If you’ve ever looked at your staircase and thought, this could be more fun, you’re not alone. Back in 2020, I gave my plain stairs a colorful boost by adding bold, Matisse-inspired wallpaper to the risers. It was my first big DIY staircase makeover, and it brought so much personality into my entryway.

But recently, I was ready for something new—something even more me.

Why I Painted Over the Oak Staircase

Confession time: I’ve never been a huge fan of oak finishes. (Totally fine if you love oak! It’s just never matched my personal style.) So this year, I made the bold choice to paint over every inch of it—from the stair treads to the spindles—with a dreamy blue from Fusion Mineral Paint called Champness.

My Go-To Products for Painting a Staircase

• 🎨 Paint Color: Champness by Fusion Mineral Paint – a fresh, cheerful blue that instantly lightened and modernized the space

• 🛡️ Top Coat: Fusion’s Tough Coat – perfect for sealing and protecting high-traffic areas like painted stair treads and railings (I used matte for my project) and their applicator pads for an easy and smooth application.

• 🖼️ Wallpaper: Cottage Stripes Traditional Wallpaper by Katie Kime to complement the floral wallpapers in my adjacent entryway and dining room (I use traditional wallpaper with paste)

Painting over oak can feel intimidating, but with the right products and prep, the transformation is 100% worth it.

Adding Striped Wallpaper for a Whimsical Finish

To add even more charm to my colorful staircase makeover, I replaced the old wallpaper risers with a striped wallpaper design. These vibrant stripes act as a visual bridge between the bold florals in the entryway and dining room, making the whole space feel more cohesive and joyfully designed.

Whether you’re decorating a cottage-style staircase, looking for whimsical home decor ideas, or dreaming of fun painted stairs, this makeover checks all the boxes.

Stair Makeover Progression: From Matisse to Modern Whimsy

BEFORE (2020):

My first DIY stair makeover used Matisse-like botanical wallpaper on the risers, set against the original oak finish.

⬆️

AFTER (2025):

I painted the entire staircase in Champness, added a protective top coat, and finished the risers with playful stripes.

⬆️

The final look is bold, fun, and full of personality—everything I want my home to be.

---

Tips for Your Own Colorful Staircase Makeover

If you’re ready to transform your own stairs, here are a few takeaways:

• Fusion Mineral Paint offers great coverage and is easy to work with—especially for wood surfaces like stairs and handrails.

• Always seal your painted stair treads with a protective top coat to help them hold up to daily wear and tear.

• Use wallpaper on stair risers to add pattern without permanent commitment.

• Don’t be afraid of color! Stairs are the perfect spot to make a fun statement.

---

Want More Whimsical Decorating Ideas?

If this project has you dreaming of color, pattern, and creative DIYs, explore more on my blog or follow me on Instagram @chairwhimsy where I share all my latest colorful home projects!