We don’t have stairs in our house, and honestly we like it that way. Still, it’s hard not to admire creative stair transformations when we see them—like the one Roeshel recently shared with us. What makes her project especially impressive is that she achieved the whole look without buying anything new. Here’s her note to us, lightly edited for clarity:
I’m sure you receive many submissions, but I recently gave our stairway a little personality using leftover paint and materials we already had. It turned out to be a fun, low-cost update, so I’m sending along before and after photos in case you’re interested in featuring it. The “before” was pretty plain.
I made a diamond-shaped stencil from posterboard and lightly traced the pattern on the wall with a pencil. I used Frog Tape to mask the pattern; cutting the tape at an angle made it easier to secure the corners of each diamond. I applied two coats of paint and peeled the tape right after the second coat, while the paint was still wet. You can touch up any small imperfections afterward—though I’m not a perfectionist, and they’re not noticeable in the photos.
The original wall color is Benjamin Moore’s Smokey Taupe, and the new top color is Glidden’s Linen.
I’m considering adding more stencils or patterns to the accent wall—still thinking that over—but for now the change is a huge improvement and a lot more fun than the plain wall was. Maybe a little bold, but don’t you think it looks much better? – Roeshel
We agree: the update looks fantastic. It’s especially inspiring because it was essentially free—using paint and scraps they already had on hand. Small, often-overlooked areas such as stairway walls can make a big visual impact when given a little attention. The stencil pattern brings personality and rhythm to a previously blank surface without overwhelming the space.
Beyond the stencil, Roeshel made several complementary updates that help the whole entry feel cohesive. She painted a table a cheerful yellow, hung an old window as a decorative element, and added a framed faux deer head that adds a playful focal point. These simple touches work together to create warmth and character, showing how a few small DIY decisions can dramatically change the tone of a room.
If you’re inspired by this stairway makeover and want to try something similar, here are a few practical tips based on Roeshel’s approach:
- Use leftover paint whenever possible to keep costs down and reduce waste.
- Create stencils from posterboard or cardstock for custom shapes and repeatable patterns.
- Trace lightly with pencil first to establish a guide, then use painter’s tape for crisp edges.
- Peel tape while paint is still slightly wet to avoid pulling dried edges away.
- Accept small imperfections—up close they may be visible, but from a normal viewing distance they often blend into the overall effect.
What we love about this project is how accessible it is. You don’t need professional tools or a major budget to refresh an entryway or stair wall—just a bit of creativity and materials you likely already own. The result is a personalized look that feels intentional and welcoming.
We also want to mention that we recently announced this week’s giveaway winner. If you entered, check the usual giveaway announcement on the site to see if you were lucky this time. And if you try a similar makeover, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your process—small projects like this are perfect for adding personality and making a house feel more like home.