This update breathes style into an often-overlooked space — and affordably .
Blair Moore calls this “ the staircase that broke the Internet .” The Instagram algorithm , and a swath of new followers , fawned over the otherworldy redesign ( us , too ). But , unlike the sweeping renovation on the second level of this East Greenwich home , the staircase was a cost-efficient update .
The upstairs project “ was a huge financial undertaking and they didn ’ t want to jump into phase two , which we ’ re embarking on this year ,” says Moore . “ It was a facelift and quick fix and not financially a massive undertaking .”
Outside of opening up a wall at the landing , much of this builder-grade staircase remains the same , from the banister to the Home
Depot spindles . The newel posts got a boxy upgrade — no demolition required . “ All we did is frame around those newel posts as a simple finish detail , but kept the structure there ,” she says . Then Moore ’ s team painted it all , from the treads to the stringers , in low luster “ Onyx ” by Benjamin Moore , blacking out the staccato of the stock finish orange , white and blue — complementary colors that fought their way up the staircase . The walls remained neutral so the eye could flow in an upward direction .
“ With black , although we love it and it adds a depth to a space — it ’ s kind of like liner to the eyes — dark surfaces on the floor show dirt and wear ,” she says . “ It was pertinent to us to add a pop .”
Three antique rugs , with distinct designs but still in color conversation , were combined to form a rich runner that pulls the space together . The rugs and carpet pads were affixed to the treads with a pneumatic staple gun .
Moore adds , “ I really think making your staircase a dramatic feature , if it ’ s at the forefront of your home , is absolutely necessary .” moorehousedesign . com
RENOVATOR ’ S TIP
“ Don ’ t bring on [ a designer ] if you don ’ t trust us implicitly . Find a designer whose style you love and you like what they ’ re saying .... If you don ’ t trust the designer to run with it , they ’ re not the designer for you .”
– Blair Moore , Moore House Design
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l MARCH 2022 45