I wanted a very unique newel post, and I thought about many options, including an antique newel post from an old plantation, but in the end, wanted something a bit smaller (and less expensive) to fit my house.
I began to think outside of the box, when I found these old iron fence posts at a local nursery many months ago. This guy was very interesting.
Which fascinated me until I saw these.
But then I my eyes fell on my guy hidden in a corner, and I was smitten.
You can’t tell from this photo but he had so much detail, I could see he was special. I grabbed him and sent him off to my builder. Some people who saw him in the office scoffed at my new love, but I didn’t care. I knew he would be perfect. I sometimes would daydream about just how perfect he would look in my new house.
But then Stair guy looked at him, and shook his head. He said my guy was bad news, that he was old and rusty. Stair guy thought he couldn’t make my guy work. My dream was slipping away. I had counted on seeing his handsome face or whatever every morning, and now it was… over… just. like. that.
But then Rit, my builder at Ridgewater Homes, said what I love to hear, “Don’t worry Anita, we will take care of it.” He came up with a plan and told Stair guy how to to make it work.
Stair guy built a sleeve or a boot for my newel post and tied the banister into the sleeve rather than the post. It worked, but looked a little odd, I admit.
My guy had been saved, but now it looked like he was wearing Herman Munster’s shoe. (You may be too young to get that reference.) So I popped open a can of paint, and…
suddenly all was well with my world. (It’s amazing what a little paint can do really.)
I was so happy. I may have gone a little crazy. Next I painted all of the rosettes on the spindles a little gold.
I love how you can really see the detail on the stairs now.
Now as I slide down the banister every morning (yeah right) I will be greeted by my handsome guy.
Did you miss any of the posts about the construction? You can catch up here.
It really is amazing the difference paint can make. It looks great.
It looks PERFECT! And I have to Thank You, as well. We are having to re-do the whole staircase in the house we bought due to the uneven treads (super wacky!) and the railing is horrid. My husband built an iron railing in a previous home which we loved but didn’t know if it would here. Your photos answered that question. 🙂 Your home is gorgeous. Thanks for the inspiration!
Anita, I LOVE that! I love paint and what it can do to make things come to life – love how you made those rosettes pop!
It is perfect!! Perfectly beautiful.
Just gorgeous…it was waiting for you to bring it home!…and love that you painted the rosettes…such an elegant touch!
Wow, vision and persistence pays off.
THis takes your stairs from over-the-top to over-the-moon! What a brilliant idea and gorgeous piece Anita. You are feathering your new nest in the most thoughtful and wonderful ways!!!!
LOVE your new house!!!!
It looks very good! No wonder you’re so pleased – great vision!
Can you share some of your resources? I would love to know the name of the nursery where you found the fabulous post!
Anita, I am so glad it worked. I love it.
I’m so glad you could make it work! The stairs look terrific–I love the gilding!
It’s perfect! So glad that your builder could make it work and with a little paint…..it’s amazing.
Mary
Anita, what a beautiful touch! I love it and it gives more character for sure!!!
Cynthia
Crackin’ me up over here, Anita! “I had counted on seeing his handsome face or whatever….” Hehe
It looks just perfect. You’ve proven (again) that where there’s a will there’s a way!
Jeanette
Very nice! It’s the little things that make such a difference…even if you may be the only one who knows the details.
To say I love him is an understatement! You are fortunate to have a contractor that could see your vision and make it work. One question, How did he tie in the bannister to the newel post?
I purchased 4 wrought iron gates years ago. My children thought I was nuts. I put them leaning up against my house in the backyard. NOW they all want them, sorry, they are MINE!!
You are so creative Anita, so fun to follow along with you,
Kathysue
Anita, your new home is SOOOOOOOO fabulous! You have not missed a single detail and Ilove them all!!!! We didn’t have the freedom to pick things like that BUT you have given me the idea to paint the “squiggly things” on our iron railing too! That looks so pretty! Thanks for the inspiration.
Good for you for NOT giving up!! It looks just great and interesting items like this incorporated into a house are what make it SO special! Love it!
Anita,
Not only a lot of careful planning and thought has gone into your new home, dear friend. . .but also, a lot of love!!!
Rit, your builder. . .gets an A+ in my book!!!
Thank you for sharing this process with us!!!
Fondly,
Pat
That’s wonderful and unique. I love things like that. Your new home is really making me want something like that. We looked at old houses and my husband was not to be convinced. He’d like what you are doing and I’d like an established neighborhood.
Genius! I adore your newel post. You are so creative, Anita. I’m thinking one of these would be fun in the garden. Will you share the source? Thanks, Sarah
Beautiful! Where is this nursery? ..always looking beyond the photos….
Anita, You have a great builder, adding the beams in your kitchen and now he saved the newel post.
Looks fabulous!
xx,
Sherry
Hi!
Would you please share which nursery you found your newel post? I live in Austin and have been looking for something similar for my house.
Thanks,
Susan
Do you remember where or what site you found the rosettes? I love your railings…just spectacular!!
I love your newel post and staircase! Glad it all worked out for you!
Love the iron posts.
What is the name of the nursery that has these?
It was a small one in the Houston Heights. I’m not sure it’s there any more.