When last we left off in the hallway, I’d painted the walls, trim, and doors, and turned the small pantry into colorful open shelving:
But I didn’t touch the stairwell, because I found the prospect of doing both in one fell swoop to be a bit overwhelming. Plus as I mentioned when I shared the hallway makeover, I’ve been intrigued by the idea of doing something kind of unexpected in the stairwell, beyond just painting the trim and walls. I’d promised to share some of what I’m thinking about, so this post is a taste of what’s on my mind (a terrifying prospect, I know).
But first, a recap of what we’re working with:
Ignore the partially-style shelves in the background — I snapped this picture right before turning my attention to spiffing them up.
The stairwell has a lot of potential I think, but right now it’s very dark because of the wood paneling, the lack of much natural light, and the poor overhead lighting. Also, the stairs are pretty beat up. So, here’s what I’ve been thinking:
– I want to paint the paneling, newel post, banister, handrail, and balusters white. Yes yes, I know that painting the natural wood is not for everyone. But I want to lighten this whole thing up, and I promise you that the wood is not in good condition.
– I’ll paint the walls above the paneling gray (moonshine, by Benjamin Moore) to match the hallway (which, in turn, matches the living room). Right now the walls are a terrible yellow color.
But beyond that, my head is swimming with options. I want to do something fun, and I’m totally obsessing over these stairs that use paint or wallpaper to dress up the risers:
Also I’m obsessing over this dog. If I paint my stairs, will a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel appear? (From BHG)
From Lonny Magazine
From Sunset
But would I keep the treads a natural wood, or maybe paint them white?
From Serena and Lily
Or, maybe I want to paint the treads a fun color instead? You know I can’t resist turquoise….
Or, maybe something more muted would work better?
From Page Blanche No11
All these amazing transformations have me wishing I had more sets of stairs! Of course, Naomi is jealous that I have even one, and is living vicariously through me with this project.
So what do you think? Colorful? Patterned? Stick with the risers, or throw the treads in the mix too? So many choices, so many hours on my hands and knees in that stairwell to look forward to!
From Lonny Magazine, Serena and Lily, Page Blanche No11, Adriano Bacchella, via House of Turquoise, Sunset, BHG
(Sharing at AKA Design and Whimsy Wednesday)
I think you’ll find that painting risers will keep their pizazz longer. painted steps will get stepped on! Especially if you get one of those dogs. …
Thanks Marcia! That’s exactly what’s been on my mind — I’m all for minimizing how often I have to maintain/clean! 🙂
I have risers painted white which need to be cleaned of black smudge marks from those who “touch” the risers with their shoes’ toes as they climb. Not suggesting you paint them black but maybe something that won’t show that kind of wear.
Thanks for the advice, Mary Ann! Sounds like something darker (or maybe patterned) would be a better way to go to stay as low maintenance as possible while still adding some interest.
I’m new to your blog and just love your hallway open shelving! I have a cutout at the bottom of our stairs and are wondering if we should leave it open and put a vase or something, or put in shelves but I thought open shelving in the hallway was kind of strange. Your picture has given me inspiration to put in open shelves with a colored back to give it some character. 🙂
As for your stairs, if you say your wood is in not-so-great shape, I wouldn’t paint them lighter, and I feel like, at least for me, I’d get tired of a patterned wallpaper quickly so I’d rather do something more solid and classic. I think it would be cute to keep the stairs unpainted and paint the risers turquoise!
Thanks Kim, glad you found us! I was also skeptical about whether I’d like the open shelving because I totally agree that it seemed kind of strange for the hallway, but I’m so happy I took the plunge. Would love to see how yours turns out! Thanks also for your thoughts on the stairs — I pretty much always want to seize the opportunity to paint something turquoise 🙂
Can’t wait to see how your work on the rental property proceeds (I peeked at your blog) — very cool! And too funny, much of my house is moonshine and Naomi uses Chantilly Lace as her white of choice. Great minds!
Hi Sage – in looking at stairway treatments, did you see the one called Ombre? I was thinking you could paint the risers – starting at the bottom the color to match the open book case and then go a few shades lighter on each riser all the way to the top.
If you decide to paint the treads – another idea – paint them like they have a type of “stair rug” with light color turquoise from each outer edge and in by 3 inches. The the center area between the turquoise – darker turquoise with a lighter turquoise dotted over in a random design so that wear would not be obvious??? Just a thought.
The white risers with turquoise risers you have pictured is lovely. I do agree with the other person who posted about the toe prints on the risers. So using the that same light turquoise only on the outside 3 inches of each side of the steps and a dark turquoise in the center with the random dots make work. Everything I have seen you post has been absolutely marvelous! I’m sure you will come up with something wonderful.
Thanks for all your ideas, Judy! I’ve come across the ombre look as well as the painted “runner” idea, and both are really cool. So many options, but I appreciate your confidence that it will turn out well in the end! 🙂 Stay tuned!
Judy beat me to it! I vote wood steps, white trim, turquoise ombre treads! Like this: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/8e/5f/21/8e5f2170146c2ad1ca840e498a3ea654.jpg
Then you get all the things you love!
Also, if painting the treads made a Cavalier King Charles show up, I’d do it tomorrow. Even though it would likely void my lease 🙂
Thank you! Everyone’s feedback is so helpful, and I’m planning to dive into the project asap! (I’ll keep you posted on whether the dog appears)