Creating a Charming Nook with These Staircase Decorating Ideas
In this post: Is your stairway landing large enough for stairway decor? These staircase decorating ideas arose purely by accident but we love the results!⇒
One of the joys of moving into a new house is finding those special little spots that will emerge as surprising areas to highlight. I found one such spot, serendipitously, and wound up creating a charming stairway nook.
Staircase Decorating Ideas
Our new home is blessed with a spacious feel, and after coming from a home with a claustrophobic stairway, I never expected to “decorate” my stairway, apart from a few pictures on the wall and a useful chandelier. Who knew I would wind up with staircase decorating ideas that appeared well planned?
I had done my floor plan on paper before we moved in, and with the exception of a few pieces, I pretty much knew where everything would go. On moving day, I easily pointed the way for the movers, yet at the end of the day, there were a few areas that just didn’t feel right. We were completely exhausted and headed to bed, but the wheels were already turning in my head on how to fix those spots that I wasn’t happy with.
In the morning, the first thing I addressed was my grandmother’s French chairs. I had too many chairs in the living room and not enough hard pieces, so out came these lovely light chairs. I also wasn’t happy with the upstairs hall, so I thought I might try them up there. I took one up the first half of the stairway and then rested on the landing before proceeding the rest of the way. That’s when I had an “aha” moment and knew this was the perfect place for them.
It’s interesting how a house tells you how it wants to be decorated, if only you learn how to listen. With all the to-scale planning on paper, it’s just not the same thing as letting a space to speak to you. Once the chairs were in place I knew exactly what needed to be placed between them, and went back for this little distressed white table that we kept in the kitchen in our old home. I can’t even remember where I had put it that first night in the new house!
There are several pieces that were brought from our old home that have found new life in this more open space. Our ceilings are higher and the light streams in, so quite a few of my pieces feel different and fresh. I’m seeing this as an opportunity to fix some of the mistakes I had made in the past and these lovely French chairs are given a chance to be displayed as a focal point in this nook.
I’m also trying very hard to keep my spaces clean and simple, resisting the temptation to add an overload of my decorative pieces. No pillows on the chairs, no cluster of items on the table.
It was actually a pleasure to finally find a spot that would do justice to this vase, a favorite piece of mine purchased in Positano on the Amalfi Coast. Much like the rest of this grouping, I knew immediately it was what belonged on the table like a crowning jewel.
The large window on the landing helps illuminate the details and the pale yellow walls lend an ideal backdrop to the warm finish on the chairs.
I always love the shadows that fall late in the afternoon. It’s a favorite time of day for me and hints at an evening full of promise.
While we changed much of what was in the house when we moved in, from paint and carpeting to lighting and window coverings, the one piece that came with the house that I will likely keep is this wonderful chandelier.
This simple little spot is most charming to me because it reminds me of the hotels in Europe that we often favor. There’s no better feeling than to feel like you’re on vacation when you’re in your own home!
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Congrats on your new home, love how you have decorated your stair landing…those chairs are amazing! I just love them.
Smiles~
Mari
Thanks so much, Mari!
I’ve been anxiously awaiting news about your new home. Congratulations to you and your husband and thank you for sharing these lovely pictures. It’s easy to keep it simple when you have such lovely furniture and accessories to work with.
‘Simply’ beautiful!
Blessings.
Elizabeth
Such a lovely comment, Elizabeth. Thank you!! It’s actually fun to know that others are anxious to see our new developments, because I am the same way with the bloggers I read… 🙂
Lory, it’s so nice to sneak a peek at your new home. You’ve created a lovely nook with your chairs. I’m sure you are having a great time decorating your new home!
Thanks, Shenita! I’m definitely having a blast working on it… 🙂
Lory, the look is perfect. The feel must be amazing to ascend/descend there and “ahhhh” as you pass by. Isn’t the hardest challenge to not overdo? This is strikingly beautiful and you can be proud!
Thank you, Robin! I’m actually trying to restrain myself in the rest of the house too – not so easy… lol!
What gorgeous (and unusual!) chairs! Love this corner and that window!!!
Sigh…
Thanks so much! Funny how different they looked in my grandmother’s house… 😉 They even looked different in my old house. Thanks for stopping by!
I have a landing just like yours and it is always so much fun to decorate. Love your chairs.
Thanks so much! Would love to see yours, as well… 🙂
One word …… Stunning!!!
One word… thanks!! 🙂
I am also trying to practice restraint in my decorating … but pillows are one of my downfalls.
Haha! I would have to admit it’s not like these chairs *never* have pillows on them… 😉
How did you get that vase home on the plane ride? It’s perfect for that spot and so are the chairs. It takes time to feel out a home and make it fit your life style too.
I’m still working with ours. Love the ivory vase you’ve suggested as well..looks so textural!
We shipped the vase, but you would be surprised some of the things I’ve had hubby lug home on the plane… 😉
This is lovely, Lory! What a beautiful space, and I love those chairs! Thanks for encouraging me to rethink a couple spaces in our house! 🙂 Hope you’re having a great summer!
You are most welcome!!