Some of the most rewarding home transformations don’t start with grand renovations or massive budgets—they start with a simple need to make a space feel right. That was the case with Christian and Arielle, repeat clients who reached out to us with a vision to reimagine one of the most important parts of their home: their 100-year-old staircase.
This story isn’t just about paint or steps—it’s about helping homeowners bring new life to a beloved old space and watching how a small update can create a big emotional shift.
The Story Behind the Home
Christian and Arielle have been living in their charming East Toronto home for three years. The house has character, history, and lots of charm, but like many century homes, it also came with areas that needed care. The staircase was one of those.
Positioned right at the entry, it was the first thing guests would see when walking in—and it didn’t reflect the feeling Christian and Arielle wanted their home to give. The stairs were covered in old carpet, the wood beneath was scratched and worn, and some trim pieces were damaged or completely missing.
They’d been improving the home one room at a time. And now, it was time to give the staircase the attention it deserved.
The Vision: Elevate the Entry
When Christian reached out, he was clear: this staircase had to feel elevated. He wanted it to make a statement without overpowering the home’s natural warmth and style.
He initially had a strong vision—a two-tone look with white risers, stained treads, and a matching stained handrail for that classic “piano” look. He even shared inspiration images that captured that style perfectly.
But once the old carpet was removed, we quickly discovered the wood underneath wasn’t in good shape—staining would only highlight the imperfections. We presented two quote options: one for a paint and stain combo, and one for an all-paint finish. Seeing the exposed wood made the choice clear. Christian decided to pivot—and go all-in on a clean white finish and a new runner.
The Process: Repair, Prep, Paint
This was more than just a quick coat of paint. Here’s what we did to bring their vision to life:
✔️ Repair Work
The staircase needed some serious TLC before we could even think about painting. We installed new trim and moulding where pieces were missing or broken, re-secured loose elements, and restored the basic structure so it looked complete again.
✔️ Surface Prep
Because the wood was over a century old, prep was critical. We used Festool sanding tools to smooth out imperfections, then applied an oil-based primer to block stains and prevent yellowing—something we always recommend for older surfaces.
✔️ Painting
We used Benjamin Moore Aura paint in Chantilly Lace, satin finish—a crisp, classic white that feels timeless in older homes. The entire staircase, including the railings and window casings, was sprayed using our Graco system for a smooth, brush-free finish.
The Accent Wall Twist
Once the stairs were complete, Christian and Arielle were excited to add a bit of personality. They chose Malibu Peach—a soft, muted blush tone—for the large wall running up the side of the staircase.
It wasn’t a colour we had recommended, but it was one that they felt drawn to. And that’s what matters most in any project—our goal is to help clients bring their vision to life.
In Christian’s words:
“We like it in general, but perhaps not in this house, haha. But it’s new, and we’ll see how we feel after some more time.”
Sometimes, trying something bold is part of the fun. And they were open to seeing how the colour would settle in with the space before making any final decisions.
The Results: Bright, Clean, Inviting
The transformation was immediate.
Where there once was faded carpet and patchy wood, now stood a staircase that felt polished and complete. The Chantilly Lace paint brightened the entire space, making it feel bigger, cleaner, and more modern—all while respecting the charm of the original structure.
The Malibu Peach accent wall brought in a fun, contemporary pop that made the staircase feel more like a feature and less like a pass-through.
The space now feels like the perfect welcome into their home.
Christian’s Experience
Christian has worked with us before, and we’ve always enjoyed collaborating with him. Here’s what he shared after the project was complete:
“Hi Sandra, it was a pleasure working with you, as usual.
To be honest about the colour… we’re not sure we love it! I mean, we like it in general but perhaps not in this house, haha. But it’s new and we’ll see how we feel after some more time – and if we want to change it, we’ll give you a call.
I’ve attached a couple of photos for you, which make it look like a very happy and relaxing space.
Thanks again; I’ll get the rest of the payment over to you right away.
Have a great long weekend!”
— Christian
Tools & Materials Used
- Paint: Benjamin Moore Aura (Chantilly Lace, Satin finish)
- Accent Wall Colour: Malibu Peach
- Primer: Oil-based block primer
- Tools: Graco spray gun, Festool sanding machine
- Other: New trim + moulding, full masking and protection setup
Working With Repeat Clients
One of our favourite things about this project was that it was for a returning client. There’s a rhythm that develops when you’ve worked with someone before—you understand their style, their expectations, and their trust means the world to us.
Christian and Arielle’s project reminds us that sometimes it’s not about massive overhauls—it’s about thoughtful updates that reflect the way people live and feel in their homes.
Before & After Gallery
Final Thoughts
This staircase transformation was a small project with big heart. Christian and Arielle trusted us to take care of a piece of their home’s story—and we’re proud of how it turned out.
If you’re looking to update a staircase, paint a feature wall, or just want advice on how to elevate your space without major renovations, reach out. We’d love to be part of your home’s next chapter.
