The stairs may be the last place a homeowner thinks about updating.  But stairs often dominate the landscape, and updating them can bring a fresh and modern perspective to your home.  A few changes can take your staircase from drab to fab!

Remove the Carpet or Add a Runner

Since stairs are used so much, the carpet can look dingy and worn. Replace the carpet with hardwood or even new, updated carpet in a neutral palette.  If the hardwood is in good shape but you like the look of carpet, adding a runner can provide an instant update.

 

Paint the Stairs

If you take the carpet off and don’t like what you see underneath, paint the stairs in a fun color to coordinate with the rest of your entry. If it’s the main foyer be careful to use a color that will be appealing to a wide variety of buyers.

 

Paint the Risers

If you want to keep your treads in natural hardwood, it is easy to add some color or design by just concentrating on the risers. A coat of white paint refreshes scuffed risers.  Adding a color can make a bold statement. (Think strategically, your goal is to sell the house, so the same rules apply to painting risers as painting the entire staircase).

 

Update the Balusters (the spindles that come down from the railing to the floor) or Stain the Handrail a Darker Shade

 

Change the baluster or handrail if you have a bigger budget. If you don’t, a little sweat equity goes a long way.  Consider staining an oak railing a darker color to give it a fresh clean look.  If you have oak balusters, painting them white can contrast nicely with a dark stained handrail and take your staircase out of the 1980’s and into 2015.

 

Add a Newel Post

Adding an architectural element can create interest on a lackluster staircase.

 

Decorate the Wall in the Staircase with Artwork

Change outdated, mismatched frames and move them into modern frames in a uniform color and pattern.

 

 Add Decorative Molding

 

Wainscoting adds a classic, timeless element to your stairway. Raised or flat panels going up the stair wall and underneath can add visual interest to an otherwise overlooked area. If your budget is tight, adding trim molding imitates the look of raised panels for a lot less money.

 

Take a look at your staircase with a fresh pair of eyes.  Doing some of these improvements can have a dramatic effect on modernizing the entire foyer and adding a welcoming vibe to your home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since stairs are used so much, the carpet can look dingy and worn. Replace the carpet with hardwood or even new, updated carpet in a neutral palette.  If the hardwood is in good shape but you like the look of carpet, adding a runner can provide an instant update.

Paint the stairs.

If you take the carpet off and don’t like what you see underneath, paint the stairs in a fun color to coordinate with the rest of your entry. If it’s the main foyer be careful to use a color that will be appealing to a wide variety of buyers.

Paint the risers.

If you want to keep your treads in natural hardwood, it is easy to add some color or design by just concentrating on the risers. A fresh coat of white paint refreshes scuffed risers.  Adding a color can make a bold statement. (Think strategically, your goal is to sell the house, so the same rules apply to painting risers as painting the entire staircase).

Update the handrail.

Change the baluster or handrail if you have a bigger budget. If you don’t, a little sweat equity goes a long way.  Consider staining an oak railing a darker color to give it a fresh clean look.  If you have oak spindles, painting them white can contrast nicely with a dark stained handrail and take your staircase out of the 1980’s and into 2015.

Add a decorative ornament to the newel post.

Adding an architectural element can create interest on a lackluster staircase.

Decorate the wall above the stairs with new artwork.

Change outdated, mismatched frames and move them into modern frames in a uniform color.

 

Add wainscoting.

Wainscoting adds a classic, timeless element to your stairway. Raised or flat panels going up the stair wall and underneath can add visual interest to an otherwise overlooked area. If your budget is tight, adding trim molding imitates the look of raised panels for a lot less money.

Take a look at your staircase with a fresh pair of eyes.  Doing some of these improvements can have a dramatic effect on modernizing the entire foyer.