Depending upon your budgtet - you could go for pewter - it develops/has a patina that darkens (though if you get it unsealed your up for polishing). or custom made wrought iron handles with softer finish - perhaps look at http://www.uniquewroughtiron.com.au/wroughtiron.html who have a number of finishes.

I am not a fan of rugs in my own home, but have seen some beautifully selected and placed rugs in images of home décor. I think they do require the space to allow them to look good and the reason I have not used them is that our home doesn't give enough space to make them an option.

There is probably vermiculite underneath, hence why they are low.

A few that you may like, Zahira Carla natural from Rugs Plus, Penta beige from Wild Yarn, Lucia from Miss Amara, Abstract Tribal rug from Miss Amara. It’s really what look you are after that will decide your style. You can see how the rugs look in your room with the Miss Amara photo visualiser.