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[Oznell]

Not everybody wants to change what they find in their houses that is not to their taste;  but some hardy souls really do a bang-up job of transformation, on their own.

'Builder oak'  staircases, in ostensibly traditional houses, are mostly not traditional in actuality, especially in the finishes chosen for the wood.

I LOVE how diy blogger Centsational Girl achieved her classic, timeless vision.  This is one for the ages!

Before:

 

I don't imagine that achieving the wainscoting look was very difficult.  It really helped to get rid of the grimy runner and re-do the steps too.

[ScrapHappy]

I like it.  Looks good.  But now they need to the hardwood floors.  They are a  different color than the darker wood on steps and bannister.

[Catiele]

My foyer is the original one with dark wood. I have a very similar table in my foyer.

[Foxxee]

A  beautiful improvement; however, I'm expecting those dark wooden steps to scratch and look ugly in a short period of time without something like a rug runner protecting them. 

They also could be slippy.  I have experience with that.  Dogs slipping on the steps.  The elderly not comfortable with them.  I wouldn't cover the entire step as before.  I think a rug would make this entryway look more cozy, as well. 

Yes, mine did scratch quite a bit.  

I guess it depends on whether the owner wants to replace the tops of the steps or replace a rug runner every so often.  

[PamfromCT]

I love the updated version myself.

As far as the stair treads, I don’t like carpeting on stairs.

And plain wood is easy to keep because we change from our “outside shoes” to “inside shoes” most of the time.  We also have wood floors with area rugs throughout the house, and changing shoes keeps the floors in good shape and is more sanitary.

[magicmoodz]

This is a stunning transformation! Nothing ages a house faster than outdated woodwork.

[Nightowlz]

100% better. I agree they need to do all the flooring now.

My sisters house used to have carpet with tile in areas with water. Now it's almost all hardwood flooring including the stairs.  Looks so much better. 

[kaydee50]

Wow!  Big improvement.  I like the contrasting colors in the wood.  Works for me!

[stevieb]

Well yes, the 'after' is better. Pretty much anything would be an improvement over 'golden oak' and bland carpeting. To me the 'upgrade' is rather stark yet dull, drab, uninspired and is not much to my liking.

[ECBG]

What a good, yet simple transformation!!!