Need Advice TH Light Fixtures

I decided to replace the old, weathered, faded brass light fixtures in front of our TH. The fixtures were the original (18 years) and have become quite an eyesore. I've noticed many other neighbors are beginning to also replace these old fixtures. Following my interpretation of the HOA guidelines, I understood that I needed to get fixtures of similar style and color. I installed new fixtures and then (shame on me) submitted for approval from the Modifications Committee.

Our fixtures were denied on the basis that the fixtures were not EXACT matches. Per the email (I've bolded and underlined):
Please be aware the pole light fixture and the fixture by the front door is not an exact match. According to the lighting design guidelines: “All exterior lighting fixtures on the same elevation of the house must be of similar style, size and color.”

Anyone have advice? I am being told they must be EXACT but our HOA guidelines explicitly say similar. Similar and exact have two different definitions last I checked. Anyone else fight this? Should I just reinstall the eyesore originals? Here I thought I was making an improvement to the community.

 

They should be an exact match. Having said that, come visit Harvest Green Terrace where you will see multiple houses with mismatched post and porch lights and designs that nowhere resemble the original. It's an eyesore. Everyone has different tastes and budgets, however, none of the replacements look like the original - so you may have an argument with the HOA.

And if someone from the mod committee chimes in to say 'well, when they sell their house they will have to replace them' I will barf. Most of the homeowners are not selling anytime soon, and have been in their houses for 15 years +.

For what it's worth, the original design post and porch lamps can still be found online. I had to replace my post lamp a few years ago and it cost $45. Not sure you would have to spend more to please the HOA.

 

It is not that the new lights have to match the old/original lights... it is that the NEW lights have to be a match or VERY similar to each other.

Based on the pictures above, the new styles are completely different in style and probably in color/material.

 

The lampposts are similar.

KTdid: What is that website in which you found matching fixtures? If there is such a website, maybe the HOA could provide a link on their website. Otherwise, the odds are likely low to match an 18 year-old fixture in the local stores.

 

You do not have to match the original lights. The NEW lights have to match or be very similar.

 

I googled and found https://www.thelightingshop.com/lig...MIju7pp7OW3gIVxkCGCh0k3gq_EAAYAiAAEgIxwvD_BwE for $74.88 and Amazon has both fixtures. The lamp post on Amazon is $95.

Many more sites have the lamp post at different levels of quality, finishes, and prices, but they are out there and fairly easy to find.

 

Not sure why you would replace the post light in black yet retain the porch light in brass. So if you're replacing one only, you may as well match it to the other.

From the Mod design guidelines 'A new or replacement light fixture should be either an exact match or compatible in style, design, size, color, finish, type and lamp wattage with the original or approved fixture it is replacing.'

 

I conceded - the two exterior lights have been replaced with exact (not similar) fixtures.