02

Blog

Your browser is out of date

This website will not look or function as originally intended in your current browser

We recommend upgrading to the latest version of Internet Explorer or Chrome or Firefox

    5 steps to a style update: Schlage interior door hardware installation

    February 28, 2018 1:15 PM by emily.bailey

    Wednesday, February 28, 2018

    5 steps to a style update: Schlage interior door hardware installation

    You might be surprised by how easy it actually is to install new levers or knobs. For most, installation requires no more than 5 minutes.

     

    READ MORE

    Door hardware - Installation - Schlage

    You’ve probably heard us say it before, and we’ll say it again: a door hardware upgrade is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to add an instant style lift to your home’s interior.

     

    It’s true, those of us at Schlage are total door hardware nerds – we love switching up styles and playing with finishes, so of course we think new hardware is a great idea! But you might be surprised by how easy it actually is to install new levers or knobs. All of our hardware is guaranteed to fit on standard door preps, so for most, it’s a 5-minute job that requires nothing more than a screwdriver.

     

    Take a look below at a step-by-step breakdown of the installation process to see just how easy the steps are.

    Schlage door lock installation

    1 As mentioned above, Schlage door hardware is guaranteed to fit on standard door preps. If you’re unsure whether your door is prepped correctly, double check these measurements:
    Door hardware - Installation - Door prep - Schlage
    If your measurements are different, you can call customer service at 888-805-9837. You may be able to get a different install kit for your non-standard door.
    Most doors won’t require any adjustments to the latch, however, you are given some extra options, just in case. If your door doesn’t have a rectangular cut-out around the latch hole, you’ll want to use the round drive-in faceplate. You can use a flathead screwdriver to pop the rectangular faceplate off, then attach the round drive-in faceplate by sliding it over the top of the bolt and snapping it into place.
    Door hardware - Installation - Schlage
    3Installing the latch is easy; for the standard rectangular faceplate, simply slide the latch into the hole until the faceplate is flush with the door, and secure it to the door with the two included screws. Make sure the beveled side of the bolt is facing the door jamb. The round drive-in faceplate is even easier: slide the latch into the hole, then cover the bolt with a block of wood to protect it from damage and use a hammer to gently tap it into place.
    Door hardware - Installation - Schlage
    4Now you’re ready to add your knob or lever. The posts attached to the levers will slide through the latch, then you can secure them in place with the two screws. The final step is to attach the strike plate to the door jamb with the screws provided.
    Door hardware - Installation - Schlage
    5Once you’ve gotten your new hardware on the door, you may find that your lever looks funny because it’s upside down. Don’t worry, this is easy to fix! Use the small pin included in the box to remove each lever. Switch each lever to the other side of the door so that the curved tip points downward, and snap it back into place.
    Door hardware - Installation - Schlage
    As you can see, in just a few easy steps you can change the style and finish of your hardware and give any room in your home an aesthetic lift! As always, let us know if you have questions by reaching out on Twitter or Facebook.

    Schlage Custom™ Door Hardware: Flexibility, innovation & style

    February 26, 2018 6:15 AM by emily.bailey

    Monday, February 26, 2018

    Schlage Custom™ Door Hardware: Flexibility, innovation & style

    Today, it’s your sanctuary, be it a craft room or den, media room or man cave. It’s the embodiment of who you are right now, a perfect reflection of your style and lifestyle. But what about tomorrow?

     

    READ MORE

    Bedroom door lock - Office door hardware - Schlage Custom

    Today, it’s your sanctuary, be it a craft room or den, media room or man cave. It’s the embodiment of who you are right now, a perfect reflection of your style and lifestyle.
     

    But what about tomorrow? Let’s say you start that home business and you want the privacy and order of a home office. Or maybe you turn it into a workout room. Or a guest room. Or a nursery. The possibilities are endless.
     

    To unleash the potential of any room, we suggest innovative new door hardware that grows with you and adapts effortlessly to your changing needs. Introducing Schlage Custom™ Door Hardware, a revolutionary system that elevates the design and flexibility of your home.

    Custom Look. Premium Style.

    Schlage Custom™ Door Hardware features concealed screws and low-profile trim for a premium designer look. There are 12 knob and lever designs from which to choose and seven trim styles in six finishes, so the options are virtually limitless. Whether you’re simply replacing outdated locks, remodeling, or just want to add a fresh decorative touch, personalizing your room – or your entire home – has never been easier.

    Bedroom door lock - Schlage Custom Door Hardware - Privacy Pin

    One system. Endless possibilities.

    The innovative Schlage Custom™ Door Hardware system works on any interior door. Simply choose the perfect combination of trim, finish and knob or lever. Installation is simple and defaults to a non-locking mode. If you want to add privacy, simply install the included locking pin to the interior side of the door. In a matter of seconds, you can convert a locking home office into a non-locking nursery, or a non-locking craft room into a lockable guest room.

    Premium door hardware - Schlage Custom

    Style. Innovation. And Value.

    Schlage Custom™ Door Hardware offers premium style at an unbelievable value. Especially when you consider the range of styles and hardware available as well as its innovative design. It’s never been easier or more affordable to give each room in your house a designer look.

    Schlage is an Allegion brand and has been providing innovation, style, security and value in door hardware for nearly 100 years. Allegion is a global pioneer in the field of safety and security with more than 25 brands sold in 130 countries.

    3 hardware details to turn your home into a winter retreat

    February 19, 2018 12:31 PM by pooja.katkar

    Monday, February 19, 2018

    3 hardware details to turn your home into a winter retreat

    Don't let the frigid temps or gloomy weather keep you from adding a little cheer and personality to your home.

     

    READ MORE

    Once the hustle of the holiday season ends and winter drags on, it's easy to find yourself in a home decor rut. Don't let the frigid temps or gloomy weather keep you from adding a little cheer and personality to your home. Here are three simple details that are easy to complete and will make your home a winter retreat you won't mind being trapped in a little while longer.
    Winter home decor - Glass door knobs - Schlage

    1. Install glamorous lighting

    The days may be short but that shouldn't stop you from bringing a little brightness indoors. Consider changing any overhead lighting that may be dull and inadequate for a statement piece that will instantly brighten your home - and maybe even your mood! Installing a pendant or chandelier is an easy project any skill level can take on but be sure to follow all the manufacturer's warnings and instructions. If you're wiring brand new lighting for the first time, it may be best to seek out a professional first.

    2. Swap boring, outdated hardware for glass door knobs

    It's no secret that we find upgrading your door hardware to be an easy way to complete the design of your home. We're loving the thought of adding some glass door knobs - like our new Alexandria or Hobson knobs - to add a bit of sparkle and shine to a season that is often overtaken by gloom. If glass door knobs are not your style, simply choosing a finish that better reflects your home's decor can be the perfect upgrade you're looking for. Let our style selector tool help you find your perfect match.

    3. Don't be afraid to mix a few finishes

    Upgrading your lighting or door hardware doesn't have to result in a domino effect of changing all hardware to a matching finish. Embrace mixed finishes and add a little drama or interest to your decor. Here are our tried and true tips for mixing hardware finishes flawlessly. If you're feeling extra bold and unconventional, you can even mix finishes among your door hardware. Honeybear Lane proves that it's perfectly fine to create your own rules and choose designs that add a little more character than you had before.

    Are you taking on any last minute winter projects before spring hits? Share your photos with us on Instagram and Facebook!

    5 steps to achieving a Farmhouse look in your home

    February 16, 2018 9:06 AM by pooja.katkar

    Monday, February 12, 2018

    5 steps to achieving a Farmhouse look in your home

    Looking to make your home feel cozy? The Farmhouse style is becoming increasingly popular because of its warmth and comfort. It only takes a few updates to achieve this look.

     

    READ MORE

    Farmhouse Style - Home Decor - Schlage

    Looking to make your home feel cozy? The Farmhouse style is becoming increasingly popular because of its warmth and comfort. Don't live anywhere near a farm? No worries! It only takes a few style updates to achieve the Farmhouse look.

    WHAT IS FARMHOUSE STYLE?

    As the name suggests, Farmhouse style has roots in country living. Everything about Farmhouse - from the paint, to the furniture, to the accessories - are simple and sturdy. There are a lot of natural colors, natural wood and reclaimed materials. With pieces that lean more to function than form, Farmhouse can be surprisingly modern and stylish.

    Neutrals

    Farmhouse is all about simplicity and is best represented by natural, neutral colors like beiges, greys and white. If you want to throw in color on an accent wall or with your furniture, consider natural colors like sage greens and light browns.

    Functional

    Because of its country living roots, Farmhouse furniture and spaces should be sturdy and functional. Antiques can fit in with this style, but delicate, fragile pieces should be avoided. Reclaimed wood is a great option because it fits in with the color palette and can be used as functional pieces like tables and shelves.

    Comfort

    Comfort goes hand in hand with choosing functional items. Big dining room tables and soft couches that can fit the whole family are key. Anything that appears delicate or breakable doesn’t fit with the Farmhouse style. Everything should exude comfort and invite your guests to relax and spend time in your home.

    Texture

    Using a variety of textures helps add dimension to your home. This can include shiplap walls, a stone fireplace or a reclaimed beam for a mantle. The key is to pull in a variety of natural elements and textures that work in your room. Even simple additions like a wood and metal end table paired with a wool throw on your couch can make a big impact.

    Simple

    Overall, the Farmhouse look is focused on simplicity. It feels natural as if the look was created over a period of time. The furniture doesn’t need to match. Instead of buying a whole set, find individual pieces that are comfortable and complement your style. Accessories are great, but be careful about overcrowding. Keep your Farmhouse look clean and simple.

    If you are looking for decorating ideas, check out this post from HGTV for DIY Farmhouse style ideas. Get more general styling inspiration on our Pinterest page.

    How Scandinavian style is branching out into the world of color

    February 15, 2018 9:41 AM by emily.bailey

    Monday, February 12, 2018

    How Scandinavian style is branching out into the world of color

    Say “Scandinavian style,” and many people visualize light, clean-lined spaces. We turned to trend studies, forecasts and a look in the rear-view mirror to follow the journey of color into Nordic homes.
     

    READ MORE

    Say “Scandinavian style,” and many people visualize light, clean-lined spaces, inspired by images from Nordic noir crime series, Ikea ad campaigns and interior design articles. 

    But in recent years, color and darker shades have worked their way into Scandinavian homes and photo shoots. Nordic walls must have been craving a hit of color since living rooms and bedrooms have hungrily embraced shades of gray, blue, green and pink.

    Why have Scandinavians suddenly welcomed color, and how is it being used? With the help of trend studies, forecasts and a look in the rear-view mirror, we follow the journey of color into Nordic homes.

    Light and Color in Nordic Homes

    Why do we think of Nordic homes as light? Scandinavian homes traditionally have been designed to maximize sunlight. Stockholm is the Nordic region’s sunniest capital, with about 1,800 hours of sunshine a year, and that figure is at least 1,000 hours short of the amount enjoyed in Madrid, Sydney and Miami.

    “The foundation of Scandinavian design, and our Nordic homes, will always be brightness and simplicity, because it’s simply what we need due to the lack of sunlight,” says Karl Johan Bertilsson, creative director at NCS Colour Academy, which offers color consultancy services to manufacturers, architects and designers around the world.

    “What we’re seeing now, however, is a change,” Bertilsson says. “During the last two or three years, bold colors have returned.” Though a common perception is that Scandinavian homes have been whitewashed and pared back for decades, if not centuries, there have been cycles of colors in the Nordic countries. The 1970s had a touch of psychedelia with bright colors and vivid patterns, followed by pastels in the 1980s and mottled earth tones in the 1990s — all of which preceded the pure. But now the spectrum is changing again. At Nordic trend exhibitions and fairs, interior design has moved away from the pale blues and violets of the past toward clearer, stronger colors — most recently, orange, pink, yellow and red.

    “Trends often represent a reaction to what used to be,” Bertilsson says. “The fashion industry is always the quickest to react, but the interior decoration and design industry isn’t far behind. Since the turn of the millennium and until now, neutral colors, such as white and gray, have been the dominant shades in most Scandinavian homes. The [brighter] color that’s now becoming increasingly popular is simply a response to that.

    “However, it’s important to remember that trends are both speculative phenomena and processes that sometimes overlap, and they’re only able to gain ground when we’re mentally ready to accept them,” Bertilsson says. paleness of the new millennium.

    One individual who has dared to use strong color, and whose home, pictured below, has received a lot of attention, is Daniel Heckscher, interior architect and designer at Note Design Studio in Stockholm. He painted his home in a palette of turquoise, orange, pink, blue-green and bright yellow. Pictures of Heckscher’s colorful home have been published in the new bookazine My Residence, where he writes that people dress in black and use white for interior design because they don’t dare do anything else.
    “They’re afraid of making decisions and mistakes,” he writes. “We Westerners are governed too much by our fears. Life isn’t colorless! Even in early spring, when Sweden is as pale as ever, there are approximately 7,000 nuances if you look out of the window. I don’t understand why designers and creators would want to represent a fictional environment?”

    How Color Trends Break Through

    When discussing color trends, Bertilsson points to studies that NCS uses to develop its analyses. “There’s research that shows color trends are cyclical,” he says. “Austrian [design consultant and psychologist] Leonhard Oberascher has studied color psychology and been able to prove that color trends repeat in cycles of 10 to 15 years. When everything is white and neutral, you grow tired after a while and eventually want to go to the other extreme of the spectrum. Humans work in the same way with everything, and colors are no exception. 

     

    “What [Oberscher has] been able to pinpoint specifically are the stages we go through along the way,” Bertilsson says. “Everything was very neutral in our homes a few years ago, then the blue and violet colors took off. This was followed by the chromatic colors. These will subsequently be dampened and darkened before the brown and beige nuances step in, followed by a return to the neutral colors. The reality exactly follows the patterns that Oberascher has been able to map out.” This is true internationally, but with the Nordic homes as early adopters.

    There are other factors at play too. Theoretical trend pyramids show that we’re receptive to trends at different points in time, depending on what our current job is, where we live and how we live.

    “We’re all affected by trends, whether we like it or not,” Bertilsson says. “Swedes and Danes enjoy a privilege, given our geographical, social and cultural environment, in the sense that we don’t only have the will, but also the means, to carry out extensive home redesigns. Therefore, as the chromatic color trends are on the way, we’ve not been late to embrace them.

    “In a lot of other countries, people decide to repaint their walls when the color has started to peel off. In Sweden and Denmark, paint shops look like interior design stores, because when we buy paint, we try to achieve a wholeness. We want to fulfill an idea where the color plays a big part,” he says.
    The Nordic consciousness in terms of color and design has lately been augmented by influential interior design bloggers, who have shared their advice on color codes. Arguably the most famous bedroom color in Sweden in recent years has been nicknamed Tant Johanna’s Green, pictured, after stylist and blogger Johanna Bradford, who painted her bedroom in the pale gray­-green color.

    “The fact that so many questions popped up about the color was in part due to the timing, as white walls had been dominating for years, and also because people were eager to try something else,” Bradford says. “But it’s also because it’s so difficult to find the right color, and that particular one is so unbelievably nice. If you see a color you like, you might as well ask for the color code.”

    So, despite the fact that Scandinavians have begun painting with colors, they appear to do it within specific boundaries — the hues are subdued, rather than brash and bold, for example. “We dare to use more than just white, but I still think the end result is quite similar everywhere, since most people choose the same colors — as in the example of my bedroom wall,” Bradford says.

    But don’t be fooled by the most recent white-dominant decades into believing that colorful walls in Nordic homes are a new phenomenon. Karin Fridell Anter, architect at the Swedish Association of Architects, has, together with Henrik Wannfors, written the book Painting Methods: Swedish Building Painting Methods From the Late Middle Ages to the Present Dayand has a longer view of color trends.

     

    “Colored walls have come and gone in Swedish homes repeatedly throughout history,” Fridell Anter says. “What has mainly determined the choice of color is the availability of different shades and current style trends. The trend pendulum keeps swinging as a counter­-reaction to the past, but the difference is that the pendulum is swinging ever faster. 

     

    “In the 1970s, we painted and wallpapered with strong colors and large patterns that resembled those of the Baroque period. The 1980s represented a counter-reaction that featured brighter pastels, and the 1990s again saw the return of mottled walls in earth tones, such as terra cotta, or navy blue and/or bright yellow,” she says.

     

    “Further back in time, things didn’t happen as fast, and the difference between rich homes in the big cities and farming households in the countryside was bigger,” Fridell Anter says. “What the peasant community wished for was in many ways an imitation of what had already existed for many years in the trendsetting upper-class homes.”

    Color as a Form of Expression

    Did Swedes paint their homes more for practical rather than aesthetic reasons in the past? Fridell Anter says that’s not the case. “The purpose of interior painting in Sweden has always been to make the home look beautiful and to manifest something — to show via themes on the walls, the selection of colors or the decorations that you were a pious person, rich or aware of trends that were dominant in other cultures on the continent,” she says.

    “In the same way that contemporary Swedes express themselves via interior decoration, the home was a status symbol in previous centuries too,” she adds.

    So colored walls are not a new phenomenon in Scandinavia, but the style of painting perhaps has changed over the decades.

    “Up until the Stockholm Exhibition in 1930, when the concept of functionalism was presented, decorative painting had been popular,” Fridell Anter says. “Painted surfaces hadn’t been a single­ color, but instead featured pictures or patterns, or imitated marble or wood. Functionalism represented a change in trends in the sense that people started painting entire walls in one single color, perhaps with a different one on the next wall. What we’re seeing now, with monochrome rooms and painted ceilings and woodwork, is an extension of that.”
     

    Psychological factors, color as a personal form of expression and current trends appear to represent part of the explanation for Scandinavians’ sudden love of color. However, another strong factor in color choice is the response to contemporary life. NCS’ trend analysis for 2016 takes into account political events, the effects of digitization and global phenomena.

    “We believe controversies will be the dominating factor in coming years,” says Bertilsson of NCS. “The unrest in the world, increased urbanization and stress lead, on the one hand, to a crudeness that’s influenced by the industrial style, with cold, hard colors. At the same time, the very same factors lead to increased escapism, where we dream of exotic places that inspire us, such as the unknown depths of the oceans and the colorful tropics. Trends will be triggered by upcoming world events, such as the Olympic Games in Brazil.” 

    The big difference between the company’s 2015 analysis and this year’s is that the colors are more extreme than before — moving from bright and soft nuances to more dramatic and darker colors.

    Bringing Nature Indoors

    One word that often comes up when talking about Scandinavian style is nature. Has it been responsible for the color trend? “There’s definitely a connection,” Bertilsson says. “Last year, our main interpretation of escapism was that it revolved around dreams about the countryside. When urbanization makes us live closer to each other, in smaller houses or flats and with more noise, we create other mental worlds — we dream about lush trees and open fields.”

     

    Swedish wallpaper company Sandberg recently released a collection that follows this theme. In its trend report, Sandberg has suggested that an unsafe environment leads to greater interest in one’s home. “Interior decoration has become more important and complex. With a serious environmental consciousness, we try to find ways to consume as little and as consciously as possible, while, at the same time, wishing to stay updated with news and trends.”

    Stockholm-based color company Alcro suggests that Scandinavians incorporate nature themes into their homes with some of its 2016 colorswhich it says “bring to mind forest creatures, misty meadows and bewitching dreams that take place in the hours of dawn.”

     

    With that in mind, the blue-green themes that have become popular on the walls of homes in Sweden and Denmark aren’t entirely surprising. According to Oberascher’s color trend timetable,Scandinaviansshould be right in the middle of the trend cycle and should look forward to warmer walls before they’re muted and eventually become white again.

    With hindsight, Scandinavians seem to be quick to follow interior decoration trends — and the question isn’t whether they will all follow the trend toward using more color in their homes, but, rather, whether they have time to do so. Unlike centuries ago, when it took several decades for color trends to reach Swedish farms, the wheel is spinning faster, and changes are taking place in a digitized, globalized world.

    So perhaps there’s no reason to debunk the myth of the white Scandinavian home after all. The newly painted colorful wall might not even have time to dry before the trendsetters have painted it white again.

     

    This article first appeared on Houzz on May 10, 2016.

    5 ways to maximize your mini bathroom

    February 12, 2018 6:15 AM by emily.bailey

    Friday, February 9, 2018

    5 ways to maximize your mini bathroom

    As we always say at Schlage, the details make the design, so missing out on styling a smaller rooms is a major misstep in our book.

     

    READ MORE

    You’d think the smaller a room gets, the easier it would be to decorate. Not so – small spaces like half baths and storage closets often get the short end of the design stick while larger spaces like the living area and kitchen are paid special attention. As we always say at Schlage, the details make the design, so missing out on styling these smaller rooms is a major misstep in our book. Follow these five tips below, and the next time a guest enters your downstairs half-bath, they’ll emerge full of compliments about the stylish surprises they found.
     

    1. Get decadent

    Don’t be afraid to go for rich textures or wild prints. The small space will prevent them from overwhelming the design. Because you won’t need large reams of wallpaper or gigantic furniture to fill the space, you can also afford to spend a little more on the few items you’ll need. Think marble, damask, crystal and gold – the sky’s the limit!

    2. Be smart about storage

    If you make sure there’s plenty of storage space included in the design from the very beginning, you’ll avoid having to make changes later to keep the space livable. Choose sink cabinets with plenty of storage. Some cabinets have a lot of vertical space, but it’s wasted because there are no shelves to allow you to take advantage of it. Choose a cabinet that includes shelving or add your own afterward. If going for standalone shelving, scour the internet for pieces that add to the aesthetic but ensure you always have a place for towels and the like. Pieces that merge form and function are key.

    3. Indulge your dark side

    Unless you’re going for a very striking or unique design, dark wall colors are usually advised against – especially if you aren’t a professional designer. But did you know this is a rule best broken when it comes to very small rooms? Not only can you get away with painting a small bathroom or closet in the darkest color you can find, it’s actually a great way to add some variety to the styling of your home. And it looks amazing when paired with brighter accessories and furniture that pop against the dark background.

    4. Fake it

    Glass and mirrored surfaces are extremely popular in design right now, but they also have an excellent practical use: they create the illusion of more space. A glass enclosure around the shower, for example, is an excellent way to make your bathroom appear larger because you avoid breaking the space up into sections. Plus, it allows you to show off shower design features like custom tile designs, which are a great way to add a touch of your own unique personality.

    5. Think small

    Opt for smaller fixtures, especially lighting. An oversized crystal chandelier may look fabulous in the master bath but come across as overwhelming in a smaller guest bathroom. Consider small plumbing fixtures as well – the delicate look blends well with the intimacy of a small space. Consider Schlage Custom Door Hardware, which is a new line of premium designer hardware that offers a smaller, low profile trim and streamlined knobs and levers that fit in perfectly with smaller spaces. Schlage Custom locks are a great way to add a touch of bling and come in all kinds of architecturally-inspired styles perfect for your unique taste.

    Have you used a small room to make a big design statement? Have any tips to share with fellow DIY’ers? Be sure to share them with us on Facebook or Instagram – and don’t forget pictures!

    7 ways you can repurpose an old door

    February 8, 2018 2:13 PM by emily.bailey

    Thursday, February 8, 2018

    7 ways you can repurpose an old door

    Restoring salvaged items has been popular for a long time, but how do you know what to do with a piece once you’ve found it?

     

    READ MORE

    Old doors - DIY - Schlage

    Restoring salvaged items has been popular for a long time, but how do you know what to do with a piece once you’ve found it? Maybe you found a really cool door at a salvage yard or you bought a new door for your house but don’t want to throw the old one away. What do you do with it other than propping it up against a wall?

     

    Check out all the ways you can repurpose a door, proving doors can do more than just hang on hinges in a door frame.

    Bookshelf

    Renee over at Bulb to Blossom went the extra mile on this bookshelf and added a light to the top of it. We love the fabric she chose for the door to help tie it in with the rest of her décor.
     

    CORNER SHELF

    Corners are almost always some of the most wasted spaces in a home. An old door converted into a shelf makes perfect use of this awkward space. Linda at Craftaholics Anonymous painted her corner door shelf bright turquoise to add a pop of color to the room.
     

    PHOTO DOOR

    If you’re lucky enough to find a door full of windows, it’s a great opportunity to showcase some of your favorite photographs. Julie, of Redhead Can Decorate, had the perfect door for this project and used it to display photos of her children. She also used rope lighting to backlight the door and really make it stand out from its surroundings.
     

    SLIDING STORAGE DOOR

    We love this project from Design Sponge that repurposes an old stall door into a sliding storage space. Sliding doors are a great option when you want to save space but still have privacy. You could do the same project with most doors, but the open top half of the stall door allows you to showcase what you want and hide what you don’t want seen.
     

    COUCH

    If you want to do something different with an old door, check out this project also from Design Sponge. Instead of using the door as decoration, they turned it into a couch frame. Using the cushions from an old, broken-down couch and a reclaimed hardwood door, they created a one-of-a-kind couch with a handcrafted look.
     

    CHAIR

    Love the idea of the couch but don’t have the indoor space? This project from Dumped and Discovered might be right up your alley. With a reclaimed door and some extra wood for the seat, they created an outdoor bench that’s perfect for any garden.
     

    ENTRY BENCH

    Have some extra space in your front entryway but don’t know what to do with it? Check out this entry bench – also known as a hall tree – that Hillary at The Friendly Home created. This project used two doors, but since it serves as both a coat rack and storage bench, we think it was probably worth it.
     

    Do you have extra doors you’ve been saving for the perfect project? Have you done reclaimed door DIY? Share your project with us on Facebook.

    5 Small upgrades with big impact – vintage home edition

    February 7, 2018 8:38 AM by pooja.katkar

    Wednesday, February 7, 2018

    Vintage home upgrades - Glass Knobs - Schlage Custom

    Whether you’re adding a modern twist to your vintage home or faithfully recreating its original style, these five easy upgrades will allow you to make your mark without breaking the bank – or your back.

     

    READ MORE

    There’s nothing quite like a home with history. From the lovably creaky stairs to the smell of hardwood, there’s a lot to love, and a lot to improve! Whether you’re adding a modern twist to your vintage home or faithfully recreating its original style, these five easy upgrades will allow you to make your mark without breaking the bank – or your back.
    Vintage home - Glass knobs - Alexandria door knob - Schlage Custom

    1. Stay true to the home's history

    Glass knobs are a vintage staple, especially for Victorian-style homes. Schlage recently introduced two new glass knobs (Hobson and Alexandria) in the Schlage Custom Door Hardware line, based on the two most popular styles from back in the day. They are much more affordable than their original counterparts, and they’re made with real glass that’s designed to last.

     

    If you prefer the ease and comfort of using a lever rather than a knob, there are plenty of classic lever options that can enhance the look of an older home while staying true to its roots. Our new Whitney Lever is inspired by wrought iron scrollwork forged by classical blacksmiths, adding an authentic touch of traditional style to any room.

    2. Upgrade your backsplash

    In recent years, manufacturers have done a great job of taking the guesswork out of adding a new backsplash to your kitchen. There are so many affordable and easy to use peel-and-stick patterns available online, it’s easy to find the perfect pattern and color for your kitchen and install it without professional help. Keep an eye on your bathrooms, too, for opportunities to use backsplash tile to add a little personality to your tub and shower or sink.

    3. Do a few pantry or storage closet makeovers

    There’s nothing better than feeling organized and on top of things. Find your inner Type A with new storage bins and canisters. Look for decorative styles to add a unique personal touch. Bling out your shelves by attaching an eye-catching patterned wallpaper to the back, or simply adding a fresh shelf liner.

    4. Paint your old linoleum or vinyl sheet flooring

    It may sound crazy, but modern paint is so long-lasting and flexible in terms of surface finish that this can be a great way to revamp your outdated flooring without breaking the budget or hiring help. With a little sandpaper, a lot of paint and some elbow grease, you can have a brand-new looking floor styled exactly to your specifications. There are plenty of tutorials online – we like this one.

    5. Create a container garden

    If you have a smaller yard, don’t have time to landscape, or just want a slightly different look than the neighbors, a container garden is an easy way to dress up your home’s curb appeal. Try mixing and matching pot sizes and styles for an eclectic look, or choose pots in different shades of the same color for a monochromatic pop. Rainbows are a big trend right now – pair red, orange, yellow, blue and purple solid-colored pots with matching flowers to create your own garden rainbow!

    What kind of upgrades have you made to your classic home? Looking for a simple solution to a design problem? Find us on Facebook or Twitter to let us know!