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When it comes to decorating your home, people tend to overlook the staircase. However, the stairs are a focal point of your home – and often the first thing that your guests, or if you’re selling, a potential buyer will see when they walk in your front door.
So banish boring stairs! Here are some decorating ideas that suggest how to jazz up this important- yet overlooked – feature of your house, with paint, tile, wallpaper and more.
1. ACCENT THE RISER
Add a fresh burst of color on the toe kick of every step on yoru staircase, says Art Freedman, CEO of Max Warehouse in Sacramento, CA.
Consider contrasting shades for each step, or even the ombré route.
You could also cover risers with numbers, the ABCs, or chalkboard paint an instant art center for the kids.
2. USE UP WALLPAPER
A fab remnant or a discontinued style may not be enough to covery your half bath, but a limited amount of wallpaper should suffice to cover each stair riser. The same holds for accent tiles that you might use in the kitchen or bathroom.
Bonus: Most tiles can handle the everyday wear and tear (and kicks) that your family will dish out as they head up and down the stairs.
3. ADD SOME INSPIRATION
Depending on where the stairs are located (back steps to the kitchen, office, home gym, or garage are ideal for this), write out a phrase to inspire you as you climb. “A quote or saying can be energizing each time you use the staircase,” says Freedman.
You could also put the days of the week, the signs of the zodiac or the name of each family member (and the dog) on risers.
Note: This technique can also go badly wrong. Avoid tweets from political figures.
4. BUILD IN A NOOK
The area underneath a staircase is often an afterthought, but there are dozens of ways to utilize this real estate for storage.
You might even build out this area to create a home office, sewing nook, or gift-wrapping station.
5. SWAP OUT THE RAILING
If your staircase comes with a plain ol’ wooden banister, consider an upgrade.
consider your home’s decor and then choose coordinating material (wrought iron, steel, horizontal wire, or even glass).
6. CONSIDER A RUG (OR RIPPING IT OUT)
Consider removing carpet, especially if there’s beautiful wood underneath blah floor coverings. If not, you can also add a rug as well.
Think neutral colors and patterns if you’re planning to sell in the near future.
7. DECLUTTER YOUR STAIRCASE
Do not crowd the space at the top or bottom of your suitcase. Too much furniture on the landing or the base of the stairs can make potential buyers feel cramped as they tour your home. This will make your home feel larger and more grand.
The bottom line: Stairs should be a calm space of transition.
8. KEEP IT CLEAN
Regardless of how it’s designed, your staircase has to shine in order to make a good impression.
Content courtesy of Realtor.com
—
James Silver
Team Leader | Associate Broker
James Silver Team | Keller Williams Realty
Michigan | Florida
(248) 530-7292 | JamesSilver@kw.com
