Friday, November 11, 2011

Changes on the Stairway





This our back hall stairway as it is this evening,
with Hallie posing as usual.




And this was the back hall stairway last February.



Notice anything different?






I had a blogging inspiration!
.
.
.
.
.


A few months ago, 
I found a wonderful Norwegian blog
 called 


This charming cottage 
was featured by my friend Jennifer,
at The Old Painted Cottage 
as one of her
"Cottages of the Month."
August 2011 Feature


Tee, the blogger and owner 
of this special country home,
 (complete with horses)
has such a wonderful way
of decorating. She inspired me
with her back hall staircase by 
adding old horse shoes to the stairs.


Isn't this awesome?  Tee, you are brilliant!


I decided to try my own version
of the horse shoes on the staircase.

So I bought a bunch
of old rusty miss matched horseshoes
and added them to a few found here 
at the property when we bought it.

I thought about painting the toe kicks
ivory but didn't want to change
the original stained wood since the house
is historic. So instead, I added them
to the side of the staircase.









Keys aren't getting lost as much as they used to since I hung this.







Also found some sisal carpet
that I am going to have made into
a runner for the steps, so it will change
again in a couple weeks.
(I am trying to lighten and brighten this dark hall area.) 


I painted all the doors and windows 
ivory over the summer.
They used to be dark brown paint. 





Will share again when
the sisal gets installed.
:)


Thanks for coming by today!










37 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh I love the look. What a creative idea. The horshoes look amazing. I think the sisal will be fantastic on the stairs also. Such a lovely area. Love those brick floors. Hugs, Marty

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

How perfect for your home, Alison! I think they look great going up the sides like that. Looking forward to seeing how the sisal changes the look here.

michele said...

looks fabulous!

michele

Our Hopeful Home said...

Love them! And I think the sisal is a great idea! Keep us posted.

xoxo
Kathy

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

Those look awesome! I don't remember seeing these stairs before. This little area is so charming. Love the horse prints.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

I did notice the horseshoes. Great idea. I saw six of those framed horse prints in Franklin yesterday for almost $400. I did not buy them though since I don't have that much cash right now.

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Oh I love it Alison! Just perfect for your home! Martina

Rebecca said...

So appropriate! How "right" the horseshoes look there!

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Great, and I especially love that picture in the black frame! Love your poochie!

Carolyn@Sweet Chaos Home said...

Love it!! Hey, antique expert... what is the going rate for horseshoes? I found a really cool turquoise one that I considered buying, but it was $20. That seemed a little high to me. What do you think? Am I cheap?

Your stairs look fab! Can't wait to see what else you do :)

Kathy said...

Oh Alison there are some awesome pictures in your posts, I am catching up and just loving all the eye candy. Those horse shoes are so perfect there, what an awesome idea I've never seen them used that way...brilliant!

Kelly said...

That is such a neat idea with the horseshoes! It fits perfectly in your home. Can't wait to see the sisal runner too.

Sarah said...

Alison, I noticed it immediately. What a charming idea. I love the look, and absolutely adore getting to see your gorgeous home. Thanks for sharing it with all of us.
Sarah

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

What a great idea! It looks really cool!

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

I absolutely love the horseshoes on the stairs. You have a beautiful home.

Blondie's Journal said...

Your staircase is lovely and the horseshoes are perfect!! I can't wait to see the new sisal...I never thought to use it up stairs...I have a few thoughts mow...;-D

XO,
Jane

AntiqueChase said...

Awesomeness!! I wish I had stairs I would totally snag that idea! Looks great !!

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Alison, I absolutely love this look! It suits your home perfectly!! What a great idea!

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Alison, It looks fabulous! I love it! Perfect for your beautiful home. XO, pinky

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Looks just perfect girl..Love it..pray all is well in your world my friend..Hugs and smiles Gloria

Rooms by Ann said...

I just came across your blog I think your sense of decor is wonderful.I am your newest follower, I hope you will follow me.

Divine Theatre said...

That...Is...Awesome!
Love your doggy too! I can never get Napoleon to sit still!
Have a great weekend!

xoxo
Andie

The enchanted home said...

The horseshoes look AMAZING Alison....what a fun, elegant whimsical touch! I love it!!
Sisal also a great idea.......smart move.
Its all soo beautiful!

Upscale Downhome said...

I noticed the horseshoes right away but before I knew what they were I thought that they were actually wood molding! I love the look because its subtle but so meaningful. Love your house!

Debbiedoos said...

WOW Allison, your stairs are amazing! Love those horseshoes What a neat picture too with your pretty dog at the end..I love that shot. Enjoy the weekend.

Linda said...

Everything looks fabulous! Cute Goldie, and love the brick on the floor.

Designing Domesticity said...

beautiful - it's the little touches that make all the difference. and of course, your pup who makes every picture even better! liz

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

The horse shoe addition is absolute perfection Alison!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

The horseshoes are perfect, Alison! They add additional charm to this beautiful area of your home. I hope you will drop by and enter my giveaway for a GC. Have a great weekend.

Richard Cottrell said...

You sure should have lots of good luck, as my father always hung a horse shoe to bring luck. Thanks for sharing, looks great. Love that baby. Richard from My Old Historic House.

Ricki Treleaven said...

Alison, I love the horseshoes! I need to see the cottage that inspired you.

Debi said...

Noticed the horse shoes immediately! Very striking and just adds to the charm of your house. Our dogs always have to walk through a photo to. Aren't they funny!

Nita Stacy said...

I love the horseshoes added to the stairs. So perfect for your home. But oh...my your dog is so pretty posing in these photos. She is the best accessory for your home!

Tee of Vinnord Cottage said...

I am so happy I inspired you :) They look absolutely lovely!!! Brilliant really! Love your blog, so happy you found me, so I found you!

Connie (aka LOU) said...

Alison-
Just catching up on some blogs and HAD to comment on the horseshoe idea on your stairs. Ingenious! Absolutely love what you did. I actually have been collecting horseshoes for a little while and didn't know what to do with them. Still don't since I don't have stairs but love this idea. My first set came from the farm....my dad used to love to play horseshoes.
Connie LOU

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

I love the horseshoes on the stairs, almost like an architectural element-perfect for your house.The sisal will sure brighten things up too.

The Old Painted Cottage said...

Alison, I've been away for far too long and I'm just catching up. I think every single space in your home is absolutely to die for. I love your style and your impecable taste. You make it look sooo good!

oxox
Jennifer