Don’t let the fact that staircases have a utilitarian function get in the way of turning them into a design moment, something to bring you a bit of joy every time you go up or go down. With a little bit of paint, tile, or some hardware, it’s easy to transform this place of transition into a place of wonder.
Left: Rejuvenation, Plain Finial Stair Rod, photo courtesy of Rejuvenation Right: P. E. Guerin, Pineapple Carpet Rod Finial, photo courtesy of P. E. Guerin
Stair Rods
Practical or fanciful (sometimes both) this 18th century invention was originally meant to convey grandeur and opulence. It still can. Opt for simple rods with unadorned brackets or go for it with highly polished brass rods and elaborate finials. Both do the job (holding the rug in place) but bring varying degrees of decoration.
Photo courtesy of Norman Design Group via Centsational Style
Tile and Wallpaper Risers
Stair risers are a perfect place for a little extra something. You get a view of the whole thing from straight on, or little bits as you ascend. For something modest, go with plain colored tile or paint; for something more elaborate, use tile with bold prints or paint in different colors for each step.
Left: Faux Carpet, photo courtesy of Jenny Keenan Design Right: Just the Risers, photo courtesy of Crown Paints
Paint
A bit of trompe l’oeil (although it’s not going to really trompe anyone, it’s still fun) whereby you paint on a “runner”. Choose a contrasting solid color or go wild with pattern. You can stencil on embellishments or paint on stripes or dots or whatever makes you happy.
Left: Ric Rac Herringbone Right: Santa Cruz Stripe Cerise, photos courtesy of Jennifer Manners
Stair Runners
Instead of a traditional carpet stair runner, opt for something out of the ordinary. Choose grasses, flat weaves, or other texturally rich examples.
Story by Stephen Treffinger
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