So much potential but no idea where to start

last year

This is a shot from the top of the stairs of an old vermont farm house. The stairwell has this charming ledge and big walls. Right now the small pictures along it are dwarfed by the tall walls.

How would you decorate this space?

Featured Answer

PRO

BeverlyFLADeziner

last year

You can take small pieces and turn them into large solutions by grouping them on picture ledges.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

decoenthusiaste
last year
All the pieces are pretty much the same size, but the matting/framing is a mix. I don't know if you want to hang them where the subject matter can be appreciated by someone on the stairs or not, but here is a grouping you could do on the end wall. I would get rustic pottery to set on the ledge. Maybe some interesting branches in one of them would look good. They could align under the art grouping like these items on the sideboard do. Be careful not to junk up the ledge with lots of "littles." Keep things big and identifiable from a distance.
Beach House - Pacific Coast · More Info
everdebz
last year
A question - does the ceiling's electrical have option to hang a chandelier, down past the ledge? if not, could that one part be removed? ... so a light could show from above and below.
Related Discussions
So much to share so I better start posting! (Loaded)
Q
Comments (18)
Wow, it's amazing how fast the threads move these days...my post was already down near the bottom so I rescued it just in time...LOL. THANK YOU for commenting and for your enthusiasm. After lugging an unending chain of garden hoses from garden to garden for 4 1/2 hours to water everything I really appreciate positive feedback! mantis....the last rose pictured (palest pink)is Austin's 'Belle Story'. And yes, that is Rosarium Uetersen in the cat patrol photo. It is immediately recognizable, isn't it? Great color that lights up a garden. Thanks again everyone....and YES, I am exhausted. Celeste
...See More
potentially stupid question re: starting plants from cuttings
Q
Comments (5)
Not a stupid question, actually. Coleus will prefer to root under warmer conditions than outdoors in Oregon, although if this were done later in the season, once the weather had reliably warmed up to stay above 55F or 60F at night, then Coleus will readily root outdoors in bright shade protected from wind. This time of year, definitely you would get better/faster results if done indoors or in a warm greenhouse. Most plants will tend to root more quickly under warming/warm temps than under cooler winter conditions or height of summer when heat and dryer air make keeping the humidity levels favorable is more difficult. So late spring and early fall tend to be ideal outdoor temperature ranges for optimum rooting with least moisture/heat stress.
...See More
Many ideas but where to start?
Q
Comments (8)
I'm in a similar situation to yours. I'm not in a bad neighborhood, but I do have bad neighbors next door who sometimes make life miserable. Here are some things we did that helped me feel more secure. The first thing I did when we moved in was to make sure we had window coverings in all of the windows. I mean blinds or curtains, not anything sheer or semi-sheer where people could see in at night when the lights are on. The next thing we did was put up a wooden stockade fence in the backyard, which wasn't cheap but was worth it for the privacy and (hopefully) security. The next step we're taking is to have an electrician wire 2 or 3 flood lights that will illuminate the front and back yards, which will go on automatically from dawn to dusk. (We should have done that a long time ago!) Check all the locks on your windows and if any need replacing, do so right away. The House of Antique Hardware website has several 1870s repro styles to choose from. Ditto with your doors, needless to say. If you have a garage or any outbuildings, put locks on those too, even if it's just a hefty padlock. If you think it might help you feel more secure when you're home alone, you might look into buying a surveillance camera. Amazon has several wireless cameras and receivers to choose from that are relatively inexpensive and that you can easily mount outside yourself. You might also think about removing or trimming any large bushes near the house that someone could lurk in. Glass block windows for your basement, while not pretty or historically accurate in the least, are probably a good idea. I hope this information helps you a little and is what you were looking for. I'm looking forward to seeing photos of your house!
...See More
Need thoughts on potential remodel idea
Q
Comments (7)
TOTALLY agree with Lascatx, you really are a saint, Beverly!!! This weekend I will put pen to paper and get everything mapped out, down to the inch. Liking the idea of a pocket door! I'm sooooo thrilled I am one step closer to having a powder room and *gasp* a walk-in pantry! I never would have thought I would be able to have them! The 32" door would be positively luxurious! In this little house, all of our bedroom doors are, I believe, 30" and our main bathroom door is only 28, lol. So, I wouldn't mind going a little bit smaller to save an inch or two for the sake of keeping with the rest of the house, but we will see! Loving the idea of a pocket door, too! Btw, Ogoopogo, BEAUTIFUL powder room! I didn't even notice the doggie toys until you said something! The good news about all this is I have time to figure furniture out -- whether we combine all functions into the back or commandeer the front as useful space. None of those changes are necessarily permanent (save for the eventual lighting) but I can play musical rooms to my hearts content once the kitchen/pantry/pr is done. Next step for me is putting together a layout of said kit-pan-der room (giggle), but I'll do that on the kitchen forum -- if y'all are curious to see how it evolves, please feel free to stop on by!!!! And again, apologies for the REALLLLLY long initial post! I hope I didn't give anybody a headache =(
...See More
arcy_gw
last year
everdebz why do you assume there isn't it's own light fixture by the door? These funky horizontal spaces are enticing. If you leave it empty who will come along behind you and use it to set stuff just because it's there??? I do think photos are meant to be studied and the stairwell is not a great place for that. If I had a kid at this time...might be a place for their trophies.....
RedRyder
last year
You can lean one large painting on the big wall. And change it when you need a new “view”. My concern about smaller things is they are going to get dusty and it looks dangerous to try to get to the farther small ledge.
apple_pie_order
last year
A large (poster size) traditional print would have impact. Or something unexpected and fun.
Treasure Island Print · More Info

Display the small prints for someplace where they can be appreciated up close at eye level.

"Louisiana Heron" Framed Canvas Giclee by John James Audubon, 34x28" · More Info
Gabriel Gardner
last year
I love those kinds of spaces, I would do something like this...

I wasn't sure what design style your home is but you can swap the items for what best works with the style of your home decor. Hope this helps!
PRO
Joe McGuire Design
11 months ago
Here are just a few pieces of artwork we have hung in our clients stairways. It might be a good idea to look at gallery walls and make sure you figure out what configuration you want first before hanging anything.
West End Retreat · More Info

Greenwood Preserve · More Info

Artists Haven · More Info

Boulder Trailhead · More Info

West End · More Info
blfenton
11 months ago
Where is this landing within the house? Is it on a main floor where you see this area or walk by it on a regular basis? Is the bare bulb going to remain (yes, there is electricity) or are you also going to hang a fixture and if so what type?

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Where Do I Start When Renovating My House?

By houseology

Eager to get going on a project but not sure where to begin? Read this practical guide to getting started

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Tips to Start a Garden — Can-Do Ideas for Beginners

By Alison Hodgson

Green up your landscape even if you're short on time, money and knowledge, with these manageable steps for first-time gardeners

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES Uncover Your Junk's Hidden Decorating Potential — Scads of DIY Ideas

By Samantha Schoech

Release your typewriter's inner planter or a drum set's coffee table. These creative ideas will have you seeing the possibilities

Full Story

MORE ROOMS 8 Ideas for a Fresh Start in the Living Room

By Shawn Gauthier

See how even small changes in a room can make a big difference

Full Story

KITCHEN BACKSPLASHES Where to Start and Stop Your Backsplash

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Consider these designer tricks to work around cabinets, windows and other features for a finished look in your kitchen

Full Story

298

BATHROOM DESIGN Bath Remodeling: So, Where to Put the Toilet?

By By Any Design Ltd.

There's a lot to consider: paneling, baseboards, shower door. Before you install the toilet, get situated with these tips

Full Story

By Becky Harris

Smart storage features, durable flooring and stylish details can create a hardworking entrance

Full Story

By Becky Harris

Get inspiration for shared office setups, multifunctional rooms and turning wasted areas into hardworking spaces

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES How to Decorate When You're Starting Out or Starting Over

By Fred Albert

No need to feel overwhelmed. Our step-by-step decorating guide can help you put together a home look you'll love

Full Story

105

REMODELING GUIDES Where to Splurge, Where to Save in Your Remodel

By Laura Gaskill

Learn how to balance your budget and set priorities to get the home features you want with the least compromise

Full Story

So much potential but no idea where to start

BeverlyFLADeziner

Comments (9)

decoenthusiaste

everdebz

Related Discussions

arcy_gw

RedRyder

apple_pie_order

Gabriel Gardner

Joe McGuire Design

blfenton

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US