BEFORE & AFTER Basement Wallpapered Staircase makeover
WORTH THE WAIT! I started this project in January of 2020 and I am FINALLY getting it done. I can’t wait to show you our wallpapered staircase makeover project.
Before Staircase Makeover
That may have been a bit boring, but it was not the most obnoxious space in our home. For the first year or so it was too low on the priority list to bother me. However, sometime during the middle of January 2020 I couldn’t stand the accumulating stains on the old carpet, and I snapped. I didn’t let a badly injured finger deter me from ripping up the old, nasty carpet. I was exhilarated to see that the wood underneath was in decent condition, and I knew this project would be doable.
Stalled Halfway
THEN REAL LIFE TOOK OVER and other projects took priority. Due to time constraints, our stairwell had stayed untouched and half painted until last week. While it is a tad embarrassing, it is critical that you see these scary pics.
After Wallpapered Staircase Makeover
Wallpaper
Note: The Serena and Lily Artichoke Wallpaper for this space was largely sponsored, but the opinions are 100% my own.
One reason why I waited for so long to wallpaper this stairwell was because I hadn’t found the wallpaper that truly spoke to me. I wanted something colorful and sophisticated enough to flow with the other rooms in my home. Also, I have a lot of blue on my main level, so I was looking for something green to mix it up.
The Artichoke Wallpaper in this colorway checked all of the boxes. It is a lovely and timeless pattern that feels both colorful and sophisticated. I love the way that it ties together the green in our entryway and the blue in our kitchen.
There are three other things that I love about this Artichoke Wallpaper. First, it is part of Serena and Lily’s quick ship program. That means that the wallpaper arrived within a couple of weeks after ordering.
Secondly, I love the quality of this paper. It is thick and easy to hang…despite these crazy angles in my stairwell.
Third, I like the scale of the artichokes. I love that they are big enough to hold their own on the wall without making you dizzy, but small enough that they don’t completely overwhelm the space.
Steps
I considered staining the stairs to the basement, but I have different color woods on the two different floors. Plus, I knew that paint would be a much easier task than staining. My original plan was to add a pinstripe in each side of the steps, but in the end decided that this would be too busy and cancelled that idea.
One thing I like about this project is my color choice on the steps. Rather than matching the blue in the Artichoke Wallpaper, I opted to get the undertones correct and then punch up the blue a notch or two. I love the way that this bold blue plays against the olive wallpaper.
Railings
I debated hand rail options over the last year and a half. I considered stripping down the railing that I owned, or replacing it with something raw wood, but in a more attractive shape. I also thought about doing lucite railings as well, but that had a 7 week turn around time. In the end, I found these matte black railings and love the way that they pay homage to our french return drapery rods throughout our home. They arrived quickly, and I went that route.
I also went back and forth on the best option for the handrails at the bottom of the steps as well. Like the other handrails, I also considered stripping them. However, I thought about the pain and logistics involved and quickly changed my mind. Ultimately, I gel stained them…NOTE: They are STILL drying a week later, but I anticipate that this will be a good choice in the end. Fingers crossed.
Flush Mount
Originally, I was going to use a different wallpaper from Serena and Lily, but changed my mind once I saw the new release of the Artichoke Wallpaper. I picked out this fixture to match the original paper, but am pleasantly surprised to see how lovely it looks in this space as well. While I would have normally picked something more simple, I do think this still works because it plays off the shape in the paper.
Thank you so very much for joining me on stairway makeover. I have a Serena and Lily eat in makeover coming later this week as well.
If you like what you see here, please feel free to check out my other projects, including my One Room Challenge in the works.
I love your maximalist everything ❤️❤️❤️
Jewel, this looks so good!
Gorgeous! You always give me so many ideas!
It turned out gorgeous! Obsessed with that wallpaper.
Thanks Liz!
Oh good! I’m glad that is helpful!
Thanks Haneen! It needed it!
LOL. Thanks so much Diane!
Good grief!! It all looks so beautiful! I am a huge fan of blue and green together, too! Well done!
Do you mind sharing where you bought these railings??? They are EXACTLY what I need!!
Sherry Smith
Hi Sherry,
I bought them from Amazon. They were not expensive and they seem to be holding up great. No pun intended 🙂
Thanks so much! You and me both. 🙂
Phew, isn’t that great it’s now done? And bonus, it looks amazing 🤩💯🔥
One more question, hopefully! Did you use satin finish for paint on stairs for durability? Are they slick? I love painted stairs but wonder about the durability and what sheen to use.
Such a stunning transformation. The colors and wallpaper are perfect together. I’m so glad you found a pattern that spoke to you!
I used Farrow and Ball 20% sheen designed for wood trim. I also used their primer. The color is Cook’s Blue
LOL. It feels soooo good! YES!
Looks so amazing!! I’d love to know what floor paint you used and how you got that lovely color? My floor colors never seem to come out quite right once mixed.
THANK YOU SOOO MUCH FOR NOT USING DEPRESSING GRAY LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!! Your work is brave and unique and I appreciate you!
LOL. Thank you! That’s hilarious.
Here’s my secret: Farrow and Ball Cook’s Blue! It is gorgeous!
I’m obsessed Jewel! That wallpaper is fabulous and I love the pop of blue on the steps! Another amazing job!
Thanks so much Michelle. It is so much nicer than before!
Thanks Angie! Worth the wait!