If a home’s front door can make a major design statement, then its hardware can be the finishing touch. It can be a focal point, a statement piece or a tasteful accent. And compared to the expense of other impactful renovations, it’s a cost-effective way to update the look and feel of just about any home.
In the past several years, consumers have taken a growing interest in both the design and function of their front doors, door handles and locking systems, and several significant trends have begun to emerge.
Embracing Technology
Without a doubt, smart technology is the biggest trend in door hardware, this year. Functionality plays a big part in that growing popularity. “With this technology, you can control your door from an app on your phone, and check your door and your lock from anywhere in the world,” says Lawrence Urquhart, Business Development Manager, Hardware for Alliance Door Products Canada.
“Tech savvy customers are looking for that, and many builders are, too.” He adds, “A couple of builders here in Calgary have included smart systems in their new homes that lets homeowners manage everything from the thermostat to lighting to the front lock.”
In recent years, design of smart-tech enabled locks has begun to catch up with the functionality. “We’re finding the keyless, smart locks are growing very quickly in popularity, and that’s probably helped by the fact that they’re getting better looking, all the time,” says Steve Kolobaric, Marketing Manager at Spectrum Brands.
“Some of our newer products, including Obsidian, are sleek and stylish with very low profiles, while still offering the very best in terms of security features.”
“The design of the hardware for this technology has improved dramatically over the last few years,” says Urquhart. “Most are much sleeker and more attractive than they used to be.” He adds, “Some just have a touch screen where you swipe your hand to unlock the door.”
Increased supply has also helped these locks gain traction. “Now, they’re widely available,” says Urquhart. “You can get them at any retail lumber yard and there are a couple different brands.” He adds, “That’s just going to expand in the next few years. Technology will be the biggest area of focus.”
There are also in-between options for homeowners who want to test out the new technology. “We have a new product that’s in demand for customers who are in transition between conventional entryway systems and smart technology enabled systems. It’s called Kevo Convert and it can transform an existing deadbolt into a smart lock,” says Kolobaric. “It replaces the interior part of a current door lock for smarter access to a home using a smartphone. The exterior of the door remains unchanged and traditional keys will still work as a backup.”
Looking further into 2018, Jonathan Bremer, National Account Manager at Allegion Canada says the next wave of technology will be biggest area of focus, including Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Apple’s Siri and soon-to-be-launched HomePod. “Keyless entry is no longer enough for consumers,” says Bremer. “With the expansion of the smart home and internet of things, consumers desire their smart locks to deliver a more convenient, while safe, experience that connects with all their other smart home products.” He adds, “They not only want to lock or unlock at the keypad or through the app, but with their voice.” The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt, for example, works through the keypad, app or voice control.
Photo courtesy of Allegion Canada
Enhanced Security
“We’re seeing a relatively new thing in the market—the multipoint lock system— driven at least in part by the increase in door sizes,” says John Arsenault, Director of Sales, Kohltech Windows & Entrance Systems. With the multipoint system, the door locks at three or four point points, into the frame.
“We’re seeing a growing number of multipoint locks in use,” agrees Nick Tassone, General Manager, Onward Hardware, a division of Richelieu Hardware Canada. “They’re mainly designed for higher than standard doors—say eight feet or higher doors—and they provide better security on doors of that size.”
With more and more doors made of fiberglass, the multipoint system has another advantage. “Fiberglass does react to thermal changes more than a steel door, so an entry system will have a better seal with a multipoint lock,” says Arsenault.
Photo courtesy of Spectrum Brands
Sleek and Modern
Urquhart agrees. “One of the biggest trends we’re seeing today is modern design, so hardware that’s sleek and simple, with squared-off shapes.” He adds, “Homeowners are really getting away from those very wavy, stylized handle sets and choosing more linear, square, very basic look.” The trend also reflects the growing popularity of mid-century modern and craftsman designs when it comes to the doors themselves. “The pared-down, simpler look really goes well with a lot of the newer door styles,” says Urquhart.
The move toward the pared-down design also applies to smart-tech enabled hardware. “New products like the San Clemente, the Amador and the Camino help bridge the gap between technology and design,” says Kolobaric. “They incorporate clean, geometric designs and low profiles, while still featuring the proprietary SmartKey technology for unrivalled security.”
That simpler design lends itself to larger locks and pulls—something that pairs well with the growing trend of oversized front doors. “The traditional grip set or door knob is not 100% of the market now,” says Susan Ryan, Product Line Manager, Interior/Exterior Doors, for Jeld-Wen of Canada. “More and more often, you’ll often see these gigantic two- and three-foot door pulls to suit these very large, eight-foot doors.”
Photo courtesy of Allegion Canada
Finessed Finish
When it comes to hardware finishes a growing number of homeowners are opting for the dramatic. “In terms of trending finishes, matte black is definitely the fastest growing at this time, particularly in modern styles,” says Kolobaric. “Every category of home up-grades is seeing black on trend.” Matte black hardware made several designers’ top picks for trends to watch both last year and this year, given its visual impact and versatility and it goes hand in hand with the sleek, modern styles homeowners are favouring, at the moment.
Brass, too, continues to enjoy something of a renaissance, with homeowners taking an interest in both bright brass and a more modern looking brushed brass. “Home design and renovation shows are a big influence,” says Urquhart. “And those shows are showing homes with all of the hardware—door hardware, taps, lights—in brass finishes.”
Where a particular finish may have dominated the market, in the past, now consumers and builders and taking advantage of choice. “There are a lot of different finishes available,” says Ryan. “We do see a trend in the brushed nickel or the patina finishes.” She adds, “As well as antique bronze and black.”
Consumers are seeing the whole picture of door hardware and accessories, rather than just zeroing in on the handle and lock, too. “We’re seeing more and more consumers buying hinges and other accessories to match the lock finish,” says Tassone. “They’re definitely paying more attention to that level of detail than they have in the past.”’
On the other hand, when it comes to varying finishes throughout a home, homeowners are letting loose, a little bit. “Mixing metals is definitely trending,” says Bremer. “People no longer care if they have satin nickel throughout their house from lighting to plumbing to hardware.”
Photos courtesy of Spectrum Brands
Simple Change, Big Impact
Whether homeowners are looking to incorporate the best of new technology, upgrade security, or make a design impact, door hardware can offer a relatively affordable and effective solution. Whether the goal is high-impact style, or high-efficiency safety and tech, well chosen hardware can go a long way to making a home’s entryway instantly modern, welcoming and up to date.