Stairs, we use them every day. Whether going up or down, halfway up and then realizing you forgot something downstairs and going back up, our stairs get a lot of traffic. While you use your stairs every day, do you ever think about your stairs as a design element in your home?
Gone are the days when just carpet or wood were your options. People are getting very creative when it comes to stair design and your stairs are no different. Adding some extra flair to your stairs is a lot easier than you may think.
Four Trends to Update Your Stairs
Update your stair risers
The first trend we love is an easy upgrade you could do over the weekend if you’re willing to get crafty. Many homes are now painting, wallpapering, and sticker-ing their stairs instead of having them fully redone. Take this stair project as a chance to express your inner designer. You could paint each stair riser a different colour, add strips of wallpaper to give them some pattern, or re-purpose stickers and decals to make your stairs truly unique. The best part about these upgrades is that they’re easy to remove. If you paint your stairs in a rainbow of colours and then in a few months decide you no longer like your colourful path, simply repaint and try something else!
Paint and basic wallpaper aren’t the only options when it comes to dressing up your stair risers. Try using unconventional materials to update those boring stairs. This can include things like reclaimed wood, tiles, bead-board, textured wallpaper and brass cladding. Whatever your style is, there’s a material out there that can be added to your stair risers.
Light it up
Adding lights to your stairs is not only a great way to add some visual interest, but it will also help you avoid stubbed toes and tripping when using them at night. Adding lights to your stairs is a lot easier than you might think, and if you’re already in the process of updating your stairs, why not ask your contractor to install some lights?
Adding lights to your stairs can be a DIY job for those who are more experienced when it comes to doing home projects. Bob Cowan of CHCH in Hamilton had a bright idea. He installed rope lighting and cleverly hid it in inside the crown moulding along his stairs. No stranger to home renovation, Bob has done lots of projects around his house, including the wainscotting along the walls. While Bob wanted lighting on his stairs, he also didn’t want to put holes in the walls to install lights and didn’t want the wiring too be difficult. Bob’s solution was to run rope lighting down the length of the stairs into a switch at the bottom. The rope lighting is hidden in the moulding, making it invisible. A great idea that makes a big impact. Check out the photos below to see the full project.
Railing Refresh
Another great way to update your stairs is to give the railings a refresh. Whether that’s painting the existing or updating your railings with unconventional materials, changing your railings can make a big design impact. We love the mix of brightly painted railings with more traditional looking stairs or adding railings with patterns and designs built right into the structure. Changing your railings is a more cost-effective way of updating your stairs and can make a great statement.
Under the stairs storage
You’ve probably seen this all over your favourite design websites and magazines lately. Storage under the stairs isn’t a new idea but what you can store under there is what makes this a trend we’re loving. From bookcases to small office spaces to home bars, take back the space under your stairs and make it work for you!
We hope these trends inspire you to take back your stairs and make them a fun design element in your home. Check out our Stairs Pinterest board for more inspiration and find the right stair builder company to make your design dreams a reality on HomeStars. Already had your stairs updated with the help of a service professional? Be sure to write them a review!
