Here's a design question for the forum: I'm updating a home built in the 90s.

Brass everywhere: door handles, faucets, etc. We've just finished doing a minor revamp of an upstairs bath where we replaced the brass with brushed chrome faucets, cabinet hardware, etc to create a spa-like feel. Now, those brass door handles are standing out like neon signs that say "I'm a relic!" . Should we go ahead and change out the door knobs (which I'm completely on board with)...and what do you do about the door HINGES...? I've noticed that many new homes have that rubbed bronze used throughout for door hardware, which I think is not a bad idea. (But I wouldn't want to mix that with the chrome inside the bath I don't think - do you?) Let me know what you think - and what you're seeing out there! Thanks so much for your input!

24 Comments

Dan's of Central Florida,... Clermont, FL

Hi Cheryl,
Given your choice for the other stuff in the bathroom (good choice btw!) I would go with the satin brass hinges. Should go well with the chrome. Here's an example one from Home Depot: http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Hard...

on Jul 17, 2011 · Like 0
Cheryl F Rocky Mount, NC

So you're not using the brushed chrome for door hinges and door knobs, right? I've seen the rubbed bronze used for hinges & door knobs, but not the chrome (which I think would be pretty trendy - the bronze might hold up better in terms of trends) What do you think about using the rubbed bronze door hardware throughout? Too much?

on Jul 17, 2011 · Like 0
SawHorse.net Atlanta, GA

We have had projects where we kept all of the finishes consistent within the same room. When transitioning from one room to the next, in some cases, we had to have different finishes on the doors to have them not stand out. This was a nightmare for our purchasing department, but it worked out the the clients have loved the selections.

on Jul 17, 2011 · Like 2
Cheryl F Rocky Mount, NC

That makes sense - thanks! Since I definitely wouldn't want brushed chrome anywhere but the bathrooms, I think that might work for us.

on Jul 17, 2011 · Like 0
Dan's of Central Florida,... Clermont, FL

Sorry, I sort of misread your original post. Though you were looking for brass that more matched your chrome. The brushed satin chrome is ok and pretty popular around here. The rubbed bronze is good as well, I like the look, but it might be too dark when put up near the bathroom chrome.

on Jul 17, 2011 · Like 1
Cheryl F Rocky Mount, NC

@Dan's - I like those hinges - thanks for the link!

on Jul 17, 2011 · Like 0
Culpepper Carpets and Int... Atlanta, GA

Cheryl, this is a wonderful question. I am posting photos of the different colors & trend forecast of faucets within the hour. The rule has always been that the metal finishes in a house should all match. In the massive homes I stay one color in the entire house in most cases, however one can change finishes on each level as long as they match. That said...most designers are breaking the rules in many areas. For instance( in fashion), mixing silver & gold jewelry is acceptable and your ...»
shoes don't have to match your purse any more. When done correctly you can mix finishes on occasion. You made a wise choice with the brushed chrome. Trends come & trends go & the brushed silver finish remains, through it all. Therefore, if money is not a problem, change all door handles & hinges to a brushed chrome. If this advice does not sit well, take this pill & call me in the morning because I definitely have a plan B.

on Jul 17, 2011 · Like 4
Cheryl F Rocky Mount, NC

Thanks, LeeAnn - that helps a bunch! I was wondering if you could do a different color on the upper level than on the lower level. I've always been a brass person myself, so the idea of transforming everything to brushed chrome, although I like the look, scares me a bit. So good to have everyone's input!

on Jul 17, 2011 · Like 0
Culpepper Carpets and Int... Atlanta, GA

I am glad you said that. In that case as the homeowner keep the high-end Baldwin Brass. It is so much better than the cheap silver. I say, if you like it...it is perfect! You can still update a bathroom or 2 & change the venue,

on Jul 18, 2011 · Like 1
Elaine G Chapel Hill, NC

FInd pretty accessories like a towel rack, soap dish, trash bin and decorative shelf that uses several metal finishes in a pattern. Even if it is just picture frames.

on Aug 11, 2011 · Like 1
Donna Raleigh, NC

We just went thru the same process. Our upstairs was renovated around 2000 with the polished brass (Baldwin) so when we repainted and updated the bathroom 2 yrs ago, we added granite counters to the remaining bathroom and left the polished brass. It was hard to find the light fixture in polished brass but since we also had 4 more fixtures, numerous cabinets and 18 doors upstairs (includes 6 sets of double doors in the hall and 2 bedrooms), we didn't want the add'l expense of changing ...»
out the hinges. I agree w/Elaine's suggestion to use accessories w/different finishes or you may want to consider painting the hinges on the inside facing the bathroom. We just renovated our downstairs and went to bronze from brass but had 2 sets of french doors with odd hinges that we painted instead or replacing. Amazing how a little lipstick calls for a whole makeover sometimes, ain't it??? Good luck.

on Aug 11, 2011 · Like 1
TonyaM Williams Atlanta, GA

Hi Cheryl, I would definitely change out the doorknobs to match the bathroom. The cool thing about owning a home is that its yours to design to suit your taste. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having different themes on different floors, what I would possibly suggest is that if you feel you need a peice that makes the floors "relate" to their respective doorknob and faucet choices...hang a family/personal picture or a peice of art that is framed in the same finish as the doorknobs ...»
on this level in a transitional area. ie next to the powder room downstairs and one in the hallway upstairs. The finish of the fram will cause the eye to easily transition and "relate" to the knob/faucet choices on each floor because the picture frame is the common element on each floor to tie in the knob/faucet choices. I hope this idea is helpful. TMW

on Aug 11, 2011 · Like 1
Shannon O Raleigh, NC

If you want to match throughout one room/level/home but want to save some dough, there are some really excellent spraypaint options on the market. I'd hesitate to use it on doorknobs or major fixtures, though I've seen some people do it, but it's great for hinges or small knobs. if you're not used to spraypaint, look up some online tutorials, take your time, and use a topcoat and it really does look 'real.' I've seen especially good results with the oil-rubbed bronze spraypaint.

on Aug 15, 2011 · Like 1
Cheryl F Rocky Mount, NC

Donna...Oooh, yes! A little update here, a little fix up there...and pretty soon you're doing the entire place :)

on Aug 15, 2011 · Like 0
Cheryl F Rocky Mount, NC

Great ideas, everyone - thanks so much!

on Aug 15, 2011 · Like 0
Lindsay New Port Richey, FL

I don't think there should be any rules set in stone, plus lately I think matching everything might be too much. So I would say don't buy all the hardware just one or two of a couple finishes you like and try them out.

on Aug 15, 2011 · Like 1
Kevin M. Veler, Law Offic... Alpharetta, GA

When we remodeled, generally we changed out the builder brass for a better quality satin nickel, but I have to admit I went with a Baldwin polished nickel front door handle. I trust the Baldwin to last.

on Aug 15, 2011 · Like 1
Cheryl F Rocky Mount, NC

Baldwin's always a good bet! My favorite brand for that sort of thing, hands down.

on Aug 15, 2011 · Like 0
Terry Haas Charleston, SC

Please no brass...
and let it be noted that there is NOTHING wrong with brass. Just not todays trend. (keep the knobs and I will tell you to put them all back in a few years when the trend comes back...ha ha)
The exception to my rule...Historic homes. Keep with the integrity of the home if the home is historic and that is consistant with the decor of the "period". I live in Charleston SC and this is ...»
a common scenerio.
As far as the hinges, it depends on how much "brass" is showing and how noticeable. In many instances you can avoid switching all of the hinges. The handles are what people notice.

on Aug 15, 2011 · Like 1
Cheryl F Rocky Mount, NC

So true, Terry! If you've invested in nice brass knobs, etc - it's probably a good idea to hold onto them, as you're right - trends will come back around! I like the options now, but I do like good brass :)
BTW...You're in one of my favorite, favorite places! LOVE Charleston!

on Aug 15, 2011 · Like 1
TonyaM Williams Atlanta, GA

@Cheryl, please let us know how it turns out..with before and after pictures. TMW

on Aug 16, 2011 · Like 0
Joy2Journey Andover, MN

In my bathroom ... I have been priming and then spray painting everything to the color I want. It has saved me a boat load of money and I love the look! Just sayin. :) bj@joy2journey.blogspot.com

on Apr 19, 2012 · Like 0
Custom Interiors West Columbia, TX

There is a line of products at your Hobby Lobby stores called Rub & Buff. It is a metalic wax product that can help for your hinges. Comes in most metal hues.

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 1
Cheryl F Rocky Mount, NC

Thanks, everyone! I've never seen the Rub & Buff, but I'll check it out. So far, the bathrooms are brushed chrome as to fixtures, with all the interior door knobs & hinges rubbed oil bronze. Looks really great!

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 0