How To Transform Your Stairs From Boring To Alluring
How To Transform Your Stairs From Boring To Alluring!
If you have stairs that are boring and could use an easy transformation then this tutorial is one you are going to flip over. I was able to take my stairs from burning to alluring in just one day – actually, in a few short hours.
This month our sponsor is D. Lawless Hardware. I was able to get some stunning appliques from them which ignited my inner creative guru and create this staircase transformation!
Let me show you how easily I was able to transform my stairs and how you can too!
This is what they looked like before. Plain, boring, and something you would just walk past and not blink an eye at. This stair transformation was focused on the stair stringers. Mine are called “cut stringers” – there are different types and styles of stringers as well.
After we installed a beautiful runner to the stairs, I knew the stringers needed a kick too!
Wood appliques and wood carvings are often called gingerbreads. Wood appliques are glued and sometimes nailed to furniture, cabinets, and desks as added decoration. (If you use contact cement to apply this trim you are less likely to have splits.) Embossed wood, onlays, wood appliques, wood carvings, call them what you like, but these are the same type wood carvings that have been used in the furniture and cabinetry trade for many years.
I decided to paint them gold as I knew they would really pop against the white paint I chose.
The gold spray paint really did the job, It was exactly the color I was looking for. You can also order them from Amazon too – they have some stunning selections!
I had to be sure to use a primer first before I applied the paint. I also chose an eggshell finish because I wanted it to make the gold appliques pop even more.
Make sure to tape off the wood you don’t want to paint first.
Paint at least two coats of primer.
Then, two coats of your paint.
Now the appliques are ready to be installed. We used two small nails, one on each side of the appliques to make sure they didn’t pop up or off.
After your paint dries, apply the appliques. You can decide where you want them in terms of where they sit on your stringers. I wanted mine to sit on the top but that choice is yours and how large your stringers are.
Look at the amazing transformation! We love it!
My foyer is stunning! I love how it makes a stunning statement when folks walk in.
Every time I look at the stairs, I am thrilled with the results.
This is one transformation I will never forget. It was moderately easy and only costs about $50! I’d say that’s pretty alluring!
When you see the before and after, you can really appreciate the transformation.
Now you too can Transform Your Stairs From Boring To Alluring! Please let me know if you have any questions in the comment field below this post.
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Carolann, what a great use for those appliques! You get the award for most creative use of your hardware! I can see myself doing this soon! Wonderful project!
thanks so much Sue! You’ve made my day! I’d love to see a pic if you ever decide to do the same with your stairs. It really was so much fun and my foyer and stairs are really transformed now. thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon!
Carolann
This is fantastic! It always amazes me when I see something that is so simple, yet absolutely stunning. The appliques really do add that little something special to your entry way. What a great job!
thanks much Heather! I always smile when I walked past it lol.
What a beautiful addition to your stairs. You get the prize for thinking outside-the-box. The change is absolutely amazing. Kudos on a great makeover.
Thanks so much Susie. We love the transformation. It makes me smile every time I walked past it xo
I love this and it really added a touch of class to the stringers. You did a great job. I am not sure I could have done all of that taping before painting. But the results are definitely stunning!
What a great makeover…love the runner and the detail you added. Thanks for linking to Waste Not Wednesday.
Love how these transform your stairs! So pretty!
Thanks so much Michelle! I smile every time I walked past them :)
Thanks so much Denise! I love your linky parties! See you soon!
Carolann
Thanks so much Michelle! Yes, the taping was a huge PIA but worth it lol.
WOW What a beautiful transformation of your stairs!!! So clever I love the appliques that you used!!
Thank you for sharing your fabulous makeover over at Waste Not Wednesday!
Wow, those look great, I love the metallic paint because I thought they were really metal ????
Thanks so much Toni! That paint is terrific that’s for sure. This transformation was so much fun and I smile every time I walk past it.
Thanks so much Sam! This transformation was so much fun and I smile every time I walk past it.
What a great way to add detail to your stairway, makes a big difference, nice job!
Thanks so much Brenda! Every time I walked past them, I smile :) Have a great day and thx so much for stopping by!
Just stunning addition to your staicase. It really makes the staircase look so lovely! Great job Carolann!
Thanks so much Patti. It’s always great hearing from you!
I have to say I have never seen this done before. It seems like a pretty simply treatment with a fantastic result. Your runner is beautiful and with the addition of the wood highlights in gold it sings! Thanks for sharing at TaDa! Thursdays.
That is a fantastic transformation. I love your steps now and they are truly stunning. Great job!
I’ve never seen stairs with such a unique touch! These appliques are really unique and so nice looking and make your stairs look very chic!
Please please please tell me where did you get the carpet that is on the stairs? I looked at your blog for the stairs but did not see any information on the final carpet selection for your stairs.
Hi Lori,
thank you so much! I got it at a local store called Schnaitman’s Flooring America in Stroudsburg PA. I think they can ship it to you as well. I love the quality and their customer service outstanding. I hope that helps. thanks again for stopping by. Hope to see you again soon.
Carolann
Thanks so much Katrin! It was so much fun to create. Hope to see you again soon. Have a great upcoming week!
Carolann
Thanks so much Melony! I never get tired of looking at the stairs now. It was a fun project for sure. Have a wonderful upcoming week!
Carolann
Thanks so much Debbie. I am so thrilled with the results. It was pretty easy to create and it really does transform my stairs and entire foyer. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Carolann
LOVE the stairs , what a gorgeous tweek……. this is only my idea but i think i might try putting the appliques the other way up
Hi Mary Ellen, I did try that and it just didn’t look good. Like, it didn’t lay right for some reason. Thanks so much for stopping bu and hope to see you back again.
Carolann
Carolann that is such a simple trick but it makes a world of difference. From plain to elegant that is how I would call it. The applique makes a subtle statement that is all about finesse.
Hi Mary! Thanks so much for your lovely comment. I am loving my stairs now. It’s amazing how a simple improvement can really alter the entire look. Have a wonderful weekend!
Carolann
It’s amazing what a little time and paint can do. I love the new look and am considering doing something very similar this winter when it is time for indoor projects. Thanks for the idea.
Thanks Todd, I love updating my stairs. It was a fun project and everyone loves it. Glad you enjoyed the post too.
Carolann