Your door knob or door handle is the first thing a guest is sure to notice when they visit.  Is your door knob unique or ordinary, shiny or neglected, elegant or average?  The owner of the door on the left obviously wants everyone to feel welcome as soon as they walk up to the door.  Real estate agents say they can tell a lot about a homeowner just by looking at his or her front door knob.  That means the reverse is true--if you want to increase the appeal of your home, just change your door knob.  Below are examples of different styles of door knobs and handles.  They can be modern or antique, and be made from a variety of materials like gold, glass, stone, copper or wood.   
When you're done with your door knobs, you don't have to get rid of them.  Door knobs work well for holding scarves, purses, ties, belts, curtains, towels, necklaces and bracelets.
 
 
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In cold winter mornings, and hot summer afternoons, its not always fun to be outside. But what if you could view the outdoor scenery without the uncomfortable weather?

NanaWall Systems has created an all glass window system that is called NanaGlass SL25.  This system is great for rooms with a view of a backyard or even on a balcony. They can be slid to the side so in the nice seasons the windows open the room up completely. If you love the outdoors, but can't always enjoy the weather, these glass doors are for you!

 
 
Doorbell Video Phone
I've been thinking lately that if there were any one item that I could upgrade my house with right now it would be a doorbell video phone.  I know what you're thinking; really, out of all the really cool things that you could do you would choose that?  Well, yes I would.  Here are just a few things that you can do with a doorbell video phone (and if you have a large glass door at your home, you may want to really pay attention). 

We've all been in the position where the doorbell rings and we're not expecting anyone.  So who is it?  If you've got a door that has a large window in it or is made mostly of glass and wrought iron, you can't actually find out who it is without them seeing you.  A huge disadvantage if you end up not really wanting to answer the door.  Doorbell video phone systems are a perfect way to see who is at the door without needing to actually go to the door.  When the doorbell is rung, the video camera that is installed either as a part of your doorbell or overhead, will automatically come on and an image of who is at the door can be brought up on your TV or any other designated monitor in your home. 

If you want to have the ability to talk with the person through an integrated intercom, that can be a part of that doorbell video phone as well.  Another great feature that can be a part of this little system is the ability to open the lock on the door as well.  This feature works exceptionally well when you have an outer gate that you keep locked to keep people out of your yard or courtyard.  They ring the bell, you find out who it is and then with the press of a button, you can let them in.  It's so great!  No more scalding your feet on the hot outdoor ground to go unlock the gate!  Amazing!

I love the added level of security that this little piece of equipment provides me and my home and family.  Gone are the days of needing to open the door to see who is there or talk to them.  Gone are the days of needing to hide out in your room for 10 minutes after someone knocked on your door just so they don't know you're home.  So, if I could add any one little item to my home right now - it would be this one.

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This interesting article was published as part of the Components August newsletter. I know them as fellow members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Visit their site to see more of the unique electronic features they can bring to your home or business. www.componentsaz.com

 
 
Entry doors
I really love unique doors.  Simpson Doors has some great selections.  Here is just one of the many types of collections they carry.

Simpson Door Company’s Nantucket Collection combines durable, weather-resistant wood species, Black Locust and Nootka Cypress, with the company’s modified mortise-and-tenon construction technique to provide a warm, yet rugged exterior door, that can stand for virtually any environment.  Simpson offers a 10-year limited warranty (the industry’s longest for exterior wood doors), two thickness options (1 3/4” and 2 1/4”), and four profiles.

I've said it before, the entry way to your home is very important.  There are many door companies to choose from and Simpson is an example of another great company supplying a great product to make your home entry the way you've been picturing it after a home remodel.

 
 
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Creating an inviting and energy efficient exterior and interior entryway is a top priority when remodeling this portion of a home.   Jeld-Wen's two-panel steel exterior door styles are available to enhance the curb appeal and energy efficiency of entryways. 

Made from 24-gauge steel, the doors feature wide panels and crisp design details, and come pre-primed and ready to paint. Optional lites and sidelites are available to further enhance the look you are wanting.  In most cases, these doors retain their tax credit eligibility when lites are added. 

This gives you one more reason to consider looking into this type of door while designing a new entryway for your home remodel.

 
 
Wine Cellar Door
If you’re lucky enough to be building a wine cellar for your next big home remodel, you don’t want to forget about the door.

Not only do you need a way to keep the wine cellar the right temperature for your favorite vintages, but you need a door that looks appropriate for what is probably going to be one of the cooler (as in nifty and neat) storage areas in your home. No modern off-the-shelf doors from the home improvement store will work if you want your wine cellar to look like something from centuries past.

The door shown here was done by Pinecrest, Inc. The family-owned business specializes in custom wood products, so pretty much whatever you can imagine you can have done for your wine cellar.

Just don't forget to invite us over for a drink after we finish the project!

 
 
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If you are looking to set off your home entry with a door that will be truly unique, you will want to look into a pivot door.

Pivot doors work well for homes with a larger entry. They are custom made to make a bold statement and complement the overall style of your home.

This door was custom made in Tucson AZ by Rustic Elegance Picot Doors. Visit their site to see many more door styles.


 
 
Nana Wall
Incorporating a folding glass door system like the Nana Wall is great for bringing the spacious outdoor feeling inside.  This makes it possible to give the feeling of more square footage while not increasing the size of your home.  These systems allow you to feel as if you've enlarged the size of your home without adding to your floor plan.  

Utilizing natural light, these sliding doors allow you to experience nature around your home from the comfort of indoors.   Nana Wall systems are great for any home remodel wanting to add a rare and unique design at a fraction of the cost compared to an addition.

 
 
Internet Door Deadbolt
This Kwikset SmartCode Deadbolt enables you to activate the deadbolt of your home from the Internet or any Web-enabled cell phone.  Making it ideal on the occasion the lock is forgotten to be secured or when entry is needed without the use of a key.  This convenient feature is made possible by its Home Connect Technology.  Unlike most electronic deadbolts, this deadbolt only uses four AA batteries eliminating hardwiring.

The Kwikset system comes in four different finishes; Polished Chrome, Satin Chrome, Satin Nickel and Venetian Bronze, making it easy to match any door color or material.

We know that securing your property is of utmost importance.  Having a security system that includes a deadbolt like this adds extra protection and convenience.  Make sure to take a look at this touchpad deadbolt when designing your next home remodel. 


 
 
Universal Design Door Handle
This is a unique concept in reinventing the traditional home door knob.  Instead of the twist of your wrist to open a door, the Soss UltraLatch door handle makes it easy for you by just a gentle push or pull of only a 1/2 inch.  Anyone can easily open a closed door, including a small child or physically challenged adult, with this latch.

The UltraLatch is available with or without a privacy latch.  For further security a matching keyed deadbolt is also available.  Choosing a handle finish to match your door design is easy with the option of brass, chrome, black or bronze.

This door latch is a new look in door entry hardware, but is designed to be a convenient, practical and aesthetically pleasing door handle.