coordinating finishes on exterior fixtures...what would you do?

15 years ago

The siding color of the house is a light cream & the trim around windows & doors is a very deep brown. Roof is an architectural shingle, is a deep brown, perhaps a shade or two lighter than trim. Need new light fixtures, one over the garage, & a flushmount over entry door.

Here's the thing...I fell in love with a Hinkley fixture called Lakewood in a finish called "copper bronze." Think it would be ideal with all the brown, & pop against the cream. Currently there is a 20 yr. old brass fixture there that just disappears against the siding. I would really prefer not to go w/brass again. It is also way too small to my eye for hanging over a garage door.

Entry door is a deep forest green with a shiny brass kickplate. Storm door also has brass hardware & a slim kickplate of its own, but all that is tarnished; not nearly as brassy as the door plate.

So I ask you...if I use the bronzy light fixtures, does the brass plate on the door have to go? I hesitate to remove it because it makes my door pop out so much more from the street ( I have a fairly large expanse of lawn, doorway is also recessed). I could, I guess, paint the door a lighter shade of green, perhaps a sage, & try to find a bronzy kickplate. The bronze kickplate on the current shade would just dissappear. Or, would you not worry too much about the kickplate? Both of the light fixtures would be in the same finish of course. The door knob is a very burnished brass finish which matches all the knobs throughout the house. That burnished shade doesn't bother me too much w/ the bronze, just the polished plate.

I'm driving myself crazy, don't want to drive anyone else crazy w/ this, but I decided that I can't log in any more hours thinking about this w/out some help. So...help! THANKS! Stinky

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Comments (9)

CaroleOH
15 years ago
I would say definitely not. The metals don't have to match and I think the light fixtures need to coordinate mostly with what they're being hung closest too, so I think the bronze will coordinate perfect with the cream/brown.

I think matching metals in a house is a thing of the past. In my kitchen I have a brushed nickle faucet, ORB cabinet hardware, stainless appliances and brass door knobs! Each one is perfect in its place and as a whole, not even an issue worth worrying about,
lindybarts
15 years ago
Yep, I agree with caroleoh! I think it would look fabulous.
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johnmari
15 years ago
You can replace the shiny brass kickplate with an antique brass one that is closer to the doorknob color so it doesn't stand out so much to you. They're pretty widely available; google "antique brass kickplate".
brutuses
15 years ago
The important thing is that you match the style of the house. Color is your personal preference. If you could post some photo's for us, it would help.
stinky-gardener
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for replying, everybody! Will eventually get a photo on but have been too busy these days. Feeling more relaxed about the issue, thanks to you all! Stinky
mahatmacat1
15 years ago
Glad you're feeling more relaxed...will it help with the stink? :)

I just have to ask about the source of your name...
dprisock1027
15 years ago
I don't know if money is an issue but if so you could spray paint the kick plate with rustoleum in whatever finish you choose. I just did it on one that was shiny brass and now its orb color. I bought the ORB plates and kept thinking that it was such a waste when I could paint it for $5/can.
stinky-gardener
Original Author
15 years ago
Flyleft,

No, nothing helps w/ the stink! Ah, the mystery behind my handle...Actually, in my household, "Stinky" is a term of endearment! When the cat is being particularly full of her self she's "stinky." When my husband does something annoying, the nice way of telling him so is to say, "That was stinky behavior!" Don't know how it caught on, but in good times & bad, we're all just stinky! There you have it...mystery revealed. Ironically, no one on the planet could be more into things smelling nice than I am! Potpurri for the house, home fragrance spray for the house, cleaners selected for their fragrance as well as cleaning abilities. Love fragrant bath gels, body sprays, scented candles...minty toothpaste, mouthwash & always have Listerine breath strips w/me! Have a vase full of eucalyptus in downstairs powder room so it always smells fresh. I'm a clean freak & part of my motivation is to keep things smelling nice. SO, in the conventional sense, am probably one of the best smelling people around...but if you ask my husband (& cat)...they'll tell you.. I'm very, very stinky!
mahatmacat1
15 years ago
Got it :)

So sad to listen to all that compensatory behavior, you stinky thing :)

coordinating finishes on exterior fixtures...what would you do?

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CaroleOH

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coordinating finishes on exterior fixtures...what would you do?

Comments (9)

CaroleOH

lindybarts

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