Over the Hill on the Yellow Brick Road, I came to a creaky, Victorian staircase that was painted with a pink ombre. It was the coolest thing I’d ever seen. I thought to myself, “Am I too old to have that kind of designing fun in my house at this stage of life?” I had to check into it, so I started a conversation with the staircase. I said:
OMG staircase! You look amazing!
STAIRCASE: Thanks. The floral carpet that covered me for decades was fine. But at this point in my life I’m not feelin’ it anymore. So I took a break from tradition. Just because I creak doesn’t mean I have to look old.
So how did you come up with this new look?
STAIRCASE: The idea caught my attention off a blog at: https://littleblackdomicile.com/ And the photo was taken by Arsenic and Lace.
I just love it!
STAIRCASE: Then go for it in your own house.
I would love to! The staircase in my house is exactly like yours. But here’s the problem. I’ve lived in my house for 27 years and never want to leave. But my kids have grown up, and if I try to sell it sometime, who will want to buy a house with a pink ombre staircase?
STAIRCASE: Well, YOU like it.
I know. But shouldn’t I be thinking about home designs that are more conservative or generic? Styles almost anyone would like?
STAIRCASE: ZZzzzz. ZZZZzzzzzzzzz ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Excuse me. Wake up.
STAIRCASE: Oops. Sorry. Your last comment was so boring it put me to sleep. I mean, how can you possibly consider decorating your house for a random person who might or might not buy it? The thought of that is so depressing.
Don’t you watch House Hunters?
STAIRCASE: No. I’m a staircase.
Well, it’s a television show where customers walk through houses they’d potentially want to buy, and choose one. The customers hardly ever like funky paint colors. And forget about wallpaper.
STAIRCASE: What’s wrong with wallpaper?
It’s never in sync with a customer’s taste. Personally, I’d love to try a wallpaper design like this:
See the background? My friend Claudia created it at: https://claudiamcgillart.wordpress.com
STAIRCASE: I looove it!
Me too. But a home buyer might not go for it.
STAIRCASE: Here’s the bottom line. I can only share my perspective. If you design your home to please other people, you’re being incredibly unfair to staircases, walls, kitchen counters…and most importantly…yourself.
Copyrightoverthehillontheyellowbrickroad2018
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OVER THE HILL on the YELLOW BRICK ROAD 