Go chic and sleek<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Go](\"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/tapi-700x525.gif\")
Bring in zesty brights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to painting your staircase, preparation is key. If you’ve got a wooden staircase, start by cleaning and sanding it well and use a high-quality primer on the wood to seal it. Given that it’s a high-traffic area, you’ll need to pick specific paint so you don’t slip; Rustoleum has a great range of suitable paints and colours and a handy step-by-step guide<\/a> to follow. Start at the top of the stairs and work your way down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ian Tomlinson, Managing Director of Chaunceys Timber Flooring<\/a>, a family-run company in Bristol, gives tips on making a staircase look modern: “Choose waterfall or square-edged nosings to create clean lines for a modern aesthetic. Open-string staircases and floating cantilever staircases are striking contemporary choices, especially if you incorporate different materials such as glass and metal with high-quality wooden steps, treads, and risers. These designs allow more light into the space and can make a huge visual impact.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another trend that Ian describes to make your staircase stand out: “Incorporating atmospheric lighting into a stylish wooden staircase is an excellent way to showcase the natural charm of the wood and make your stairs the star of the show.” The wood pictured is “Chaunceys Timber Flooring’s Summer Truffle Oak.<\/a> Featured on the stairs and as wall cladding, this stylish double-smoked and white oiled wood flooring combines warm grey undertones with white tinted oils to accent the oak’s grain structure.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are so many ways you can add lighting to your staircase, from recessed stair lights (pictured) installed directly into the wall (or the risers of the steps) to give an ambient glow to under-tread lighting for a more dramatic look or wall scones for an elegant style. You could think about your lighting on a bigger scale, add hanging pendant lights or chandeliers, or go for a skylight above the staircase to bring in natural light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wooden wall panelling<\/a> gained prominence in medieval Europe between the 12th and 16th centuries and was known as wainscotting. Wainscoting is a “wall covering laid over the lower portion of a wall to contribute to the decor or support the room’s overall construction or both.” There’s been a resurgence in wainscoting in recent years, thanks to its classic, timeless appeal with Instagram filled with influencers showcasing DIY hacks. It couldn’t be easier these days, as ready-made panels are easy and cheap to pick up, put up, and paint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Try Wickes’ Cheshire moldings decorative dado kit<\/a> or their traditional shaker kit<\/a> for a modern look. Wainscoting is ideal for staircase decorating. A staircase is a high-traffic area prone to scuffs and scratches, and the wainscoting acts as a protective barrier for the walls. Although relatively easy to install, wainscoting is seen as a high-end feature and definitely adds value and a luxury look.<\/p> Paint tester pots are a great way to buy a variety of different hues cheaply, and you can choose any staircase decorating colour scheme you like. It’s the perfect way to subtly add colour to your home. Of course, you don’t have to go for ombre. Check out @rainbowrosalind<\/a> on Instagram and her highlight reel on how she created the rainbow staircase of dreams<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Forget the accent wall, colour drenching<\/a> takes one hue and runs with it. Paint Direct<\/a> describes colour drenching as “a design technique that involves saturating a room with often a single, dominant colour or multiple – but it means you’re avoiding the traditional coloured walls and plain white ceiling. It’s more than just painting the walls; it’s about filling the entire space with the chosen colour through various elements, such as furniture, textiles, and accessories.” And where more dramatic than the stairs?<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a multitude of options when it comes to transforming under the stairs, from boot rooms to free up your hallway clutter, to relaxing book nooks, to all-out downstairs bathrooms. However, this IKEA<\/a> transformation of a children’s den is super cute, and a bijoux under-the-stairs space will be the perfect size for little ones. It’s a great way to unlock creativity, keep all the toys in one place, and give them a place of peace to retreat to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Bright](\"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Furniture-and-Choice-700x525.gif\")
Let timber do the talking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Let](\"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Chaunceys-Timber-flooring.jpg-700x525.gif\")
Light the way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Think](\"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/chaunceys-700x525.gif\")
Run panelling along the staircase wall<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Open](\"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/x3-extra-700x525.jpg\")
Go for ombre risers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"white](\"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/white_and_blue_painted_stairs.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCreate serenity with colour drenching<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Try](\"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Covet-House-700x525.gif\")
Turn under the stairs into a children’s den<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Ikea](\"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/kids-den-under-the-stairs-ikea-hack.jpg\")