I say -- don't overthink it. I'm definitely an "I'll know it when I see it" person and it has served me well. Don't apologize for it. I really like your patinated chandelier, your comfortably used faucet (it's got some style!) the stove -- it's relaxed, no-fixed-decade. It's no time to get uptight about finishes! I'd say you have a good sense of your own style. TRUST IT. Don't choose a finish you don't like just "to be consistent" or because someone told you you have to. I have polished nickel, antique brass, new unlacquered brass, old filthy dirty brass, stainless steel, black forged iron -- and a few other things I can't remember in my kitchen. It all gets along. In fact the more things you put together, the better it works, because it's not like you have a big beige room with 23 satin nickel handles and one polished nickel one. You have a rich crazy quilt/gumbo of elements and no single dominant one, but your good taste has selected each, and they get along because you know when they don't. I agree with Circuspeanut that some finishes just attract too much attention to themselves, and they tend to be the more modern ones like satin nickel and ORB. But if you love them, and they work in your particular mix, then go for it. Did you look at the Schoolhouse Lighting custard line of shades? Just a thought. Something to consider is that Schoolhouse, and probably some other companies too, may have options not listed on their Web sites, and may be able to make you up a custom fixture. So if you see something on their site that is very close to what you want, but in just the wrong finish, or the chain isn't right, call or e-mail and ask if that thing can be changed. I did, and the cost was like $30 extra for my particular alteration. It's always worth asking. Good luck!

reyesuela- You need to be clear on the facts before you criticize. If you were familiar with EPA's Asbestos-in-Schools rules, you would know that EPA does not have the authority to arbitrarily force schools to remove asbestos. I am familiar with the program, and I can tell you that the only removals that have occurred after asbestos was identified in schools were done because of independent decisions by the school districts involved in light of the hazards that were identified. Here is a quote from a set of EPA FAQ's: Is the school district required to do anything about asbestos-in-schools? Yes. AHERA, or the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, was passed by Congress in 1986. AHERA requires public school districts and non-profit private schools to inspect their schools for asbestos containing building material and prepare management plans which recommend the best way to reduce the hazard from any asbestos that may be present. Options include repairing damaged asbestos containing material, spraying it with sealants, enclosing it, removing it, or keeping it in good condition so that it does not release fibers. The plans must be developed by accredited management planners and approved by the State. The school authority must notify parent, teacher and employer organizations of the plans, and then the plans must be implemented. The school district must also perform periodic surveillance of asbestos containing material every 6 months in its schools. AHERA also requires accreditation of abatement designers, contractor supervisors and workers, building inspectors, and school management plan writers. How unreasonable does that sound? I know it's tempting to tell stories about mindless government bureaucrats, but please dig a little deeper next time before repeating urban myths. Here is a link that might be useful: Asbestos-in-Schools Program

Kmcg - Thanks for posting your photo again. I saved it before but it must not be on this computer. I will say the b&w plates have fruit around them. :) Lori - You mean the 2nd mock up, right? Moving the fruit picture completely is an idea. I paid very little for it at the thrift store (becoming my fav. place) so I don't have that financial attachment, iykwim? I like the idea of a white platter with the red plates. Thank you for the links Deedee and Luckygal! I'll check out her blog more later. She does have lots of pretty plates and I'm sure I could find bits of inspiration from there. Pictures always help. So as of right now I'm not putting the girl picture with red plates in the hall. I think I'm going to have our stairs fixed right (remove the lovely moulding across the middle) when the drywaller comes for the basement. So I don't think the plates or picture will go there either. I do think the plates are nice enough to hang on the walls but I really like the look of plates. DH finally said to me the other day,"please tell me those circles on the wall are plates?" I said they were possibly going to be the red & white dishes I bought. He joking said he was hoping for Elvis. *grin* Decisions, decisions. I'm sure I'll find something that sings to me and makes the arrangements, whatever they may be, work. I really appreciate all the feedback and thoughts.

So there's no magic solution huh? Just careful and slow. Alright. :) Jem, people still wax brasswinds with car wax! I happen to have a can of car wax for just that. Do people still wax cars? (I wonder if it'll help silver stay shiny--I might try it out on the spare A slide. I don't think it will harm it.) The gold accent on silver was a trendy upgrade in early 20th century. I'm sure that's what this one is. You can still find the ordering options from some of the bigger manufacturers. Lacquer wasn't common until the '30s I think. (Here is a compilation of assorted finish options from much bigger manufacturer Conn for example, if you're curious: https://cderksen.home.xs4all.nl/ConnArticle11.html )