I’m feeling the pressure to wrap things up before the seasons change! Are you? I literally won’t be done with my home by any stretch of the imagination. However, I can, at least, work on my open staircase trim.

As you may recall, in my last post, my family room went to the next level. woot!

Here is where I’m at beginning today…

In case you’re wondering what this room looks like before I started, take a peek at these projects below:

• Family Room Demolition Begins
• Family Room Lighting
• Hide Wiring in Open Ceiling
• DIY Open Staircase
• Open Staircase Update
• Family Room Update
• Wall to Ceiling Transition
• Paint an Open Beam Ceiling
• DIY Accent Wall

whew!

Now, as you can see the staircase is quite the project to begin with. However, I’m finally seeing my sweat equity show up in the finish.

Before even beginning on the trim, I replace all five outlets. eep! That was nuts because they were all on different UNMARKED breakers.

WHY??? Why didn’t someone at least mark them on the breaker box? That is a pet peeve of mine, just sayin’.

BEGINNING OF THE END

My focus to get things finished elsewise is the trim. I started the baseboard and ceiling to wall transitions previously. This time around, the staircase openings, doorframes, and window trim need addressed.

First, I need to decide if I’m going to adhere to local code or keep it as I want… open. (code here is a 4″ diameter object may not pass thru the openings)

To start, I rip and cut the 1″x 4″ pine wood to frame the outside of the openings same as I did for the inside of the staircase.

Then, once I measure each piece, I attach as I go using my brad nailer.

As I discuss in my vlog below, I want to see it framed up before I decide on adding balusters or how I will finish it off with paint or stain.

What would you do?

Not only did I open the staircase walls to promote light entering in, but also because I want the rooms to flow. I need to take into account the kitchen, the entry, the staircase, and the family room. Each face of the trim needs to work with the other.

After much consideration and walking around the rooms in a 360° fashion, I decide I want the open staircase trim to invite the eyes in. What I mean is when you look at the staircase, I don’t want your eye to be stopped by the framework, much like the seven windows in my dining area of my previous home.

If I created a dark or contrasting frame, it keeps the eye from traveling beyond as I explain below.

PAINT IT IS

However, not just these openings need trim, but also my entry door, closet door, window trim and baseboard.

Before I can paint, I need to caulk, caulk, and fill in nail holes and then prep the surfaces with a good cleaning.

As a result of my choosing to leave the openings as-is as far as open wide, I choose to paint the open staircase trim the same creamy white (white veil) as I use on my textured family room walls and in my new entry.

Do you see how when the trim vanishes into the wall you eye is draw through the openings?

Yes, I have a hot mess ceiling in my kitchen. Time is all I need… and money. {{wink,wink}}

My kids came home and said things like, “wow… it’s so much brighter in here!” “the stairs feel so much more open now”.

I agree. As I explain in my vlog above, I went with this finish for many reasons.

What would you have done if this were your space?

With pending finish in the staircase with new treads, paint, and combining that with what I plan for the kitchen/dining, I’m smitten with this solution.

I’ve ran out of time to finish all the baseboard but only need two more walls finished. However, you can see the closet and window trim.

There’s still my weight stand I made from a curbside bedframe. woot!

I will be working a design for the door similar to my hollow core door DIY HERE. What is more, I still have the rest of the baseboard and what I’ll be doing to dress up the gas wall furnace I’ve shown before.

THERE IS LIGHT

But what a difference in this space!! Not only that, but in my staircase and the view from the kitchen.

This is the view midday without lights on and with lights below.

In my lighting post linked at the top, I only had two small wall sconces on the right side of the entry into the room. Now we can see!

Oh, and Loula approves. (though that boob light has got to GO!)

My goal, as always, is to inspire you to make your house your home. I’m working on my own spaces when time allows and hoping you’ll share with others so they can be inspired too.

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Now that you’re in the mood, here are more DIY projects like this open staircase trim: