Decorating STAIRS: Creative Ideas & Paint Colors

Trying to focus on finishing details here at home since they make such a difference yet tend to be slow going when you’re me. We have an expansive wall at the top of the stairs in our two-story entry, and it’s still bugging me even after adding a sconce and some art. Just not sure if we should go big and cover the thing with paneling/molding or try different artwork. So today’s Decorating STAIRS will hopefully inspire us all with creative ideas and a few paint colors. (I already painted my own stairs!).

Decorating STAIRS: Creative Ideas & Paint Colors

Natural Textural Stair Runners

I was so charmed by the entry to the stairs in Christopher Spitzmiller’s own home at Clove Brook Farm that I think I shall have to buy his book to see more!

I love the simplicity of the jute runner, and isn’t this striped example below wonderful?

So many of you fell in love with this designer’s La Jolla “beach cottage” with its dramatic staircase mural:

And speaking of making a statement in an entry with a mural wallpaper and a fancy staircase…

While the mural in my own entry is not hand-painted or Degournay…

it has a similar color scheme and adds a tranquil, pastoral feel right inside the front door.

Alternatively, you can marry the paneled staircase wall with wallpaper mural ideas!

Unfussy Country Style Staircases

It doesn’t get much more undone, unfussy, simple, rustic or airy than the stairs in a New York barn house:

If you love the blue below, I have ideas…

Also, see THIS story for more possibilities of blue paint colors to sample. Paint can truly transform old stairs, and if you’re after high contrast…

charcoal gray brings a modern feel to the above stairs (and if you are DIYer then you understand the beauty of a day or two of painting vs. a year of stripping and staining!!!). Try this gray for a similar look:

Ideas for Painted Stairs

Here’s another staircase where a charcoal gray mimics wrought iron:

Try Iron ore for a rich, almost black effect:

Bold blue can be beautiful in a dim space:

And quiet grays can turn the volume down even in the midst of personality and charm:

I have always loved the look of a painted stair runner. Isn’t it humble and brilliant as a budget friendly alternative?

Staircases as Sculpture & Art

What dreams may come when an architect designs something truly spectacular for the stairs and surroundings:

We’re definitely veering into fantasy territory as entries, foyers, and stair decorating goes…

But it’s truly a wonder what architects, builders, and designers can dream up!

This next beautiful staircase design always makes me giggle a little since my FB audience went insane about that chair on the landing:

I’m not sure why the chair is there, but my followers have imagined all sorts of stories for it.

Inspiring Blues

Love blue or need a little coastal inspo by chance?

This turquoise cheery moment above reminds me of springtime and all things coastal lovely!

And the example above feels so palatial that plenty of folks will wonder if it is Ai.

Decorating Stairs With Paneling & Applied Trim

I don’t think I understood how many options there were even if you have a particular style of moldings in mind and want to add more architectural interest to your stair walls.

Tongue and groove, board and batten, beadboard, picture frame, and many other possibilities exist.

It’s helpful if you are planning such details when you are building or at the beginning of renovations since I can tell you from experience it’s a messy (and at times scary) undertaking.

Seeing photos and saving them to Pinterest boards is so helpful if you are collecting inspiration for such trim and panels.

I loved how Lisa Furey combined shiplap with a very modern staircase design:

Gallery Wall

Gallery walls can also add geometric, architectural interest to the staircase while reflecting your personal style.

Need ideas for inexpensive art to frame for a gallery wall? I love the vintage print on this mood board:

I hope this collection gets your wheels turning and is helpful if you are searching for inspiration to build, restore, or perk up your own home.

Are these my favorite stairs of all time?

I just love those soft blues with the warmth of the white oak and surrounding neutrals.

Tour this pretty home if you have a moment for inspiration:

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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