Finally...after two months this is what the stairwell to our basement looks like. I keep opening the door just to admire the change, I know its silly but the before of this project was pretty well worn out. Unfortunately or maybe a Freudian slip occurred and I just didn't take any pictures of the before.
I decided a couple of months ago that my stairwell to our basement was badly in need of an update. The carpet was awful, the wallpaper was dated and damaged and the inverted "boob" light fixture just had to go. We stripped the old wallpaper and carpeting and I patched the walls and painting everything a creamy white, this included the stairs. My first idea was to do board and batten on the walls but then I remembered in a post sometime ago that Kim from Savvy Southern Style posted that she used a bead board wallpaper. Eureka...I was off to the store to find me some wallpaper with a faux bead board look.
The wallpaper went up with no issues, actually it was very easy to work with and the results after it was painted was pretty realistic, certainly a step up from what we had removed. Lowes carries the bead board wallpaper for $19.99, for some reason I remembered seeing it at Menard's for $12.99 so mine came from Menard's. I'm not sure if there is any difference in quality but I am plenty happy with what I purchased.
Next I picked out a pretty substantial chair rail and go to work figuring out the pitch that I wanted to use. This was the most difficult part of the project, compound miters don't ya know. Let's just say that I'm grateful for the dude who invented caulk!
There is a landing on the way to our basement, as where the steps the landing was unfinished. I found this damaged package of Pergo flooring at Lowes marked down from $45 to $7. More than enough to cover the landing and it went down with a few snaps and some shoe molding.
The finished landing close up, it was a white washed finished, so for the unfinished steps I tried to somewhat blend the paint to match the look of the landing, eight coats of paint later I decided "its a basement stupid this looks just fine".
This is the new fixture that hangs over the landing. I purchased a lampshade from Lowes and a hanging fixture kit and made my own fixture. I think the total cost was around $25 and the new look is perfect.
To finish things off I left the hand rails the dark stained finished that have always been for contrast, I added a shelf from Lowes in a similar finish to give the landing a finished look. I can't believe this project took me this long but there was a lot of downtime between each part of the project. Today I am relieved and please with the results.
Joining
21 comments:
Love that wallpaper idea! Good job. Have a great week!
I can't believe what deals you got. I use the wallpaper method too, it is so much easier and cheaper. I love the whole look, you did such a great job. It's just perfect and I can see why you keep taking a peek at it:)
Wow, this area looks amazing now! And what a surprise it will be for anyone venturing downstairs! I know it puts a smile on your face whenever you open the door -- well done!
How fantastic! This looks wonderful and what great deals you found. Doesn't that just make you even happier? Congratulations on a project well done. I'm impressed.
Liz
This looks great! I love the beadboard. What a big project...but I'm sure you're really enjoying the new look!
This looks amazing! I have some bead board wallpaper here just waiting for me to gain the confidence to put it up!
Thanks for the inspiration to get moving forward on that project!
:)
Linda
Char, You did a wonderful job of transforming your stairwell! The beadboard paper just brightened things up so much. Good choice leaving the stair rails a dark color- they add contrast! I don't do molding at all- math and compound miter cuts are not my strong suit. Love your new light fixture, too. :-)
Fantastic job! Looks beautiful. :) Megan
Miss Char,
WoW!!! What a transformation!!! I adore the bright, light, white look for your color palette! I'd be opening the door all the time, too! Ha! You're one amazing lady...dear friend!
Fondly,
Pat
It. Is. Marvelous!! I just love the bead board paper. I really want to try some somewhere around here. I just don't know where. I know the husband won't mind since it may be paper but it looks like bead board.
I also love the deal on the pergo. You just rocked this whole project!
This looks great! Did you find the wallpaper easy to work with? I'm still debating between bb wallpaper and bb "panels". I want whatever's easier. ;)
Kelly
It was pretty easy to hang, it's a thicker spongy texture more substantial than normal wallpaper. I wouldn't recommend it for high traffic areas though.
Wonderful makeover! I love the beadboard wall paper! YOu have a great eye for a bargain! Beautiful finished project!
Please visit StoneGable and share your great project at TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS, going live tonight at 8:00!
Love that wallpaper and a very good idea for the hallway. You really got some great deals. What a big project and I would open the too to see what a lovely hallway you have now. Thanks for sharing your inspiration with Sunday’s Best – you helped make the party a success!
It looks great. We used beadboard paper in our back stairway, too. And, like you, we love the change.
What a great job and the stairwell looks fabulous. I love the wallpaper and the cute light fixture. Thanks so much for joining the Open House party.
It looks really great. Now I want to do this in my hall!
This looks fantastic - so happy to see how the bead board wall paper looks - have been dying to try this out myself - thanks so much for sharing!
Definitely your newest follower- would love to have you come by and follow back when you have the time!
Hugs,
Suzan
Linking over from StoneGable - congrats on being featured! I absolutely love your makeover. What a huge transformation! Wow!!
Wow it looks fantastic. I bet that wasn't an easy space to navigate.
Oh my land Char!! What a fabulous job you did!! I did not know about beadboard wallpaper. I am so impressed with your project.
you have to feel good about this! Way to go friend!! :)
Donna
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