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!).
![Carol Weaks designed entry and staircase in a traditional home - Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles (David Christensen). #staircasedesign #staircasedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/atlantahomeslifestyles-staircase-carol-weeks-david-christensen-photo.jpg)
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!
![Beautiful entry with Cole & Sons wallpaper at Christopher Spitzmiller's Clove Brook Farm. #staircasedesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/christopher-spitzmiller-new-york-papercitymag-staircase-entry.jpg)
I love the simplicity of the jute runner, and isn’t this striped example below wonderful?
![Country house staircase with gallery wall and stripe jute runner in country Living (David A. Land). #staircasedesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/country-living-staircase-davd-a-land-photo.jpg)
So many of you fell in love with this designer’s La Jolla “beach cottage” with its dramatic staircase mural:
![Beautiful entry with staircase and mural in California cottage - @m_m_interior_design. #hamptonsstyle #californiacottage #traditionalstyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MM-Design-california-beach-cottage-leslie-mitchell-entry-stairs-1.jpg)
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…
![Hello Lovely's modern French entry with scenic tree mural wallpaper and serene dining room with fireplace.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dining-room-hello-lovely-studio-october-2023-entry.jpg)
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:
![Scandinavian style inside a beautiful barn converted into a guest house in New York by Gun Nowak. Photo: Annie Schlechter. #countryhouse #newenglandstyle #nordiccharm](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/country-living-gun-nowak-barn-hudson-valley-annie-schlechter-003e.jpg)
If you love the blue below, I have ideas…
![Staircase in a country house - Annie Schlechter photo for Country Living. #staircasedesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/country-living-staircase-annie-schlechter-photo.jpg)
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…
![Lovely art decorating a black painted staircase in a country home - Country Living (Kim Cornelison). #countrystaircase](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/country-living-staircase-kim-cornelison-photo.jpg)
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:
![Wine storage room under staircase in a luxurious property designed by Alison Victoria of Windy City Rehab.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/alison-victoria-anthonytahlierphoto-staircase-wine-storage-windy-city-rehab-chicago.jpg)
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:
![Beautifully decorated staircase in a New York guest house in Country Living (David Hillegas). #staircasedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/country-living-staircase-new-york-guest-house-david-hillegas-photo.jpg)
I have always loved the look of a painted stair runner. Isn’t it humble and brilliant as a budget friendly alternative?
![Painted stair runner in a country house - Country Living (Tara Done). #countrystaircase](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/country-living-staircase-tara-done-photo.jpg)
Staircases as Sculpture & Art
What dreams may come when an architect designs something truly spectacular for the stairs and surroundings:
![Sculptural staircase in a lovely new home with traditional architecture - Stanley Dixon & Carolyn Malone. Photo: Eric Piasecki. #regencystyle #architecturaldesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/eric-piasecki-carolyn-malone-stanley-dixon-entry-staircase-atlanta.jpg)
We’re definitely veering into fantasy territory as entries, foyers, and stair decorating goes…
![Richard Shapiro's Mediterranean style Malibu oceanfront home filled with ancient treasures and Old World European flavor. #oldworldstyle #fantasyhomes #malibudreamhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/richard-shapiro-old-world-malibu-home-ad-april-2011-entry-sculptural-staircase-stell-balustrade-17th-century-Italian-walnut-door.jpg)
But it’s truly a wonder what architects, builders, and designers can dream up!
![Amphora Vase, Anthropologie - from Amber Lewis collaboration. #amberlewis #californiacool](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001-amphora-vase-amber-lewis-anthropologie-staircase-california-casual.jpg)
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!
![Luxurious winding staircase in an English Country townhouse with design by Sims Hilditch in THE EVOLUTION OF HOME (Rizzoli, 2022).](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/evolution-of-home-regency-townhouse-entry-staircase.jpg)
And the example above feels so palatial that plenty of folks will wonder if it is Ai.
![Luxurious mansion in Houston with rustic wood floors, lantern, and iron railing on stone staircase.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/012-reagan-andre-montrose-houston-pamela-pierce-house-11.jpg)
![Breathtaking interior from Pursley Dixon Architecture. #timelessdesign #interiorarchitecture](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/15_1200px_staircase.jpg)
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.
![Storage in a staircase landing within a country house - Country Living (Gridley Graves). #staircasedesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/country-living-staircase-gridley-graves.jpg)
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.
![Traditional staircase design - Country Living (Max Kim-Bee). #traditionalstyleentry #traditionalstaircasedesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/country-living-staircase-max-kim-bee-photo.jpg)
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:
![BM Andes Summit painted built-in cabinet in a lovely white coastal cottage in Palmetto Bluff by Lisa Furey. #bmandessummit #bluepaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bm-andes-summit-blue-paint-color-cabinet-entry-lisa-furey-shiplap.jpg)
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:
![Gentle Fall Home Cozy & Serene Finds - Hello Lovely Studio. #fallhomedecor #cozyhomedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/gentle-fall-home-cozy-serene-finds-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
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?
![Tiled staircase - Steve Giannetti designed modern Mediterranean Malibu home with white oak, natural finishes, limestone, and Old World style. #giannettihome #patinastyle #patinahomes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/00001-4-giannetti-malibu-mediterranean-staircase-2.jpg)
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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Michele, obviously ‘the Chair’ is in a multi-generational home. It’s a Time Out chair for the naughty children and a Time Out chair for exhausted Grandpa. LOL
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LOL! 🙂