Ugly Stairs - Help!
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Marion Nesbitt on Feb 15, 2015You may see ugly because you live with it so don't have "fresh" eyes. I see a very neat architectural feature that needs no embellishment or alteration! If you wanted a low budget project, you could stencil a saying down the risers. " Beauty/is/in/the/ eye/of/the/ beholder" might be apropos!Helpful Reply
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Linda on Feb 15, 2015I also think this feature is an interesting plus. I do like the stencil idea...even a graphic design rather than, or in addition to, words. Then stage some interesting items along the wall and out from the bottom step, graduating the height of each piece to fill the space. An old trunk - an old chair with a plant on the seat - a tall metal container, like an umbrella holder. You could shop at Goodwill for some interesting items. Then if they don't work, you can donate them back.Helpful Reply
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Karen Schneider on Feb 15, 2015I would use it as an area to display pictures.Helpful Reply
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Cindy Curtis on Feb 15, 2015If it were mine I think I would get some low light plants or even hook up a grow light for them,but I would hang a lot of plants from them.Helpful Reply
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Janis Hill on Feb 15, 2015@ Hilly - you can do so many interesting things with these lovely stairs. 1) You can ombre paint them. Buy one dark color, add 1/4 or 1/2 cup of white, stir and paint the next step. 2) Add wallpaper of trees so your eye moves upward 3) Add Beadboard 4) Paint each step a different shade of one color 5) Number each one 6) Paint the lyrics of a song, a poem, or favorite saying 7) Use removable vinyl stickers 8 & 9) Or whatever makes you feel happyHelpful Reply
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Jude on Feb 15, 2015I wish mine hadn't been boarded up - otherwise I would have had pull out drawers as storage under each oneHelpful Reply
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Ann Beach on Feb 15, 2015I see a reading nook. Try a cozy color, comfy chair, suspended light and a few steps extended into shelves for book/art.Helpful Reply
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Colleen on Feb 15, 2015I think Marion Nesbitt said it perfectly, and your idea of making them more interesting is great. There are terrific ideas here for you to consider. Have fun and I hope you post an updated picture of what you do with them :-) I'm continually inspired by the creativity I see on this site.Helpful Reply
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Kogle on Feb 15, 2015What about adding some inspirational daily quotes!Helpful Reply
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Rebecca L on Feb 15, 2015I would give them some color and attach storage baskets on the back of them...something like this http://www.shelterness.com/pictures/diy-storage-for-bathroom-linen-1.jpgHelpful Reply
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Susan Viers on Feb 15, 2015paint everything the same color as the wall - add a large stand up mirrorHelpful Reply
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Peter Lloyd on Feb 15, 2015Add inspirational statements. Like the 12 stepsHelpful Reply
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Ilona Elliott on Feb 15, 2015You could add some neat architectural interest with those wood appliques and some cool trim--I think it's definitely a plus not a minus for your house. Even painting it a cool color or colors would look awesome. Let us see what you do!Helpful Reply
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Lynda Benoit on Feb 15, 2015I would paint the under boards a dark colour (perhaps the green on your wall). On the vertical boards, I would stencil with the same colour you used on your "under" boards. Also I would move the tv to another spot. Once your stairs are painted it will be a focal point of the room. Please post an after shot.Helpful Reply
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Mogie on Feb 16, 2015Attach small flower boxes to several of the stair but outs and store small stuff, flowers or colorful items. It will brighten the space for sure.Helpful Reply
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Mogie on Feb 16, 2015If your home is of a country chic design, consider natural or painted gutters attached to the steps areas. These could be found at a salvage, maybe.Helpful Reply
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Bonnie on Feb 16, 2015How about attaching hooks for hanging flower baskets?Helpful Reply
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Duv310660 on Feb 16, 2015I actually saw this done on a regular staircase right after I had finished mine "in the normal way". Glad to pass it on, so I no longer feel compelled to redo mine!Helpful Reply
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PainterNoni on Feb 17, 2015Not seeing the rest of the room, and furniture placement, it's hard to say, but could use white cup hooks to han "pretties" from. Each step down from the cuphooks would act as background...could be bold spashes of colors, tiny sparkling mirrors......light weight that twist and turn........Helpful Reply
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Katrina Warren on Feb 18, 2015I like the book spine ideal, inspirational verses, or even a song or poem you like written on them. There is a staircase in St. Augustine, Fl. with the Yo ho ho Pirates Life for me song on them, I love it! http://augustine.com/sites/default/files/todo/img/stairs_4web.jpg. I love your exposed stairs, have FUN with & embrace them! =DHelpful Reply
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Katrina Warren on Feb 18, 2015Book spines: http://www.stylemotivation.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/22-Great-Stairs-Decorating-Ideas-3.jpgHelpful Reply
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Hilly on Feb 18, 2015Thank you all for your good ideas - will keep you all updated.Helpful Reply
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Patricia Atwell on Jul 10, 2015Use as an area to display photographs.Helpful Reply
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