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1Utilize Dark Paint
Kim CornelisonDon’t be afraid to make a bold statement with your staircase, like this one that's painted an rich inky gray. Offset the dark with light paint on the walls and bring in warmth through aged picture frames and rustic lighting fixtures.
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2Build a Dreamy WFH Space
Emily Followill 3Channel Beach Vibes
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4Add a Stair Runner
David A. LandLay down a stair runner to add pattern and interest to your steps. The well-worn stair runner at this 18th-century farmhouse is a fond reminder of guests who have come and gone. To get the look in your own home, find a runner you love and don't forget the carpet tape!
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5Make It Practical and Pretty
Troa GiovanShort on space but determined to make it stylish, the homeowners of this Long Island, New York saltbox added an antique piano and a collection of straw hats—amongst other things—at the bottom of their stairwell. For an added design upgrade, you could arrange the straw hats to flow up the stairs for a stylish grab-and-go set up.
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6Add an Interesting Newel Post Cap
Stephen Kent JohnsonBefore the renovation of this 19th century New York home, the stairs were covered in a colorful carpet and the walls were painted bright salmon. Now, crisp white walls complement the dark stair treads and a simple Moravian star lights up the entry. The homeowners also embraced the quirky antique newel post cap that came with the home and welcome it as a conversation starter for guests.
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7Lighten Up Your Entryway
Helen NormanThe entryway in this fixer-upper farmhouse was originally two tones of green and had built-in shelving that made the space feel small. Now, a colorful antique rug and sets of wall-mounted coat hooks bring in color and free up walking-around space, while the bright white-and-gray palette offers a soothing welcome to guests.
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8Create a Salon Wall
John Ellis 9Try Trompe L'Oeil Paint
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10Create an Under the Stairs Pantry
David TsayIf you’re unsure of what to do with the little nook under your stairs, transform it into an adorable and hardworking pantry, complete with a crusty sliding barn door.
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11Paint the Balusters
Annie SchlechterRather than painting your stair railing all the same color, give it a little wow factor by paint the balustrade a different color than the handrail. Here, that color pairing is repeated on the front door.
Don’t know what to do with that empty landing? An oversized pitcher or an antique accent piece can easily fill a design dead space in the corner of an L-shaped staircase. Just be sure to measure your piece so you don't crowd the walking space.
12Hang a Mismatched Gallery Wall
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13Go Bold with Paint
Annie Schlechter 14Put Your Collection on Display
Adam AlbrightObsessed with fun and figural pieces? Take inspiration from this Wisconsin lake house’s gallery wall and hang them with pride. Cascading down the main stairwell, these skis, which the homeowners spent years collecting, take wall paneling to the next level.
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15Install a Permanent Ladder
Lauren MillerWhen stairs won’t do (or there is simply no room), opt for a sturdy, permanent ladder such as this one. Work with a contractor to make sure your setup follows code and safe for the whole family.
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16Try Nothing but Neutrals
Annie Schlechter 17Hang Some Paw-fect Portraits
Brian WoodcockIf your furry friend is more like family, consider decorating an area in honor of your pooch. A wall of dog silhouettes and portraits adds collected, crowd-pleasing charm. Hanging the collection on the stair ends provides a unique stairstep shape and helps turn what could be the wasted space in front of the stairs into an inviting spot to sit.
18Embrace Pattern All Over
Tria GiovanIs there really such a thing as too much pattern? Don’t be afraid to mismatch patterns in a small space, just keep within a similar color palette to keep it cohesive. Here, the tranquil shade of the wallpaper and the patterned stair runner create a coastal vibe that is equal parts fun and elegant.
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19Put Up Plenty of Paintings
Douglas FriedmanDoes your artwork hang out in storage because there’s no room to display it in your home? Take a tip from designer Ken Fulk, who hung oil pantings all over the place—including above and underneath his staircase, and get creative with placement. Don’t be afraid to stack art up and down a wall or tuck it into unusual spaces.
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20Try to Remove and Reveal
David A. Land ![Headshot of Anna Logan Headshot of Anna Logan](https://cdn.statically.io/img/hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/8e9b7cb0-2442-48a0-b975-a5456a1cc492_1672855431.file?fill=1:1&resize=120:*)
Anna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isn’t working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!
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