Post Christmas I typically go in to hibernation mode and try and survive the rest of the cold, dark winter. However, winter in the west has felt more like spring. Today I went out and watered the tulips that have started to grow. I know, right!? Our dry state desperately needs to the snow but it’s hard to curse the sun. As a result I’ve come out of hibernation a bit early and am feeling an extra pang to get started on some spring cleaning and creative projects.
My first “out-of-hibernation” project involved myself. If you follow us on Instagram you saw that we went down to Vegas for the Rugby 7’s Tournament. I also revealed that I cut off almost all my hair when I was having a particularly daring moment at the salon…it’s liberating to rid my neck of all that hair but I can’t lie…still trying to adjust.
While in Vegas my dad made himself right at home and surprised us with a little “DID” project (Do-It-Dad), not be confused with “DIY”.
Forever I’ve been talking about making changes to this stair wall and banister.
It’s old, it’s wobbly and it really dates the house. For the past 3 years I’ve had it on my to-do list to replace it with something much more up-to-date. My dad suggested I paint it but it just seemed like one of those massively tedious projects that I love to procrastinate. Well, sweet guy that he is did it for me as a Valentine’s Day gift.
He taped and tarped the entire space then spray painted those old spindles. The top hand rail got a coat of black paint. Amazing what a little paint can do. I’m even more motivated to now to get on to the planking project that will go behind the banister.
We all took a vote and decided that the first larger spindle needs to be black, not white. That will be next weekend (where I will also be de-cluttering that magnet board).
Even though I didn’t do the project myself I do have a few tips…
1. Air the house out when using spray paint. While spray paint is a great choice for all the nooks and crannied on the spindles it stinks. Bad. Think spring or summer when you can keep the doors and windows open for a long time.
2. Tape really well. You can see in the next picture there was quite of bit of overspray that we’ll have to go back and touch up.
It’s been a few days and the smell has finally dissipated. I still plan to eventually change the entire banister out but until that time this nifty paint job will hold us over.
What out-of-hibernation projects do you have planned for the spring?
Hey there! I’m Michelle; I’m an Passionate DIY’er and in constant pursuit of how to bring beauty to my house full of men (3 boys + 1 hubby). Stick around and see what I’ve got up my hard-working sleaves!
It looks really good! And a lot more modern than before. I have to do that in our house as well, ours is white but as it is touched so often every day, the paint has worn off in some places. I’m a little afraud to use spray paint – that it might paint the adjacent walls and stars as well. 😉 I guess you really have to cover up everything around the staircase REALLY well. I like that you used glossy paint. It looks good and I might consider it also.
Jule
Oh yes, tarps were hung, plastic put everywhere…it was quite a project. I’m also worried about the paint eventually wearing down but I’m also hoping I will have it replaced by then. Fingers crossed! Thanks Jule!
As a frequent visitor, it looks really nice and like the commentator above, it looks mod. But whatever you do, leave the trees on that wall alone!