Q-and-A: Stunning Stairways
Dear Debbie;
I am a nervous decorator. I don’t want to make any expensive mistakes, but I’ve seen some unique interior staircases and would love to go for it in our new home. What’s your advice?
Cathy
Dear Cathy;
When you enter a home, one of the first elements to catch your eye is the staircase. It is an integral part of the overall design. Today we are enjoying the freedom of mixing styles and personalizing our homes to suit our lifestyles and what makes us happy. It sounds like you are on the lookout for something other than the traditional wood staircase, and there are many variations that will satisfy your desire for a custom look.
A good way to review your options is to visit a railing store near you or check them out on line. Euro Forgings, www.euroforgings.com has a gallery of exciting interior and exterior staircases, and show all the distinct parts so that you can experiment in their “edesign your own staircase” section. Pickets are available in a variety of colour finishes depending on the style and type of baluster, as are the accessories.
A popular style mixes wood and steel posts and balusters. Accessories such as collars that fit on the balusters, and shoes for the base take the design process further. Stainless steel is a favourite today, according to Euro Forgings, Shown here is a modern take on an open stair plan. Stainless steel posts connect with a gleaming wood handrail stained to match the steps. The homeowners opted for glass to take the place of pickets for a clean, minimal outline. Another contemporary option would be to employ CableRail, 1/8 in. thick stainless steel cables that run horizontally between wood posts. As long as the materials and style that comprise the staircase are connected in some way with your home’s overall design, you won’t go wrong with a custom look. In fact, it will up the wow factor.
Dear Debbie;
I was wondering if wallboard (fancy printed drywall) can be painted? More than half my home has it and I am tired of the same pattern but can’t afford to replace it with regular drywall. What can I do?
Deb
Dear Deb;
There are different types of wallboard/drywall. If the product in your home has a thin paper veneer which carries the pattern, then painting could lift up the paper, making a mess that is difficult to fix. Experiment on a hidden corner. Apply a coat of sealer/primer and allow to dry for 24 hours. If this is holding nicely, then proceed with paint. You could also try wallpaper, but the wallpaper glue will also lift thin paper veneer.
Another option is to apply drywall mud to the entire wall. This will cover up seams and any texture in the existing paper pattern. You will now have a completely smooth surface over which you can prime and paint with ease.