We spend a small fortune and a lot of time decorating our homes but often forget the staircase area. It’s the first thing guests see when they walk into a house. Forget guests, you see it daily. You would love for it to look nice. It’s not negligence but a lack of ideas that makes most of us turn a blind eye to this space. But with a little creativity, you can turn a utility space into your home’s focal point. Here are some ideas to help you inject a dose of style into a functional space.
Add a stair runner
Stair runners are the easiest way to add charm to your granite, wooden, or tile stairs. It can create visual interest as well as serve as padding to minimize falls and injuries. You can find them in a variety of patterns, colors, and styles. Consider a jute runner if you have an all-white space to add some texture to it. Add some oomph into a neutral space by adding a runner in a bright, vibrant hue. You can also match your runner to the living room rug.
Create a gallery wall
Hang your favorite prints, photos, and artwork along the length of the wall along the stairs and you have a unique gallery wall that makes the stairs more than something you use to get from point A to point B. You can also display your travel treasures in box frames. Choose the same color frames if you want a cohesive look or mix and match frames in different colors for an eclectic charm.
Consider shelving units
Shelves are a great way to display items, store things, and add intrigue to any space. We often don’t consider shelves in the staircase area. But open shelves on the landing or even along the wall opposite the stairs can be used to showcase and store photos, knickknacks, and books. You can also place candles, and flower vases and pots to lend it a regal touch. Just make sure the shelves aren’t too broad and just big enough to hold little items.
Place some large houseplants
Plants bring an element of nature into your home. Each plant has its own requirement and most need to be placed in areas that get enough light and air. However, some plants thrive in low-light areas. Consider placing these in the staircase area. Don’t keep too many to avoid clutter. Place a tall one or two, in a cool ceramic or metal planter at one corner. A lush Fiddle Fig can be a great option.
Replace the light fixture
A stunning chandelier or interesting set of sconces might be the finishing touches your stairwell is missing. The stairs are a great place to play with lights and place large hanging light fixtures because of the extra height of the ceiling. If your stairs are dark, place lights along the length of it. The battery-operated ones can be a good solution if you don’t want wires running along the stairs. You can also add mirrors to reflect light in the space. You get mirror tiles in the market these days that you can simply stick in a desired pattern.
Make a cozy nook
The landing doesn’t have to be boring and mundane. Create a cozy reading or nap nook by adding a low-seater sofa or simply putting some large cushions on the floor and then doing it up with throws and pillows. It can be a space for your pet to relax. Alternatively, create an elegant and enviable vignette by adding a side table along with décor items like statues or large vases. This can be a space for you to drop your keys and other knick knacks as you go up to your bedroom. If your staircase has the space, the key is to make the most of available alcoves by adding pleasing furniture and decor.