I looked into this last spring when I was shopping for a used chandelier. I haven't tried this, mind you, but here's what I read: polish the chandelier to remove the tarnish; it will restore the brass to a shiny state; let the brass tarnish over a period of several weeks to desired patina; then wax the chandelier to retard further tarnishing. I suppose you could lacquer it too, but I think lacquer would be tricky to apply well. Also, when you say "antique brass," do you mean the antique brass finish that's painted on or do you mean an old formerly shiny brass chandelier that's tarnished & dark?

Well, let's see what we can do without changing the garage. If you move the WI closet up, and make the existing pantry smaller, you can still have the hidden pantry. Although the WI closet is then smaller, you exchange that space for more bedroom closet space from flipping the DR pantry. That one could be the shoe closet--win/win--or his&hers closets. ;) Another win is the cooktop and hood become the focal point and the fridge is hidden from the great room; however, clean-up is on display. I drew the island at 96", to accommodate 4 seats, and to give you ap 40" of prep space with a 30" sink. You could add a few inches for a 33" sink or a wider prep space. Secondary prep would be in the L with the small sink. The L beside the fridge could still be used for baking, with space in the corner for a stand mixer, or could be used as labeled. Aisles should be at least 42", but 48" is better, and use as many drawers as possible for the bases. The alcove beside the pantry door could be a drop zone, extra pantry storage, or shelves for small appliances. Do you have a need for separate fridge freezer/columns? Quick flip of DW and dish storage. Dishes are farther from fridge, but the clear counter makes a good landing space for groceries which need to be loaded to the fridge or pantry: Again, it all needs to be put on a grid to work out exact cabinet sizes.

Thanks for the replies. North Texan, that's a good idea, but can two different types of lights with the same number of lumens still make colors look different? Catbuilder, I thought about that but my GC wants me to pick a Sherwin Williams color and my SW store doesn't have those different lights, just the store's fluorescent lights. I wonder how they compare? I guess I could take my color samples over to Home Depot where I know they have those. Thanks

The door asymmetry on the front really throws me too. 3'-0" aisles in the kitchen are insufficient for new construction. Make them at least 4. I'd like to know why you'd want an upstairs gym. Anyone working out in the early morning will be waking up the person in the adjacent bedroom, unless the gym is only used for low impact yoga and meditating. You have an entire unfinished basement - that would be the perfect spot for a gym. Ours is in the basement and I can still hear DH dropping weights. If a treadmill were in that room - THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP. Living room absolutely feels crammed into a space that would normally just hold token furniture - a sideboard and a couple chairs no one sits in. That space feels like it should be a foyer, not a living room. Why do you need 2 sets of stairs to the basement?