RetroTread Installation Feedback

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At first we thought we could make what was underneath the carpet work and save the money from having to purchase the RetroTreads, which are $27.98 each at Lowes.  That did not work out!  After sanding for what seemed like forever and removing more carpet from the stairs, we realized there was too much damage to the existing treads.

After a little trial, error, and a Google search we were on our way to installing the RetroTreads!

CLICK HERE for the video tutorial we followed.

  These are the few things I noted that might be helpful to someone else embarking on the same project.  First off, you MUST remove the lip that is hanging over on your existing treads...do not think that you can skip this step and have the RetroTread look right.  Just ask my husband. ;)  Second, they tell you that you may need to install new risers.  We found that if we were careful about removing the lip and didn't damage the existing riser, we were able to skip that step.

Overall, we are beyond pleased with the result and like that the RetroTread already has the decorative molding on the edge, which our existing treads did not have.  However, it was definitely a little more involved than they make it seem on the packaging.  But really, what isn't?!

Stairway - After

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 Here are the pictures of the new stairway that I have been promising!  There are a few little finishing touches (trim) that need to be finished, but so far I am very happy with how they look.

 

This column at the end of the stairs is the one thing I most dislike about my house.  :(  Aside from thousands of dollars of structural changes...it's here to stay.

However, after I saw this picture on Pinterest, I got excited about trimming out the column with a woodwork treatment and painting it white.

Tomorrow, I will post the pictures I took of the install process and my tips/feedback on the using the RetroTreads.

Our Entryway Striped Wall & Harvest Decor

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I am slowly starting to put out some autumn decor.  I have been gathering ideas on Pinterest and saving them to my Harvest Decor board.

One idea I immediately fell in love with was these brown paper flowers.  Using her instructions and $.50 worth of lunch sacks from the dollar store, this is how my version turned out.

 The chalkboard was made from one of our kitchen cabinet doors and a quart of schoolhouse green chalkboard paint.   (the cabinet door had a few small scratches and the builder replaced the one in the kitchen, but left me the damaged one.  I am glad they did!) I am far from being a good chalkboard artist, but I enjoy changing the quotes every few weeks.

Aside from the paper flowers, raffia pumpkins, burlap pumpkin, and acorn...this is pretty much how the entry area looks all the time.  I would like to maybe add a few more clocks and I definitely need to finish the stool project.  You might remember that I picked up the stool (and the wire basket) while antique shopping with the kids.

I think it will probably take the whole month of September, maybe longer, for me to get all the whole house decorated the way I want for Autumn....but that's ok!  Not rushing will give me plenty of time to sit and watch the leaves change.

Check out more transformations by clicking here. 

Find many more DIY ideas over at {aka}design by clicking here.