After nearly a year dedicated to comprehensive home renovations, we found immense satisfaction in tackling a quick, impactful weekend project. It’s truly gratifying to see immediate results, and our recent front door makeover delivered just that. While we’ve transformed almost every corner of our home, the front entry had remained notably neglected, a silent testament to the extensive work inside. It was high time to give our home’s first impression the attention it deserved.
Our journey through renovating our townhouse has been extensive, but certain areas, like the front entry and back patio, were put on the back burner. Given the restrictions often imposed by Homeowners Associations (HOAs) in townhouse communities, our options for major structural entryway updates were limited. However, the existing state of our front door was beyond mere cosmetic issues; it was in dire need of repair.
The previous front door suffered from significant wear and tear. The bottom left corner of the door jamb showed clear signs of rotting, a structural problem that needed immediate attention. The door itself was marred with numerous nicks and dings, remnants from the previous residents, which detracted significantly from its appearance. Furthermore, the dark red color was outdated and no longer aligned with our home’s refreshed aesthetic. This combination of structural decay and cosmetic flaws made the front door a glaring imperfection on our otherwise updated home.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect when Schlage approached us with an exciting partnership opportunity. They invited us to feature their innovative Schlage Custom™ Door Hardware and the advanced Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt. For us, this was a resounding “YASSSS!” – the perfect solution to transform our neglected entryway and integrate smart home technology seamlessly.
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The Critical Role of a Front Door Makeover in Curb Appeal
A front door is more than just an entry point; it’s the welcoming face of your home, playing a pivotal role in its overall curb appeal and reflecting your personal style. For us, addressing the neglected front entry became a priority not just for aesthetics but also for enhancing functionality and security. This transformation wasn’t merely about superficial changes; it involved tackling underlying issues like rot and wear, ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of our entryway. The desire for a modern, secure, and visually appealing entrance drove this exciting project, proving that even a single focal point can dramatically elevate a home’s exterior.
Why We Prefer Keypad Smart Locks for Modern Living
Our household, both at home and at the studio, has long embraced the convenience of keypad smart locks. There’s a simple, undeniable truth: we are perpetually misplacing our keys! The traditional hunt for keys is a frustration we’ve happily eliminated, making every entry and exit a smoother, quicker process. This keyless lifestyle has become an essential part of our daily routine, offering a level of convenience that once experienced, is hard to live without.
Beyond personal convenience, keypad smart locks offer practical benefits that extend to house management and professional environments. For instance, when friends or family house-sit for us, granting them temporary access is incredibly simple. There’s no need to exchange physical keys, worry about lost spares, or rush to hide a key under a doormat. We can provide a unique code that can be easily set and removed, ensuring security without sacrificing hospitality. Similarly, for our studio, keypad access has been a game-changer. Interns or team members can enter the space without the hassle of key distribution, making operations more fluid and secure. This versatility makes smart locks an invaluable asset for both our private and professional lives, solidifying our status as diehard fans of the technology.
While we were already familiar with the general concept of keypad locks, the Schlage Custom™ Door Hardware and Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt introduced us to a new realm of customization and advanced smart home integration. These particular offerings from Schlage elevated our expectations for security, style, and connectivity, making our front door not just a barrier but an intelligent entry system. The ability to combine robust security with elegant design and smart features was a particularly exciting prospect, marking a significant upgrade from our previous setup.
Easy Ways to Update Your Outdoor Entryway
The beauty of entryway updates lies in their potential to create a dramatic impact on curb appeal without requiring extensive renovations. Often, a few thoughtful changes are all it takes to transform a tired entrance into a welcoming focal point. For our front door makeover, we focused on several key areas that, when combined, yielded a stunning transformation. Our approach included updating the door and its frame, thorough cleaning, and refreshing the surrounding decor with new planters and plants.
Choosing the Right Door and Hardware
Our transformation began with selecting a new door. We opted for a modern American Walnut door, chosen for its sophisticated aesthetic and durable qualities. This selection was pivotal, as the door itself serves as the primary visual anchor of the entryway. Repairing the rotting door jamb was also a crucial, non-negotiable step, ensuring a sound foundation for our new entrance. With the door design finalized, our attention turned to the hardware. We made a deliberate trip to Lowe’s, believing strongly in the importance of seeing finishes and feeling features in person, especially for major home decisions. While we are undoubtedly huge fans of online shopping for convenience, certain choices, particularly those impacting daily interaction and long-term aesthetic, benefit immensely from a real-life inspection. This hands-on experience allowed us to compare options and confidently select the perfect hardware that would complement our new door.
After “test-driving” various options in-store, we decided on the Century Trim in Matte Black for our front door. This choice wasn’t just for the main entry; we loved the look and feel so much that we decided to replace the rest of the knobs throughout the house with matching hardware for a cohesive, modern update. The matte black finish offered a sleek, contemporary contrast to the rich walnut of the door, creating a sophisticated and welcoming aesthetic that immediately elevated our home’s exterior.
Aesthetic Enhancements for a Welcoming Entry
Beyond the door itself, other elements contributed significantly to the entryway’s transformation. A thorough power wash of the sidewalk and surrounding areas removed years of grime, instantly brightening the space and creating a clean slate. Then came the planters and plants. We confess, we opted for fake plants – feel free to judge! But the truth is, for busy homeowners, high-quality faux greenery offers an evergreen solution without the maintenance demands. We carefully selected modern planters that echoed the sleek lines of our new hardware, filling them with vibrant, lifelike artificial plants that added a touch of natural beauty and color. To complete the look, we updated our house numbers to a contemporary font and chose a stylish doormat that blended seamlessly with the overall design. These seemingly small details collectively made a huge difference, transforming our entryway into an inviting and meticulously styled space.
Seamless Installation and Smart Features
The installation of the new hardware was surprisingly straightforward. Jared, with his knack for home improvement, easily installed the Schlage Century Trim and Sense Smart Deadbolt into the pre-drilled holes of the new door. What truly impressed us was the effortless setup of the keypad and Bluetooth access codes using the dedicated Schlage app. The process was intuitive, allowing us to quickly integrate the smart lock into our daily routine.
One of the most valuable features of the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt is the ability to remotely grant access. We appreciate the peace of mind this offers, especially concerning our beloved “fur kids.” In case of an emergency or an unexpected need for someone to enter the house while we’re away, we can securely let them in from anywhere using the app. This feature is not only convenient but also provides an extra layer of security and care for our pets and home. Furthermore, the system allows for the creation of up to 30 unique access codes for different individuals, which is incredibly useful for our studio environment, as we can provide specific codes for interns, contractors, or team members. The app also provides an activity log, allowing us to see who has accessed the space and when, enhancing both security and accountability. These advanced functionalities truly set Schlage apart, offering a blend of modern convenience, robust security, and intelligent home management.
Once the core elements – the new door, frame, and smart hardware – were in place, the rest of the makeover involved deep cleaning and a few final aesthetic enhancements. The difference is truly remarkable, transforming our entryway from an overlooked area to a stylish and secure welcome point. We believe this type of impactful update, blending modern design with smart home technology, is perfect for fellow creatives with studios or anyone looking to significantly enhance their home’s curb appeal and functionality. It’s an investment that pays off daily in convenience, security, and visual delight!
Front Door Makeover Sources
- Schlage Custom™ Door Hardware and Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt (Century Trim in Matte Black)
- Modern American Walnut door
- Planter 1 (Contemporary Grey Planter)
- Planter 2 (Sleek White Cylinder Planter)
- Doormat (Modern Geometric Pattern Doormat)
- Modern house numbers (Black, floating style)
- Large dark green faux cactus
- Large prickly pear faux cactus
- Small faux cactus with cement planter
- Greenery stems for the rock decor
We extend our sincere gratitude to Schlage for partnering with us on this inspiring front door makeover! It’s collaborations like these that not only enhance our home but also allow us to share valuable insights with our community. In line with our commitment to giving back, Sugar & Cloth proudly donates 5% of all sponsored campaign proceeds to charity. You can read more about our initiative and the causes we support right here.