Personally divamum... I don't think everything has to be matchy-matchy. Seems like you are of a similar mindset. However... if you don't like the finish there is always a can of metal finish spray paint. All sorts of finishes at Home Depot or Lowes. Just tape off or unscrew (if do-able) the finnials. HTH

me personally, as long as the fixtures themselves go together in style it doesn't matter what finish they are. So as long as your pulls and knobs and lights and curtain rods all look like they belong together in the same kitchen, then the finish doesn't really matter.

Oo... paint! I didn't know about that. Do I ask for anything special (n00b here...)

I've chosen slightly more "formal" things for the dining area because I wanted to set it apart a bit, but broadly speaking I'd say it all ties together! I still have to remake one of the valances so it's a work in progress as of yet, but now that I have the DR curtains up (finally FINISHED them properly after 3 years! They didn't have a hem until this afternoon...) it got me to thinking about such things...

You can paint, but I wouldn't if it's going to get any wear. What you're looking for is anything that says it'll stick to metal, paper and tape off the finials really well, and spray at the recommended distance with a smooth, even stroke. It helps if you get a spray can handle. You need to do this out of doors, and preferably with a respirator mask (AKA Darth Vader mask). If you don't have access to one, do the spraying downwind at full arm's length, and straight out. Never lean over or into the area where you've sprayed. The fumes are toxic and can cause brain damage (Google "huffing"). With a rod it's going to be very hard to get full coverage with no drips; do thin layers letting it dry between layers for the best result.

But if it's going to get any wear, from rings or something, the paint will scratch and look nasty.

I think the different finishes will look fine. The different rods are far enough apart, and the difference will only make a separation between the dining room and kitchen.

Can't you lasso some kids to hold them all up so that you can see for yourself?

Personally, I'd try to limit my metals to 2-3, unless budget or practicality makes it too difficult. But then, I'm coming from a room that'll have *shudder* stainless steel iron, and brass.

How far are your kitchen rods from your DR? Line-of-sight? Will your valences cover the rod so much that it doesn't matter anyway?

If the big box stores are intimidating, you might try a craft store. Our DR chandelier (not separated from the kitchen) has an iron oxide finish. I purchased some touch-up paint from Michael's for spots we rubbed when adjusting the chandelier's links, and it worked great. If I can't find coordinating knobs and pulls, I'm planning to use the touch-up paint on them to bridge the gap. I'm even thinking about using it on our shiny soooooo-not-my-taste brass fireplace front, once I talk to the company about fumes and temperature tolerances. It's that easy to use - if I can do it, I know you can.

I don't know if the paint will rub off on your fabric; but, if you're not tugging the curtains back and forth too much, I think it'd be okay.

Essence of it, though, is to do what makes you happy. I do have to throw a plug in for the ORB, just because we have these almost Oil Rubbed Copper rods in our MBR that make both me and DH (Mr. Can't-We-Just-Tack-Up-A-Sheet) ridiculously happy.

Mixing stainless with marble or granite, white cabintry with stained cabintry this works well. I think by keeping the hardware the same however unifies the space.If you like it than that is all that matters.