The Restyled Handrail

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Over the past 8 months, I developed a mildly ridiculous love hate relationship with the handrail on the wall leading up to the second level of our house. If the master bedroom were located on the first floor or, more likely, if I hadn’t had the pleasure of blowing out my right ankle by severing the ligaments and tearing a tendon, the handrail and I might have possibly gone the next 15 years as virtual strangers in the same house.

Handrail Before Restyle

The boring handrail and supporting brackets blended right into the wall. It took spending what felt like an eternity at home recovering to actually notice this detail. It’s funny how easy it is to ignore something so vital until it’s gone or desperately needed! During one of my graceful descents recently, I thought, “what if the handrail was actually a focal point?” We’ve spent so much time together it’s really the least I can do for it considering how much it’s helped me in regaining my mobility.

It was time to appreciate its strength and transform it into an elegant and restyled necessary accessory. (Don’t tell it, but my first thought was actually to replace it and upgrade to a custom wrought iron handrail with fancy scroll brackets until I thought about the price tag that comes with that package!) I decided to paint it with my favorite paint and gel from General Finishes, knowing I could make it prettier.

Before and After Handrail Restyle

I used Tuscan Red on the brackets and distressed it with Van Dyke Brown Glaze and a gold accent paint. The railing itself was stained with my favorite Java Gel and finished with a flat High Performance Top Coat. I added a decorative old world switch plate cover for an extra pop at the base of the staircase too. This transformation was quick and neither messy or smelly. I’m excited about the outcome. Bet your bannister your handrail won’t go unnoticed tonight…maybe it’s time for your own Restyle?

About Restyle Junkie

Creative entrepreneur and Chicago native native enjoying the warmth of Phoenix, AZ for the past 19years. I am passionate about transforming things that are ordinary and dated into fabulous focal points. Restyle Junkie (http://www.restylejunkie.com) is a licsenced contractor in Phoenix, Arizona business that professionally refinishes cabinets. We also specialize in taking brand new wood, adding texture, paint and stain to give it a custom rustic distressed look. All the charm of real reclaimed, but without the dirt and bugs for your projects! On line we offer cabinet painting tutorials, and information for both DIY'ers and professions with live webiners.(http://www.restylejunkie.com) and am The Restyle Junkie showroom is located at 625 W. Please be sure to join our community on Facebook (https://fb.com/restylejunkie) and visit the website to get General Finishes products delivered right to your door. You can message me on any of my social media outlets and your question might just be the next one we answer. When I'm not making something pretty, I'm hanging out with my blended family and my spoiled dogs, soaking up as much sunshine as possible.

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