September 15, 2011 New York Home

Our Painted Stairs Reveal
Painted stairs, a fun project I’m excited to share here today.
 
stpainted numbered staircase

 

Our Painted Stairs Reveal

This is our back staircase.

Way back in March, 2010, I did a post about the “before” stairs, with various painted stairs.

Since these steps only lead to the home gym over our garage, I thought it would be fun to do something a little out of the ordinary. 

It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do…

I looked at a lot of different inspirational images, and eventually chose a hybrid. 

It took me forever to get this project accomplished, and it’s still technically not done. 

Our interior designer Lauren, helped me to narrow down my ideas, pick some paint colors and find a skilled painter. 

I sourced the banister stair rails by using window hardware from Restoration Hardware and the rope is from my local hardware store. 

However, now that I’ve seen the finished project, I know I need to get some sturdier rope, probably from a marine supply store. 

Does anyone know of a good source?

PS: Why it’s ok to paint over hardwood floors!

painted stairs with numbers on risers
What do you think of our painted stair runner, would you try this idea?
 
I’m pretty happy with the way it looks, it’s so fun and eye catching!
 

Additional painted stairs ideas:

 

Don’t miss this post for even more helpful paint colors for your home’s trim.

 
 
before shot of staircase
the “before” shot – with our plain old stair risers
numbered stairs with rope
The inspiration aka the original painted stairs idea I love how the natural wood still shines through here.
 

Hope you loved this somewhat quirky home decor idea!

A few more things…

Design lovers! Have you joined our fun and VERY helpful design Facebook group?

In this private group, members share photos with their design questions and dilemmas from their own home. We all chime in with our best advice!

It’s also great for sourcing hard to find items and pieces.

Lastly, to help you even further with your home projects, download my FREE DESIGN CHEAT SHEET, it’s loaded with all sorts of quick tips and handy measurements.

Click here to grab that, it’ll be super helpful!

MORE TO EXPLORE

  • White Painted Brick Homes: Ideas and Inspiration
  • Teenage Bedroom Ideas For Small Rooms aka My son's room reveal
  • Our Black Glossy Powder Room: Before and Afters

Leave a Comment

31 Comments

  1. Sadie + Stella wrote:

    These look absolutely amazing! Like to die for. Great job Sue!

    http://www.sadieandstella.blogspot.com

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  2. Acquired Objects wrote:

    I love how you take a picture and then make it your own in your home. Your staircase looks great and now wondering why I didn't think of the rope idea for our railing. We have a very narrow steep staircase and a railing takes up to much space so this is a great choice. Thank you for great inspirational ideas.

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  3. Cara wrote:

    so cute and loving the rope railing 🙂
    Lilac and Grey

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  4. David Toms wrote:

    You again have brilliantly interpretaated a look, howver this time you have done it better than the 'original'

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  5. Carmel @ Our Fifth House wrote:

    Shut it! It's amazing! I'm in love!

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  6. Jennifer John wrote:

    Very cute! 🙂

    Jennifer

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  7. bluehydrangea wrote:

    You are on a roll!! Love it!!

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  8. Things That Sparkle wrote:

    Love this idea! It turned out so much better than the inspiration!!

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  9. Helena - A Diary of Lovely wrote:

    I actually like yours better Sue, well done, what a great project, looks fantastic!

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  10. Shelley wrote:

    Oh I LOVE!!! I've always wanted numbered treads in our house, they're just so fun 😀

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  11. The enchanted home wrote:

    Love it! How fun! If you go to http://www.ropeinc.com I remember they had a real heavy duty rope, (used it for my nephews boat/sailing inspired room) it was really heavy duty and great looking. Thanks for sharing this great project it will certainly make going to the gym a happy experience, coming AND going!

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  12. dreamday wrote:

    oh,i love it! anything numbered catches my eye! great lighting also, pulls it all together.

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  13. Elena wrote:

    those stairs reminded me that when I was little I always counted the stairs from my house.

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  14. Kathy wrote:

    You definitely put a terrific spin on the inspiration. What a great space! Have you thought of painting your air vent the color of the walls? k

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  15. Kathy wrote:

    p.s………metal chain would look great as well….complimenting the fabulous light fixtures. k

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  16. I Dream Of wrote:

    How clever! I love it – especially the rope. Well done!

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  17. christine {bijouandboheme} wrote:

    I LOVE this- the rope is amazing and I love the coloured banding…I've been trying to convince my parents to number the stairs at the cottage- I think it's just so charming!

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  18. Cassie {Hi Sugarplum!} wrote:

    You are on a ROLL with the fab reveals!!! So fun, love the rope and the numbers. you are amazing!

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  19. Dancing Branflake wrote:

    I love this! So fun and artistic. Will we get to see the gym? That's so amazing you have one.

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  20. Angela wrote:

    Love it!

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  21. Kathysue wrote:

    Love love it!! I like anything with a number on it and the stairs is a perfect spot for counting!! Kathysue

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  22. Nuit wrote:

    so cool!!! again, it's better than the inspiration!

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  23. The GUILTY HYENA wrote:

    Bawled over creative ideas such as this!

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  24. lisaroyhandbags wrote:

    Looks great! I've seen Sarah Richardson do this in a couple of places and I love the numbered stairs. Cute rope too. 🙂

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  25. Charlotta Ward wrote:

    Sue, what an amazing job you have done!
    I can only imagine how hard it would have been to line up all the numbers.. Mamma Mia!

    Fantastic work – I'm very impressed!

    x Charlotta

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  26. jersey girl wrote:

    Hi Sue, this is the place to try: http://www.stairropes.com/ They are amazing! Good luck!

    Published on 9.15.11 · Reply
  27. Leigh Hendry wrote:

    You might also consider industrial cable if the rope stretches too much.

    Published on 9.16.11 · Reply
  28. a perfect gray wrote:

    babe. what are you gonna do when you get EVERYTHING in your house done! looks great! donna

    Published on 9.16.11 · Reply
  29. Nuha wrote:

    this is such a cute idea!

    Published on 9.16.11 · Reply
  30. annie wrote:

    I hope these stairs are easily seen from a major part of the house…it would be a shame for visitors not to see them. Love the color and the numbers, the rope hand rail and the light fixture…well I guess I love it all!

    Published on 9.16.11 · Reply
  31. pve design wrote:

    "Throw me a rope!' ….up those stairs.
    I would go to a "Yacht" store if there is such a thing and get a nautical sail rope…I love that chunky knot at the end….
    pve

    Published on 9.17.11 · Reply