services that have started designing skins for the top portion of Google Home devices, so you can give the gadget a wooden, metal or leather look.

The advanced customization options of Google Home’s aesthetics may make it more desirable than other home assistant products. 

The device itself isn’t as tall as the Amazon Echo, coming in at about 5⅝ inches, but its base is slightly wider, making it more stable and less likely to fall over. The body of the Google Home is white by default, and the stock base is a slate gray. But you can easily remove the base, which is only attached with magnets, and replace it with whatever color best fits your home.

Purcell says she really likes the way her Google Home looks. “We just own the standard gray-silver base model, but it looks really clean and sleek in our kitchen,” she says. “It’s pretty subtle and not garish or gaudy one bit, but stands out just enough that people will notice it and ask us about it.”

4. Lenovo Smart Assistant

Cost: $129.99

At first glance, you might think that the Lenovo Smart Assistant is an Amazon Echo clone — its operating system is even powered by Alexa. But some might say it brings together the best of Echo and Home into one neat package. 

The Lenovo Smart Assistant has been demonstrated at events around the country and is expected to be available in 2017.

The biggest physical difference between the Lenovo device and other smart assistants is its speakers. According to industry experts, such as CNET, this home assistant has some of the best speakers in the market, making it a good choice for playing music anywhere in your home. 

Being outfitted with Alexa, it also includes all the same voice command options that you can access with the Echo and Echo Dot. Lenovo Smart Assistant can pick up your voice from more than 16 feet away and cancel out background noise so you aren’t constantly shouting “Alexa!”

Otherwise, Lenovo Smart Assistant is roughly the same size and shape as Amazon’s Echo. However, the device itself comes in four different colors, something Amazon doesn’t offer. You can get Lenovo Smart Assistant in green, orange, gray or black — making it easy to match to any home decor or color scheme. 

These Home Assistants Are Just the Beginning

With major tech companies vying for success in the home assistant market, it’s only a matter of time before we start to see some new options. Expect to see smaller startups popping up in this industry, likely bringing more trendy-looking smart home devices with them. 

Tech companies have already figured out how to make virtual assistants more practical for everyday consumers. Next, they’ll refine the aesthetics of these gadgets to fit consumer design preferences too. 

Your turn: Are you using one of these assistants or other “smart home” technologies? Please tell us about it on Facebook or Twitter.

 

This article first appeared on Houzz on May 30, 2017.

Have you considered replacing the door hardware in your home, but were overwhelmed with options? We get it. Once you decide whether you want a knob or lever, you have to choose what style of trim you want and the finish. But how do you know what to choose, or what will look best with the rest of your house?

 

This guide goes over the 9 most popular home styles and the best door hardware for those styles, making your life a little easier.

1. Craftsman

Craftsman homes are recognizable by their intricate woodwork or stonework, arched doorways and an emphasis on natural materials. They often have a wide front porch, big fireplaces and exposed beams.

 

Suggested door hardware: Addison trim in Matte Black.

2. Country/Farmhouse

Country and Farmhouse styles of home are updates on the classic colonial. These homes have wide front porches, evenly spaced windows with shutters and wood accents and siding.

 

Suggested door hardware: Camelot trim in Matte Black.

3. Tudor

Tudor homes can be recognized by their steep, multi-gabled rooflines. They have large chimneys, decorative entryways and exteriors often made of brick, stone or stucco.

 

Suggested door hardware: Wakefield trim in Aged Bronze.

4. Victorian

Victorian style homes tend to be very narrow but tall, often three stories or more. With their towers and turrets, which lead to their asymmetrical design, and steep rooflines, they are very recognizable.

 

Suggested door hardware: Brookshire trim in Antique Brass.

5. Ranch

Ranch homes are probably the most common home style. They are single floor homes, often in an L or U shape with an attached garage.

 

Suggested door hardware: Greenwich trim in Satin Nickel.

6. Bauhaus/International/Modern

These homes feature flat or low sloped roofs, geometric lines, large windows and a lot of steel and concrete. They are very sharp, sleek and minimalist.

 

Suggested door hardware: Collins trim in Satin Nickel.

7. Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern homes are characterized by use of glass and open floor plans. They use a lot of flat lines throughout the architecture and emphasize nature through the placement of big, wide windows.

 

Suggested door hardware: Century trim in Chrome or Polished Nickel.

8. Contemporary

Contemporary architecture puts a lot of focus on nature. Most of the building materials are natural/sustainable like bamboo flooring or granite counters. There is also a lot of natural light brought into the homes using plenty of windows.

 

Suggested door hardware: Upland trim in Satin Nickel.

9. Industrial Modern

This style of home is named for the industrial style they model themselves after. They have exposed components that most homes hide, such as A/C ducts and indoor brick. They also feature big windows and high ceilings.

 

Suggested door hardware: Greyson trim in Matte Black.

Let us help you narrow down the perfect product combination even further. Try our Style Selector tool for help!

 

Smart homes are quickly becoming the new normal. With countless companies making smart products and home automation systems, it can be hard to know where to start. When you’re starting your smart home, Schlage believes that safety should be your first priority. There are plenty of smart devices that can help, like cameras, motions sensors and smoke detectors, but none more simple and familiar than your front door deadbolt.

A background in safety

Schlage has been making locks for more than a century, and we put all that knowledge into our electronic deadbolts. The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) sets the industry standard for secure home products. All our door hardware, including our electronic deadbolts, has been tested against their guidelines and many have the highest residential BHMA security rating on the market. You can have peace of mind knowing that your home is well protected.

Understanding BHMA security grades

The BHMA has three categories - Security, Durability and Finish - that it grades residential locks on. The three grades they give, “C” for good, “B” for better, “A” for best, are given in each category. The Schlage Connect^TM Touchscreen Deadbolt with Built-In Alarm, Schlage Sense^TM Smart Deadbolt, and the Schlage Touch^TM Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt and Lever received a rating of AAA from the BHMA.

Security

Security measures the lock’s strength by how well the hardware withstands impact and remains secure.

Durability

Durability tests how long-lasting and functional the door hardware is. The tests to measure durability include ease of opening the door and long-term use of door hardware.

Finish

The finish rating is based on the door hardware not corroding, peeling, etc. over time. Various weather conditions are tested to make sure the product will withstand different climates.

Ditch your keys

When you go keyless, not only do you never have to worry about losing your house keys, you also never have to worry about someone stealing them. No more hiding keys under the mat for guests or making a copy and never getting it back. Just give your guests their own access code. The Schlage Connect™ Touchscreen Deadbolt can hold up to 30 codes for anyone that might need to enter your home.

Never forget to lock up

With the Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt, you’ll never again have to go back home and make sure you remembered to lock your door. Using the Schlage Sense app and Apple HomeKit*, you can lock and unlock your door from anywhere. This is also a great capability to have if you have guests coming over. You can let them into your house from the app whether you’re home or not.

Extra Features

Both the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt and the Schlage Connect Touchscreen Deadbolt come with extra security features including auto-lock and a built-in alarm. By taking advantage of the built-in alarm feature, your deadbolt will activate an alarm when the lock is tampered with or a significant amount of force is applied to the door. Auto-lock allows you to set your deadbolt to automatically lock after a given amount of time. This way, if you forget to lock the door behind you when you get home, you don’t have to worry about locking up before you go to bed. It will already be done.

Find other home security tips and more on our Pinterest page.

 

*iPad/Apple TV must stay plugged into power at home, connected to Wi-Fi and in Bluetooth range (about 40 feet) of the lock to enable remote access.

It's no secret that we believe you can make a big impact to the curb appeal of your home by focusing on a few key details. But how do those details play out in real life? We've collected a few of our favorite bloggers and asked them to give their take on easy curb appeal updates. See all their before and afters and project tips for perfect curb appeal below!

Designer Trapped

What happens when you already have the perfect front door? Embrace its potential by covering up years of wear and tear with a fresh coat of paint. We love these tips for a dramatic front door update!

The design confidential

Sometimes, adding your own personal touch can be difficult when you have to play within strict neighborhood and HOA rules. By putting together an organized plan, Rayan of the Design Confidential was able to give her curb appeal an update that reflected the interior of her home.

Brooklyn Limestone

When budget is a limiting factor to your curb appeal makeover, you'll want to focus on getting the biggest bang for your buck. When you can't install new lighting or buy a new front door, a few tricks will still help you fall in love with your home's curb appeal. We love these three curb appeal ideas from Brooklyn Limestone!

Our fifth house

Even if you don't love the exterior color of your home, choosing the right paint color and hardware combo could make you fall in love after all! That's exactly what happened when Carmel of Our Fifth House decided to update her curb appeal in a day. We have to admit, this shade of pink is the perfect complement to the green of her home!

Dream green DIY

There's nothing wrong with making your curb appeal updates one step at a time. When Carrie of Dream Green DIY set out to up her curb appeal, she knew she'd be making a more permanent update later on. With a home as architecturally interesting as hers, it pays to really know what look you want. Get inspired by her mid-century curb appeal mood board and see which details are worth focusing on.

Yellow brick home

Sometimes the greatest curb appeal impact is left in black and white. When Kim and Scott of Yellow Brick Home decided to leave their garden apartment doors white, they created a crisp and clean look that offers the perfect reflection of the space beyond the doors. Get their tips for upgrading entry doors and hardware.

Honeybear Lane

Curb appeal isn't always about the style and design of your home. Sometimes a curb appeal upgrade is an added perk when greater convenience and security are the main goals. Get the details on this smart home curb appeal update and see why Heidi of Honeybear Lane can't live without her Schlage Connect!

Making it in the mountains

What if your front door is already perfect but you're craving a quick and easy update? Sometimes a few accessories can make all the difference in your curb appeal style. We love these 5 easy tips for getting a farmhouse front porch look this summer.

Proper curb appeal is one of the number one ways to improve resale value on your home and elevate the overall design. By prioritizing a few key details, you can make an impact that is easy to accomplish on your own and requires minimal investment. Here are 5 steps you should take for quick and affordable DIY curb appeal projects.
 

Spruce up existing landscaping

Take some time this weekend to pull weeds, trim any overgrown plants and low-hanging trees and prune any shrubs and bushes into a more appealing shape. Adding new plants and seasonal color help to create dimension and depth. Keep in mind your house, shutter and door colors when selecting new plants.

Front door makeover

Your front door is often the first thing guests and potential buyers will notice about your home so it pays to make a good impression here first. If a complete door replacement is out of budget, consider adding a fresh coat of paint to spiff things up in no time. 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.

Add a few planters

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.

Unique house numbers

Make it easier for guests to find your home by placing a unique house number that will catch their eye. With so many DIY projects across the Web, it’s easy to create something that goes beyond boring numbers and reflects your personal style.

Spring clean

Give your home a facelift with a fresh pressure wash and keep your gutters free and clear of weeds and debris. Failing to take care of the smallest details can tip off to potential buyers that the home was not well cared for. Also take the time to clean your windows inside and out, taking note of any screens that need repaired or replaced

For even more curb appeal inspiration, be sure to follow Schlage on Pinterest.

There are few things that change faster than technology and while we may not be in the age of flying cars or living on the moon, we can lock and unlock our doors from across the world. That's pretty impressive in and of itself but today's smart lock can do that and so much more. When it comes to choosing a smart lock, look for these 7 features to ensure you choose a lock with the most advanced and secure technology.

Security features

When choosing a smart lock that will protect and secure your home, look for the added benefit of extra security features. At Schlage, we have two smart locks that feature a built-in, audible alarm that triggers when someone is tampering with the lock or applying force to your door. Our locks also feature customizable auto-lock technology so you don't have to worry whether or not the door is locked.

Ease of access

While locking and unlocking your door with a phone adds major convenience to your life, you'll want a smart lock that gives you options when it comes to securing your home. Don't get locked out when your phone dies or you put off changing the battery to your lock. With our touchscreen or manual key backup, you'll never have to worry about locking yourself out again. Sharing access with guests that are constantly coming and going is also easy when you can create a custom access code instead of purchasing an ekey or having them download an app.

Remote capabilities

Installing a smart lock can provide peace of mind in knowing you can check in with your lock at any time, any place. Be sure to understand the remote access capabilities of the lock before you purchase. Most require an additional hub to allow your lock to communicate with your phone via wi-fi and integrate with other smart devices.

Battery life

You may be wondering, "Why can't my lock be powered by wi-fi so I can skip the smart hub altogether?" Having constant wi-fi access to your lock would be a major drain on the battery life. At Schlage, we have smart locks powered by Bluetooth^® or Zwave technology. This saves on battery power and means the lock will need to communicate with a smart hub that can convert commands to wi-fi and vice versa. All of our locks have a low-battery alert but we recommend changing your batteries each year when you change the batteries in your smoke detector.

Residential security grade

For the most secure lock on the market, let the BHMA residential grading system speak for itself. BHMA is a group of industry experts who grade residential door hardware performance in the categories of Security, Durability and Finish. A grade of ‘C’ is good, ‘B’ is better, and ‘A’ is best. A grade of AAA is the best grade possible in all three categories. Both the Schlage Sense^TM Smart deadbolt and Schlage Connect^TM Touchscreen deadbolt with alarm received a grade of AAA from the BHMA.

Manufacturer's warranty

You'll want to choose a lock that the manufacturer stands behind with a generous warranty. Warranty terms can usually be found on packaging or by viewing the manufacturer's website. At Schlage, we offer a limited lifetime mechanical and finish warranty and a limited three-year electronics warranty to the original user. Contact our customer support team for more information.

Manufacturer's with a legacy

If you value quality craftsmanship and purchasing a product that is built to last beyond the latest trends, you'll want to choose a smart lock - and any other smart home device - that is manufactured by a brand with a legacy for strength and durability, has a history of warranty support and can be counted on for ongoing development.

For more information on our smart lock offerings and a look at which smart home ecosystems our locks are compatible with, visit schlage.com.

There are few curb appeal projects that are easier and more affordable than simply updating your front door. With just an hour or two of your time and minimal tools, adding a fresh coat of paint and complementing hardware could make the perfect impact to your home's curb appeal. Here are our recommended finish pairings based on the color of your front door. Explore your perfect match and maybe try a combo you wouldn't expect.

Blue hues

Cool blue doors work perfectly with the edgy, cold metal look of Bright Chrome and Satin Chrome. Warmer blue doors take on a formal style in Satin Brass, making for a very rich pairing with high contrast. Satin Nickel, a highly versatile finish, adds a more subtle touch of silver.

Green hues

If you're looking for a little more drama, add a dark finish like Matte Black to lighter green doors for striking contrast. Darker green doors pair well with warm finishes like Satin Brass for a modernized version of a classic style.

Aqua hues

Pair a glamorous finish like Polished Nickel with darker aqua doors for a sophisticated yet fun look while the neutral tone of Matte Black works perfectly on a variety of lighter aqua hues.

Yellow hues

Reflective finishes like Polished Nickel and Bright Chrome punch up the drama on bold yellow doors. Aged Bronze features elegant, coppery tones that work well with dark yellows that have a hint of orange.

Red hues

A rich Matte Black lends interest to bold red doors by adding a high contrast element. Fiery red and orange doors work well with Aged Bronze, pulling out subtle coppery accents that peek through the dark finish.

Grey hues

Polished Nickel is the perfect choice to add a touch of sophistication to warmer greys. The mirror-like Bright Chrome adds a touch of character to cool greys.

Black hues

Combine a matte or satin-coated black door with gleaming Satin Brass to add a touch of classic elegance and warmth. Matte Black hardware on shiny, black-lacquered doors makes for a subtle yet chic combination.

We want to see what's on your front doors! Share your photos with us on Facebook and Instagram!

It’s the middle of the summer and the perfect time for a vacation. What you might not know is that is also the perfect time for intruders to break into your home. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, household crime rates are higher in the summer than any other time of year, so it’s important to keep your home secure when you go on vacation. Here are some tips to help keep your house safe and your mind at ease so you can enjoy your time away.

Put your lights on a timer

One way that intruders can find out you’re not home is if your lights stay off for days at a time. Light timers are a great way to fix that. You can set different lights in your house to go on and off at scheduled times to make it look like someone is home.

Hold mail and newspaper delivery

Another easy way to tell that someone isn’t home is a pile of mail and newspapers on the front porch. You could ask someone to pick it up for you daily, or you could contact the post office and ask them to hold your mail for the duration of your vacation. This way, your mailbox doesn’t start overflowing while you are away.

Hire someone to take care of your yard

Depending on how long you plan to be on vacation, your yard might start to look neglected. This may not seem like a big problem, but an overgrown lawn could be a sign to potential intruders that you aren’t home. Ask someone to come mow your lawn while you’re gone or hire a service to avoid any problems.

Be careful what you post on social media

We know you want to post pictures of your vacation online, but it may be safer to wait until you’re home before you share. If an intruder sees your pictures online, they will know that your home is empty and may use the opportunity to break in.

Get a keyless lock for your home

It’s possible that you are going to need people to stop by your home while you are away. Whether it’s to feed your pets, water your plants, or drop off the mail that you asked them to pick up, they will need a way inside your home. Instead of leaving a key under a mat or in one of your planters where an intruder could find it, get a keyless lock like the Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt. You can program codes into the lock for anyone that needs access to your home. You won’t have to worry about hiding a key, and they can simply type their code into the touchscreen. As an added bonus, you can track who has used their codes from the Sense app on your smartphone.

Do you have any other tips and tricks to keep your home safe while on vacation? Share them on our Facebook page!

When it comes to first impressions, your home's curb appeal counts. It's one of the first things people notice and offers a glimpse into your personal style. The good news is, superb curb appeal doesn't always require a major investment. By focusing on these four tips, you can make a first impression that counts.

1. Update your front door

 

Great curb appeal starts with the front door. With a fresh coat of paint and new door hardware that matches the style of your home, you're sure to make an impact that will catch everyone's eye.

2. Highlight your home

 

Adequate exterior lighting not only lets your home shine, but adds an added layer of security as well. For a polished look, coordinate your lighting finish with your front door handleset.

3. Refresh your landscape

 

Adding a few new seasonal blooms to your home's landscaping is a great way to make your home pop. Try swapping your planters with something that coordinates with the color palette of your home or choose a festive look that embraces an upcoming holiday.

4. Make your home spotless

 

A fresh and clean exterior is a great way to show how much you care for your home. With little to no monetary investment required, it's a project that is sure to be worth your time.

Want a home that looks superb from the curb? Follow us on Pinterest for inspiration!

Coming home to a fresh, inspiring entry with signs of summer on display is a great way to downshift from a busy day or week. Embrace that easy, summery feeling the moment you step through the door by making a few adjustments to your entry. Here are eight ways to do just that.

1. Set a relaxed, beachy tone

 

When you walk in the door, what is the first thing you would love to see? Choose one object that represents the essence of summer to you and place it prominently in the entry.

 

Try this: Prop up a vintage seaside painting; fill glass jars or lamps with sand; stack a few favorite beach reads or books about the sea.

2. Keep summer essentials on display

 

Just looking at a row of straw hats on hooks and stacks of colorful beach towels is soothing, so don't keep your beach gear under wraps.

 

Try this: Keep a beach bag stocked with all of your essentials, from swimsuit to sunscreen, packed and ready by the door. After each trip to the beach, take the time to wash and repack everything, so you'll be ready to go next time.

3. Pare back and streamline

 

Summer is all about taking it easy — so why not make things simpler and easier for yourself by doing away with excess stuff? A small tray for mail (emptied regularly), some hidden storage and a few carefully chosen decorative accessories are all you need in your entryway.

 

Try this: Without thinking about it too much, empty everything that screams "clutter" into a cardboard box. Ratty shoes, old mail, the entire contents of your junk drawer — all of it. If it helps, imagine that a photographer is coming to shoot your entry for a magazine cover. Hide the box if you must, but if you haven't even peeked inside in a month, out it goes.

4. Find stylish storage solutions

 

Of course there are things we all need to have access to, though they may be less than magazine shoot–worthy. But that doesn't mean they have to end up sprawled all over the floor. Bring in some extra covered storage, and voilà — problem solved.

 

Try this: Cover a basic round table or demilune with a floor-length cloth, and use the space underneath for storage. Use a lovely Nantucket-style basket to hide keys or dog leashes.

5. Lighten up a small space

 

Go for an airy feel in a small entry with an all-white color scheme. Lack of clutter is key here, so it helps to be vigilant about putting things away immediately.

 

Try this: Pair a whitewashed mirror with a bracketed wall shelf and add sun-bleached coral and shells for decoration. A few baskets placed on the floor or on wall hooks can contain shoes and other essentials.

6. Give the stairs a bold new look

 

An entry that opens into a stairwell can feel a bit boring. Make sure yours puts a smile on your face by employing bold strokes of color and embracing positive memories with a photo wall.

 

Try this: Paint a runner on your stairs by taping off the middle section and coating with the color of your choice. Match your picture frame color to the runner for a fresh, coordinated look.

7. Make use of beachcombing finds

 

Giving driftwood, sea glass, smooth stones and shells a home by the front door is a wonderful way to welcome summer.

 

Try this: Attach long pieces of driftwood to the wall using L-brackets and screws for a one-of-a-kind display. Borrow a few hurricane lanterns from the deck to ramp up the beachy vibe.

8. Give floors the summer treatment

 

Summer can be hard on floors, especially near entrances — be proactive by rolling out a rug that can stand up to traffic. Bare floors are cool and easy to clean, but know that sand will scatter far and wide. If you go for bare floors, keep a sweeper in a closet close by.

 

Try this: Outdoor rugs are ideal in the entry because you can literally hose them off as needed. Natural-fiber rugs like jute, sisal and sea grass feel great on bare summer feet and are easy to shake out.

Looking for more entryway inspiration? Follow us on Pinterest for plenty of ideas. And be sure to share your summer entryway photos with us!

 

This article first appeared on Houzz on June 27, 2014.

Now that summer is officially in full swing, it's time to give your curb appeal a cheerful boost. Try one of these five ideas for front door decor and start enjoying your summer!

1. Succulent wreath

There's no shortage of DIY summer wreaths across the web but one of our favorite trends recently is the succulent wreath. It's both adorable and chic with just the right amount of personality. Get the look with this DIY wreath from Thistlewood Farms.

2. Address planter

Create a unique way to display your house number and make it simple to switch up your door decor with the seasons. With this DIY address planter, you can simply swap out the flowers with each changing season and holiday. Try a red, white and blue theme for 4th of July to start!

3. Citrus wreath and bright accessories

We can't decide what we love most about this front porch design from HGTV - the lemon wreath? The most cheerful shade of blue? The bright pops of summery colors? Each detail is perfect.

4. Front door greeting

Add a little summer hospitality to your door. We're loving seeing little "hello" decals pop up on front doors or this wreath from Little Vintage Nest is sure to be noticed!

5. fresh and bold paint

Some doors are simply best left to shine on their own as the focal point of your entry. With just a few accessories surrounding to give a cozy touch, the right paint color and handleset combo can be the perfect welcoming touch. We can't get enough of this summery coral front door from Lolly Jane featuring a Schlage Camelot handleset in Matte Black for just the right amount of contrast.

Looking for more door decor inspiration? Follow us on Pinterest for plenty of DIY ideas!

Now that summer is officially in full swing, it's time to give your curb appeal a cheerful boost. Try one of these five ideas for front door decor and start enjoying your summer!

1. Succulent wreath

There's no shortage of DIY summer wreaths across the web but one of our favorite trends recently is the succulent wreath. It's both adorable and chic with just the right amount of personality. Get the look with this DIY wreath from Thistlewood Farms.

2. Address planter

Create a unique way to display your house number and make it simple to switch up your door decor with the seasons. With this DIY address planter, you can simply swap out the flowers with each changing season and holiday. Try a red, white and blue theme for 4th of July to start!

3. Citrus wreath and bright accessories

We can't decide what we love most about this front porch design from HGTV - the lemon wreath? The most cheerful shade of blue? The bright pops of summery colors? Each detail is perfect.

4. Front door greeting

Add a little summer hospitality to your door. We're loving seeing little "hello" decals pop up on front doors or this wreath from Little Vintage Nest is sure to be noticed!

5. fresh and bold paint

Some doors are simply best left to shine on their own as the focal point of your entry. With just a few accessories surrounding to give a cozy touch, the right paint color and handleset combo can be the perfect welcoming touch. We can't get enough of this summery coral front door from Lolly Jane featuring a Schlage Camelot handleset in Matte Black for just the right amount of contrast.

Looking for more door decor inspiration? Follow us on Pinterest for plenty of DIY ideas!

With the rise of farmhouse design, we're seeing dutch doors pop up more and more in both modern and country decor settings. Dating back to the 17th century, dutch doors are certainly not new but homeowners that value casual style are embracing this trend all over again.

 

Dutch doors are essentially a single door that is split in the middle to allow the top half to open while the bottom half remains shut. They are secured together with a latch that allows homeowners to keep the door as one when needed. They typically feature a standard door knob or lever on the bottom half and can house a deadbolt on the top half when used as an exterior door when more security is needed. We recommend taking a look at our traditional or transitional styles for the perfect finishing touch.

 

Take a look at the seven reasons we think this design trend is worth considering.

1. Add character to your entry

There is certainly something delightful about seeing a dutch door on a home that adds instant personality. Immediately, your guests will see your home as a place that is friendly and welcoming with a touch of relaxed country charm.

2. Let in more fresh air.

There are few things more relaxing than letting the sunshine and fresh breeze flow through your home. Dutch doors provide an opportunity to let your home breathe when the weather is just right. It's even better when you have a breathtaking view like the home below.

3. Keeps pets and children in and unwanted creatures out.

And while you're letting the fresh air in, you don't have to worry about anyone sneaking out - or in - when they're not supposed to. It's a little peace of mind that allows you to enjoy the atmosphere to the fullest.

4. Allows you to easily interact with delivery personnel.

Dutch doors provide the perfect way to greet your delivery person without awkwardly holding a door open and trying to prevent a curious child or pet from escaping.

5. Can be used as an alternative interior door.

Consider adding a dutch door to a bedroom or office as a way to keep children or pets out while letting extra light in. This also lets you keep tabs on what's going on in the rest of your home. If you're the DIY type, check out this tutorial from HGTV that shows you how to turn an interior door into a dutch door.

6. Attractive replacement for baby gates.

Much like in number 5, you can use dutch doors as a stylish replacement (albeit not cheap) for ugly baby gates. You can even consider installing a dutch door at the top of your stairs for extra safety.

7. Options for more privacy when needed.

Dutch doors are available in a variety of styles. You can choose window panes or a solid top half to give you the option for more privacy when the door is not open.

If you live in a climate where bugs are an issue, then exterior dutch doors may not be for you, but if you're looking for an affordable way to add a little more charm to your home, they're definitely worth considering. Do you have dutch doors in your home? We want to see your photos! Share with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Not too old, not too new. Not too ornate, not too restrained. The middle ground doesn’t have to be boring — quite the opposite. By elevating nearly any look, these styles show that flexibility isn’t just functional; it’s beautiful.

 

Transitional style is adaptable yet ever-evolving, borrowing trends and fashions from design movements throughout history. This design style stems from a movement focused on blending design styles and eras, a concept that became popular in American homes around the mid-1940s and has carried through to present day.

 

Here are the perfect door hardware pairings you should consider for your transitional home.

Trim

The subtle details in our trim options establish a profound foundation for your door hardware. Give your home a unique touch by choosing a trim that perfectly reflects your transitional style.

Camelot Trim

Greenwich Trim

Wakefield Trim

Knobs & levers

Take your transitional style up a notch by choosing the perfect knob or lever to accentuate your favorite trim above. These classic looks below never go out of style.

Georgian Knob

Plymouth knob

Accent lever