This is part of a multi step (see what I did there) process to improve our stairway to the basement. Sharing multiple ideas to jazz up your space!

We had a dark, boring, brown stairway leading to the basement. I wanted to brighten it and give it personality.

It had a knee wall on the left which was a little challenging. I chose to just run a piece of wood parallel to the handrail continuing it as best I could from top to bottom.

I fell in love with the color Fresh Balsam and had it mixed Sherwin Williams.

I painted the lower walls in this gorgeous green.

The upper walls were painted Snowbound by Sherwin Williams as well.

I removed the handrail. It was loose. I wanted to attach to my board and batten design anyway.

I chose to toss the dated brass hardware and went for a more modern matte black version.

I used my Brad nailer to attach board and batten style pine boards.

Touched up the paint . The blue painters tape is marking where my original handrail hardware had been attached for spacing reference.

I predrilled the holes and attached the handrail. It’s more secure than ever! There are many options to update your handrail hardware. Here’s my affiliate link for matte black hardware https://amzn.to/45MknFE

I slapped up some wallpaper scraps.

Then I used Modpodge to attach black and white family photos under the watchful eye of my Great Dane, Barkley. For more information on this see https://laureldanedesigns.com/2023/07/03/diy-photo-stair-risers/

Our grand baby loves looking at the photos every time she goes to the stairs.

I swapped out the cat door for a door I had cut into a Dutch door previously.

I decided to paint the half door and frame black to make it look like one piece.

It’s a little more stylish🖤. The inside of the door is green like the walls.

I hung silhouettes that I made of our 4 kids many years ago in descending order. To make these visit https://laureldanedesigns.com/2018/03/15/profile-silhouette-art/

I found these awesome gallery lights to add above the portraits. They are rechargeable, have timers and settings for brightness. They come in multiple colors as well.

I aim one remote down the stairs and can adjust all at once. I think these were a classy touch!

If interested in the gallery lights this is my Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/46J7o9h

*If you purchase thru affiliate links I receive a small commission. The price is the same to you.

I hope this post gives you one or more ideas to dress up your stairway- Kristen