Interesting Tech for Your Front Door to Keep Your Family Safe
Technology touches everything we do as consumers, and it changes many aspects of our everyday lives. As technology has involved, it has etched its way into the most basic functions of our homes, right down to the front door. Online retail giant Amazon recently showed interest in technology for front doors, and consumers across the board are implementing smart features to enhance the functions of this main entryway to the home. Check out some of the most interesting tech gadgets and implements you may want to consider for your front door.
Ring Video Doorbells
Video doorbells from ring change everything about the old traditional doorbell and how they once worked. These cool tech gadgets have a button to push like an actual doorbell, but as soon as the button is pushed, you get an instant notification in the house and on your smartphone. A video camera on the unit activates so you can see who is standing at your front door, and you can actually converse with them if you want.
Wifi Door Lock with Camera
The wifi door lock is a smart lock system for your front door that also has a camera so you can check in and see what's happening on your front porch at any given moment using an internet-connected device like a phone or laptop. You can log in and lock your doors remotely or unlock your doors when you need to let someone come inside and you are not at home.
Keyless Entry Locks
Also known as a smartphone door lock, a keyless door lock actually uses sensors to detect when your smartphone is in range, and it will automatically unlock the door for you to let you into the house. These systems are considered the best keyless entry systems because about 79 percent of people keep their phone with them at all times. The keyless entry locks can be configured to recognize more than one device so it will work with different household members or visitors you trust.
Airphone Intercoms with Lock Release
Airphone intercoms allow you to connect your door lock and intercom to the internet so you can communicate with visitors on your front porch via your telephone. You can remotely unlock the door with your phone, which is a nice touch if someone visits you and you happen to be busy in another part of the house. The only downfall to the airphone intercom systems is they do not provide you with live video feed if you opt for the most basic models. However, the more expensive versions do have cameras for live video feeds.
Takeaways to Remember On Front Door Tech
- There are multiple ways you can evolve your front door to be more fitting in a smart home
- The majority of tech gadgets for the front door rely on internet connections
- Smartphone apps allow for easy viewing of your home when you are not home
- Smart devices can mean higher levels of security at your front door
- Technology can allow remote entry for guests you trust
- All tech-savvy gadgets should be used with security in mind
If you are looking for cool ways to evolve the way your front door, the doorbell, or even the lock on your front door works, it is well worth getting to know the new ways technology is changing typical front door functions. Reach out to RWC Windows, Doors & More for more information about front door options for your home.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Greige, Copper Accents, & Two-Toned Cabinets: Trendy Kitchen Designs To Consider
Before you start your kitchen renovation this year, consider trendy kitchen designs that bring style, class, and creativity using modern materials and amazing color combinations. From two-toned kitchen cabinets to vintage vibe fixtures, here we explore innovative, new design styles take can take your kitchen remodel to new levels.
Copper Accents in the Kitchen
You have a few options when it comes to accenting your kitchen decor by altering the metal fixtures and backsplash. You can stick with the traditional chrome fixtures but select a sleek and modern design - or go with a new fixture material such as antique brass, pewter, or go true vintage with worn copper faucet fixtures. When you pair these new copper accents with the right selection of a tin backsplash with repeating patterns and beautifully embossed, metal ceiling tiles - the aesthetics can be dramatic, yet still warm and inviting.
Other ways to include brass and copper accents or other metals like tin and polished steel in the kitchen include:
- Pendant lighting above sink or kitchen island
- Vintage-style brass knobs on cabinetry
- Bar stools with copper or brass details
- Metal appliances - brass mixer, copper teapot, tin backsplash
Two-Toned Kitchen Cabinets
Transform your kitchen space by using two colors for your kitchen cabinets and ditch the traditional uniformity of one kitchen cabinet wood species or color. Painting the cabinet doors and stripping the cabinet frames down to their natural, nude wood grain is trending. Other ideas include:
- Mixing white painted cabinets with a light wood countertops
- Choose different wood overhead cabinets from under-the-counter cabinets
- Black cabinets at center island and white cabinets around kitchen perimeter
Check out 2019 kitchen cabinet color trends that complement the walls of beautiful and functional storage with contrasting floors, walls, countertops, ceiling treatments, and appliances.
Griege is the New Grey
When choosing Modern Grey Kitchen Cabinets, griege is the new grey - a beautifully muted beige and grey color that is warm and unique. Greige is a 2019 kitchen trend that allows homeowners a neutral color choice that is easier to work with when compared to grey. It can be used to create a very stylish color palette in the kitchen, especially when combined with blues, white shades, or a range of cool colors that have been softened - even violets and greens.
Greige paint is an excellent choice for kitchen walls when used strategically. It is best to layer the color with other neutrals - but as stated before, greige can be used as a backdrop tone for splashes of more vibrant colors in your appliances, flooring, and countertops. The more texture you can add to a kitchen that is painted griege, the better.
A brick wall, wood floor planks, weathered patina fixtures or distressed woods, beadboard panels, glazed finishes, and tiled backsplashes are some ways to add texture in the kitchen.
Select a Dazzling Backsplash
It is truly remarkable what a unique backsplash style or pattern can do for your kitchen. But, you must be careful not to have the backsplash be so visually creative that it overpowers the rest of your kitchen decor. 2019 Kitchen trends include backsplashes that may feature the following in design and style:
- shimmering stainless steel or foil materials
- salvaged, antique wood mosaic tiles
- Carrara marble backsplash
- reflective or mirrored finish
Trendy Kitchen Design Takeaways
- When using Greige in the kitchen, mixing finishes can increase visual appeal
- Modern grey kitchen cabinets are all the rage right now
- Consider polished, copper fixtures or antique brass, pewter, or go true vintage worn copper
- Choose different wood overhead cabinets from under-the-counter cabinets
Visit the showroom of RWC Windows, Doors, and More, serving New Jersey and surrounding communities with quality window, door, kitchen, and bathroom installations.
Do’s and Don’ts of Window Treatments
Modern kitchen window treatments can make a small living space look great. Window treatment are the finishing touches to any room, and give you the ability to decorate your home in unique ways. Whether you are searching for window treatment ideas for your living room, or you are wondering what are window treatments, it's time to learn about the do's and don'ts of window treatments.
Do Window Treatments Have to Match?
While your window treatments don't need to be a perfect match to your sofa, they should complement the decor in the room. When you are treating more than one window, each one should be similar to avoid a disorganized look. Even if they don't match perfectly with one another, the colors and techniques used should be similar.
Use a Layered Look
Layering your window treatments means using a combination of shades, blinds, curtains and drapes to create a layered look. Modern kitchen window treatments go beyond a traditional valance above your kitchen windows. Think about the amount of light you want to let in, as well as any breeze that you want to feel. Layers give you the ability to shut shades completely, or use the sheer curtains for privacy without blocking the light
Don't Treat Only the Window Area
You might be tempted to hang the curtains directly over the window and be done. This is a basic window treatment and won't give you the look you want. Go high and wide when it comes to hanging curtains, and don't stop at the edge of the window sill. Your window treatments should make your window appear larger than it is and not box in the window with minimal length curtains.
Try Something New
If your entire house has the same blind/curtain combination, it's time to branch out into something new. When you aren't sure about window designs, talk to a professional about window treatments for your home. You may discover that you love vertical blinds, or that you can't live without your roman shades. Don't be afraid to try something new, as you can always change it if you need to.
Don't Go Overboard
While you may want to try layering your window treatments, pay attention to excessive designs and patterns. When you are trying a new idea, you may be tempted to do too much. Window treatments can have one or two strong elements, and the rest should be neutral. Look for complementary colors and avoid using bold, bright colors in more than one piece of the treatment.
Look for Ease of Use
Your modern kitchen window treatments should be easy to use. If you are going to go with a new type of blind for your kitchen, it should open and close easily to allow for light to come in. Window treatments should do more than decorate your home. Window treatments should help with light control, air flow and temperature if possible. Good window treatments should be functional as well as decorative.
When using window treatments:
- Don't be afraid to try something new.
- Go for a layered look.
- Avoid too many patterns or bright colors.
- Consider the functionality of your treatment.
At RWC Windows, Doors, Kitchens and Baths, we are ready to talk to you about all of your design needs in your home. To learn more about what we have to offer, contact us today at 973-435-4230. We will be happy to talk about design ideas and discuss the elements of your home that you can update now. We offer a full range of windows and doors to keep your home looking great.