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My Newel Post That Almost Wasn’t

By Anita 28 Comments

This is the newel post for my stairs, but it almost didn’t make it into my house.  It’s old… really old, and originally was part of a fence. 
 

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. 

But then I saw this one, 

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. 

I’m very happy.
 

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. 

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Filed Under: construction, new house, Project

Comments

  1. Tracey Steele@Breathing English Air says

    August 7, 2013 at 12:02

    It really is amazing the difference paint can make. It looks great.

    Reply
  2. Amber says

    August 7, 2013 at 12:28

    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!

    Reply
  3. Jill Flory of Sew a Fine Seam says

    August 7, 2013 at 12:42

    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!

    Reply
  4. Peggy Thal says

    August 7, 2013 at 12:54

    It is perfect!! Perfectly beautiful.

    Reply
  5. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    August 7, 2013 at 13:31

    Just gorgeous…it was waiting for you to bring it home!…and love that you painted the rosettes…such an elegant touch!

    Reply
  6. Terry Moore says

    August 7, 2013 at 13:53

    Wow, vision and persistence pays off.

    Reply
  7. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    August 7, 2013 at 14:15

    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!!!!

    Reply
  8. Pondside says

    August 7, 2013 at 14:16

    It looks very good! No wonder you’re so pleased – great vision!

    Reply
  9. Mom says

    August 7, 2013 at 14:34

    Can you share some of your resources? I would love to know the name of the nursery where you found the fabulous post!

    Reply
  10. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    August 7, 2013 at 14:41

    Anita, I am so glad it worked. I love it.

    Reply
  11. Korrie@RedHenHome says

    August 7, 2013 at 15:16

    I’m so glad you could make it work! The stairs look terrific–I love the gilding!

    Reply
  12. Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary says

    August 7, 2013 at 16:24

    It’s perfect! So glad that your builder could make it work and with a little paint…..it’s amazing.
    Mary

    Reply
  13. Cynthia says

    August 7, 2013 at 17:28

    Anita, what a beautiful touch! I love it and it gives more character for sure!!!

    Cynthia

    Reply
  14. Jeanette@Creating A Life says

    August 7, 2013 at 18:32

    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

    Reply
  15. Rita C. says

    August 7, 2013 at 18:38

    Very nice! It’s the little things that make such a difference…even if you may be the only one who knows the details.

    Reply
  16. Kathysue says

    August 7, 2013 at 19:18

    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

    Reply
  17. Pinky at Designs by Pinky says

    August 7, 2013 at 19:56

    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.

    Reply
  18. miss flibbertigibbet says

    August 8, 2013 at 13:15

    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!

    Reply
  19. Pat Cantwell says

    August 8, 2013 at 16:56

    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

    Reply
  20. Stacey says

    August 8, 2013 at 17:08

    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.

    Reply
  21. Sarah says

    August 9, 2013 at 03:15

    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

    Reply
  22. MilkMaid says

    August 9, 2013 at 11:02

    Beautiful! Where is this nursery? ..always looking beyond the photos….

    Reply
  23. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    August 10, 2013 at 03:31

    Anita, You have a great builder, adding the beams in your kitchen and now he saved the newel post.
    Looks fabulous!
    xx,
    Sherry

    Reply
  24. Susan says

    May 6, 2014 at 10:26

    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

    Reply
    • Kelly Mouton says

      February 9, 2021 at 21:31

      Do you remember where or what site you found the rosettes? I love your railings…just spectacular!!

      Reply
  25. Sandi says

    August 2, 2017 at 13:32

    I love your newel post and staircase! Glad it all worked out for you!

    Reply
  26. Dawn says

    November 16, 2023 at 13:41

    Love the iron posts.
    What is the name of the nursery that has these?

    Reply
    • Anita says

      January 24, 2024 at 10:07

      It was a small one in the Houston Heights. I’m not sure it’s there any more.

      Reply

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