I'm currently debating about what to do with my stairs. Ok, I've been pondering this for two years and it's way overdue for me to finish them. The new wood flooring doesn't exactly match the old wood staircase, and I originally planned to paint them. But lately, I've seen a whole crop of fresh ideas out there that has me leaning in other directions.
Photos: From left to right
- Paint - 2, 3, 4 - Brightly painted treads add a punch of color, but by keeping the risers and walls white, the color doesn't overwhelm. The black treads offer a more traditional approach, but still get noticed when you throw in a coordinating rug. For a real wow factor, add a painted runner that seems to beckon you up the stairs.
- Stencils - 5, 6, 7 - For those with a bit more time, try your hand at stencils. The stenciled risers shown in photo 5 are in shades of gray and white, and never repeat the same pattern. It's a bit daring, but with a subdued color palette, it works beautifully. Stenciled numbered stairs have a cottagey feel and scream for little feet to run up them. The contrast of the white painted runner with solid-color stair edges, make the numbers pop. The stairs in photo 7 are stenciled with a pattern that is centered on the step, but travels up both the treads and risers. Basically, you have a stenciled runner! If you have a nice break over the holidays, this would make for a great project!
- Wallpaper - 1, 8, 9 - Wallpapered risers go bold with a purple brocade print and stand out against a rich, contrasting wood tread. Using a bright graphic wallpaper - similar to the cherry-apple red wallpaper from Orla Kiely - is sure to make the stairs the focal point of the room. For a subtler touch, go for a wallpaper like the one in photo 9, a bold print but a muted color scheme.
(Images: 1: The Stories of A to Z, 2: Absolutely Beautiful Things, 3: Domino via Grayson, 4: Apartment Therapy: Boston, 5: Apartment Therapy: San Francisco, 6, 7: Arte Styling, 8: Design Sponge, 9: Apartment Therapy: Chicago)
Love pictures 2 and 3. Classic, yet simple enough to change down the road if need be.
view PrettyKitty's profile
love the last one!
view evahunt's profile
love them all. makes me wish i still had stairs.
view the polish chick's profile
I think the wallpaper is cool (esp #1) but isn't that going to get beat up? Paint makes more sense.
view ec05's profile
I also love them all.
Side bar: Ah, seeing old images from Domino makes me wistful...
view CallDoctorBison's profile
LOVE THEM! I bet these stencils would look great as baseboards.
view Maruchy's profile
LOVE THESE. Wish I owned the stairs in my rental.
view theresaclare's profile
Would love to do the wallpaper. What colors/prints would you suggest with blue venetian plaster walls and honey wood treads?
See picture http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b3cc07b3127cced6a141f7b95f00000010O08QZtGrFsyaA9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
view LaFlacaD's profile
LaFlacaD: What gorgeous plaster walls you have! From the photo, they look like they have a sheen to them!? I imagine this is probably pricey paper, but something like this http://degournay.com/product.aspx?c=17&i=8 would be striking and warm the stairwell up. This one from Anthropologie could be a cheaper alternative but with similar color palette. It's on sale and you cannot beat that price! http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=77646&navAction=jump&search=true&parentid=SEARCH_RESULTS
I've adored this paper since I first saw it in a boutique in Austin - very snazzy! http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=860077&navAction=jump&search=true&parentid=SEARCH_RESULTS.
Really, I think you have many options - it all depends on your taste and what outcome you're looking for. Elegant? Warm and Inviting? Bold and graphic?
Kimber AT: DC
view KimberM's profile
My house has Americana-themed wallpaper border on the risers. It came with the house. I love the concept and would like to replace it with something that's a little more me, but for now the kitsch factor is awesome and make my guests laugh.
view mdbee's profile
If your wood is in good shape, for heaven's sake don't paint it! I like the idea of the wallpaper riser, although I'm not crazy about any of the choices depicted. What about painting the riser a dramatic color and leaving the tread in natural wood?
view ShannonG's profile
I love the first one. Great use of a pattern that might otherwise be too overbearing on the walls.
view Paulo77's profile
I love option #2, the white stairs with black tops. It's very classic and sophisticated, and has an airy feel to it. I like how they matched it to the black and white striped rug too, it creates a good cohesiveness.
view Liisa C's profile
Not a fan of wallpaper but the first is a great use of it in smaller doses. Also thank you for not using "we" for the post.
view TheoJ's profile