See How Small Affordable Fixes Can Make a Big Impact
Affordable updates breathe style into an often-overlooked space.
Blair Moore calls this “the staircase that broke the Internet.” The Instagram algorithm, and a swath of new followers, fawned over the otherworldy redesign (us, too). But, unlike the sweeping renovation on the second level of this East Greenwich home, the staircase was a cost-efficient update.
The upstairs project “was a huge financial undertaking and they didn’t want to jump into phase two, which we’re embarking on this year,” says Moore. “It was a facelift and quick fix and not financially a massive undertaking.”
Outside of opening up a wall at the landing, much of this builder-grade staircase remains the same, from the banister to the Home Depot spindles. The newel posts got a boxy upgrade — no demolition required.
“All we did is frame around those newel posts as a simple finish detail, but kept the structure there,” she says.
Then Moore’s team painted it all, from the treads to the stringers, in low luster “Onyx” by Benjamin Moore, blacking out the staccato of the stock finish orange, white and blue — complementary colors that fought their way up the staircase. The walls remained neutral so the eye could flow in an upward direction.
“With black, although we love it and it adds a depth to a space — it’s kind of like liner to the eyes — dark surfaces on the floor show dirt and wear,” she says. “It was pertinent to us to add a pop.”
Three antique rugs, with distinct designs but still in color conversation, were combined to form a rich runner that pulls the space together. The rugs and carpet pads were affixed to the treads with a pneumatic staple gun.
Moore adds, “I really think making your staircase a dramatic feature, if it’s at the forefront of your home, is absolutely necessary.” moorehousedesign.com
Renovator’s Tip
“Don’t bring on [a designer] if you don’t trust us implicitly. Find a designer whose style you love and you like what they’re saying…. If you don’t trust the designer to run with it, they’re not the designer for you.”–Blair Moore, Moore House Design
