Painted Stair & Stair Runner Inspiration

My stairs are bugging me. Because they're carpeted and matted down and just blugh, you know?

 

You guys know I like a racecar stripe in home décor, and this one looks both classy and neutral.

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Stripes in general make me happy, and on a staircase is no exception.

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I mean, how can you not love this, just a little bit?

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Or maybe, because I've got stripes on my staircase wall already, a different pattern would maybe be better. This modern floral is kind of fun, but I don't think it would translate onto a stair runner rug very well.

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Oooh, how about something geometric, like octagons? I love octagons! (I'm decisive like that.)

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This Dash & Albert runner is so great, right? Love it.

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Okay. Back to the drawing board. But I really think even painted stairs would be an improvement over what we've got going on right now. My question is: Can you paint over any old tread subfloor and have it still look good? Hmmm... I might just have to try it and see for myself.