Good Bones: Turn Your Staircase Into A Focal Point Just Like Mina Starsiak Hawk

When it comes to stairs, it may seem like they just have to be boring and basic, right? It can often feel like there is not much you can do to update them and bring them more in line with your style. After all, it is not like you can just paint them, right? Well, according to Mina Starsiak Hawk of HGTV's "Good Bones," you would be wrong about that one. In fact, she proves not only that you can, but that you should, turn your staircase into a focal point of your home! But how do you take it from blah to awesome? One of the best and generally easiest ways to do that is by painting the entire thing.

That's right, painting your stairs is a lot like painting an accent wall. And, Mina demonstrates how a contrasting color compared to the rest of the room can really make things pop. In Season 5, Episode 4, Mina does just this by painting a Greenwich duplex homeowner's stairs a dramatic, statement-making black paint color, which is a beautiful contrast to the airy whites and creams of the rest of the room. The change is a much-needed one and points out just how a relatively small swap can make a huge difference.

Start off by clearing the space all around your stairs, making sure that there is no furniture or anything in the way. Also, use drop cloths to protect surrounding surfaces from any paint splatters. For a bit more precision, you may choose to apply painter's tape along the edges of the stairs where they meet the walls or any other surfaces. 

Next, thoroughly clean the stairs to remove dirt and grime. Inspect for any damages, such as cracks or splinters; repair these with wood filler and sand the surfaces smooth once dry. After that, select a contrasting color for your staircase in a product like Ecos Paints Interior Floor formula that complements the color scheme of the room. For example, if your walls are a soft beige, a deep navy or rich charcoal could make a striking statement on the stairs. Make sure to test paint samples in different lighting to determine the best match.

The next step is to apply a primer suitable for wood surfaces to ensure better adhesion. To apply primer and paint, use a paintbrush for corners and a roller for the flat surfaces. Then, apply two to three coats of paint, allowing adequate drying time between each coat. Once everything is dry, carefully remove the painter's tape before the paint completely hardens for cleaner edges. Allow the stairs to cure fully before normal use to maximize durability.