We just purchased a house that is about 12 year old. All of the door knobs, hinges, and drawer pulls are builder-grade brass. There is a ceiling fan en every room -- they are mostly white with some being white and brass. We do want to update, and I'm trying to decide between brushed nickel and rubbed bronze and I'm hoping for opinions.
The overall look I'm trying for is modern and beachy, and I like the nickel for that, but I also think the bronze would warm up the space and keeps it from being so cold. We are going with a very soft taupe (light grey-ish) for most of the house. Also I guess I should change the ceiling fans to match??
With the picture you posted re: your dining room window, I would say that you could choose either the nickel or the bronze. Choose the paint and finish that first - then you'll see which will work best.
I think you would want the finish of the fixtures to match in common/living areas, but do you need a fan in every room that currently has one? Would you rather have a fantastic and grand fixture in the DR?
Excited to see more pictures of your lovely new home!
You might want to check out the latest decorating magazines. As I'm seeing more shiny brass at Lowe's in light fixtures, I'm sensing that it may be making a come back. Although shiny brass has never been totally out, whether it is current high style does trend in and out. Its been out for so long, its probably ready for a resurgence.
Don't worry about a thing. You don't need our advice at all. You have honed in on your own problem. It is simply a matter of which you happen to prefer. Both will work just fine. Go with your gut feeling.
In your other post you mentioned you want a beachy feel. I assume that nautical would fall into the same category. If that is so, nothing is more nautical than brass! As Lu mentioned, brass has gained popularity again. In my opinion, it has never been out of style.
I agree with the thought that brass is coming back in a big way.
Changing out all the hardware on a house is surprisingly expensive. When you count up all the hinges and knobs and pulls it can be staggering. It also looks best when all the hardware is the same color metal, so it is usually an all or nothing project.
You didn't mention a budget, but if you have a big design budget, then go for it! If your budget is smaller, you might get more impact on the overall look by putting your money towards furniture, and accessories that support your modern beachy look. The hardware isn't what people will notice first at all once the house is done.
If you are unsure you might delay the changeover of the hardware until last, and see what you think. You can always do it later.
Cocok, you are so right about the potential cost. Our current house has the shiny brass in some areas and I too thought I'd just change all that stuff out once we moved in ... til I started thing about it ... hinges, door knobs, light fixtures, paddles on ceiling fans, floor vents, faucets, drains, toilet handles, drawer handles etc etc. Thank goodness the cabinet hinges are all concealed. Eventually I'll get to it. I focused on the furnishings and funny enough you don't really notice it so much since the place is really coming together. When I get ready to make changes though I think I'll do the knobs first.
In a recent remodel we changed out all of our hardware to brass. Yes, brass! Not the shiny stuff and not antique brass, but a softer finish called French Antique. Most of our light fixtures were brass and it was an easy decision for us. Brass is classic in my opinion.
The cost for door knobs and cabinet hardware alone can be thousands of dollars. Add in the expense of lighting and it could be staggering. If you need new furnishings and window treatments, start with those, then if you decide you still can't live with the brass, change it.
It cost me $500 to replace just the doorknobs in my kitchen and breakfast room. I bought off the shelf from Lowe's with a 10% discount. I didn't change the lock or handle on the one window. My husband did the work.
However, I could not find nice hinges. I bought a can of spray paint and had my handyman spray them. Not sure how long those hinges are going to last but the spray paint looks fine for now.
Changing out the hardware all over the house is INCREDIBLY expensive. I wouldn't recommend it.
When you say builder's grade, do you mean cheap, fake and off color brass? If so, I agree with you. On the other hand, if it's solid brass, not plated metal, it might be worth keeping. As others have said, good brass is classic and will always have it's day. It is traditional and definitely beachy, but modern? Define modern. Most people use the word when they mean contemporary, so if that's where you're going then brass will work. If it's good brass.
**Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning to dance in the rain**
Posts: 3563 | Location: Here, by the grace of God... | Registered: Jan 24, 2006
Aaaahh! I feel your pain. We had alot of brass too, I hate it! Did everything over in brushed. We are getting ready to build our house and the builder took us through some and when I saw the glass shower doors trimmed in brass I was like no way!
Our brass is shiny plated brass. I've been noodleing the cost thing.
I'm debating on if keeping the brass hinges we have and only changing the knobs out to a brushed/antique brass (much less shiny) would work. Just an idea.
The color on the walls is Soft Taupe from Porter paints--it's a little warmer than a true grey. I do like it, but I'm still having issues getting a quart of it to touch up with.
