A warm refresh on a family budget
Greige doors, parquet floors and Paris levers in antique brass and bronze: a classic look for a busy 1930s semi that doesn't cost a fortune.
A 1930s semi with a sunburst front door, a parquet hall and two young children. The owners wanted the house to feel warmer and more put-together without spending big. They painted every internal door the same soft greige and fitted Paris levers in an antique brass and bronze finish, which looks aged and mellow from day one. Antique brass hinges and a row of hat and coat hooks finish the hall, and the old pine dresser in the dining room has matching antique brass knobs.
Antique brass and bronze for a family semi
More antique brass hinges, hooks and knobs
A whole-house refresh on a budget
Paint, then handles
Painting every door one calm colour is the cheapest way to make a house feel joined-up. Greige hides fingerprints better than white and suits both the original 1930s details and modern furniture.
A finish that's already aged
Antique brass and bronze has a darkened, brushed look, so small marks and wear simply add to it. That makes it a good choice for a family home where handles get used hundreds of times a day.
Keyholes where you need them
Many 1930s doors still have mortice locks. The Paris lock handle keeps a neat keyhole below the lever, while the bathroom version swaps the keyhole for a turn.
Planning notes
Lock or latch?
Use lock handles only where a mortice lock is already fitted; they won't cover the latch-only holes on other doors.
Separate keyholes
A circular escutcheon neatens a keyhole that sits away from the handle, such as on an understairs cupboard.
Hinge sizes
Use the 4in hinges on standard internal doors and the 3in size on lighter cupboard doors.
Dresser knobs
Swapping tired wooden knobs on a pine dresser for small antique brass ones ties the furniture to the doors. Check the length of the old fixing bolt before you order.
