StairCase and Entrance

The first thing we did upon moving into the house was to remove the carpet on the staircase. Hundreds of tacks, a lot of dirt, and a history of layers of underlay.

Entrance

The entrance is a very pleasant area with a large 9-light brass fitting. We had to have it rewired because an attempt to change the bulbs (only two worked upon our arrival) resulted in it falling! The only thing stopping it hitting the floor was the electrical cable. Evidently it was being held by only the smallest of engaged thread in the brass tubing.

I replace all the 60 W bulbs (540 W) with 8 W compact fluorescents (72 W).

A French arch top mirror, 2000 mm high x 1150 mm wide bought from Mirrors Galore in April 2011 for $2,800.00 now graces the wall next to the entrance door. Stunning.

The draught seal under the front door was broken. I replaced it with a unit from Raven.

The Staircase

Staircase Style

The railing for the lower part of the staircase is not in the correct style. This may simply be a matter of colour - it is presently a maple colour instead of oak or mahogany.

Lighting

As a safety measure for using the staircase in the dark, I have fitted four LED lights into the risers of the treads. These are 1 W, 3.4 V types from DealExtreme. I have wired them all in series and powered them from a modified night light from Aldi. The four together consume about 1 W and the reduced light output is ideal for late at night.

The modification consists of removing the triple LED in the light and replacing it with a connector to the staircase LEDs. The 100 Ω series resistor was also replaced, with a 22 Ω one.

I have also fitted one of the same LED lights into the footwell near the rear toilet/laundry and pool room. Another modified Aldi night light powers the LED, switching it off during the day. This time the modification only involves replacing the internal triple LED with a connector to the footwell LED.

Pendulum Clock

We bought a lovely pendulum clock from Cog and Hand in Tallangatta (Vic). Costing $2100 in August 2011, it is set up on the landing of the staircase.

LINKS

• DealExtreme http://www.dealextreme.com/
• Aldi http://www.aldi.com.au

Entrance+StairCase

The Entrance: Front door, French mirror, 9-light fitting.

The Entrance: French mirror top.

The upper stairs. LED lights near the top and bottom.

The lower stairs and railing. LED lights near top and bottom.

The modified LED light controller on the landing.

Vienna regulator pendulum clock on the staircase landing.