When Rhoda shared her impressive DIY staircase makeover, we knew we had to share the transformation. Below is her note about the project:
I wanted to pass along photos of my latest project, since you all love DIY. I hated the carpet on our downstairs steps, so I removed it. The images show what I started with — these stairs were never meant to be seen. I gradually transformed them by adding lots of molding (using a hand miter box) and plenty of paint, including porch and floor paint on the treads. Then I installed a natural jute runner down the center (from Overstock). After stapling it in place, the stairs look fantastic, if I do say so myself. This is my favorite DIY project so far! — Rhoda
Below are the before photos that show the original condition Rhoda was working with:
And here are the polished, finished after photos showing Rhoda’s handiwork:
The before-and-after photos are striking. Rhoda’s careful use of molding, paint, and a simple jute runner created a clean, stylish result without an expensive overhaul. The black-and-white contrast on the risers and the natural texture of the runner combine to make the stairs both durable and visually appealing. Her approach is practical — using readily available tools and paints — yet the outcome looks professionally designed.
Seeing this makeover makes it easy to believe small, thoughtful updates can dramatically change a space. Whether you’re dealing with tired carpet, plain wood, or scuffed finishes, adding molding, repainting the risers and treads with the right floor paint, and installing a runner can lift the whole staircase. Rhoda’s project is a great example of a budget-friendly, high-impact DIY that any confident homeowner could replicate.
Are you inspired to tackle your own stairs now? Which part of Rhoda’s makeover stands out to you — the painted contrast, the trim detail, or the natural runner? Share your thoughts and start planning that transformation.