Jim Howard & Redesigning a Stair Rail.

James Michael Howard

James Michael Howard

James Michael Howard

James Michael Howard

James Michael Howard

James Michael Howard

James Michael Howard

James Michael Howard

I am working on redesigning a stair rail and in my online research came across these amazing examples. This particular job calls for a new wooden newell post and ballusters.  All of the amazing designs above are by James Michael Howard or if you might be more familar with him as Jim Howard as in the husband of Phoebe Howard.   He is a very accomplished designer who operates his own design firm.  Parsons educated, Jim brings a modern sensibility to traditional styles which culminates in a relaxed atmosphere.  If you would like to see more of his work, pop over to his website here.  There's no wonder He and Mrs Howard make such a great team.  I met the Howards in High Point a couple of years ago, during the debuted of their furniture line " Mr and Mrs Howard" for Sherrill Furniture.  I was already familiar with their design work, so I knew the furniture line would be a high light. Sure enough it was, so much so that I style spotted their "Billy Baldwin" inspired etagere.  You can imagine my delight when I was able to meet and chat with Jim Howard and got a call on my cell phone from Phoebe Howard thanking me for choosing one of their pieces.  The Howards are not only designers, they also own and operate Mrs. Howard and Max & Co retail/design stores as well. We are lucky to have a location here in Charlotte,NC. I love their blog called Mrs Howard Personal Shopper

As for my stair case project, we are removing a traditional banister, newel post and ballusters and need to replace with something similar. The house is traditional so we want the design elements to remain in keeping with the style of the house.  Most of the pictures above are custom designed stair rails and require a expert carpenter/trim guy, but if you  want simple newell post, ballusters and handrails there is an easy way to figure out what you need. It's always helpful to have a picture or idea to show the designer or person doing your work.  I like to tell my clients to peruse Houzz or Pinterest for options then go to an online website like StairPartsUSA . There are many others websites that help demystify the process of designing stairs, but I just happened upon this one. Here they have examples of all the parts needed to build a staircase.  I also found this diagram on their site which outlines the parts of a stair case, so you can see what's involved and what the various parts are called. Did you already know the names?  It's quite a detailed process.  On this particular website there are also videos which show how to install the newell and ballusters.  Other websites offer complete custom designs with photos of options.  I find it helpful to peruse these websites for ideas.  Also, if you want, you can check out my Pinterest - Foyers/Entry Halls/Stairs board for many options I have discovered that I like as well.  

Anatomy of a Stair Case

My stair expert tells me that iron is waning in popularity unless creating a custom design to compliment a specific project. That's good news if you like iron stair rails, because they have dropped about 30% in price since first introduced.  Now iron hollow iron ballusters are an option, unlike the original ballusters which were solid. The hollow ballusters are reported to be stronger and cost a lot less to ship. 

It is always good to inlist the help of a local professional.  Looking online is good, but I always promote buying local. It's good to have someone who will pop over if something goes wrong.  Not to down my online sources in any way, but for the typical homeowner, who doesn't understand the products, it's always good to have a local person to call.  If you are a handy do it yourself kinda person, the online resources are great for you.  There's enough information to walk you through the process.  When we get finished I plan to post some pictures.  Who knows may be we will throw caution to the wind and create a rope stair way like these on Remodelista!  Whatca think?  

What kind of stair case do you have?  If you aren't replacing your stair rails but only looking to update what you currently have, why not  jump on the black painted or ebony stained bannister rail bandwagon!  Here is a great "how to" post  from Censational Girl.  I painted my interior doors and banister rail were black right after we moved into our house about 17 years ago and I am currently toying with changing the color.  My painter used Benjamin Moore Metaltone paint.  All your rail needs with this paint is light standing and then the paint will  cover in one coat. Do you prefer metal or wood? Do you like straight simple ballusters or fluted?  Do you like contemporary or traditional? 

 Let's keep the conversation going.

All photos are owned by James Michael Howard Interior Design
To See More of His Beautiful Work Click Here