When it comes to selling a home, curb appeal is EV-ER-Y-THING. It’s what gets people through the door– and speaking of doors, your front door is the very first thing potential buyers will touch so you need to make sure it’s attractive, sturdy, and safe. One of the quickest home improvements that added instant style and value to our home was amazingly one of the simplest… updating our front door handleset to something more modern and attractive. So when Schlage asked if I’d be interested in partnering for a blog post and receiving a new handleset for a front door makeover, the answer was simple because in truth we’d already recently bought our own Schlage set and loved it! Since we didn’t need the whole set, they sent along a lever for the opposite side of the door so I could share how easy it was to install, and then also offered a giveaway for one lucky reader to update their front door too. Now that’s what I call winning– sharing a brand I trust and giving YOU some swag for your own front door refresh!
Originally, our front door was dark wood which had faded and gotten damaged by the sun over the years with a worn-out, brassy handleset. Didn’t exactly scream ‘high end’ or ‘secure’ or ‘buy me’. I wish I had better photos, but I’m still recovering from the computer crash and thankfully was able to recover the recent photos but not the old ones. Which is probably best because the old door gave me nightmares.
We painted the front door Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams and painted a sweet ‘hello’ to welcome guests.
Since the inside hallway is so dark we went with white for the panel inside, and now it glows!
The Schlage set is like jewelry added to an outfit right before you go out. It adds that special touch, and the Camelot Single Cylinder Handleset complemented the style of our Colonial Style home perfectly (funnily enough, I noticed on a recent visit that my BFF has the same one. We always end up inadvertently twinning! Her home is modern and it matches that style as well.)
Previously, we had a doorknob on the inside and Schlage graciously sent an Accent Lever with Camelot Trim in satin nickel. First of all, with kids this has been great. They had a hard time turning the doorknob sometimes, so the lever set makes that easier. And I loved it when my hands were full and I needed to easily open the door!
Here’s the lever set before installation. You can visit the how-to center for installation videos, manuals, and templates if you need help. Just a few minutes later and Bada-Boom, instant style.
And if you just bought a home, upgrading the front door hardware should be one of the first things you do if it’s needed. That way there’s no need to get it re-keyed and you’ve added your personal touch to your new abode.
A hanging flower basket, a few potted plants, moving a deck chair to the front and we were ready for sale.
The upgrade must have worked it’s magic, because 6 days later we got multiple offers on our home. It hurts to see photos of it if I’m being honest, we miss is so much!
Even if you’re not getting ready to sell, take a good honest look at your front door and see if it needs a refresh. These lazy days of summer are the perfect time for this easy DIY, so if it’s time for an upgrade I’ve got you covered. š
GIVEAWAY: One lucky winner will receive a Schlage exterior hardware in their choice of style and finish! Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below:
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Schlage, who has been THE most patient sponsor in the history of ever as I dealt with an extremely chaotic season of selling a house, moving, and then the computer crash!
nn says
Was hoping you needed to take another field trip to see mine! ?
Kristian says
We just moved a few months ago and I’ve wanted to change up the front door know since we moved in! This would be great!
Amber C. Johnson says
It’s amazing how much inspiration and pleasure your post and pics gave me as I sipped my coffee this morning. I’ve been trying to reach a decision on exterior paint colors for the front of my villa and its front door–especially the door. So many choices! And then BAM! There it was–glossy black with that beautiful Schlage hardware. Since my storm door is white, it will look as sharp as yours. And I will absolutely be copying your charming “hello”, too. But wait–there’s more!! I also love the look of the back of the door and your foyer. The grouping of different styles of mirrors looks so cool and interesting, and will make possible a quick check before I head out. So a great big THANK YOU for providing an “uh-huh!” moment to start my day. Wishing you an unexpected delightful day. I look forward to more of your very special lemonade. ?
Carrie Higgins says
A great big thank you to YOU for making my day! I put so much heart into my home and knowing it made someone else happy or encouraged a DIY project makes it all worthwhile. I can’t wait to see your front door makeover, I hope you’ll share it with me when you’re done!!
Sarah says
I love it! Especially the “Hello”. SO fun.
Sarah Hughes says
We need a new side door makeover since we use that to go in and out. Lately it’s sticking and our old ugly gold handle that came with the house has got to go!
Jess says
What a fantastic giveaway! I have dreamed of updating our front door for years. It’s old, faded, the wrong color and has very basic hardware. ANY of the Schlage hardware in nickle would be a major improvement!!
Amy says
I absolutely love the chair in the front and the plant! And wow, it is so easy to just change the doorknob and locks! So easy and do-able!
Donna says
I love your blog. Yours isn’t the only one, by far, that I follow, BUT you are one of the very few that I actually LOOK AT and read too!
Thanks for a great site!!!
Carrie Higgins says
Donna, you have no idea how much that means to me. Truly. Thank you!
Jennifer says
My front entry area is in need of a major makeover! I love how nice the new door handles look with your color choice!
Rebecca says
I love following your blog and it’s one of the few that I look forward to reading when I see a new post in my email. This post couldn’t have come at a better time because our front door and hardware is original (1999) and is in desperate need of a makeover. Coincidentally my husband and I had just discussed a couple of weeks ago about doing some updates to the door once the weather cooled off a bit; right now it is just too dang hot to paint. What I’d like to do paint wise would be Hale Navy from Benjamin Moore which I’m liking that black too though so I just might pick up a sample of both and the Greenwich Single Cylinder Handle with Merano Lever in either the Satin Nickel or Satin Chrome Finish. The “hello” on your door is a cute and welcoming touch.
Rachel Lewter says
I love the look!! Thanks for sharing all the ideas.
Jessica L. says
I love that door handle! My front door could definitely use a makeover!
Anne Weber-Falk says
We moved to our new home in February. All of our locks needed to be changed over as they were quite worn. I really like the look of your door handles and latches as opposed to our traditional round knobs. Time to change them again!
rust says
Our front door hardware has been in place since the 50’s. It works but it just looks outdated. I would love a Schlage upgrade!
Tina W says
I think I accidentally just put my pin entry in the twitter box. *doink!*
I should just stick to pinning home decor ideas when I can’t sleep!
https://twitter.com/tinawoo21/status/762946160554233857
Jessica G says
I think the front door can make such a statement! Would love to give it a makeover!
Rachel says
Refreshing the front door is such a great way to add curb appeal to your house. By adding pops of color or bold statements, it’ll definitely make the front of your house stand out! Thanks for sharing the idea!
Smith says
Carrie i love this level design. It`s really unique and eye catching. It`s not that cheap one you get from the store.
Richard Davis says
I agree with repainting the door. It will really make it look clean, new and inviting. Nice blog by the way!