When it comes to remodeling any part of your home, the mere thought of tear down and reconstruction can be a daunting thought. Most of us don’t give a thought to remodeling something as simple as a staircase, but in doing so, you could completely transform your space.
Not to worry–if your stairs are in good condition, there is no need to tear down and start from scratch. With a little creativity and some elbow grease, you can transform the most unassuming staircase into a breathtaking piece of art that catches the eye and “lifts” the spirits. Follow these simple yet effective tips for remodeling any staircase:
1. Rip out the carpet
Nothing brightens up existing stairs like ripping out dirty, dingy carpet. Why hide beautiful wood under carpet when you can sand and stain your way to a polished, austere finish? Simply sand, clean, stain, and polish for a more refined and elegant look that is easy to clean and lovely to behold.
2. Go bold with color
One of the easiest and most beautiful ways to improve your stairwell is to paint. Picking up some trendy paint colors and getting creative with the way you apply can completely transform the look of a room. Can’t decide between colors? Use both of them and apply with a gradient design, or alternate colors for frivolous fun!
3. Create some art!
Are you an artist? Do you know someone who is? Turn your stairwell into a work of art with some bold style choices designed to blow the mind! What better way to add distinctive design to your home than with a knockout geometric or landscape design with bold colors? Pre-made vinyl appliqué exists for you to create designs, install inspiration quotes and make your staircase truly unique. The sky’s the limit–or at least the second floor—when it comes to how creative you can get!
4. Change up the accessories
If you have a banister and rail posts along your staircase, consider changing up the hardware and adding some embellishments for added flair. Enlist the help of a professional if you do not have experience with this, as you want to make sure your staircase and rail posts comply with safety regulations. The addition of iron balusters adds yet another level of elegance and beauty to this area of your home. Go elegant!
5. Add some peel and stick tile for dramatic effect
The addition of some colorful peel and stick tiles on your stairs can add an element of creative design that few others consider when redoing a staircase. Several options exist for giving your steps a style upgrade while staying on budget. Talk to a remodeling professional to determine which types of tile would work best for this job; you’ll want to make sure it can withstand some serious traffic.
6. Kick it up a notch with lighting
Adding some creative lighting concepts to your central stairway or even wall sconces on either side of your stairs will brighten your space and even make it seem a bit bigger. Adding pops of color and light tends to draw the eye upward, giving your stairwell an elegant feel. Choose lighting accents that are in tune with the design style of your home, and feel free to express your unique style with these pieces as you create a more inviting space.
7. Add a graduated landing
If space permits, add a graduated landing to the bottom of your staircase; it brings your stairwell and room together seamlessly while providing the perfect perching place for pictures, special moments, and something as simple as putting on shoes. A corner bench with accent pieces creates another inviting space to use as you transition from one floor to another. These small and simple changes make a big difference in the look and feel of your living space.
You don’t have to rip up your steps to make a big impression in your space; with a few creative changes and some bold design choices, you can completely transform the look of a staircase from drab to fab!