Choosing Door Hardware and Light for English Cottage

13 years ago

I need some tips on how to choose exterior hardware and lighting.

Should the style and metals be *exactly* the same as what's chosen for the landing/front hall? Should the landing's style then be exactly the same as the rest of the house? How should hardware and lighting "flow"?

Our Victorian Revival Cottage (14 years old, built on a 100-year-old plan, purchased four years ago) has brushed nickle door hardware that just isn't appropriate for our style which -- I think? -- is going English Country Cottage... just not too frilly and not too pink at Hubby's request.

For now we need a new door handle and exterior light.

{{gwi:45586}}

Hubby's plan for next summer... we may or may not paint the siding.

{{!gwi}}

Weiser "Amhurst" -- does this go?

{{!gwi}}

We need a better mailbox and light, too. (Front landscaping in progress.)

{{!gwi}}

"New" door as of yesterday.

We will likely have a mix of shiny brass and antique brass on the porch. The bench is antique brass.

Thanking you in advance for your ideas,

...Pam at Prairie Dawn Cottage, Alberta, Canada

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Comments (8)

dianalo
13 years ago
I think that door handle set may be too grand for your style.
I also think if you search out doorbells, you can find one in brass that is fun and less plastic looking.
You need to be careful with replacement handles like that because they may not have the same span between bolt and latch. We had that issue with ours.
prairiedawnpam
Original Author
13 years ago
Dianalo, Thank you. We DO need a new doorbell, too. Gosh, one thing just leads to another, doesn't it?

I agree the handset might be "too much".

...Pam
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vampiressrn
13 years ago
The door looks really nice in the new color. For some reason, I think those steps would look better enclosed and the hand rails painted. I don't have an opinion on the hardware but agree that version might be too much.
prairiedawnpam
Original Author
13 years ago
Vampires, thanks for your opinions. The stairs will be enclosed, maybe even this week. Next summer the rails will be replaced with spindles, colour uncertain, when the porch is extended. Today I just repainted it all white. Maybe I'll add some blue or mossy green... it all depends on if we paint the siding or not, too.

{{!gwi}}
happyintexas
13 years ago
What would you think of a black 'jewelry' for your door? English+cottage says black to me...I keep stubbing my toe on victorian because I'm not quite sure what that means to you (or the rest of the decor world.) It seems to me that you could have more frou-frou detailing on the door hardware if it were in black.

Cute house! The red door is a nice touch!

I just went back and read that you'll have antique brass on the porch. If so, you may need to go antique on the door handle.

Every time I see a photo of your home, I want a large evergreen shrub tucked into the space beside the porch---tucked toward the backside of the porch so you still have light, air, and a view off the actual porch.

Closing in your steps some day would give a solid appearance to your entry.
prairiedawnpam
Original Author
13 years ago
Happy -- Thanks for your ideas.

I'm struggling with styles. "Victorian" is really too formal for our life.

A "Painted Lady" would be totally fun for us, but over-the-top for our neighbourhood.

"Arts and Crafts" and Nwe like, but it isn't very cozy and to re-do this interior in that style it might mean a lot of work.

"English Cottage" or even "American Cottage" or "Canadian Cottage", to me, mixes the informal, cozy lifestyle we have, plus allows for some "Shabby Chic" and even "Victorian", "Painted Lady" and "Craftsman" elements. I do like Art Neuveau and Deco, too. I'm in love with William Morris fabrics... and Ralph Lauren, also.

I'm not sure how to bring this all together.

I LOVE this exterior

{{!gwi}}

...Pam
dianalo
13 years ago
I did a google search for English Cottage and found so many pretty pictures. I can see doors but can't see the hardware much.... I think they all have a more rustic look.
Perhaps, you can head towards more of a North American cottage to work in the antique brass... although, no one will arrest you if you mix hardware finishes and went with black or a very aged look metal...

Here is a link that might be useful: English cottage
prairiedawnpam
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks Dianalo. I looked at your link and the exterior isn't what I want so I know I'm using the wrong words. "Victorian Cottage" works better. Arg. I'm not good at describing what I want. LOL

...Pam

Choosing Door Hardware and Light for English Cottage

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