8 Staircase Makeovers That Most Any DIYer Can Tackle!

May 18, 2018

By: Nancy Mann Jackson

For when you want to exercise your imagination, not just your legs.

Unless you get an unusually deep thrill from doing calf exercises, climbing your staircase is typically more about function than fun. But a little DIY can change that (and maybe boost your home’s future desirability).

These eight DIY staircase projects can get you started.

#1 The Look of Tile Using Stencils:

There’s no look as classic or as crisp as black and white — and no material more dignified than tile. You could take out a second mortgage to cover each riser in custom, monochrome tile, or you could grab some paint and a stencil for the same effect. But much thriftier.

If you have a longer staircase, consider following the lead of this homeowner and stencil every other riser. You want to delight climbers, not make them dizzy.

#2 A Rainbow on the Stairs:

If you love color, why choose just one? This soothing spectrum adds interest to an otherwise neutral space, and the pastels keep the effect soft, so it doesn’t take away from the soft, farmhouse aesthetic.

With the natural light from the window above the stairs, this look is like a constant ray of sunshine.

#3 A Pretty Pattern With Chalk Paint:

You can like the idea of a personalized staircase without needing it to be the focal point of the whole house.

This soft, subtle look was pulled off with chalk paint and a stencil. The pretty pattern is unique enough to feel custom, but the light colors and chalky finish prevent it from overpowering the room.

And here’s a tip for any time you’re painting a staircase: Consider leaving the banister unpainted for a nice pop of contrast.

#4 Ombre Effect Going Up the Stairs:

A short set of stairs can be the perfect place to try an ombre look (if you haven’t read a design magazine in the last decade, it’s a progressive shading effect).

The homeowner who did these stairs recommends starting by painting the darkest shade first and gradually going lighter and lighter by adding white.

Make sure you make each batch large enough to cover a full step — and all the necessary coats.

#5 Classic Black and White (With a Useful Chalkboard Wall):

Another classic black and white pattern, along with a chalkboard wall, gives this short set of steps a modern, inviting update.

This DIYer used painter’s tape and a v-shaped template made of foam board to prep the chevron pattern — and paint, patience, and very slow tape peeling to execute it.

#6 A Way to Show Off Your Reading Obsession:

Have a specific obsession? Decals are a great (read: easy) way for your staircase to share your fandom.

Peel-and-stick decals can be customized with your choice of words or images. Bibliophiles can choose book titles like these, but thanks to the wide world of available decals, you can also find favorite sayings, patterns, characters — you could even create a “The Walking Dead”-themed staircase if zombies are more your thing.

When working with decals, just make sure to read the fine print. These decals, for example, are just the lettering of the book titles, so painting the risers is a project you’d need to take on first.

#7 An Eclectic Look With Real Tile:

We’ll say it again: There’s just nothing like tile. It’s incredibly durable — great for hardworking staircases.

Creating alternating sets of pattern and complementary colors on each riser makes for a one-of-a-kind staircase that’s anything but redundant.

While trimming tile to fit stair risers might be above some DIYers’ pay grade, this personalized look could be worth flagging down an expert to pull off.

#8 A Stair Runner Out of Floor Runners:

Standard stair runners are as snooze-worthy as the stairs they cover. Don’t settle if you can’t find one that makes your heart dance.

One clever homeowner found a floor runner she loved, bought four of them, and installed them one after the other to make this wild look shimmy up the whole stairway.

It took some creative trimming and rug positioning to make this alternating pattern look seamless, so to replicate it, order more length than you think you’ll need.

Just listed on Pond View Way in Northborough!

May 16, 2018

Just listed! 15 Pond View Way in Northborough! This 3 bed, 2.5 bath home is listed for $415k by Keller Williams.

Just listed on Freedom Lane in Holden!

May 16, 2018

Just listed! 59 Freedom Lane in Holden! This 4 bed, 2.5 bath colonial is listed for $669,900 by RE/MAX.

Just listed on Summer Lane in Holden!

May 16, 2018

Just listed! 28 Summer Lane in Holden! This 5 bed, 3 bath colonial is listed for $490k by RE/MAX.

Just listed on Old Broad Street in Holden!

May 16, 2018

Just listed! 18 Old Broad Street in Holden! This 4 bed, 3 bath cape is listed for $409k by Coldwell Banker.

Just listed on South Road in Holden!

May 16, 2018

Just listed! 619 South Road in Holden! This 4 bed, 2.5 bath colonial is listed for $1,150,000 by LandVest, Inc.

Just listed on Bullard Street in Holden!

May 16, 2018

Just listed! 26 Bullard Street in Holden! This 4 bed, 2 bath cape is listed for $339,900 by Janice Mitchell.

Stylish Ways to Turn Doors Into Show-Stoppers!

May 16, 2018

By: Anne Miller

Wallpaper works on doors, too, you know.

Think about it. When’s the last time you actually noticed your bedroom or bathroom door?

That’s why they’re perfect for a little customizing and personalizing — so you will notice them. Plus, they’re a great way to enter the world of home improvement. Their small, flat square footage is a breeze to work with. (And you can pull the door down for easier DIYing.)

And if you goof it up (not saying you will), you really haven’t hurt your home’s value because a door is easy to replace.

Here are seven ideas to consider:

#1 Fancy Trim:

Plain, hollow doors can be a yawn. But a little well-placed trim, along with a coat of white paint, gussies up a dull door.

So simple, so sophisticated, and such a home-value boost. Don’t forget to spruce up the hardware, too.

#2 Faux Stained Glass:

Glass doors are great. Stained glass doors are OMG-so-great. And pricey. And a long-term color commitment.

But you can get the stained glass look without tapping into your firstborn’s college fund with stick-on colored film. While it takes some time, patience, and attention to detail (and directions!) to pull off a quality job, it’s still a breeze compared to the real deal.

Plus, you can remove it or swap out colors on a whim.

#3 Wallpaper:

Don’t let the “wall” in wallpaper limit your imagination. We especially like this solution for rooms that are a few notches down on the renovation list, but could use a little pick-up pronto.

The easiest way is with no messy glue. The wallpaper on the door below is temporary. Easy to change if you change your mind.

As actual wallpaper, though, this bold pattern could overwhelm the small hallway (and killing your home’s first impression). Limited to the door, it adds just the right amount of character to the space. Just cut and stick.

#4 Bee-Like Chevron Stripes for a Kids’ Closet Door:

Kids’ rooms often teem with color, so why shouldn’t their doors? These lively stripes were pulled off with the careful placement of inexpensive painter’s tape.

To replicate, make sure the tape is sealed and flat so no paint will seep beneath while you work, and remove the tape when the paint’s still a bit wet for crisp lines.

#5 Bold Color (on Just One Side):

This homeowner decided to go for the gold, and it paid off. Light neutrals can help a room feel larger, making them a smart move for small spaces like bathrooms.

A painted door can be a just-right infusion of color that adds interest and balance — without undoing the size-boosting effect of the light color scheme. (And you don’t have to paint both sides.)

#6 Bifold Doors:

Bifold doors aren’t known for their beauty. Their role is more about allowing you to access closets that are super close to the bed.

But you can give those ho-hum clothes hiders a custom look with lattice strips and some paint.

If you measure carefully, you could probably knock this out in an afternoon.

If your bifold closet doors are cramping your sophisticated style, don’t yank ‘em out — teach them French. Just make sure the room is big enough to accommodate a wider swing.

All it takes is a steel bracket atop the hinged portions to turn bifolds into elegant French doors.

Add some trim, fresh paint, and new hardware, and no one need ever know of their humble origins.

#7 Tape and Decals:

No tools needed.

Washi tape is the perfect way to turn the inside edge of your door into a moment of joy. The paper-based tape can be moved, removed, and reused several times before the sticky fails — and it comes in so many colors and designs.

It’s a fast, cheap, fun way to let your door be the one to make an entrance.

Or buy pre-made vinyl cutouts. They come in just about every shape and theme that exists.

For maximum satisfaction, test the stickers on a small area before committing to the full look. Some decals don’t stick as well to certain surfaces, like glossy or premium paint.

Two multi-families for sale in Southbridge!

May 15, 2018

Your next investment is here!  This limited time offering of TWO multi-family buildings in Southbridge.  Each building contains three units that each have 3 bedrooms, one bathroom, living room and eat-in kitchen.  Each building has updated electrical, recent roof, gas heat, parking.  37 Thomas St (MLS 72326724) is fully rented and delivered with tenants under leases.  23 Wardwell Ct (MLS 72326725 will be delivered with 1st and 3rd floors vacant and ready for renovation.  Great in-town location for future advertising exposure.  These two buildings are a great addition to your current portfolio or start your real estate investing this year with them! Listed for $689,999!

Hamilton Street in Worcester for sale!

May 14, 2018

Excellent commercial investment opportunity! This expansive mixed-use building is in a prime location on Hamilton Street in Worcester.  Two store fronts and 3 fully rented residential units with parking make this a turnkey operation for your next investment.  The residential town house style units have gas heat and parking.  Each unit carries their own utilities.  City parking directly in front of the two store fronts.  Side yard on Almont Ave can be made into additional parking or a green space for tenants. Current rents are below market.  Don’t miss out on this! Listed for $689,999!

Check out the full listing HERE!