carpet on the stairs wasn’t always the most practical choice. It became a race track for the dogs and an endless fur trap! Stetson and Savannah treated the stairs like their personal speedway, and no matter how often we vacuumed, the fur just kept collecting. It was time to trade in the carpet for something more durable and easier to maintain.

When it came to choosing wood for the stairs, we knew we wanted to use the same flooring from the main level to create a seamless and cohesive look. The rich grain and warm tones of the engineered hardwood we had already installed felt like the perfect fit. Plus, it had the added bonus of a urethane layer, which meant it was scratch-resistant—an absolute must for a home with two active Goldens! It was both stylish and practical, exactly what we needed

Watching the carpet being removed was like shedding an old layer of our home. The installation of the wood flooring was not exactly quick, but precise—each plank measured and cut to perfection. As the stairs began to take shape, the transformation was undeniable. The rich grain of the wood instantly elevated the space, giving it a modern and polished feel.

The new wood stairs have completely changed the look and feel of our home. They create a cohesive flow between the main level and the stairs, making the house feel more open and unified. The wood adds warmth while giving the space a sleek, modern edge. And let’s not forget the practical side—no more fur traps or endless vacuuming sessions! A quick sweep or mop keeps the stairs clean and beautiful. It feels like we’ve upgraded not just the look of the space but the functionality of our home as well.

With the added gate at the top of the stairs, Stetson and Savannah are kept from their daily sprints down the steps. This not only protects our new floors but also keeps the dogs safe and the space looking sharp. They’ve found their new favorite hangout: the landing at the top. It’s like their personal observation deck, where they can keep an eye on everything. The gate may have stopped their
stair sprints, but they’ve happily adapted to lounging in style.

In my next post, I’ll tackle one of the most impactful design choices—paint! In
#8, I’ll walk you through the surprisingly tricky process of choosing the right paint to create that perfect organic modern look. Spoiler alert: picking the right shade of white is harder than it sounds. I’ll share my tips and tricks for navigating the endless sea of whites, all while trying not to drive myself (or anyone else) crazy in the process. Stay tuned as I transform our walls and keep the sanity intact!

—xoNancy