ugly cheap looking banister
catherinebridgetbryan
9 years ago
We are currently renovating a 1970/1980s house and we are really stuck with what to do with this awful cheap looking four planks screwed together banister. If we had the money we would probably design a replacement in glass, however we haven't got any cash to throw at this ugly banister. The rest of the house is getting a modern revamp so any ideas to follow this would be more than welcome, the cheaper/ ingenious the better! This banister is only upstairs , the downstairs is completely open and the glossed over wood downstairs is going to be painted darkish grey to modernise it.
All ideas greatly accepted.
All ideas greatly accepted.
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (40)
Related Discussions
Help me brighten up this ugly corner between wall & fence
Comments (40)Hello Moomin. Thank you for posting your query. A planting design takes time, weighing up the site, your style and maintenance. Year round structure for aesthetics as well as screening and privacy come first. Always a shame when planting is an afterthought after landscaping! However this is very common and I've had some experience of planting design commissions after landscaping has been done. My initial thoughts do not take into account many things which can't be conveyed in one photo provided here (as designers we take into account the various views within the garden amongst other things) but I will outline here a sketchy response to demonstrate some considerations. There have been some good suggestions made above. Jonathandb1972 has a good one, planting a carefully selected tree, so the canopy softens (but not hides) the view of the conservatory behind. Olive could be an option but depends on the aspect given that your a fellow Yorkshire resident! Alternatively there's Pyrus salicifolia, or Prunus lusitanica the latter responding particularly well to pruning to retain the size. Always talk to your neighbour about your careful choices and help them to understand that you've considered maintenance.... And the benefit of planting for them! For best results a planter at least 50cm deep and nearly as much wide to help a tree flourish. Deeper would be better. Keeping a collection of containers of the same/similar material would unify the view. Perhaps allowing a climber up the adjacent wall which faces you when descending the steps? A third container might fit in the corner in front of the downpipe? Although the dimensions of space available would determine if this is possible. The dark colour of the fence is receding and also provides a lovely neutral colour to show off the foliage of the specimen. A very rough sketch is shown here in a version of your photo below. I've just done it on the iPad so is a bit rough and ready. In order to avoid the tree becoming too much of a focal point (you're trying to avoid looking at the building behind) a bold evergreen plant to the left corner next to the steps would draw your eye within the garden. This could then be balanced out with another one to the right of the tree or possibly one up the steps against the fence. This all depends on scale and space available. This would be my first draft concept but might well come to a different response when seeing the garden for real. Happy planting!...See MoreGave the kitchen in our rented apartment a (cheap) makeover
Comments (7)It looks fantastic - I can't believe it only cost £300....See MoreScreening ideas for ugly wall please?
Comments (7)Thank you for taking the time to post everyone, there are some great ideas here! I do love a brick wall, although what makes this ‘ugly’ is the fact that the previous owners came onto our property to paint it (their choice). They cut in with a shade of cream then put their house up for sale without finishing the painting so now it’s been left patchy with lots of wires, pipes and central heating vents poking out of it. The new owners are not interested in doing anything to it but have said we can ‘do what we like with it’. The wall is actually the full side of their house which is a large - so the idea of painting it is one we hoped to avoid - although I really like the grey painted brick image (I’m not sure the ‘do what you like’ would extend to this) - it’s worth a shot to ask though! Greenery and lighting are definitely the way forward! I had thought of greenery (you’ll see the bamboo poking out the top of the hot tub, although a bit small) and outdoor mirrors to reflect light. Thanks again all...See MoreHow to make our ugly 1930s terrace look pretty?
Comments (28)Hi - congratulations on your new house in our beautiful city! Your vestibule glass is stunning and if you like it as much as I do, I would consider taking design direction from that .... it will subtly remind you of/prepare you for that 'wow' factor as you approach your home. I wouldn't lose the external door if you value the heat retention/security, but you could change it to the style of the inner door, which will also add light. Mostly I would concentrate on using elements of those colours from the vestibule glass on the outside of your home - namely the yellow, deep red and black. I love Bristol painted houses, but if you want to keep to a neutral paint on the render then just experiment with ways you can use these colours as accents, eg door colour or detail on the door surround, dark window cills, dark brick red or nearly-black path, and definitely planting (especially the LHS of the path & RHS of the door). Depends on your budget but I'd recommend tiling the front step, and then maybe save money by using concrete paint on the path. Have fun experimenting with different ideas by 'photoshopping' a picture of your home before you spend any money! :-)...See More
PROOnePlan
9 years agoOf you have kids - then I would tether one of these to it - and hang a cowboy hat or two on it ! ie make light of it until you have the funds to replace it with spindles and nice top rail ( most big DIY stores stock this kind of thing now - might be with measuring and pricing up - as it may not be as expensive as you think !)
catherinebridgetbryan thanked OnePlan
ianblue
9 years agoI sympathise with you. We have exactly the same.I intend retaining the posts but fitting a new bannister and ballisters. It won't cost too much if you can do it yourself but I think it could look quite special.
catherinebridgetbryan thanked ianblue
catherinebridgetbryan
9 years agopauldickenson
9 years agoI have faced this on a couple of houses. It is relatively inexpensive and simple to remove the rails and replace with handrails and balusters. They could be hardwood or painted.
I attach before and after photos. The rest of the house was undergoing refurbishment
catherinebridgetbryan thanked pauldickensonianblue
9 years agopauldickenson
9 years agoTo Ian Blue
I wish you all the best for your project. All the components are readily available including various styles of newel post plates and caps. A good compound mitre saw I think is essential. Painted handrails are a little more forgiving for those of us not skilled joiners.
I attach a few more photos that may or may assist. Paul.
catherinebridgetbryan thanked pauldickensonJody Lamas
8 years agoseniordiva
8 years agoRachel Dixon
5 years ago
Mark R
5 years ago
Tani H-S
5 years ago
Robert Jones
5 years ago
E D
5 years ago
Ali Dolphin
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoKate Connolly
4 years ago
Jonathan Bailey
4 years ago
Tracey Mordue
5 months ago
Julie Sheldon