Beautifying Your Home with Door Handles and Smart Locks

When it comes to design, the general tendency is to think in terms of architectural aesthetics, furniture style, and other design components to create a cohesive, beautiful space.

However, there is a game changer in town and once I learned to play, I realized how crucial it was for me to step up my design game. Yes, I’m referring to door handles and smart locks. Okay, so it might not sound like the most exciting item on your design, dream bucket list, but it should be. As we should know by now, design has a lot to do with thinking about the unthinkable. In other words, let’s think outside the box. I mean, think unique, different, and what most people don’t immediately gravitate toward. That’s where the lesson comes in. Since most people don’t think about door handles, I most definitely will focus my attention in that direction.

After purchasing our home, my focus has solely been on the details and as an interior decorator, that’s pretty much what I think about when decorating a space. Better yet, I live for the details!

I started researching different smart locks currently available on the market until I decided which one was the best option for me. I thought it made sense to start with the front door. After all, doesn’t a front door smart lock sound like a smart idea? I mean, it’s in the name. Functionality, design, color, ease of use, and IQ (smart locks, get it?) were at the top of my list.

I chose to go with the Kwikset Kevo 2nd generation smart lock and replaced the much outdated contractor-grade, brass handles with modern matching bronze hardware. At this moment, the clouds parted in the sky, a ray of light shined down onto my front porch, and angels from above sang joyful songs. I may have imagined the rest after the installation of my new smart lock, but you get the idea. I used my finger in the form of a Harry Potter wand (omit corresponding spell) and hit that lock as many times as I felt like it just to see the Gods of technology do their work as they locked and unlocked my door devoid of a key or any other form of an offering. Perhaps I died and went to heaven. Who knows? I was too mesmerized by not only the venetian bronze perfection before my eyes, but the blue and orange lights that dictated the direction in which the lock would sway. Hmm, I could stand there and do that all day, but someone had to write this article and I thought I’d volunteer for the job being that I was so enamoured by this intriguing device.

Kwikset Door Handle side angle
Kwikset 98180-001 San Clemente Single Cylinder Low Profile Handleset with Halifax Lever Featuring Smartkey in Venetian Bronze

 

(Update to previous note:  The door has been painted).

front door handle

Kwikset Kevo Touch-to-Open Smart Lock 2nd Generation with 1 Fob Key Accessory (Venetian Bronze)

Kevo interior view

Once I was able to remove myself away from my new smart lock devotion, it was time to tackle (yes, it must be football season) the other door handles throughout my house. Like a fairy of sorts with only a screwdriver and manufacturer provided tools, I sprinkled Kwikset halifax hall closet door handles and locks like a mad hatter who could see no end to such passion. I was lost in a sea of venetian bronze levers that hypnotized me at every turn. I should add that my interior doors are white and as a result the bronze door handles create a gorgeous, stark contrast against the doors. This look is classic, sophisticated, and breathtaking.

My dream of alluring, ravishing, and perhaps enviable door handles has become a reality and have completed the perfect look on all the white, mundane, and wallflower-like doors that hoped to sit quietly within my home. Let’s not forget that to complete the look, matching venetian bronze hinges are necessary. Hinges are easy to install and I performed the task of changing them by myself for the first time after changing the door handles. My doors should thank me, but they now feel they are too special to take the time and be grateful. I’m in love with them so I choose to forgive them.

Kwikset interior bronze door handle

Bathroom view
My downstairs guest powder room.

I have given my doors a new lease on life and now they’re at center stage performing a beautiful masterpiece all day and night. Somebody, please stop me as my designer instinct is to look at or reach for these handles as these actions provoke a sense of great happiness every time I encounter the doors within the confines of my home.

So don’t neglect your door handles or other unthinkable details around your home. Details are everything and door handles are a quick way to beautify your surroundings, not to mention an easy way to add value and some TLC to your domicile. The plethora of color options and styles available should make this an effortless task to find out which ones you will enjoy seeing around your home.  Good luck and happy decorating!

*Below is a list of the items I mentioned on the article above and purchased on my own. I’ve included a list below for ease of shopping since I genuinely love these products. By purchasing from the links below, I will be compensated a small percentage from the seller, but they will cost you the same from me or from the vendor. This helps me run this website so I can provide you with more decorating or design tips.

Kwikset Kevo Touch-to-Open Smart Lock 2nd Generation with 1 Fob Key Accessory (Venetian Bronze)

Kwikset 98180-001 San Clemente Single Cylinder Low Profile Handleset with Halifax Lever Featuring Smartkey in Venetian Bronze

Kwikset 155HFLSQT-11P Halifax Square Privacy Door Lock Venetian Bronze Finish

Halifax Venetian Bronze Hall/Closet Lever

Cosmas Oil Rubbed Bronze Door Hinge 3.5″ Inch x 3.5″ Inch with 5/8″ Inch Radius Corners – 12 Pack

Shirley Says Episode 11 – Relaxation, YouTube, Alexa, Creating a Smart Home, Interior Design Tips, and Intrusive Politician Tactics

Shirley Says with Shirley Marcano Episode 11 covers a great way to relax in your home by using YouTube, Alexa’s many functions which include relaxation amongst other convenient applications, how to create a smart home by controlling daily used items with the ease of smart devices and Alexa. Later, Shirley shares three interior decorating tips that can make an impact on the look of your home while Mike discusses innovative smart technology for the visually impaired and sneaky tactics politicians use to boost voter attendance at the polls. Shirley Says is a podcast that will make you laugh, think, and learn. Any topic is fair game with layers as Shirley’s inquisitive nature is boundless.

Fall Living Room Inspiration

 
LR Fall
Photo credit: Shirley Marcano

 

My favorite season to decorate is Fall. I know it sounds a bit cliché, but as I write this, I’m taking in the most beautiful scenery in front of my kitchen nook.

Computer Fall Window.jpeg
Photo credit: Shirley Marcano

 

On a daily basis, I get to witness the changing colors outside my window. It is a gorgeous, colorful escape and it’s no wonder that this process inspires so much creativity as nature becomes our muse.

 

DSC_0130
Photo credit: Shirley Marcano

I prefer to feature the season with pumpkins in different shapes, colors, and sizes to create visual interest. This season I added less expected colors from the customary varying shades of orange and played up different pops of colors throughout the room.

 

 

DSC_0123.jpg
Photo credit: Shirley Marcano

This color palette consists of blue, orange, and white to draw the eye primarily on the main featured work of art in the living room, the Venice canvas painting. I made sure to keep the mantle decor neutral to avoid distraction from this focal point. As you can see, the shades of blue in these pumpkins blend into the adjacent, small piece of artwork on the mantle. The beige pumpkin adds warmth, an organic element in the display, and grounds the neutral overall tone of this look.

T Fall LR
Photo credit: Shirley Marcano

 

After some careful and detailed planning, one can create a decorative space resembling the outdoor foliage hues that are indicative of the beautiful Autum season. Sitting in my living room, I feel like I’ve successfully created the outdoor/indoor feeling of Fall within the confines of my home. I can almost sense the crisp air and long for a cup of hot apple cider or pumpkin spiced latte. More importantly, I’ve accomplished to display a look that depicts my sense of self and style. Don’t be afraid to show the world exactly who you are. I can honestly say that my creative, warm, and playful personality have truly come through in this space making me long for the joys this season provides while I spend time with those I love.  I hope this inspires some original ideas for your home. Please feel free to comment or write me with any decor questions you may have. Cheers!

 

Create A Love Corner

 
“Love” Pillow Vibes

One quick fix for a boring chair is the 3×5 faux fur area rug which can be found at Ikea for about $15. Yes, it’s quite the bargain considering that it doubles up as its intended purpose – a rug (imagine that)! Being that this nifty, multi-purpose rug wasn’t breaking the bank, I opted to buy two. They have a cute paramecium shape (yes, that’s my nerd talk…lol) and may be utilized as an accent piece on a sofa when they’re not too busy dressing up some backless counter stools in the kitchen.

Being how much I love these rugs, I chose to feature one of them with my “love” pillow (from Pottery Barn). This instant make over is a great way to dress up an unsightly chair to create a lovely (pun intended) sitting area. I have to say these area rugs are a winner in my decor book and daily life. So if you are at a loss for furniture, take the time to acquire these cuties and create your own little corner you and others will love.

 

Sweet Treat Festivities!


     One of my once a year guilty pleasures is the Shamrock shake. My fiancé surprised me yesterday with one of these since I had completely forgotten this is the only month they’re available. Well, two days ago, I saw this beautiful, colorful, and festive tray from Pottery Barn. I knew immediately it belonged in my living room for occasional placement on my ottoman. A few matching plates and salad utensils from the collection, a drive to acquire pretty decorative pieces, and my impulsive shopping disposition, all made the perfect combination for these pieces to find a happy home. Needless to say, I had it host my green, sugary treat.

     I should mention that this is a melamine tray which is perfect for indoor and outdoor use so I foresee myself using this quite often in the spring and summer time. It is dishwasher safe if set on the top rack. I believe that it goes without saying that this little gem will be perfect to use when Cinco De Mayo rolls around in two months (hint, hint).

     On a different note, I think it’s important to make everyday as special as we can within our capabilities. Make a mundane moment such as having a milkshake, an experience to be remembered.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Today is St. Patrick’s Day and it’s the official commencement day of my blog. I guess I should be feeling lucky that I will be able to achieve the goals I’ve set out to accomplish in helping my new friends (that’s YOU) with inspiring ideas in their everyday life.
I’ve chosen this picture of my breakfast nook today because it is green and because it makes me happy being that it’s such a cheery space. I’ve kept the decor simple because I believe that the main statement should be attributed to the outside view which features the woods in my backyard. Hopefully, you have a cheery space of your own where you can sit back and relax with a nice cup of coffee or tea.