I think you have gotten good advice. Don't let the paid professionals talk you into something that doesn't sit right with you. I have found that when we tell our decorators that we don't like something and ask if they have any other ideas they will have a plan b that fits us better. You have to do what works for you or you are going to look at it and feel sick about it. Especially if you paint the clock white. You can't really go back very easily. sleep on it for a while and then decide. i caution going too trendy. I think that will date your house very quickly. Pick a few trends that you love. Stained trim seems to be out. My husband loves it so that is what we did. We then choose oil rubbed bronze for the levers and fixtures because it looks so good with the dark trim. So, in my opinion, i think you are right. and, for what it is worth, my paid professional told me they didn't like nickel with stained doors. You could keep the levers and finish the project. If you decide to change the levers after living with it for a while it is a pretty easy project. So, why not try it out and see how you feel.

Thanks. Yes, there's no plate there that should be preset with this kind of lock (it's like they just borrowed a lock from another door since there's no lock or key hole on this one). But, should I replace the whole mortise mechanism when I change out the handle (it feels a bit wimpy when in use), or just change the knob out only? I had assumed I should change out everything, but keeping the current lock mechanism would be great/easier. (Perhaps I just answered my question. Ah well). Thank you!

iroll - this is a fantastic tip! That's what I've been missing. Whenever I searched Ebay, I'd only come up with sellers who had one or two levers for sale. So I was loosing hope for Ebay. I just tried your suggestion and it opened up a world of possibilities for us. Thanks very much!

robin posted: "We had levers everywhere when I lived in Europe. I was forever catching a sleeve in one as I walked by, or a jacket. Or catching them on my arm--but I am not really graceful. They look nice but I got tired of the bruises and stretched or torn sleeves". When I had a serious fall with lots of injuries and had to get around the house, the levers were easier to use, but like robin mentioned, I kept catching myself on the hooks I would walk by! I cut off my belt loops after I got grabbed when walking by one door in particular! I even caught part of my sling and cast on one, and OUCH! I know one would say well, don't walk near a door, but, when on meds one tends to walk near walls and guide yourself around. Once my case came off, the lever again was easier to use with my sore hand. So, there are two conflicting reasons why I will rethink putting them in my next house.