Just wanted to say I agree. I like mixing finishes actually because I prefer a vintage feel and sometimes matchy matchy can read as too modern. However, the 2 finishes I think you really can't match well are chrome and polished nickel. Instead of looking like you did it purposely, it looks like you are trying to pass one off for the other. They aren't different enough to 'blend' them, so you're only option is to pass them off as the same. They ARE close enough that if you have small items, they would be fine.... In my half bath, the toilet paper holder and the rim around these little porcelain knob/hooks are polished nickel and everything else is chrome. There is so little of the nickel that I think I'm the only one who notices it (but believe me, I do notice it and it bugs me LOL.) I just think that the tub fixture is a LOT of chrome, and you couldn't try to pass them off as the same.

Although "matchy-matchy" is usually discouraged, I think bath fixtures are an exception. Matching materials and finish makes all of them less prominent, and keeps what is usually a small space more integrated and serene.

Chrome is always in "style" if you are looking for style and it is easy to keep clean and always looks good. If you want something that always looks clean and easy to clean and keep looking good, chrome. When we were doing our revamp for all the bathrooms, the lady who had the most to gain by selling some of the other metals told me quite honestly that she opted for chrome in her house and after working with and having many different metals in various homes, when she built her "permanent" home, she put chrome throughout.

Look at Restoration Hardware and Grohe for chrome fixtures that are made well and come in many looks that are appropriate for a more traditional bath. I'm not a fan of all of RHs stuff, but the chrome bathroom fixtures and lighting we've got from them in the past have always been top quality. Watch for sales because they can be a bit pricey. If money is no object, look at Waterworks (but don't look if you have a budget or you will be spoiled forever :)