Wednesday, December 1, 2010

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!

13 comments:

chris said...

Gorgeous! I would love to do that to our house. I love everything, the wall color, the trim, and the finish on the stairs. You both did a wonderful job.

Mama Thompson said...

Good for you! The stairs look amazing....I so want to do that, but Mr. T already let me rid ourselves of all the carpet on the main level and he is unwilling to let go of any more....I may keep working on him:) The other paint looks so great too. It is SO much work, so great job!

jen said...

it looks great. i love the dark treads with the white risers and i know you're glad to have your upstairs landing finally done!

Tammy @ she wears flowers said...

Wow--I love it!! I would love to do that to our stairs, but I fear we have to actually replace the treads and I am concerned about a project that big! I have to bookmark this for inspiration when I finally work up the nerve to tackle the whole project!

merathon said...

relief, right? yay for checking projects off the list... especially when you have a deadline like a BABY!

alie said...

It looks great! The landing/hallway upstairs looks so clean and fresh - and I love the stairs!

Peggy said...

you never cease to amaze with your upgrades - look so awesome yet done on a budget!!

It's a Baltimore Life said...

Oh wow it looks great! I love the contrast of the dark with the crisp and clean white!!!

granma and papa said...

it is fabulous, kids!

Kalleen at Second Street said...

Erin, everything looks beautiful. I love the contrast with light and dark. I can't believe you did all that while you are pregnant. You are seriously amazing and make me feel like a loser for slaking off for my entire pregnancy. I don't know how you do it.

Anonymous said...

Your stairs look amazing! I want to do the same in my house but my ONLY bathroom is on the second floor and I have three kids and a dog. Just the logistics of when I can paint it without the risk of kid or dog prints makes me tired. Maybe someday.

Erin said...

I love the before and after pictures! Everything looks great!

Molly Krauss Smith said...

Hooray! The stairs and landing look sensational!

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