Finishing Touches for the Basement Stairwell
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure PolicyI finally managed to get together the finishing touches for the basement stairwell. It’s safe to say it’s finished. (Well, as finished as it’s going to get for now. Nothing is ever truly finished around here.) Remember where I started? So, I thought I’d give you a peek at how the it looks.
Bam! Cute, right? Everything turned out better than I imagined. I’m so pleased with the results. (If you’re looking for paint color information, check out that post here.)
First, let’s talk about the light fixture. Isn’t it, amazing?
Since this space isn’t very big, I decided to splurge a bit on the few pieces that would fill it. The fixture is the Orbit Wall Sconce from School House Electric. It’s magical, and I’m so happy I bought it. It comes in a bunch of finishes, but I think this one is right for this small area. It’s a mix of black, silver, and brass. Hard to go wrong.
While it was on the expensive side, I think the light totally helped bring the space together. And to be honest, I don’t mind putting money into light fixtures. They’re both functional and decorative.
Moving on to the art.
Again, another win for the space. This art is from Eoin O Connor. I first saw his work when I went to Ireland this past summer. He is from Ireland. I instantly fell in love with the bright colors and quirky images. When I was considering what to put on the wall, I thought the color would be just the thing. Plus, it gives me a good laugh every time I come up the stairs.
Since the art was an odd size, I ordered some frames and mats via Frames by Mail. I’ve used them for years. (In fact, a lot of the frames in my gallery wall are from there.) They usually have some sale or discount happening, too.
I opted for a thin gold frame and a white mat which works well with the light fixture.
You can see that I added a few small purple jars on the shelf for a little more color and visual interest. I really want to keep this area simple, and they added just the oomph I wanted.
On the opposite wall, I hung a large wicker tray that I picked up earlier this year from Target. I actually had no place to store it, so it ended up here by accident. However, I think it works nicely in the space. A little greenery and another jar brighten things up on the ledge.
For the floor, I found the perfect small carpet at HomeGoods. I considered putting a runner on the stairs, but I’m shying away from that for the moment. I think a small rug in the landing area is fine for now.
And that’s it! Another area I can cross off my list. Should we do before and after? Let’s!
Before…
and After!
What do you think of the transformation?
Looks fabulous! I’m always amazed when purple works so well in a space, because I would never think to use it. Love the cows!
Question: what paint did you use on the stairs? How durable is it? I need to paint my back stairs and I’ve been procrastinating, having nightmares about it. Thanks!
Ramona – I used Valspar’s Porch Floor Paint in Gloss. So far it’s held up wonderfully.
xo Michael
What a beautiful make-over! I really love the light purple walls. And that sconce is amazing! I love that it uses three different metals.
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Beautiful. Love what you’ve done to the space. The colors are bright. Adorable light fixture. The cows bring a smile to my face. Wonderful yet again Michael. 🙂
Haha! Me too! Thanks Debra!
xo Michael
That little sconce looks like it was made for that wall! Beautiful.
I know, right!?
xo Michael
Love everything about it! Great job, once again!
What a difference! It’s perfect! Being from Wisconsin, I appreciate the cows 🙂
I just have to say that I love your blog. I found you a little under a year ago and it’s been my #1 must read ever since! You have a great sense of style, your recipes are always delicious and it’s obvious you love what you do. Thanks for all of the inspiration!
Jess,
Thank you so VERY much. I can’t tell you how much that means to me. It’s little notes like this that really keep me moving and motivated. I’m SO happy that IBC is one of your daily reads. 🙂
xo Michael
Love, love LOVE that light!!!!
Fabulous, really! Adore the light fixture, the art and the color!!
I love it!! Those cows are so awesome.
so beautiful and bright! and, so happy to have a new frame source…thanks for sharing!
Surely this is the most delightsome basement stairwell ever! What a wonderful transformation–and what a great space to transform. Why do we so often deprive ourselves of making our workhorse spaces lovely? Thanks for the inspiration! And thank you for the tip about Frames by Mail–I’d never heard of them!
Absolutely beautiful! You have done it again. So what will you do when everything is finished?
Perfect!!! 🙂
Love it! The space is so unique in color, it just works! I love the artwork, so whimsy. I’m going to check out his website.
WOW…. what a diff. Absolutely love the color ~ the white and light purple really lighten it up.
Where’d the purple jars come from?
Wow! It’s so pretty! I’ve only been following your blog for maybe 6 months or so. I can’t even remember how I found it. But I just read on one of your posts that you live in pennsylvania. We just moved to the allentown area from Texas. I kind of wish you still had a b&b so we could come visit. 😉
Such an eye for design!!!! looks so clean and crisp new and fabulous!!! I love it
just lovely!
Oh, this looks so lovely. Sometimes I love the little spaces the most. They can have such an impact! Especially spaces you walk through regularly. I am obsessed with those amethyst coloured mason jars. I am keeping my eye out for one and hoping I stumble upon one in a thrift store.