Good Bones: Steal Karen & Mina's Repurposing Idea To Add Character To Your Stairs

Mina Starsiak Hawk and Karen E. Laine of HGTV's "Good Bones" are known for turning older homes that need some love into beautiful and livable spaces that support all the modern conveniences along with the history and spirit that comes with an older structure. In a recent episode of the series, this included a phenomenal living room staircase that was completely overhauled by the pair to open into the living room, making it a dynamic focal point visible from the front door. On the wall beneath the stairs, they used some antique doors harvested from elsewhere in the home to add texture, character and architectural interest to the blank triangular wall underneath.

Old architectural salvaged pieces like doors are a perfect way to spice up blank walls, particularly if you are going for a more vintage and rustic inspired look, no matter the actual age of your home. Details like mullions, old hardware, and weathered finishes are a perfect way to add interest and personality to a stairway or any wall in your abode. If you do not have older unused doors available already, you can usually find them most readily in places like architectural salvage shops, antique venues, flea markets, and places like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. 

To get this gorgeous shabby chic décor look, the designers measure and cut the doors to the size of the wall under the stairs, allowing for the angle of the steps and the height of the baseboard. They use three different doors to cover the wall in a patchwork formation, screwing the doors directly into the wall at the studs. They leave the doors in their original painted or sanded condition, but you can also paint them to match your décor. The doors not only add interest to the wall, but slyly camouflage an unsightly thermostat and outlets that almost disappear amid the detailed wall design. 

This is a great solution for the wall under a staircase, or to add architectural interest on the awkward wall above the stairs. Staggering doors up the stairway creates a whimsical look and gives display space to old doors that are no longer useful but are beautiful to behold. To mix it up, you can also add old window frames in the layout. There are many ways to cleverly repurpose old doors in your home, including under a kitchen island or along a half wall.