January 29, 2015 Connecticut Home

Next Steps

I’m usually able to make interior design decisions for our home pretty quickly. I pride myself on this ability to know what I want design wise, no doubt a side benefit of immersing myself in inspiring images both off and online weekly, if not daily…

However, right now I’m a little stuck. The item that has me second and third guessing my options is the carpet runner for our front stair case (above). At first we considered leaving the stairs alone…but they’re quite slippery. There are additional benefits of having carpeted stair runners (aside from aesthetics) safety, warmth, and dirt catching are a few that immediately come to mind.

I absolutely loved the Stark runner that we had on our old front stairs (see below) and thought about repeating that again here (as I did with so many other interior elements of our old house) but the new stairs are much wider and even have a round curved bend where the old ones were a straight shot up and down. So not sure how that will impact the over all look…

Lauren Muse showed me a really great selection of samples, but the samples are only about a 12″ square, not always the easiest to imagine. From that I narrowed the choices down to these two and then turned to the internet and installation images to get a better sense. It’s a big ticket item, so I really want to make sure to get this one right. Here’s what it comes down to…

stick with the original?
use this Stark “Beatrice” pattern?
or this Stark “Logo” pattern?
Or, continue to look? Maybe for a diamond pattern like this one (only not a sisal, would need to be wool…) Any and all feedback appreciated! Thanks!
Last three images via: Stark Carpet

Leave a Comment

15 Comments

  1. Anthony Venetucci wrote:

    I used the larger Greek Key pattern in black and cream in our Newport Home. The scale of it is perfect for a stair case. I was concerned with the heavy traffic and how it would look but its holding up and always looks crisp and clean

    Published on 3.30.15 · Reply
  2. Julie Blanner wrote:

    Logo pattern!

    Published on 2.11.15 · Reply
  3. Susie @ Maddie G Designs wrote:

    I have the logo in Harry's room and love that carpet! However, I vote for what you had in your previous home (lovely) or find a diamond wool. I agonized over our stairs and ended up with Stanton's Felix….an animal print.

    Published on 2.7.15 · Reply
  4. pve design wrote:

    stark beatrice, in the gray.
    surely you will pick the right one, trust your instinct.
    pve

    Published on 2.7.15 · Reply
  5. Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door wrote:

    I would stick with what you used in your old house. It is so beautiful and will work with everything.

    Published on 2.4.15 · Reply
  6. Hannelore Kaplan wrote:

    They all look great!

    Published on 2.1.15 · Reply
  7. theindigolattice wrote:

    I think this pattern is fantastic on stairs! But I can't decide if I think a light color like your original carpet or if the black and white or the stark logo would fight your space. I love your space as is but slippery stairs are a big no-no. My coworker has a story that she tried to tell the clent that his stairs were so slippery that it needed carpet. He ignored her until he slipped one day. He was ok but he put a hole in his wall.

    Published on 2.1.15 · Reply
  8. Colleen Carney wrote:

    I vote for the Beatrice in gray! The pattern is strong but not too strong (like the black & white) & will complement but won't completely overtake the wallpaper. I find this pattern more sophisticated & fun than the Logo pattern. Xoxo Colleen

    Published on 1.31.15 · Reply
  9. Sarah C. wrote:

    Am I going against the trend if I say I love the Stark Logo option? With the width of the staircase, how stunning Logo looks with a curve, your beautiful wallpaper – my eye just keeps going back to it! Whatever decision you make, the result will be stunning. Your taste never steers you wrong!

    Published on 1.30.15 · Reply
  10. Anonymous wrote:

    I love the Logo pattern! While the Beatrice is beautiful also, it reads black to me. I like the openness of the Logo pattern. Tough decision but I love the direction you are going. New reader-I love your site.

    Published on 1.30.15 · Reply
  11. Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns wrote:

    I love them all but my favorite is the one you used in your other house.

    Published on 1.29.15 · Reply
  12. Eduardo Garza wrote:

    Looks so beautiful!

    Published on 1.29.15 · Reply
  13. Lesley Metcalfe wrote:

    My vote is on the Stark Beatrice pattern in black! I love that image and have it pinned, Sloan Mauran is one of my favourite designers. But my personal feelings aside for what I would do in my home, I think it would look great on your stairs, your railing is already the right colours for it.

    Published on 1.29.15 · Reply
  14. Albertina M. Cisneros wrote:

    Not sure what happened to my comment. I love what you chose for your old house and would do that again. ANd I used that first photo of yours in my post today!! xx

    Published on 1.29.15 · Reply
  15. sharon smith wrote:

    I think you're right on track with wool. I recommend considering a handtufted wool using a petit point loop/cut pile mix. Avoid silk being so close to the front door. With a curving staircase the template would offer precision instillation. Take elements from all the patterns you like and customize your own. I'm a sucker for a Greek key.
    Good luck,
    Sharon
    The House of Hampton

    Published on 1.29.15 · Reply