This is a picture of our wood stairs that exit our kitchen and enter into the studio. The picture was taken looking up from the studio. I've always been fond of the small steps ever since the first day I saw them some 23 years ago. I believe my fondness comes from the way the steps were built to fit the structure of the house. They're not uniform in size like most steps.
Our home was built by an architect in 1921 and has unique architectural nooks and crannies throughout the home.
I've always wanted to pretty up the wood steps in some way. A colorful runner I thought would accent them nicely or maybe paint them with contrasting colors. Then while a recent search on Pinterest I saw this.
Cute don't you think?
The moment I saw this picture I knew.
You can read about how to wallpaper your steps here.
I went to my favorite paint store yesterday and chatted about how I was wanting to wallpaper the basement steps. He thought that was a cool idee. Then I began the task of searching through the wallpaper books. A bit overwhelming and indeed a task I believe, one I'm not fond of. So many books to look through. Then Brad, the SW guy suggested I use a border. I said, you know what a border would probably be the exact size I need and I won't have to cut. He agreed and reached into the bin of wallpaper borders and asked me. What about this one? You know what, I think I like that one Brad. How much is that border? He replied, ONE DOLLAR!
Don't you just love it when a home improvement plan fits perfect into your budget?
When I handed Brad $2, tax you know, to pay for the border I said to him, Brad this feels so strange giving you only two bucks for this wallpaper. Truth is, it felt GREAT! It goes to show you too home improvement projects don't have to break the bank.
This is the first of some cosmetic changes that I have been pondering. I mentioned yesterday the changes I'd like to add to our bathroom and bedroom. Also included in that post was the mention of budgets. I always have a budget when I make home improvements. Sometimes we go over a bit, but most of the time we stay within the projected cost.
I'm always amazed how a little fresh paint splashed upon the walls and furniture can change my perspective.
Hardware can perform the same results.
I have a couple of dressers that are getting new hardware and fresh coats of paint.
Brad was kind enough to give me a couple of these. Choosing paint colors just became much easier!
By the way, if you ask you shall receive. The paint stores are more than willing to give you a paint swatch booklet if you ask.
My next project is to choose a contrasting paint color to paint the stairs. I believe there's a stash of the right color in the basement. If not I'm going to do some mixing. Then a coat or two, three of varnish over the wallpaper.
Cost of my stair project: Drum roll please...
$1.64
How do like those apples?
I'll share the after shots with you of course.
Enjoy caring and sharing days.
Warmly,
Jill 00 (two hugs are better than one)
