The entrance to our home received a fresh, inviting update with new Schlage door handles. Read how we transformed our doors and enter for a chance to win a set for your home.
Now that the weather has turned sunny and warm, my husband and I enjoy evening walks around the neighborhood. We love noticing landscaping, architectural details, and especially the colors of front doors. There’s one house with a striking blue door set against dark gray siding that always stops me in my tracks.
Our front door, however, has been a different story.
Because we live in a townhouse complex governed by strata rules, the exterior door color must remain uniform across the building, so changing the outside color wasn’t an option. While that consistency makes sense for the complex, it made creating a welcoming entry feel a little more challenging.
I’ll admit I hadn’t given our doors much attention since we moved in nearly two years ago. It was long overdue to update them so the entry would feel more inviting and cohesive with our interior decor.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Schlage Canada.
How we gave our exterior doors a practical, stylish makeover
1. Painted the insides of the doors
Although we couldn’t change the exterior paint, the interior faces of our doors were fair game. Since our main living area is essentially one large open room, the front and back doors are part of the overall decor and visible from multiple angles.
After researching how to paint metal doors with plastic trim, I primed both the door faces and trim. I painted them a deep charcoal—Benjamin Moore’s Raccoon Fur. The darker interior finish creates contrast and adds a modern farmhouse edge to the space. (A step-by-step tutorial will be shared later.)
The change was immediate: the whole room felt more polished and intentional once the interior door faces were updated.
2. Swapped out the door hardware
Think of door hardware as the jewelry of your home—small details that bring the whole look together. For this update, we partnered with Schlage Canada to choose new handles and locks. Schlage’s products are certified by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) and are known for combining style with security. Many of their products are backed by a long company history and limited lifetime warranties on mechanical components and finish.
After browsing Schlage’s range of styles and finishes, I chose an aged bronze finish to complement our modern farmhouse aesthetic and to stand out against the interior white door.
For the front door, we installed the Addison Single Cylinder Handleset with Century trim and a Georgian knob. The set came with clear instructions; my husband assembled and installed the hardware while I photographed the process. Everything fit together smoothly and installation was straightforward.
For the back door we chose a keyless solution: a Schlage touchscreen deadbolt with matching Camelot trim and handleset. The touchscreen deadbolt is especially convenient for busy days when keys go missing—our teenager once had to climb in through an upstairs window after forgetting his keys—so having a touchscreen option is a game changer.
We enjoy the tactile convenience so much that we often find ourselves using the touchscreen just because it’s fun and easy to operate.
3. Layered on welcoming decor and plants
One of my favorite decorating tricks is using accessories to draw the eye toward the best parts of an entry. A cheerful doormat, a seasonal wreath, and layered planters with evergreens or seasonal blooms instantly soften a door that might not be my first choice color.
With a few well-chosen accessories, the door now looks inviting. That once lackluster entry has come a long way and feels much more like home.
Update: this giveaway is now closed.
If you’re dreaming of a front door makeover and would like a new handleset or smart lock, Schlage offers a variety of styles—from classic handlesets to keyless touchscreen deadbolts. The Schlage Sense touchless deadbolt and matching handleset, for example, combine secure, intelligent access with convenient features such as illuminated touchscreens and smartphone compatibility.
Giveaways like the one we hosted were open to Canadian residents and included entry rules and eligibility details. For future promotions or to learn more about Schlage products, check schlage brand resources and social pages directly through the company’s channels.
Our quick list of takeaways:
- When exterior changes aren’t allowed, focus on the interior face of the door to refresh the space.
- Upgrading door hardware can dramatically improve both style and function—choose a finish that complements your decor.
- Keyless touchscreen deadbolts add convenience and modern security to everyday life.
- Simple decor elements like a mat, wreath, and planters make an entry feel welcoming right away.
With a few thoughtful changes—painted interior door faces, new Schlage hardware, and layered decor—our entry now feels updated, secure, and welcoming. Good design doesn’t always require big changes; sometimes the right hardware and a little styling are all you need.
