Add To Your Home's Curb Appeal with Whimsical Porch Balusters
One of my most favorite past times is going on historic home tours. I'm looking forward to attending one this weekend in the Atlanta area. The old homes always intrigue me with their unique and often, one-of-a-kind design.
A few years ago, while on a tour with The Georgia Historic Trust, we toured the home shown as the lead picture for this Ideabook. The home was absolutely amazing, both inside and out. It looks like a very proper house from the outside...stately even. But behind all those shrubs, it's hiding an unexpected, fun design.
Don't let that Victorian dress fool you...this home was built by someone who knew whimsy and loved life. It's apparent in many of the details...especially in the porch balusters. If you are renovating or getting ready to add a porch on to your home, take into consideration the design of your porch balustrade. Here are some great ideas you could copy or use as inspiration for your porch design.
A few years ago, while on a tour with The Georgia Historic Trust, we toured the home shown as the lead picture for this Ideabook. The home was absolutely amazing, both inside and out. It looks like a very proper house from the outside...stately even. But behind all those shrubs, it's hiding an unexpected, fun design.
Don't let that Victorian dress fool you...this home was built by someone who knew whimsy and loved life. It's apparent in many of the details...especially in the porch balusters. If you are renovating or getting ready to add a porch on to your home, take into consideration the design of your porch balustrade. Here are some great ideas you could copy or use as inspiration for your porch design.
Driving or walking by this stately Victorian, one would most likely miss one of it's most whimsical features. Let's take a closer look...
| |
| This is a view of the right side of the home. The porch stretches all the way down the side. Do you see the balustrade. How about a little close up? |
| |
| What do you see? I see kitty cats...lots and lots of kitty cats! I'm thinking the person who built this beautiful home must have loved cats! |
The amazing part is this adorable balustrade ran all the way around the entire home...on both sides. I've been checking out the porch balusters on some of the homes here at houzz...and there are some truly charming ones...like the following porch on a home in MA.
| |
| This home is located in an historic area called, Oak Bluff.
The top balustrade is wonderful, but check out the bottom one. Every so often, you'll notice the image of a child...at least I think that's what it is. What do you think? Soooo whimsical! Update: Readers believe the cute little cutout is a Gingerbread man...how cute! Becky wrote a great Ideabook about Oak Bluffs...you'll find it at this link: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/60385/list/The-Eclectic-Cottages-of-Oak-Bluffs. |
|
by Chad Cooper
»
|
| Here's another fun porch baluster design. I wonder if this design has a name or if it is derived from an historic architectural design. It somehow looks familiar. |
|
by Chad Cooper
»
|
| Here's a view of how this porch balustrade design looks on the front facade of the home. As you can see, your balustrade design can really have a significant impact on the curb appeal of your home. |
Here's another great design in Oak Bluffs. This baluster design immediately made me think of tulips...then I noticed the tulips surrounding the house number and on the window boxes. Notice the design is consistent on this home...top and bottom balustrades are alike in their design.
| |
| I couldn't leave this porch out of this Ideabook that's all about fun and funky porch balusters. The bottom porch balustrade is expected and well...normal. But check out the top...how fun is that?! It's even monogrammed! Do you see the letters: A and H? |
| |
| I love the elegant arching of this porches balustrade design. It's a bit hard to see it from the front, but the side view shows the pretty design a bit better. |
How fun is this?! What do you see? I see cute clowns...all in a row. :) Wonder how the original homeowner chose this balustrade design...I think there's a story there.
Even though this "balustrade/railing" is actually part of a stairway inside a home...I had to include it in this Ideabook since this design could easily be re-created for a porch balustrade.
Do you live in a home sporting a special or unique balustrade design? Is there a home in your neighborhood with whimsical balusters? Please share pics if you have them...would love to see!
Do you live in a home sporting a special or unique balustrade design? Is there a home in your neighborhood with whimsical balusters? Please share pics if you have them...would love to see!
Ideabook updated on Oct. 5, 2010.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
http://www.candlerpark.org/content/candler-park-tour-homes-sunday-1024
Frenchflair...thanks! It is a precious cottage! I love to see the inside.
Best,
Chad
Watch out for him, he's fast!
Dawnwinds, my son is all grown now...I do remember that cute story. I like that even better! :)
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
Thanks Cherryheart...I have a thing for porches, too!
Thanks, Ahrisha!