I think it is a matter of personal preference. I do like them to match ... one of the things I liked about doing a whole house reno and addition at once was the continuity of palette and finishes. So it was an important detail for me, in fact I put in all antique white ceramic hardware. That said, we have a pre-existing pseudo-indoor-outdoor space with something like 10 sets of french doors and a few solid doors. They had lovely brass hinges and levers, and I didnt think the antique hardware would look right (ye olde poolhouse?) so I kept them as is.

Thanks everyone. Though it would have been simpler (much) to have chosen a "theme" and followed it throughout the house, I did not. I hope my home won't end up looking schizophrenic! My kitchen is quite "country," with Shaker-style pine cabinets in a medium stain. The powder room has a freestanding vanity with built-in countertop and sink and has more of a traditional, furniture-style design. The kids' bath has beveled doors (I still don't know what you call the detail on the cabinet) that are painted white. The guest room bath has a pedestal sink--no cabinets at all. The master has more of a "spa" like feel to it, so I went with a very elaborate, detailed, elegant "beveled" cabinet. They will be stained a deep mahogany brown. Oh, and the laundry room has cheapo Home Depot stock white cabinets. No matchey matchey in my house! I think my builder thought I was nuts, but each room sort of developed a personality as we moved along the design process. FYI our construction is a MAJOR remodel in which we tore the existing house down to the studs, added a second story, and expanded and reconfigured virtually all existing dowstairs rooms. The end result will basically be a custom home in a high-end community, so we definitely did not want a "track home" feel.

I'm glad you asked this question because I was about to, also. I have yet to put up any w/ts in our new house, but really need to (for sun, not privacy). I'm thinking of 2" faux wood blinds in a few rooms, but not everywhere. My dilemma is in the front---I need some blinds on upstairs' rooms, but don't want them in the 2 downstairs rooms (DR and study/library). I was hoping that just having them the same color (off-white) in all the front rooms would be enough? Thanks!

oh good - glad to hear the runner is not as beige as it appears - taupe and white definitely coordinate better with existing. I would encourage you to fall in love with either an area rug OR a large piece of art for the wall over the sofa. Then that item will become your inspiration or jumping off point for the room. Also, the coffee table is too wide for the scale of the sofa and room. Lastly, make sure you get as big a rug as you can for that area. Check out natural or faux jute rugs. A neutral rug will give you flexibility in decorating your space.