All I can tell you is that when DS moved into his condo he changed all the polished brass door handles to brushed nickle. The hinges are still polished brass, but you really don't even notice it. But, if you have different door handles that can be seen at the same time, I would think you'd want them all to be the same.

I gotta say yes, they should be one color. Some people would say that since people frequently match gold and silver jewelry at the same time, what's the difference. But I think the hardware should be consistent--in style (ie, not mixing round doorknobs with egg-shaped doorknobs) and color--because it's a foundational piece of the decorating. Even if it takes a bit of time to be able to afford having everything the same, it's worth it. It is one of the basic investments in your home.

Changing out the builder's grade dull brassy doorknobs to brushed aluminum colored was one of the first things I did to my townhouse (and the main level is also one open space). There are some faucets on the upper levels that are brassy, but those will be replaced if I get the financial opportunity to update those bathrooms.

(Also, there will be many people who disagree with this, but I think that guests, and later potential homebuyers, will notice the inconsistency and think it just looks wrong to their eye, kind of cheap.)

So this means I have to get rid of my wedding rings since they are platinum because all the rest of my metals in bracelets, necklaces are 14K yellow gold but then what to do about the 18K husband who is yellower than the 14K bracelet and then there are the sterling silver children? Do they all go out with the jewelry or do I just need to replate my family or quit worrying about it and see if it all works together.

I think you can mix it up - I think it makes it more charming. I hate when every finish, say in a bathroom, match perfectly - ie.. faucets, lighting, sconces, toilet paper holder, towel bar, door knobs and cabinet knobs. I just is not as interesting to me. But, everyone has their opinion. I used to think everything had to be the same, but when we built our new home 3 years ago - we changed things up a bit and I like it so much more!

Best of luck to you!

I kept all the door knobs in the same finish, but have different fixtures in some rooms, i.e., Antique bronze fixtures with brushed nickle door knobs.

sjt is right on not matching the hinges to the door knobs. I've matched mine, but I really don't think anyone notices. I don't notice that sort of thing when I go to other people's houses.