i love AB but i agree bevangel, it's difficult to find. i really like the color in comparison to the ORB which seems so stark in comparison. i have to thank you for bringing it up. i've been inclined to go with ORB not because i'm in love with it, but because when our french doors appeared on our build the hinges were in the ORB finish. i'll have to speak with the GC about the possibility of changing them out. our windows are in but there is no hardware up yet. i suppose this would be the time to change if i were to do so! i can't remember if emtek has an AB finish? anyone know? athensmom: do you know what the emtek knobs are made from? trying to determine how they'll wear since i like the ORB finish MUCH more when it wears. the living finishes appeal to me more than the sealed. i've never seen or heard of ashley norton hardware so i'll have to check that out too! firsthouse: did you know i was thinking of using those latches on our mudroom bath? have that site bookmarked but was hoping to find a supplier in the US. i think they're FABULOUS. just one of those little details that really make a home! also was planning on using a shop bell for our secondary entrance as a doorbell but that's not quite working out with my husband's high tech alarm system. somehow he has talked me into the need to speak to whomever is ringing the bell before i actually open the door. i suppose it's a good idea in theory. (?) what pic are you talking about? i purchased our kitchen pendants from williams-sonoma home and posted a pic of them several times but they are not installed yet. maybe you're thinking of an inspiration pic? i'll post some progress shots soon. i need to get ready for trip next week so there are a BAZILLION other things that need doing right now! thanks so much for all the comments and direction. this is really an overwhelming project and it's just too easy to make regrettable decisions. i don't think i can go wrong with either the ORB or the AB though. they just seem too timeless to ever be considered a mistake.

Thanks but Hoppe Rodos does not appear to have interior door knobs. I know that is not the exact brand because I asked Milagrd what they use. But htose companies they use for this hardware also don't have door knobs.

I think it depends upon the look you are going for. Nickle/chrome/stainless hardware would give you a more modern look, I believe. Whereas, orb would turn things a little more aged/classic. It would also allow your door hardware to tie in. You will deal with this same question when it comes to lighting. What did you choose there?

What color are the door hinges? What color are other fixtures in the house (lighting, faucets, etc.)? You don't necessarily have to match, but just wondering what you will be working with. My interior doors are all white with black hinges and very dark ORB knobs.