The Basement Stairwell

One of the main projects I had for my vacation was to do something to my basement stairwell. Now that I’m sleeping down there I wanted it to look clean and fresh.

 

  

I’m skipping the process and getting straight to the after. Much lighter, cleaner and fresher.

 

But is it me? I had such a hard time picking a wallpaper but now I’m not so sure it’s the right one. Doesn’t it look a bit “country”? Like you’re looking at a cottage interior?

 

What I liked about the wallpaper where the silvery dots because they reflect what little light there is, but now that it’s up it feels kinda cute. And not good cute.

 

I’m thinking maybe it’s the fact that the stairs still need doing (Painting? Sanding and varnishing? Either of the above and wallpapering the risers? Fitting sisal?). Or is it just simply the wrong wallpaper? Maybe I’m better off painting over it and pretend it’s just lining paper and that I didn’t spend any money on it.

I’m waiting to see if I won an auction on some art that may help make the space feel more contemporary so until I know if I won and if I do win have hung them to try, the jury’s still out.

Comments

[Aimee]

I don't think it is country at all. If it was patterned geese all over then I would have worried you were out of your mind.

[Victoria]

Hi Benita! I think you're right that it's because of the stairs - are you considering painting them white? Or refinishing them to match the other, oak-treaded stairs? Once the orangey wood toner of the stairs and bannister rail disappears, the space will look very different. Silver polka dots should. E able to look modern, after all!

[Dolores]

An improvement but the wallpaper is not doing it for me. If it were me I'd wait until the rest was paintie and then reassess it. I often realise I don't like something after I've done the whole thing, it's so hard to judge from a swatch.

[April]

This paper is not country style.

I think what may be bothering you is that you have a very masculine sense of style (minimalistic, clean lines, neutral colors, hard edges), but this is a feminine wall paper (soft, round, a bit "glittery," etc.).

I think it looks great in this space, but ultimately it's up to you what you do with it. Perhaps living with it for a while (say, a month?) would help you decide for sure.

As for stairs, I'm a fan of leaving wood stairs looking like wood, but with what you've done with the rest of the space, I think the risers should be white. Leave the steps and handrail wood though, so you have some natural elements to balance all the cold white and silver/gray colors.

[Leena]

How about painting the stairs gray? The wallpaper and the stairs would then have similar shade and the stairs area will seem more cohesive. Although then I think the handrail might look a bit lonely.

[April]

Though maybe stain the wood to a different shade.

[Jessica]

Wow! What a great before and after. I don't think it looks country at all. Polka dots are classic in my opinion, and I think the colors are nice and modern. I would do the stairs and then live with it for a while, then decide if you want to get rid of it or not.

[Susan]

I second what April said -- lighter stain - white risers - and I like the paper. Give it time.

what a wonderful transformation - it looks great to me.

[Susan]

Yes to this! Geese with blue ribbons tied in a bow around their necks :-)

[Rina]

I say really give those stairs a good waxing/oiling/what have you; bring out the rich color of the wood. Right now they look tired and dry. In my opinion, this would help warm up the frosty feel given off by the wallpaper (the polka dots aren't really a huge issue for me).

[Jane]

I love the wall paper. Don't paint over it, that would be a shame. A sisal carpet on the stairs would be great - or painted dark grey maybe - however I would go for the sisal carpet. Amazing the difference before and after. Well done.

[Maggie]

It didn't strike me as you when I saw it, the colour doesn't look right to me, too pastel blue but that is probably the lighting I guess. You could try painting it white and hopefully the dots will still show through with different texture. Still a definite improvement though!

[Kim H]

I like the polka dots. A little touch of whimsy :)

[Jill]

I'm not a fan of the polkadots, but you made the space look a lot better with the white paint. I think all white with great art would be much more interesting. Wall paper can be tricky.

[Carin]

I had a really mixed reaction to the photos (before you even mentioned not being sure about the paper). Love the transformation, and the wallpaper, but must admit I thought it was a bit of a departure from your usual style. It's not country, but doesn't seem really you either. I'd not paint over it till you've done the stairs though... they do throw it somewhat. Sissal would make it look a bit country. Grey stairs and handrail would make it more you. THEN, you can reassess the wallpaper.

[Carlos]

If I paint them they'll probably be white.

[Margit]

Sisal, I say. You have oak floors all over, and to stain the pine in oak seldom works. What did you use to hide the electric cord? I like the wallpaper, where is it from?

[Carlos]

I agree that the wallpaper itself isn't country style but I guess the combo turns it country in my eyes. Like someone tried to modernize a country space. And failed.

[Carlos]

I think classic and kind of neutral was what I was after and I guess I pictured it all a little less dotty and a lot more grey.

[Carlos]

I'll have to do a serious amount of sanding if I want to wax or oil them because they're in pretty bad shape. If I paint I can get away with filling holes to get a smooth finish... decisions, decisions...

[Carlos]

I'm with you that the grey looks blue. It doesn't on the sample but IRL it's definitely bluer.

[Carlos]

I used these to hide the cords: http://www.clasohlson.com/se/Kabelkanal/Pr364011000 + http://www.clasohlson.com/se/Skarv--och-tillbeh%C3%B6rsset/Pr364012000

There's a direct link to the wallpaper in the post. It's by Pip Studio.

[Patricia]

Baby Nursery. Sorry, it doesn't look Benita to me.
I guess I miss your green & yellow periods.
To me you are more about striking graphics than polka dots.
Change it until YOU are happy!

[Älvan]

I love the wallpaper, but as others have said, I'm not sure it's really you. A bit to glossy and shiny, maybe?

[MiaKvack]

Jag älskar tapeten, men kan förstå om den är för gullig för DIG ;-)
Jag tycker du ska vänta tills trappen är färdig (jag skulle måla den grå) och se om du fortfarande inte är nöjd. Jag tror också att du skulle kunna tuffa till miljön lite genom ett par grafiska tavlor i svart och vitt, gärna med någon cirkel i mönstret.

[Caroline]

I love the light reflecting from the dots, and it is so not baby nursery to me, rather it is clean and modern and a new look for your home. I am glad to see a somewhat unexpected selection, rather than doing something similar to what you have done in the past. I think you will be pleased when the stairs are done and art is up!

[Nicola]

This is quite a busy space (lots of angles and changes in finish) and I can't help thinking that painting it all white would pull it together. I would paint or stain the stairs a slightly different colour, though. Maybe grey. I agree that it would be a good idea to finish the stairs before you make up your mind about the wall paper x

[Die Rabenfrau]

I like the wallpaper, it makes the stairs looking more like an area to live in instead of a store room. Perhaps you are not a wallpaper-person ;o) Grey Paint on the stairs? Why not...
Hugs
Ursel

[HM]

I think the "country" feel will disappear when (if) you paint the stairs white. it's the combo of the modern wallpaper and the yellow-brown old wood that is giving it that weird vibe.

[Vanessa]

All in all it´s a great, grrreat makeover but you´re right about the wallpaper pattern, it´s not quit Benita. With the stairs painted grey and the railing either grey or white plus a couple of 'Benita art work' it may be different? But it IS a little country/girly compared to the rest of your house but, as you say, wait and see until the rest is done. / V

[Carlos]

Exactly, boy's baby nursery! You put the nail on the head! Not the look I was after...

[Carlos]

Tavlorna jag bjöd på på auktion var just svartvita foton men tyvärr gick de dyrare än vad jag ville betala visade det sig nyss.

[Carlos]

That might actually be true, I haven't been very lucky with wallpaper in this house with the exception of the one in the WC which I love.

[Judith]

I think I'll chime in with the grey and white recommendations. I loves me some polka dots but I agree with you here. You know what I really miss - the "Martha" green stairs you had at one point at the old house. But here, grey and white would go with all the other stuff you've already done and would look so nice and crisp.

And I think we have to institute a new verb: "to Benita". When the changes to a space are so drastic, well done and right that it makes the observer say WOW! and drop their chin on the floor, that space has been Benitad :)

[Roma]

I think its perfect - more relaxing than stark white. It's the route you take before going asleep so let it be the way it is - It adds texture to an otherwise fairly utilitarian space. It's not at all twee or busy in my opinion.

[Anne]

Nej, på något vis ser tapeterna inte riktigt ut som "dig". Symmetriska prickar, nej...

[Lindsay]

Please don't change the wallpaper! I think it's lovely, it gives just a hint of softness but is still clean and modern (like your ingenious scalloped edges to the window film). I think if you revamp the stairs with some paint it will all fit together seamlessly.

[T]

Verkligen en förbättring från före, men jag måste hålla med alla ovan som säger att det inte riktigt känns som Benita. Lite för många prickar i ett trångt utrymme. Om du väljer att måla över, skulle jag inledningsvis testa att spara en av de tapetserade väggarna som fondvägg. Tapeten är läcker, men som sagt, i det trånga utrymmet blir det kanske lite för mycket av det goda.

[ccino]

I think the wallpaper is nice and not at all cottage or babyish :)
I would stain or paint the stairs very dark grey, with almost black matte finished look so it would bring strength and masculinity to the area.

[Liz]

Hi, Yes, I must admit that the dotted wallpaper didn´t seem like you. There are so many great refective wallpapers. I feel a stripe would be more YOU and what you can do is get some shiny paint and take the wallpaper and paint stripes on top of the dots. That would also visually make the space taller. It might even be cool to keep some dots becasue as they are placed there vertically you can keep one strip vertical and one stripe painted. Then you´d have a real unique wallpaper :-) I would paint the stairs white, it will wear off but I´d sand them and vanish mix with white paint for a wash.

[Liz]

Sorry about last comment, a lot of spelling mistakes. 2nd row, should be reflective wallpaper, I DON`T think you should paint the stairs white, just whitewash them and there was meant to say because ...
I really enjoy reading your blog, also like white and had it for years but I am also very much about colour and in my home for the last 2 years I made it completely fifferent and started to crave lots of colours. I moved into s small flat when my daughter flew out the nest and I guess this new "freedom" from being a single mother craved that. Check out my blog if you like, I create lots of things, handy woman like you, very crafty with different materials :-)

[nicolezh]

May be it's just me but I would keep the wood and remove the wallpaper. I prefer bare walls to wallpapered ones.
I think a soft light grey would look great againgst the stairs.

[Anja]

So cute! That wallpaper is really nice, don't change it!!! You can top it off with some elegant greyish colored decoration, e.g. picture frames. I'm not a wood expert, but I guess sanding wood be a good starting point.

[Annie]

Fint men inte alls så fint som jag vet att du brukar kunna göra det. Tapeten är precis som någon påpekade lite väl mycket bebisrum. Om du målar trappan blir det kanske lättare att se vad som behöver göras/vad som är fel.

Några tankar: du gillade ju looken på lilla toaletten med den tapeten, kanske du ska leta upp något liknande i samma stil och prova det i trappan också, så hänger huset ihop. Eller; gör något med grönt, så blir det en fin replik till elefanttyget och dörren? Om du kör på målat är det ju enkelt att måla över om det inte blir som du vill..

[Jennifer]

I think it's probably the reflected colors that are making it look country. The wallpaper almost looks baby blue in some pictures and the little polka dots appear to be a light purple. Maybe it's because of how dark the stairway is?

[Carlos]

Jag var inne på att ha samma som på toan och därifrån gick det till att bli... fel. Har även varit inne på grönt men är rädd att den nyans jag gillar bilr alldeles för mörk i det redan mörka utrymmet.

[Celloluv]

Someone already mentioned the busyness of the area. I think that's what bothers me more. Being able to see the underside of the stairs above you and all the other edges and angles. Might you be able to cover the bottom side of the stairs above to give the area a bit more serenity. I don't dislike the wall paper but that too may add to the busyness. Personally I like the wooden stairs and handrail. Over all the paint/wallpaper is a huge improvement.

[jja]

It looks so much better now! I am amazed with the amount of energy you have!

For the wallpaper, I would maybe go for stripes.
Or something like this (grey instead of black):
http://t2.ftcdn.net/jpg/00/16/66/99/400_F_16669930_zx2zkQmqO0QpOp3pN8CyJjznmM1T7Q3x.jpg)

How about painting the stairs gray?

[jja]

http://t2.ftcdn.net/jpg/00/16/66/99/400_F_16669930_zx2zkQmqO0QpOp3pN8CyJjznmM1T7Q3x.jpg

[Melissa]

Funny - When I saw the wallpaper, I thought - "That's cute but not typical Benita." Maybe it would work better in a nursery.

[Sarah]

My opinion is the same. Why not grey stairs? and I looooove dots anyway. Specially on dresses, skirts and shirts - but why not a wall for a change!? ;)
Ha det bra
Sarah

[Elizabeth]

Hi Benita. Longtime Lurker here. Love the blog and read it every morning. I had a thought that might help. You are so graphic, maybe you could try connecting the dots with some of Martha's metallic paints(same color/sheen as the current dots) It would strengthen the graphics, and remove some of the dottiness. Just a thought...

[Missy]

I like the wallpaper and the painting you have done. Now the stairway looks like it is part of the house. I like a bit of pattern. It isn't what I have seen you do before but I like the fact that you are willing to try different things and see if you like it. After all you once had gingham in your house and liked it so you must have been willing to try new things
before this!

[Elisabeth]

I love the WC wallpaper too. How about using that in this space?

[devil]

White or light grey stairs would brighten up the stairs and coordinate with the coolness (almost blue) of the dotted wallpaper. I love dots, so I'd keep the wallpaper.

Yeah, IMO, those stairs need lightening. Stairs going down to a basement really shouldn't be dark or they'll have a dungeon feel to them. I'd never, ever put carpet on them. It's your choice, of course, but has anyone, anywhere who likes a clean house ever been happier with carpet than hard flooring?

[Kim]

The white is great, but I have never liked polka dots; I do think it reads country. I like the reflection of light, but it is too busy. Go with your instincts!

[Mari]

I love it! I know you aren't an accent wall kind of girl, but maybe leave one wall and paint the rest? That way it highlights the graphics and feels intentional. Just a thought...

[Luna]

I like the wallpaper but I don't think it works here. It looks grey-blue-grey with silver dots to me. To be honest, it threw me off. It reminds me of fancy wallpaper in a modern boutique city hotel.

[Caro]

I love the wallpaper. In my opinion, there is nothing that is not improved by adding polka dots.

At least wait until you've figured out the stairs before deciding.

[r8chel]

The white-on-white polka dots don't look cutesy/country to me at all. They look very fresh and modern!

Also, just for the record, I'm currently dreaming up a little boy's nursery, and I would never use those polka dots in there! :)

[rebeccanyc]

I'll add my two cents, although you certainly have many opinions here! I think it looks fantastic, and a step out of your comfort zone every now and then is not always a bad thing. Live with it for a while. Do something to pull out the gray tones and I think you will be happier with it. In the end, a coat of paint can fix anything.

[pat]

Love the polka dots! Leave them, Paint the treads Grey, the risers white. Leave the rail as is. Like another reader stated it give a natural element to the space.

Love your blog!

[Giulia]

I think the colour of the stairs are throwing you. I really like the dots, but it's your space. I would suggest living with it for a while and addressing the stairs, adding art and then seeing if it still bothers you. I think grey stairs (dark) would be nice. You did a wonderful job installing the wallpaper and painting the underside of the stairs - that must have been quite hard to tackle at that angle.

[MCX Tips]

Wallpapers are really the key factor in this blog. I definitely share your views to my close friends keeps up the good work going.

[Dusa]

Me three, except I'd love to see black on the stairs. But that's just me.

[Nichole@40daysof]

I like it! I think all the orange wood is throwing you off. Also, some art work will help it to look more "you".

[Lesley]

I was going to suggest exactly some graphic are to "harsh it up" a bit, maybe one of those round convex mirrors (like the ones here: http://www.houzz.com/photos/868856/Powder-Room-contemporary-entry-miami or a few of these: http://www.shopbathroomlighting.com/blp6565.htm and mess around with the alignment so you aren't always looking at yourself as you traverse up and down the stairs).

Having things shinier and rounder may take that sense out of the dots... which I quite like.

[Nichole@40daysof]

I forgot to add that the blue might be happening because the the gray might have a slight blue undertone. And orange really complements bue. Once the orange wood is gone, I think the blue undertone will go back into hiding. :)

[Marisa]

Personally, I like it. Actually I think it's perfect. It's a basement/bedroom stairwell. The polka dots create a soft effect and the shimmer adds a little something to it. Some art might make you feel better about it but sleep on it awhile before you change it!

[Lisa Flaherty]

Boy, a lot of "2 cents" being thrown in here! Lol! Anyway, I think you are wise to wait till there is art on the wall and the stairs are finished before reevaluating the wall paper. Then, maybe not paint over it entirely, but use the dots to mark out a chevron pattern, or stripes. Thanks for sharing your victories, and your not-so-greats!

[Karen O]

The shiny dots are a wonderful twist on a classic design. I see subtle and sophisticated, not at all country or nursery. The curves help balance all the angles and lines of a stairwell and the satin-y dots add light to the space. Do the stairs (I'm siding with the paint voters) live with it for a few months, then decide.

[Jen]

Good morning! I think you're right: It doesn't look like your usual style. But that's only because the space isn't finished yet. That expanse of polka dots looks a bit clownish because it needs to be broken up with some simple, clean-lined art. Art will completely change the effect!

I do like the polka dots, though. This space is aggressively angular, and I think the dots soften all the harsh lines. Of course, I don't have to live with it. Your opinion is the most important!

[ris]

I like it! I think it has the potential to look more luxe and chic, but the stairs as they are clash with it a little. I'd sit with it for a bit and see what develops in your mind re: stairs.

[Two]

I think it's a cute "twist" with the shiny dots...if it ends up not suiting your fancy, have you seen the birch forest wallpaper from Cole & Sons? Could be fun in your stairwell. It's on my wish list to do maybe for a bathroom or laundry room one day! xx Two
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-decoratingstyles-modern/860077.jsp

[Sarah]

What about adding a pop of a bright color by painting just the railing -- maybe bright yellow, green? Could make the dots look more graphical and less cute.

[Annemarie Thomas]

to me the issue with the wallpaper is the size of the dots. much too large and then the sheen on the dots make this factor highly visible. i don't think art work, minimal or not, would work with this as background.

don't have an answer as to alternative. maybe just white walls and great graphics.

as for the stairs. i would definitely paint the risers white but the edge of the tread (what you see above the riser) a deep grey. leave the tread white or wood. i think more grey (riser, tread) would be too much and the space would be tighter feeling. the all grey on stairs would break the white feel and i would rather that than white wall, big grey line down center and white wall.

[Lisa W]

I think I'm in the minority with this, but I REALLY like the warmth of the wood railing and stairs against the whiteness of floor, ceiling, etc. I do not like the wallpaper. I see why you chose it, but I also see why you're not happy with it—it's just not right. Would rather see a shot of bright color or a dark grey paint, rather than paper....maybe a wide horizontal stripe contrasting? You have no shortage of opinions to consider here! I know you'll find the right solution for you!

[Lesley]

I wholeheartedly agree with Lindsay. I love the wallpaper you chose - clean and airy! Please give it some time!

[Jillian]

I'll be very surprised if, in the end, you keep the dots.

[Carlos]

Haha! It's for when I go downstairs to my fancy boutique suburb bedroom :).

[Carlos]

Alas, I ended up not winning the bidding so no graphic black and white photo art this time...

[Carlos]

Haha, I love it, clownish!

[Carlos]

Ah, that's one of my faves but it's been around for so long that I've almost grown tired of seeing it in so many spaces..

[Carlos]

Clownish, is the size I'm told further up. Haha!

[Carlos]

Thank you all so much for your two cents. I'm up to a dollar already!

[Ellicia]

I saw these two stair treatments recently and thought they might be of interest to you. One lady inspired the other and gave it her own touch.

http://www.paintedtherapy.blogspot.com/2012/08/painting-your-stairs.html
http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/painted-striped-front-porch-steps

I enjoy your blog so much. Although our styles are very different (I haven't liked much of the furniture that's been made since George Hepplewhite made his first chair), you inspire me with your energy and fearless taking on of projects.

Good luck with your decisions.

[Sage]

Like the wallpaper - dots appear silvery in your photos and more elegant than country. Since the stairwell is an isolated area, not your main living space, it doesn't visually impact the beautiful clean white look of the rest of your house.

I agree with others that the stair color is what needs to change as it's too heavy looking now. If you sanded to a light natural wood color with white risers (not wallpapered) or painted the treads (and risers) light gray or white, then you could add pale grey sisal. The banister would probably then look better painted too - maybe with the same gray metallic paint you used on the outdoor (basement) stair railing? Just my two cents!

[jeannette]

big coin dots aren't cottagey, and your insight about the light is v v v important. it sounds like you've already decided agin 'em tho. me, i'm a POLKA DOTS 4EVA grrl.

[Karen]

LOVE the wallpaper. Not a bit country, in my opinion, but rather contemporary. Whimsical, fun, and a definite change from the rest of the house. It brought a smile to my face! I think that what you do to the steps and trim will make all the difference in the world. I'm not even going to suggest anything, because your seasoned eye for style is WAY better than mine.

Give it time.

[Anna]

I don't think the wallpaper is country or baby nursery. To me looks Girly French, maybe a little too girly and shiny for you?
And I believe it looks a little strange not only because of the stairs colour (too orangey?), but also because of the heavy texture in the walls near the paper. Somehow they don't work together.

In any case is a big improvement, looks cleaner and airier.

[Ade]

I like the dots - but yes I think the stairs need to be white or grey or a mix of white on the steps and grey on the risers. Here's a wallpaper I saw and thought of you http://www.mineheart.com/products/white_wallpaper.html

[Laura]

Love the wallpaper! Paint bannister - it will make a big difference.

[Julia]

Maybe you could add a darker colour as an accent. A charcoal grey, deep grey/blue
Use it on stairs or handrail or frame/picture on wall.
A big photo would be stunning.
It doesn't seem quite you - but I'd live with it for a bit...

[margo]

Hi,

So many good suggestions if it was me I would paint the hand rail and the stairs a glossy black with the risers painted white, nix the wallpaper and hang some black and white art perhaps photography??

I think what throws me of is the wallpaper I always tend to go darker on the bottom and lighter on the top.

I know you will find a solution as you have a great sense of who you are.

Love reading your blog when I find it in my in box. Thanks.

[rachel]

Well, I may be in the minority but I like the polka dots. I think polka dots are timeless and don't necessarily make it look country cottage. If you added a lot of wood and natural elements then maybe.

That is so funny, however, that you said it looks "cute" and not in a good way. I may be too chipper but I thought cute was a good thing :)

Love your style, however, and agree that waiting it out may give you a clearer picture!

[elisa]

wow, divisive project! i'll throw in two more cents - i agree with nichole, the orange of the wood is bringing out the blue in the paper, and baby blue isn't doing what a quiet grey would've. that's so sad, as i'm sure it was a ton of work already! perhaps when you've done the wood you can reassess. also -- is it just the photographs casting that blue tone?

at any rate, it is so much improved, great work xx

[the spectator]

Trust your gut instinct! You don't like it and you're the one who lives with it.

[knullkontakt]

Wow, I like it actually. Doesn't look country in my eyes at least.

[evelyn]

Lots of comments...to me it looks like vinyl wallpaper.

[Anna, Sydney]

Ooh I like! It could tie into your office pea geometry: http://chezlarsson.com/myblog/2012/02/pea-geometry.html