I live in an old home built in 1912. I bought the home in 2007. It has been a challenge decorating and deciding on hardware. The “old” part of our home has original brass door handles/knobs. I have an addition that was added sometime in the eighties (I think). I wanted to make both parts of the home flow smoothly in a decorative sense. I did not want to limit myself to only brass either. One way I have jived both parts of the home is by mixing metals. This a picture of the bathroom in the addition. I added brass objects from a thrift store. I also have chrome and black metals in this bathroom. I think using three metals is okay. Some people may prefer one metal but for my purpose I think this works!
The next photo is showing an example of the brass door handles in the old part of the home.
In the formal dining room I have added chrome lanterns with brass votives (again from a thrift store).
I try to keep three metals (chrome, black, and brass) throughout every room. Sometimes it will be one, two, or all three. There really is no rule for me. I think limiting to three assists with the cohesion and flow for the entire home. I think adding more metals may get to be a bit much.
The next photo is the guest room. I chose one overall metal to use which is brass but I also used black for the curtain rod.
This photo is one of the original brass wall sconces in our daughter’s room.
This photo shows how I added a modern chrome light fixture in the foyer. Note the brass door handle. What do you think?
I hope these examples give you some idea and inspiration for whatever you may be working on! I think the main rule is that there isn’t one! Decorate and decide based on what you like!
