before and after: stairs and landing

We are approaching the countdown until baby! Only about six (okay, knowing my body more like eight) weeks left. In preparation for that we have been trying to finish up the million unfinished projects around the house. The biggest one is the stairs and the upstairs landing.

When we bought the house there was a really ugly narrow carpet runner that we immediately removed... and then didn't touch the stairs for the next five+ years. We were distracted with other projects (laying reclaimed wood floors, renovating the kitchen and having babies to name a few) and we were completely unsure of what we wanted to do with the stairs.

Carpet was out because I like the look of wood and sweeping is much easier than dragging a vacuum up and down the stairs. Originally I wanted to wallpaper the risers like this but I couldn't ever get my husband on board. Plus it is more bold than what we usually choose. I was afraid after the expense of the paper and the time of cutting and pasting I would get bored with the look.

So we finally decided to go with a classic look. Dark brown treads and bright white risers.



I am so happy with how crisp and clean the stairs look, especially when compared to the dingy before.


Upstairs the (tiny) landing was more of the same- dingy, beige and more dingy. For some reason I will never understand all the doors, windows and trim in the house were painted a yellow-y beige. I like bright white trim. It feels clean and fresh.


Next up is new carpet. Unfortunately that is not something we can DIY so it may be a while before get that done. Hopefully in the next six months. The wall color is the same as our main living space - Gray Palisades by Valspar. I love this color!


That skinny door straight ahead is a linen closet and the bi-fold door to the left is our laundry closet.


Michael painted the stairs since we used oil based paint. He also removed the popcorn and painted the ceiling because I am a wimp. I painted everything else- the walls, the doors, the trim and I replaced the door knobs. A lot of hours went into this but it was worth it. I am so glad we finally have it done!