Key hole to pop off the knob

When replacing door knobs, you start on the side of the door where there are usually two screws holding the doorjamb plate in place. After that, remove any and all screws that are holding the door knob down.  Sometimes the door handle has a small slot on its side, if this is the case, use a slender metal piece or a key to insert into the hole. The hole is similar to the locks on antique jewelry lockets, where you have to poke through to unlock the bracelet or necklace.

Once you’ve managed to poke through, the whole door knob should pop loose from the door.  The next step is to remove the underlying plate, which is essentially the base of the door knob.  Again, you have to unscrew any screws holding the base in place. You may have to use a flat head to get it to loosen up. After you’ve removed the underlying plate, you have to remove any old screws attached to the latch.

Finally, once you’re left with a bare door, it’s time to install the new latch and door handle. Depending on the new knob set, you may be to recalibrate your backset, from the distance between the edge of the door and the center of the doorknob. Most door knobs accommodate different backsets.  Now you simply have to reverse the removal procedure to install the new doorknob.  In most cases the old holes that are already drilled will suit the new fixture.  If not, you simply have to drill new holes again.  Screw the new latch in, screw the new door knob in place and then simply test the new handle to make sure it turns and locks properly. Once you’ve tested and made sure it works, you can pat yourself on the back for taking the time to do it yourself.

Hockey Puck Door Knob

It’s never too late to become more environmentally conscious. While you may feel good about recycling your glass and plastic bottles, it may not impress too many people in this day and age. In terms of being “environmentally friendly”, efforts go beyond your recycling bin at home. These days, all the craze is repurposed furniture and reclaimed materials that have never even made it to the recycling yard. Reclaimed materials can be anything from composite decking, which is wood waste and recycled plastic, to paper-based counter tops, which are made of tree pulp taken from strictly managed and sustainable forests. You can also opt for recycled glass countertops that available at most home improvement warehouses.

Repurposing your old furniture or newly inherited pieces can be a lot of fun. You get to add your own personality to each piece, making it a one of a kind. If the dresser is for a child, repaint it with chalkboard paint and switch out the dresser’s knobs for recycled glass knobs that come in fun glittery letters, numbers and caricatures. Door knob design in general, has gone green in a big way. Recycled glass knobs come in an infinite amount of designs that suit most decorating schemes from crystal look-a-like Victorian knobs, to sleek midcentury modern knobs to name a couple. Furniture designers have come up with innovative ways to reuse typically discarded items and use them as door knobs. Repurposed hockey pucks, have gained a lot of popularity amongst interior designers due to their already sleek design, and contemporary look.

Whether it’s a new home renovation or you’re redecorating your home, opt for eco-friendly products that not only update your lifestyle, but are environmentally friendly as well.

Unique, one of a kind Craftsman Brass Door Knob

Adding craftsman door knobs to a modern home, not only softens up the streamlined furniture, but they also add pops of shine and character to hard and cold finishings.  Craftsman era type accents include items that don’t look mass produced, that are handmade and include personalized touches.  For instance, plain brass door knobs wouldn’t be considered craftsman per say. If the door knob looks like a one of a kind by having some type of personalized touch like engraved initials or a some type of unique artisanal design, then it would be considered craftsman.

With American craft currently on the rise, blown glass fixtures are all the craze. Glass has taken the faces of cabinetry and walls, making any home look custom and very stylish. Decorative door knobs made of blown glass are the easiest way to change the look and feel of your home at a very low cost. Blown glass door knobs come in every color imaginable and add an incredible amount of brilliance considering their small proportion in size.  They reflect so much light, it’s like having light bulbs on your doors.

As mentioned above, the craftsman style is handmade and personalized. Visiting your local flea market will guarantee you some amazing one of a kind finds. If you’re not looking for shine, but rather muted motifs with character, opt for wood etched door knobs. Wood grained door knobs are classic, and great for outdoors especially. They add a more natural element to balance any metal or cast iron patio furniture your backyard might already have.

All in all, adding unique craftsman elements to your décor will add the right amount of warmth to your home without taking away from it’s contemporary design scheme.