Decor Dare: Gradient, Blush-Colored Stairs

When I saw these blush-colored steps on Design Sponge, I immediately started plotting how I might convince my landlord it would be a brilliant idea to rip out all the ratty carpet in my building's entryway. The steps would transform from being merely useful (and a dread to walk up) to show-stopping.

If you can't make your super see the necessity of this painting trick, there are other ways to try it. Painting the flat fronts of just a few steps that connect two rooms will create a clever separation between spaces. With the look here, the key is the pure-white walls which complement and center the bold, pink hue. Don't have stairs? You can also try painting the back of a bookshelf in darker to lighter shades. Whatever you do, use a color like this tonal blush — it's guaranteed to take your mood up a level.