The entrance to our home received a fresh, welcoming update with a front door makeover featuring Schlage door handles. Read how we transformed it and learn about the giveaway that was offered.
Now that the weather is sunny and warm, my husband and I enjoy evening walks around the neighborhood. We love admiring the landscaping and the variety of house exteriors—especially the front doors.
There’s one particular door that always stops me in my tracks: a stunning blue set against dark gray siding. I can’t help but stare whenever we pass by.
Our front door, however, is a different story.
We live in a townhouse complex governed by strata rules, and one requirement is that all front doors must remain the same exterior color. That makes large changes difficult, but it also challenged us to find creative ways to improve the entrance without altering the outside paint.
To be honest, we hadn’t given our doors much attention in the nearly two years since we moved in, so this refresh was long overdue. Our goal was to make the entry feel more inviting while respecting the community guidelines.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Schlage Canada.
How we gave our exterior doors a makeover
1. Painted the insides of the doors
While the rules prevented us from repainting the outside, the interiors were our canvas. Since our main living space is open-concept, both the front and back doors are visible from the living and dining areas, so their interiors play a role in the overall decor.
After researching techniques for painting metal doors with plastic trim, I primed both the door surfaces and the trim, then painted them a deep charcoal by Benjamin Moore called Raccoon Fur. The change made an immediate, dramatic difference to the room. I’ll publish a detailed tutorial soon for anyone looking to try it.
The darker interior color anchored the space and made the entry feel more intentional and stylish.
2. Installed new door hardware
Door hardware is like jewelry for a home: the finishing touch that ties a look together. For this project we partnered with Schlage Canada to select new handles that would be both beautiful and reliable.
Schlage products are certified by industry standards for durability and security, and the brand offers a limited lifetime mechanical and finish warranty. After browsing their options, I chose an aged bronze finish that complements the Modern Farmhouse feel I’m working toward and contrasts nicely with the door’s light interior.
For the front door we selected the Addison single cylinder handleset with Century trim and a Georgian knob. The kit arrived with clear instructions and every component needed for installation. My husband handled the installation while I documented the process with photos.
For the back door we installed a Schlage Touch touchscreen deadbolt with Camelot trim and a matching handleset. The keyless touchscreen is especially handy for times when someone forgets their keys—our teenager once had to crawl in through an upstairs window when he was locked out, so the convenience is much appreciated.
We enjoy the ease of the touchscreen and have found ourselves using it frequently just because it’s so convenient.
3. Add interest with decor and plants
Decorating the entryway is a simple and effective way to distract from features you can’t change. A cheerful welcome mat, a seasonal wreath, and layered planters with greenery and color instantly make a standardized door feel warm and personal.
What once felt like a bland, uninspired door now looks inviting and well-styled with just a few well-chosen accents.
We’re thrilled with the results: a more welcoming entry that stays within the community rules and reflects our style.
Update: This giveaway is now closed.
Before it closed, Schlage Canada offered a giveaway for a Schlage Sense Touchless Electronic Deadbolt lock and matching handleset to one reader. Schlage Sense is a Bluetooth-enabled smart lock that lets you enter with an access code on an illuminated touchscreen or with an iPhone. The original giveaway details noted eligibility for Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) and provided official rules about prize fulfillment and winner notification.
Although that specific promotion has ended, Schlage continues to offer a wide selection of door hardware and smart lock options. If you’re planning a front door makeover, consider focusing on durable, secure hardware and small decorative touches that personalize the space without requiring exterior alterations.
Good luck with your own entryway updates—small changes like paint, quality hardware, and thoughtful decor can make a big difference in curb appeal and everyday enjoyment.