The remodel continues, for now, as I am ready to tackle the next part of amping up my family room, kitchen, and entry. This time around I’m sharing a DIY open staircase makeover with you.
If you recall, during my new home interior tour, I mention how I want to make the home less boxy and more open.
Take a look at my staircase currently – two load-bearing walls that require special consideration. That means the second story and roof are reliant on these walls to remain stable.
Boob light above, kitchen to the left, and family room to the right.
When you sit in the kitchen facing the staircase, this is what you see.
Yes, I already pulled down the ceiling as mentioned HERE.
Then, in the family room, this is what you see.
Yes, you still see boxes and that’s because my garage is still in waiting.
However, I have good news!
The other day, they came and framed up the driveway as well as poured the floor in the garage.
DEMO TIME
Now, while I’m recovering from being sick while I also got poison ivy for the first time AND broke my toe the night before I start this DIY open staircase project, I’m ready.
You can see all the details and more in my vlog below. (you’re missing half the content if you skip it!)
First, I remove all the faux wood paneling in the family room, and the chipboard paneling in the kitchen.
Next, I use my cutter tool to literally dig in to see what I’m up against. Thankfully, I can see overhead where the electrical is coming in because I have a slab foundation. And I already removed the ceilings, so my work is less.
Look at that light pouring in!!
This view below is from the kitchen looking into my dungeon family room – or at least it was.
While I kinda when crazy on my cuts initially (feeling lazy with my sickness), I quickly figured out the route I want to take.
RUH ROH
However, I ran into one thing.
I knew there is drywall under the paneling, but did not expect the staircase inner wall to have cement board.
OUCH.
This job should have been done in half the time, but cutting through this is A BEAST.
I had to go get more blades and pause every time my tools overheated.
Even Lily is peeking in and out of this unfamiliar space. And I’m also thankful to say both kitties are back to being outside when they want and are enjoying our new home.
Now the family room has more light flowing in and I’m ready for the next steps. (pun intended)
Meanwhile, I’ll be finishing cuts on the other side while they pour the concrete on my driveway.
When I’ll be able to get back to this, I don’t know as I have SO MANY irons in the fire.
Can you relate? eep.
UPDATES:
- Family Room Demolition Begins
- Family Room Lighting
- Hide Wiring in Open Ceiling
- DIY Open Staircase (here)
- Open Staircase Update
- Family Room Update
- Wall to Ceiling Transition
- Open Staircase Trim
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Now it’s your turn. Have you tackled a project like this? Do tell!
Leave some comment love as well as pin and share to inspire others to give DIY a try.
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While you’re at it, here are more remodels like this DIY open staircase:
Larissa, this looks amazing. You’re really using your brain here cause I would’ve never have thought to do that. You are so good at doing this stuff. I love it, anyway just wanted to drop you a quick note and just let you know that I love your posts. I really do. I look forward to them. I’m dealing with a lot here with my elderly parents, so it’s refreshing to see what you’ve got going on in your life. Keep it coming, I love it.
Liza, my heart and prayers go out to you. And thank you for taking a minute to make my day. It’s mainly me doing this stuff, so I enjoy it while I can. I wish I could go after it all full bore, but also savoring homeschooling my kids amongst other daily life stuff. Thanks so much!
I’ve missed the last few posts down with waking pneumonia…. (Don’t know why they call it walking when I can’t even get out of bed! 🤔) Finally feeling better and amazed to see how much you’ve accomplished!!! You give me such hope!!! 🥰
Oh no!! I’ve had both kinds and it is AWFUL!! I hope you feel better soon. I had to rest for three days straight with this cold, but didn’t go to my chest, thankfully. I have to work to earn, like anyone, but I would have loved a couple more days. Hugs to you!!
I am blown away by your vision and ability to take on all of these projects. The staircase project is exciting! I can’t wait to see what you do. The driveway and garage look terrific. I envision little pawprints on that cement though!🤣😂
Literally, Lily walked across it right after they left. {{head smack}} She’s too light to leave prints, thankfully. However, later on I forgot and let Loula out as I usually do and she does her running around. She didn’t run on it that I can tell. I would die! 😀 Thanks for the love, Dale.
I’m very intrigued and looking forward to seeing this deLIGHTFUL transformation.
haha… glad I keep ya thinkin’, Marie. 😀 Love the pun!!
Things are looking wonderful 😃 that garage!
And opening up the stairs is fantastic. So good you can do much of the work yourself.
Hoping you feel better soon 🙏❤️🙏
Thanks! I’m trying to keep my eyes on the prize and not look at the hot mess around me. haha. 😉 Feeling better each day. Thank you, Carolyn.