Rustic chic renovation
This oak staircase was formerly finished entirely in a dark wood stain that matched the previous hardwood. When we replaced the hardwood to distressed dark grey-brown planks, we had to tie the staircase in as well. We painted out the risers and stringers to match the white of the trim throughout, and re-stained the existing treads to match the new floor boards. But instead of repainting the pickets and railing, we decided to replace them. The cost of repainting and refinishing the old builders-grade parts was about the same as replacing them with higher end, more substantial, and more contemporary ones, so the decision was a no-brainer.
In the curve of the now light and airy staircase, a cute little tufted chair, accompanied by a reclaimed wood side table, is a favorite spot of the little girl of the house.