I never did see an actual question, but you will probably have more response in the Lighting forum.

My opinion is that matching your light fixtures throughout is actually rather boring. I personally design lighting such that it is not the main feature of the room, but rather is functional and somewhat invisible (I do NOT use recessed lights, however). For big fixtures, over the table or in the foyer for example, it's more important to fit in with the decoration in that area, rather than with fixtures in other areas. I like lots of variety, rather than uniformity.

Amy - I too am having a similar dilemma. I'm drawn to all the irons when it comes to lights but I don't want everything to be the same. My front door will have iron work, therefore the foyer light will be iron or close enough to the finish. The kitchen will have wrought iron chandys as well but I want a mixture throughout the rest of the house. At least you get to work with a designer. We are on our own.

As far as your choices, I like both semi flush lights but I think I prefer the brown one because it is a simpler style. I think that the more detail, the sooner I might tire of it.

But I really like both foyer lights so I can see why you are having such a problem. The 2nd would be my pick.

Amy - I about lost my mind over lighting. I too had a lighting designer/planner and a interior/house designer and yet it still comes down to what you like. I have been in my finished house for 9 months now and I am SO happy with my choices. Go with your "first love" in the fixture choices.
Choose the ones that you like the best because you are going to be seeing them ALOT ! Get the best you can afford in your
main areas and skimp in the not so used areas if you have to.
I have Hinkley, Quoizel,Maxim, Murray feiss,. I will send you some pics if you like! Best of luck !

Amy - I can see why it is hard to decide! I like them all! I really like the second one as well.

Remodeler matt - is there a reason why you do not use recessed lights? We have them planned in our hallways, kitchen and living. Have you run across a problem with them or do you just not like the look of them?

I must be boring cause I am going with pewter light fixtures through out the house. LOL! Different pewter finishes though :-)

I like the "new black foyer light."

Are you saying you'll have 5 of the semi-flush in a hallway? Can they all be seen at the sames time? Even if just two or three can be seen at the same time, I think the Morningside fixture is the best choice. The Colonial Manor is too busy and when you multiply it by 5 - BUSY! :)

I disagree that using a lot of the same finishes is boring - and not because most of mine are the same finish. Mine are functional, fit the room they are in and are virtually invisible. I used numerous Hubbardton Forge fixtures (old world, not the craftsman style they make), a chandelier from our last home and 4 antique sconces I brought from our last home as well.

I do agree with Matt on recessed lights. I can't stand them, but that's just me. We do have them in the kitchen, so according to DH I won't cut my hand off while cooking. Also in the bathrooms since I don't like bathroom sconces or over the mirror lighting. Not saying these choices are bad or ugly, they are just not me.

I used four metal sconces each in the great room and MBR, both with cathedral ceilings instead of recessed. They are open at both top and bottom, creating a wonderful ambiance at night.

allison: I love your idea of only sconces in great rm and MBR. Where did you find them open at both top and bottom? I've been looking and can't seem to find any. I'm obsessed about not having dust catch in the bottom of a sconce--too hard to clean. I want it to fall on through to the floor where I can dustmop it up!

Thanks everyone for your words of advice. Allison and jgirl, I think you're on to something re: simplicity being better down that long hallway. All of the details I have meticulously thought through and then the iron ballusters throw me at the end! I just didn't think about them. I will go with the colonial manor fixture in the foyer, but probably the morningside down the hall. remodeler matt, I have tried very hard to mix it up, same type of finishes but not exact, different types of fixtures. But my husband insisted on recessed lights in several areas of the home. Yuck, but I did get my way with the dimmer switches. Thanks again everyone, for your thoughtful answers.

Amy

Amyks, I have an L shaped hallway downstairs with four fixtures, two in each. Hubbardton Forge fixtures. I love them for their simplistic lines and acorn shaped globe.

Pinktoes, I purchased eight Quorum fixtures from Lighting Universe, four for each room.:

My parents were building a lakehouse and like the look of the sconces so much, they used several alabaster sconces. They actually give out more light than mine since the metal blocks the light.

amyks: I'm stealing allison's acorn shaped fixtures.

allison0704: thanks for the sconces; I'll look. Do your parents get TOO much direct light/glare from their alabaster ones? My old eyes are sensitive to light, so I was thinking the metal at first, but maybe not.

LOL They used to come in two sizes. Make sure you get the length you need. Our lower level ceilings are just over 10ft high. Also, be warned: The globes are expensive to replace if broken (maybe I should order a spare) and it's not easy to change a light bulb...but the good news is they are beautiful and we've been here almost 2yrs and haven't had to change a bulb yet. :)

I'm sensitive to light too - blue eyes, get migraines easily - and their fixtures don't bother me. I do not know what brand they bought, but they bought them at Home Depot.

allison: thanks for the warning. Good to know there are some attractive ones around like I wanted.

Check out Hubbarton Forge catalog on their website, then search the internet for best prices. I purchased mine over 2yrs ago, when Five Rivers was the best price, but others have mentioned since then they were not.