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Add a Stair Runner
Lay down a stair runner to add pattern and interest to your steps. The well-worn stair runner at this 18th-century farmhouse is a fond reminder of guests who have come and gone. To get the look in your own home, find a runner you love and don’t forget the carpet tape!
SHOP STAIR RUNNERS
Utilize Dark Paint
Don’t be afraid to make a bold statement with your staircase, like this one that’s painted an inky gray. Offset the dark with light paint on the walls and bring in warmth through aged picture frames and rustic lighting fixtures.
SHOP GRAY FLOOR PAINT
Create an Under the Stairs Pantry
If you’re unsure of what to do with a little nook under your stairs, transform it into an adorable and versatile pantry, complete with a crusty barn door.
SHOP BARN DOOR KIT
Add an Accent
An oversized pitcher crafted from natural materials or an antique accent piece can easily fill a design dead space in the corner of an L-shaped staircase.
SHOP CERAMIC PITCHER
Channel Beachy Vibes
If you didn’t know you were near the ocean before entering this house, the sea-foam green staircase might be a huge clue. Built in 1855, this Maine home embraces its history and geography with pastel colors and vintage signs. A duo of picnic baskets lined up against the white wall adds to the summery theme.
SHOP PICNIC BASKETS
Put Your Collection on Display
Take a note from these Wisconsin homeowners who turned their love of the lake into a show-stopping display of skis! Cascading up and down the main stairwell, this collection of skis ranges take wall paneling to the next level.
SHOP DECORATIVE SKIS
Go Bold with Paint
Try Trompe L’Oeil Paint
Rather than lay a real runner in this narrow stairwell, designer Christina Salway painted one! To get the look, start with a neutral base (white or black works best) then paint a thin boarder around your main paint color.
SHOP PAINT
Hang Old Shutters
Add unique shapes to the wall to draw the eye up. Here, recycled shutters gathered from an architectural salvage yard make for a creative wall decoration full of rustic charm.
SHOP SHUTTERS
Install a Permanent Ladder
When stairs won’t do (or there is simply no room), opt for a sturdy, permanent ladder like this one with an iron railing to make climbing up and down easier.
SHOP LADDER
Hang Some Pawfect Portraits
If your furry friend is more like family, consider decorating an area in honor of your pooch. A wall of dog silhouettes and portraits add collected charm to this space.
SHOP CUSTOM DOG SILHOUETTES
Embrace Pattern All Over
Build a Dreamy WFH Space
Take a note from homeowners Sarah and Russell Bennett by transforning the traditionally overlooked space beneath the stairwell into a home office.
SHOP SMALL DESKS
Go Wild With Wallpaper
Turn up a simple staircase’s “wow” factor by adorning the walls with a pretty patterned paper. You can always use removable wallpaper for a renter-friendly (or easy to DIY) touch.
See more at Lark and Linen.
SHOP RENTER FRIENDLY WALLPAPER
Put Up Plenty of Paintings
Does your artwork hang out in storage because there’s no room to display it in your home? Take a tip from designer Ken Fulk, who hung oil pantings all over the place—including above and underneath his staircase.
SHOP ARTWORK
Try to Remove and Reveal
Go for a Nautical Vibe
A Garnet Hill rug and porthole-shaped mirror reinforce the nautical vibe of this coastal staircase, painted in Benjamin Moore’s Big Country Blue.
SHOP PAINT
Be Deliberately Simple
Paul Caddell, the owner of this modest New York cottage, added just a single handrail on the side of his stairwell for a simplistic look. He also installed vertical beadboard to give the impression of taller ceilings.
SHOP BEADBOARD
Layer Mirrors to Bounce Light
Take a page from stylist Matthew Gleason’s playbook and layer in lots of mirrors in a small stairwell to make it feel bigger!
SHOP MIRRORS
Try Ladder Style
Two Tennessee brothers replaced a dilapidated and enclosed staircase and installed this ladder-style solution stained to matche the rest of the home.
SHOP WOOD STAIN
Senior Homes & Style Editor
Anna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isn’t working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!
Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.
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