Staircase Runner and Painted Banister

Going to do it. Going to go ahead and start the staircase makeover series, even though I am still in the midst of the master bedroom makeover series part 1 and part 2. Hey, some people do entire homes at the same time. Well, I basically need to tear out all the existing carpet, then reinforce some of the floor boards, cause they make way too much noise, paint the baseboards, spindles, handrails, risers, thread, stringer, newels, and then the walls. Did I mention that the walls have STRIPES! Not that easy to just paint.

Well, before we get to paint, lets be inspired.

So, before I head out shopping for a new staircase runner and paint colors, I need a little inspiration. After MONTHS (yes, MONTHS) of searching I have narrowed down my favorite looks to the following.

I need something the kids won’t trash in 5 minutes,  can withstand a lot of traffic, and most importantly, hide stains.  We have a NO shoes, NO food, NO JUICE policy upstairs, but trust me, that doesn’t stop stains from getting on carpets and I can’t stand stains. Also, since we have no shoes upstairs I want something soft, thick, and cozy for the bare feet.

So, I love this runner from Maria Killam

Love this look too, with a painted handrail, and the Dash and Albert Runner that Gretchen Opgenorth Designs used in her home.

Also, I love Tone on Tone’s rug and style. A lighter wool rug with black accents in the banister and not the rug.

OR just SKIP IT ALL and do no carpet and painted threads like this House Beautiful staircase

or this one via decorpad

Okay, basically 2 extreme options. Rug or no rug. Then if I go with the rug, I know I want a mix of dark with beige and highly durable. No animal prints, no loose knots. Tight and snug and functional. stay tune.