Painted iron offers a rainbow of decorative options.
Inside or out, a custom railing can be either your home's key statement piece or a subtle complement to your abode's other stunning features. Find a talented craftsman to help bring your creative idea to life. Invest in your home's good looks and resale value by purchasing the right custom-made handrail, without going hungry. Does this Spark an idea?
Style
A simplistic railing balances abundant garden foliage.
A simple wrought-iron handrail complements a backdrop of lavish wallpaper, while a curvaceous tangle of metal lends visual power to a simplistic space. Let your home's atmosphere, era or design guide your choice of railing. If you have a Victorian period home, interweaves of climbing metal vines through picket-fence posts might take you back to days of old. Give a minimalistic home the touch of comfort it yearns for; explore the idea of a wrap-around porch bordered by black iron rails between reclaimed barn boards for low-key elegance. Mixing wood, copper or stainless steel into your iron masterpiece adds texture and persona.
Designers
Choose a reputable designer who listens. Any "custom" product is all about you, so find a trusted artisan who understands your vision and offers creative and practical suggestions. Find a craftsman whose work consistently appeals to your taste. Look over his portfolio, and, if possible, view his work in person. When meeting with a custom metalworker, supply sketches, magazine clippings and/or snapshots portraying the type of railings that appeal to you.
Price
Purchasing custom work does not necessarily mean that you'll spend the next year eating hot dogs for breakfast, lunch and supper. If money is no object, you could spend thousands of dollars on custom iron railings. However, if you are frugal, shopping around for a new designer who's just starting out or having a large custom retailer tweak one of their existing railings to make it your own likely means that you'll be able to continue to enjoy the occasional steak dinner.
Quality
Get the railing you love at a price you can afford.
if you're trying to cut costs, attaining the look that you want using lesser-quality materials might be the solution. To ensure that your custom product fits the bill, discuss a few important and price-altering questions before signing on the dotted line: Are castings or hollow faux metals used? Does she use powder coating or faux paint techniques? Does she charge for redesign of an existing product? Is the installation included in the price? What type of guarantee does she offer? Asking questions keeps you from being railroaded in the process or paying too much and boosts the likelihood of an eye and pocket-pleasing end result.
Tags: your home, custom product
