• By stenciling a design on stairs, the design of the home is fit into every single space.stairs image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
  
  Stencils are not just for use on walls and floors. Stairs are an ideal place to add a touch of whimsy to the design of a home. Using a stencil, many different designs can be utilized on the risers, steps, walls and rails of a stairway.
  
  

Quotes

• Quotes can adorn the risers of a staircase in many different ways. A quote can be located on one riser, at the top, bottom or in the middle of the stairs. One word can be the center of focus, or a long quote can span the entire staircase. The quote can read from the top to the bottom, or from the bottom to the top. For example, the word "Come" can be on the bottom riser, "On" on the next step up and then "Up" several steps higher.
  
  Don't feel tied to words. Numbers can be used instead. Imagine a staircase stenciled to look like a hopscotch board, with the individual numbers on the risers and double numbers on the steps. Or simply give each step or riser a number, "1,2,3", all the way to the top.
  
  

Ivy, Flowers and Leaves

• Depending on the style of the home, many different designs can be integrated into the stenciling of a stairway. Ivy can be stenciled on the railing all the way up a staircase. Roses stenciled on a painted white staircase give a romantic touch to a cottage or shabby chic room. Stenciled leaves scattered down outside stairs give a touch of cabin whimsy. Daisies and sunflowers can be centered at the center of each wooden stained riser to lend a country feel to a staircase. The theme of any home or room can be reflected in the stenciling of the stairs.
  
  

Geometric Shapes

• Checkerboard designs are an iconic folk art element that look great on stairs. Geometric shapes can expand to fit many different design styles. For example, when a black and white checkerboard pattern is featured on the risers with a black or dark stained step, the staircase can have a folk art appeal. However, take that same black and white pattern and add a yellow runner down the middle of the stairs held in place with chrome fixtures, and you have a very modern look.
  
  Other geometric shapes that work well in stairways are harlequin patterns, circles and dots, triangles and quilt patterns.
  
  

Creativity

• When designing a stencil for a stairway, the options are endless. Don't be afraid to be creative. For example, why not tell a story on the stairs? Use the lines from a favorite children's book to lead to a child's bedroom. A ball can be stenciled to appear as if it is bouncing down the stairs. Attic stairs can be stenciled with treasure boxes or the vintage items one would find in an attic. A staircase leading to a master suite can feature the silhouettes of a man and woman, far apart at the bottom, but getting closer together with each step.