No broom closet? No problem. Add functional and pretty cleaning supplies to the wall on a closed staircase. By adding decor with it, you are making the space more intentionally mudroom-esque. This is a great example of a space that most of us would overlook yet this one shows how style can mix with everyday needs.

If you have a collection of small to mid-sized photographs or art pieces, those can make a fun, eclectic gallery wall. A tip here is to keep the pieces in the color family to make the art wall feel cohesive.

We didn't have a handrail to begin with but I think this project could be done even if you already have a plain handrail. Follow the steps to add brass brackets and/or brass endcaps to further "up" the style in your stairwell.

Not all staircases leading down to basements have the height needed to be able to install a statement chandlier or pendant over the stairs. If height of the ceiling allows for a statment light then I think it's a great idea to add one.

Accent walls can be hard to get right so if you want to try wallpaper, consider adding it on the walls of your stairs. It can be a fun way to bring color and interest to your staircase.

Modernizing the balusters on a staircase can really up the look in your home. We were able to remove the iron scrolls on our iron railing which is a more intense project than this one of installing metal balusters. Both projects are great and show that you can change the look of your staircase with some grunt work.

We had rough plywood under our carpet going down to our basement and knew that we were going to cover them with LVP because we were redoing all of the basement flooring. If you are just addressing your stairs then I think painting the risers and/or the treads can be a great impact for minimal money.

Need to add a handrail or completely replace one and love that glam look? You could add a lucite handrail to help bring a bit of instant charm to your stairway.

A few months ago, I shared twelve different stair runner ideas for how to add more interest to your staircases. I think stairs going down to a basement can tend to be dreary so I think stair runners are especially good ideas for this area. See inspiration below!

Board and batten works for so many different home styles and can instantly add charm in an otherwise forgotten space.

I've seen quite a number of staircases that have wallpaper applied on them but this one is actually vinyl (similar to wallpaper though!). I will say that the color combo with the whole vibe of the house is by far the most inpsiring use of pattern on risers that I've ever seen.

I adore wall lighting and, if you have room, I would totally encourage you to consider adding wall sconces going down the stairs. I think it's a nice way to break up the wall space while providing light. A total win/win in my book!

If you have wood stairs and feel like they are a bit boring or if you want to more securely fasten a stair runner... consider adding stair rods to your steps. I, personally, adore this look and would totally do it if we have wood stairs down to our basement.

Personally, I think stairwells can be a great choice for a location to display family photos. Grid style gallery walls generally follow the direction and depth of the stairs. They can be a tad trickier to measure and hang but, in general, design-wise they are easier for the gallery wall to look finished once they are up.

If you are installing wood treads and risers down to a basement, definitely do a bit of research on that choice but here's a great example of how the stairs could look once installed. I wish we would have gone this route, personally!