If the front of your house needs a makeover, it’s time to be daring.
“Consumers have a new level of confidence about expressing themselves, especially with regard to improving the curb appeal of their homes,” says Carlene Moloney, director of communications for Baldwin Hardware. “The safe bet is polished brass hardware for the front door, but now consumers are starting to use other finishes, whether it’s satin nickel or oil-rubbed bronze.”
New lock sets are being introduced in these finishes, but so are the smaller details such as door chime buttons.
“Brass will always be popular, but the verdigris [green] finish is going out and we’re starting to see door buttons in satin nickel, which is a finish that we’re now seeing throughout the house,” says Karen Collins, marketing communications manager of Broan-NuTone.
While changing the door chime button may be a minor expense, it can make a major difference. “I don’t think that people realize that there are so many styles available,” says Collins. “The button is the first thing that visitors look for, so it does make a statement.”
Homeowners can also make a statement with stylish house numbers.
“People are looking for an alternative to the traditional house numbers we have been seeing for years and years,” says Greg Furdas, director of retail marketing for Liberty Hardware Manufacturing Corp. “I think people want to personalize the exterior of their homes.”
Homeowners are exploring choices available for improving curb appeal, whether it be finding a new bulb for coach lights or replacing a garage door.
“Consumers are doing their homework to find out about products before making a purchase, so they’re feeling more comfortable about expressing their own sense of style, starting right at the front door,” explains Moloney. “It’s a good investment in your first impression because you never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
A number of new products to enhance a home’s exterior are described below, including suggested retail prices. Contact the listed manufacturers for help in finding a retailer in your area that carries a specific item.
– Points of light. The Halogen Crystal bulb from Sylvania has jewel-cut facets to create a sparkling effect in outdoor lights. These screw-in bulbs can replace incandescent bulbs and, according to the manufacturer, will last three times longer. The 50-watt bulb will last 2,500 hours while the 75-watt model will last 2,250 hours. They can also be used indoors.
The company also offers a free brochure, “Entertaining,” which describes how to use lighting outdoors and indoors to create different moods. Price: $3.99. Osram Sylvania, 100 Endicott St., Danvers, MA 01923. Phone: 800-LIGHTBULB.
– Chime in. Broan-NuTone has introduced several new door chime buttons. The Broan series is called the Carriage Collection because the buttons are adorned with a finial reminiscent of the classic carriage lamp. It is available in six finishes, including satin nickel, rust and antique brass. NuTone offers the Colonial Collection as well as the Framed Texture Collection. Both models are available in a variety of finishes including satin nickel and brown rust. All of the models have lighted buttons.
Broan has also launched a Melody Chime, which is preprogrammed to play 25 different melodies including “Home Sweet Home” and “Amazing Grace.” It plays a different tune every time the bell rings.
The facade of the Melody Chime, which is mounted indoors, is a 6-inch-square white tile that can be replaced with a tile in a pattern or finish to complement the interior design of the house. Prices: $7 to $9 for the door chime buttons, $16 for the Melody Chime. Broan-NuTone, P.O. Box 140, Hartford, WI 53027. Phones: 800-558-1711 for Broan products, 888-336-3948 for NuTone products.
– Lock and key. The Edinburgh Lock has been added to Baldwin’s Estate Collection. Its symmetrical design was created to complement Greek Revival-style homes, but is not limited to them. The Edinburgh’s long, elegant escutcheon is reminiscent of the style of the Corinthian column. The top and bottom are adorned with a triangular-shaped acanthus leaf like those decorating Corinthian columns. It is available in a variety of finishes, including satin nickel and oil-rubbed bronze. The Edinburgh is a mortise lock that should be professionally installed. Price: $865 to $900. Baldwin Hardware Corp., 841 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19612. Phone: 800-566-1986.
– Numbers game. Designer Betsy Field has created a series of house numbers called Nature in Bloom for Brainerd, a division of Liberty Hardware Manufacturing Corp. The line includes a choice of four motifs inspired by the outdoors. The choice includes zinc diecast numbers adorned with Oak Leaves & Acorns, Sea Creatures, Florals or Fruits. With a lifetime warranty, they are available in numbers zero through nine. Prices: $9.99-$14.99. Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp., 140 Business Park Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27107. Phone: 800-652-7277.
– Horse and carriage days. The General American Door Co. (GADCO) has introduced the Presidential Series of carriage doors for the garage in the Early American Collection. These handcrafted wood doors are available in eight styles including the Lincoln, which is designed with vertical lines. The doors are made of woods that are resistant to insects and decay and are fully insulated. They come in a wide array of wood species, textures and finishes. Each door can include a set of rectangular or arched windows and decorative hardware. The doors, which come in single and double widths, are equipped for remote-control overhead opening and closing. Prices: $4,203-$5,018 for single width, $7,814-$9,184 for double width. GADCO, 5050 Baseline Rd., Montgomery, IL 60538. Phone: 630-859-3000.
