Paint the Stairs

• Because the actual stairs in an open staircase are exposed, covering them with a fresh coat of paint can instantly give your room, foyer or hallway a new look. Neutral paint colors are your best option because they will blend with many color schemes that you might have in the area of your home where the staircase is located. For a fresh, bright look, paint the risers of your stairs a crisp white shade and leave the treads with a natural wood finish. If you prefer to paint the entire staircase, try a cream or ivory shade for a softer look. Use a tan or gray color if you want to add depth and dimension to the space.
  
  

Choose a Decorative Wall Finish

• If your open staircase has a bare wall behind it, spice up the look of the space by using a decorative paint treatment. Faux finishes are an easy way to add texture to the wall, and neutral shades likes tan and gray are ideal for techniques like sponging and ragging. If you prefer a more whimsical look, create a monochromatic striped or polka-dotted wall in tan or gray shades. Choose several shades from the same color family for your design. If you are painting stripes, measure the wall to determine how wide you want the stripes to be and use tape to mark off the sections for each color. For a polka-dot design, use round stencils in varying sizes to create dots on your chosen background color. Using monochromatic, neutral tones creates a subtle look but still adds decorative flair to your staircase and the area below it.
  
  

Add a Runner

• Adding a runner to your open staircase is an easy way to give it a more decorative look. You can find runners in a variety of neutral colors and patterns, so opt for one that matches the decor in the area surrounding the staircase. A solid cream or ivory runner can warm a drab hallway or foyer, while a gray runner can help anchor a wide, open space. You can also choose a patterned runner that features neutral shades to add visual interest to your staircase. A floral pattern provides a soft look, but a bolder geometric pattern in white, black and gray tones may be a better fit for a home decorated in the modern style.
  
  

Display Black-and-White Photos

• The wall behind an open staircase is often used to display family photos and other sentimental pictures. While it is an ideal spot for this type of gallery, the various colors in your photos may create a busy look for your staircase and the surrounding area. Instead of hanging color pictures, have black-and-white copies of your favorite photos made to give them a neutral tone. Use black or white frames to hold the photographs to keep the look clean and simple. You will still have a gallery of precious family memories, but it will provide a more stylish look that doesn’t compete with the color scheme in the space below the staircase.