Simple Steps to Snazzy Stairs

Consider the three Cs when decorating this neglected area: color, carpet, and composition. You can pull it all together with ease.

If you think of a stairway only as a means of getting from one floor to the next, then think again. You're missing out on a major opportunity to add a punch of style to your home. Get inspired by the decorating ideas in this Tulsa, Oklahoma, house, and turn your utilitarian area into a standout.

1 Color

Pick a great shade for the walls, and stick with it. More than likely, you are tempted to go neutral, but if you have a favorite hue, this is the place to use it. The sunny yellow shown here is found in most of the first-floor rooms in this home, so it was perfect for brightening the spot.

2 Carpet

Runners provide an opportunity to add pattern to stairs. But using the same runner on the hardwood floors below would have looked busy. Instead, the owners purchased a second runner and had a carpet store band it to the edges of an inexpensive sisal rug.

3 Composition

The homeowners hung narrow ledges in different shapes along the landing's wall to display their children's artwork. A collection of small items makes a big impact when grouped. Because they're simply propped on the ledges, the paintings can be changed out easily.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Aug 2005
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved