Sunday, December 20, 2009

The Decked-Out Stairway

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I realized the other day that I never posted photos of my staircase all decorated for Christmas! It's all done in silver, gold and blue! (for those that are new to my blog, ignore the brown carpet and popcorn ceilings...I only rent this apartment).
If you look in the mirror in the top left corner in the photo below you can sort of see Lauren's lime green walls. I still need to finish her bedroom. Hopefully soon! I still need to buy some more things for it and between numerous car repairs, both kid's birthdays and Christmas, her bedroom got put on the back burner until the finances can be replenished.
I bought the blue Christmas balls at a thrift store but when I put them up there they looked very bright and cheap-looking...not the look I was going for! So I took them down and glittered them! I just diluted some white glue with a little water and brushed it on the ball and then just dusted on the glitter and let them dry. They look frosty now and I like them much better!
Last February I bought these two silver cherubs at an after-Christmas sale for 75% off! I thought when I bought them I would paint them white but now I like them silver.
I've had that evergreen garland since I was in my twenties! My former mother-in-law bought it for me. Back then it was hard to find nice garland and you had to pay a lot for the nice stuff. It's amazing how well it lasted all these years! Luckily the selection now is so much better and so are the prices! I think I'm going to buy some more after Christmas so I can add to this one to make it a little fuller.


I'm off work for the next 2 weeks!!! YAY!!!

I forgot to mention on the See's Candy Giveaway that I will be picking a winner on Christmas Eve!

53 comments:

Elaine said...

Very pretty stairway. I love elegant decorating.

I'm off too, from Christmas Eve until New Year's. Can't wait.

Joanne Kennedy said...

Like the rest of your place the stairs look wonderful!

You have two weeks off! Boy I know that means you will be working on projects which in turn means some wonderful posts for us! I'm so excited.

Big hugs,
Joanne

Anonymous said...

Hi Cindy, Your stairway looks beautiful! I love what you did with the ornaments, who would have thunk? Great idea! I love your cherubs to, I have similar ones that are gold! Have a wonderful vacation from work.
Michelle

amyG said...

Your home always looks so inviting. I love the wonderful touches you add. Have a great vacation.
We are in the process of a kitchen update and your blog has so... inspired me.

Sandy said...

I love the first photo looking from your beautiful three tier centerpiece to your decked out staircase. The garland is just lovely and how clever to glitter your ornaments. I would never had thought to do that. How well, I remember how precious my time off from work at Christmas time was during my long career. We couldn't wait to return home (from visiting family) after Christmas and spend a week just relaxing, reading, watching DVDs together before returning to the rat race. Now that we are retired I find I am still looking forward to our time together after Christmas when we can celebrate our Christmas at home. Come on over to my blog and see some serious snow!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Teacup Lane (Sandy)

Melissa Lester said...

Hi, Cindy! I'm catching up on your pretties when I should be catching up on sleep. But now the kids are out of school, so I am thrilled to have a few days to stay up late and (hopefully) sleep in too. Your stairs look beautiful, and I think the angels look lovely left silver. Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

Cindy - Your stairway looks lovely. If you saw my Grandmother's Room in my Tour post you know I love blue. I think the way you highlighted the blue ornaments would work on some of those cheap ones from the Dollar Store. It might cover of up that ridge around them. I have enjoyed your blog for quite some time and I appreciate all the loveliness you share with us.

Have a beautiful Christmas.

Charla

Four Paws and Co said...

I love your stairway! Thanks for the great idea about adding glitter to the old ornaments. I have a bunch that need a new look. ☺♥☺

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Cindy...

Well my friend, I just adore your fabulous home and it's difficult to believe that it could get any prettier but....ohhh my...it's just breathtaking in all of its Christmas finery!!! I love your beautiful garland going up the stairs...soooo pretty! I love that you mixed the gold and silver in with the blue...so very elegant!!! The blue Christmas balls just look so pretty all glittery...love it! But..my favorite are those gorgeous silver angels!!! They ARE fabulous!!! I would love to find some like that!!!

Thank you so much for sharing more of your fabulous home with us, my friend! It's gorgeous!!!

Sending you and your lovely family my very best Christmas wishes and blessings, Cindy!!!

Chari @Happy To Design

Glenda said...

Very pretty.

Your railing reminds me a bit of mine. I've considered painting my railing. It's black like yours. But have never decided on a color I like better than the other.

Happy Holiday's

Anonymous said...

Beautiful staircase decorating!! I plan on hitting the stores the day after Christmas!! Hoping to get some deep Christmas Decor Discounts.....

Lynn said...

Beautiful staircase, so elegant. Love the idea for the balls. I always think, after reading your blog, "why didn't I think of that"? In this case buying less costly glittery balls and doing them myself. Next year! Enjoy your two weeks off and Christmas blessings to you and your family.
Lynn

Lisar said...

I have just discovered your blog....and can I say...very loudly...I LOVE IT!!! especially your decorating style....it is so ME...Happy Christmas...looking forward to visiting again...

Daisy Cottage said...

Your stairway and EVERYTHING is beautiful!

Merry Christmas Cindy!!!!

Love,
Kim

Julia said...

Hello Cindy, your home is wonderful. Merry Christmas from Spain.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Beautiful, Cindy! Love all the pretties in your garland!

Ann at the Handley Bungalow said...

How pretty! So festive and sparkly! Your Christmas home is lovely! I need to get some glitter now!

Americana Lady said...

The addition of the cherubs makes your railing unusual. Your home never looks like it's just an apartment! I think it is a testament of what you can do with an apartment to make it your own. Merry Christmas!

jennypilgrim said...

Everything looks beautiful! I love the mirrors!!!!!

Kimberly Knoess said...

Have a terrific holiday! I love the stairway decorations! So eye-catching and refined!

{oc cottage} said...

Oh how I wish my staircases were not enclosed so I could decorate them! Your looks dreamy!

m ^..^

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love the beautiful centerpiece on your table! Just perfect for your home! The garland and decorations are gorgeous! Have a wonderful holiday week!

Cindy said...

Merry Christmas, Cindy! I love the stairs garland, it is really gorgeous! Your blue christmas balls are really pretty now, you are so smart! Enjoy your time off! Hugs, Cindy S.

Anonymous said...

Breath takingly beautiful!

Lacy said...

Oh I miss having a stairway like that. So pretty!

I think I'm going to copy your glitter affect. Thanks for sharing with us.

When you said it was an apartment I was shocked! You have it decorated so beautifully and I wouldn't have even noticed the ceilings if you wouldn't have said anything! What a gorgeous place!

Carolee said...

Your stairway is beautiful, Cindy. I always love to see your decorating - you are so creative! Merry Christmas to you and your family! :-)

Tammy/Yesterday's Cottage said...

Really gorgeous! Oh how I wish I had a stairway to decorate!!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Enjoy your much needed and deserved time off!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I was admiring the color of the blue ornaments and then read how you changed the color and made it softer with glitter....so clever! Love it! Everything is so pretty.
Enjoy your time off!

Huggs.............Linda

Patricia said...

Cindy, you prove what I have always thought,anything can be made beautiful. It's not the size or the expense of the house it's the beauty inside that counts and makes it gorgeous. I never even noticed the popcorn ceiling or carpet until you mentioned it, all I was thinking was it must be wonderful to walk down those stairs in the morning. Have a Merry Christmas in your beautiful home. Patricia

akawest said...

I hope you enjoy every single minute of your two weeks off from work. Not only do you work hard, you make all of your blog readers lives happier. Please know that I look forward to seeing your beautiful pictures, and count myself fortunate that I found your blog.

My daughter's room is not finished, either. She has been a good sport about the entire thing, while I am growing impatient. I guess we can learn a lot from seventeen year olds.

Jan Marie said...

Again as always...just lovely.

But it struck me today when looking at your stairway photos, have you ever considered painting your railing white? Or maybe painting it the same way you paint your mirror frames?

Beverly said...

Cindy, your stairway looks gorgeous. I love all of the elements.

Happy Birthday to your Vince.

And, happy holidays to you and your family.

Elsie said...

Cindy~ENJOY,ENJOY,your time off.
I know what you mean with kids
birthdays,my first two were born
4yr.1wk.apart and in Jan. too,
right after Christmas. I was determined the third would not
be born in Jan.so I went for June
and got July.LOL.Your stairway
is beautiful,all your decorations
are. I thought you bought those
ornaments like that,and was surprised to see that you enhanced
them.Nice job.~MERRY CHRISTMAS~

Anonymous said...

Yes..I have tan carpet and popcorn ceiling too..I understand your pain! LOL...My goal is to change it in 2010. Maybe someday your landlord will surprise you with wood or laminate flooring and a new white wood staircase! Now THAT would be the best Christmas present ever. Enjoy your holidays!!!

Caleen said...

You have a lovely home. You have definitely a decorator's touch.. Wow! Love the colors.. The mirror wall is lovely.. I know what you mean about garlands.. They make them cheap now.. I prefer the real thing if I can.. Love your blog.. Have a Happy Holiday!

Esther Sunday said...

Great idea on the balls. It all looks so beautiful! 2 weeks? NICE!

French-Kissed said...

Hi Cindy,

First of all I hope your handsome son had a wonderful birthday. You must be so proud of him and his accomplishments. Second, the decked out staircase is so very beautiful The cosmetic procedure you performed on the blue ornaments is truly transformational and I agree with your call to leave the cherubs silver. You entire home looks so festive yet serene and has such a welcoming feel. Enjoy your time off and have the merriest Christmas ever! ~jermaine~

Karin said...

Beautiful! I love how you didn't leave out the birdcage with a cute wreath & ornament :-)

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour Cindy!
Swags are my favortie holiday decoration, I think they are so elegant. I have to steal your idea on adding glitter to your shiny ornaments, look so much nicer.
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

BonjourRomance said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mandmsham@verizon.net said...

You're amazing!! The idea for the ornaments is perfect . . .how do you know so much stuff??!! So, I have a question for you . . .I bought a dozen old mercury glass ornaments that are very "tarnished". It's not silver, so silver polish doesn't work. What can I do to add a little sparkle without ruining the vintage patina (which isn't too pretty, really)Thank you for your advice!!xoMarta

Decor To Adore said...

How breathlessly beautiful!

My daughter asked for your son in a stocking. :)

Charlene said...

Oh I LOVE your home all decorated for Christmas!!!!!!! The blue balls with the glitter wonderful!!! The silver cherub divine!!! Of course I LOVE your home all year long! I see Vince had a birthday on the DEC 19th. My son had one on the 17th & I did a post on that too... hope you'll stop by for a visit soon. Enjoy your vacation. You work so hard all year at your job & your beautiful BLOG! We are so blessed to have you in our world. Thank you for all you do for us! Merry Christmas dear Cindy! Charlene

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Hi Cindy, the stairs look so pretty all decked out, I love the cherubs and the christmas ornaments turned out so pretty with the glitter!! I wanted to stop by and wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!!
Hugs~Kelly

Trouvais said...

Hi Cindy. Love the garland, love the glitter on the ornaments. I used to put live boughs on staircase...so much work, so many pine needles a few weeks later. Have to invest in some good artificial ones...yours look terrific. What a time saver! Merry Christmas! Trish

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! Love the colors. Merry Christmas!

Cottage Rose said...

Hello Cindy; I so love you stair way.. how pretty it looks.. and the blue ornaments with a touch of sparkle are just prefect... enjoy your time off work... and have a Merry Christmas..

Hugs;
Alaura

Nozomi said...

Wow!
I love how you decorated your stairway!

Gayla said...

I love this... Have a beautiful holiday. I'm also off for two weeks, and I'm loving it. Every minute.

Debra@CommonGround said...

Everything looks lovely, and I love your daughter's wall color! Have a wonderful Christmas, Cindy.
Christmas Blessings,
Debra

Kathysue said...

Hi Cyndi, this looks amazing so frosty and elegant. your home is so lovely and it shows even more lovely at this time of year all dressed up for the Holidays. Enjoy your time off,hugs Kathysue

Dixie said...

The stairway is absolutely breath-taking. I also love what you did with glitter on the ornaments.

chez sheri said...

Cindy, I never cease to be inspired by your pictures. I absolutely love the cherubs, just as they are....

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are enjoying your time off!!!

Sheri