Balusters: Big Impact with Not-So-Big Details
Intricate or Simple, Balusters Define a Home's Architectural Style
I'm a home makeover TV show producer, interior designer and the creator of Decor Demon, lifestyle editorial with an edge. http://www.decordemon.com
I'm a home makeover TV show producer, interior designer and the creator... More »
Ain't it funny how the smallest things always make the biggest difference? After clicking through thousands of interior and exterior images, it became apparent that the proper baluster can completely change the look and feel of a space.
Sure, when building a home, baluster choices are probably lower on the totem pole of priorities; however, these small-ish details say so much about both their homeowner AND their particular architecture. Check it, yo.
Sure, when building a home, baluster choices are probably lower on the totem pole of priorities; however, these small-ish details say so much about both their homeowner AND their particular architecture. Check it, yo.
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Ah, Post Civil War-era architecture: sweet and adorable like a gingerbread house. Above all, the gingerbread style lends itself to the most intricate of balusters; however, this style also has a simpler side known as "stick" style which is a bit more dainty and more straightforward. Sitting out on this porch for too long, I may get the urge to start gnawing on the super sweet architectural detail.
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| Gingerbread style is also linked to straight-up Victorian architecture. Unsure if a house is G-Bread or not? Just keep in mind these key features: ornate trim work around doors, fussy style details atop or surrounding windows and gables. And if you're in the market for one, it's wise to know that they require more care, woodworking-wise, than most houses. The details lend themselves to easy rot; be sure to keep balusters and other exterior details sealed regularly. |
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| The devil is in the details. In this case, the details are ribbed, rhythm-stick-style balusters transitional enough to go with many architectural styles. Please tell me you know what rhythm sticks are. Fine, twist my kindergartener arm, these are rhythm sticks. |
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Traditional balusters: a style with which you can never go wrong. Above all, the traditional baluster's silhouette is what makes it so iconic. If you love its look but don't have a staircase, bring the bold and beautiful lines to your home with this wallpaper from Schumacher.
Go modern with metal and resin. While custom metal fabrication is sure to come with a hefty price tag, working with 4X8 resin sheets is a bit more DIY. This modern material offers a plethora of embedded materials to splash organic texture into any home. Check out some options from Lumicore.
The wrought iron look, another classic with which you can't go wrong. This kinda Spanish, kinda traditional look includes embellished spindles which act a little bit like jewelry for a staircase.
Craftsman, mission and/or bungalow-ish style. This clean, classic approach is sure to make Frank Lloyd Wright proud. Arts and Crafts-style architecture incorporated handcrafted [often locally] wood, glass, and metal work into its interiors. The style was also known for being incredibly sturdy. The term "American Craftsman" didn't originate from the tradesmen creating the movement's details, but rather from a magazine called "The Craftsman". It was founded by Gustav Stickley, a designer and furniture maker whose empire is still going strong today. Gustav is a fun name to say. So is Stickley. I sure hope he thanked his parents for that.
Custom, transitional-style fabricated metal balusters. Excellent for the clean, classic lines of a bungalow.
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Clean, classic contemporary. While this style pretty much lacks balusters altogether, the idea is still there. Sticking with this no-nonsense look is a great way to let other architectural elements take center stage, such as the amazing windows and rough texture of the stacked stone wall in this space.
Ideabook published on Dec. 21, 2010.
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The railing was constructed out of honed 2"X4" spruce lumber making it quite inexpensive. More effort of course was placed in the math and proportions and of course the painting.