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.