Stylish Stairs: Patterned

As I talked about in last week's post, stairs are a very visible element of many homes, and they should not be overlooked. Give your staircase a creative style update and it will instantly become a focal point in your home.

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous then simply painting your stairs, try using various stencils and paint to create a unique pattern on each "rise" (the vertical part of each stair). Paint the same pattern all the way up, or vary the pattern every couple of stairs. Use multiple colors for a richer look, or a single color to keep things a bit simpler. Not crafty enough for stenciling? Pick out one or more styles of wallpaper, cut them to the right size, and apply. This will give you a perfect detailed pattern each time.

Photo: Daisy Pink Cupcake

Photo: French By Design

Photo: Tumblr

Stylish Stairs: Painted

In many homes a staircase can be a very visible element that offers a perfect opportunity for a bit of  creative style. Stained wood or carpeted stairs are a sure bet if you're going for a classic look, but if you're searching for a more unique way to style your stairs, you've come to the right place. Adding a splash of color to the "rise" (the vertical part of each stair) of your stairs is a fun and original way to create an instant focal point in your home. You can also decorate the "run" (the horizontal part of each stair) of your stairs, but this area may need a bit more maintenance being that it gets the most wear.

Select a paint color, or collection of colors, and paint each rise to add an eye-catching pop of color to your staircase. This will add interest while still maintaining a clean and simple look. If you're feeling adventurous, paint stripes all the way up your staircase (rise and run) for a continuous look with a very updated twist. Check out next week's post for even more stylish stair ideas.

Photo: Jonathan Adler

Photo: Country Living

Photo: HGTV