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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.