A friend does and I have always loved it. Her stairs run off a short hall and cheered up an otherwise dead space filled with doorways, so in effect became the art piece in the hall. I found it comforting and playful touch leading to the family bedrooms and playroom . Noting they used warm colour tones.

Thanks, Kate. That sounds lovely. I’m also looking to inject a little fun. Fingers crossed!

Had a friend who painted and, later, used wallpaper on the risers in her home. It looked fantastic. She said, for her, the trick was a muted and limited colour palette and a not very glossy, paint. And a somewhat subtle pattern when she used the wallpaper. Also, for safety, to be careful the pattern didn’t create any kind of optical illusion. She had two staircases and on one, she had good quality vinyl stickers and would move them about to entertain her little kids (and the visitors). No photos I’m sorry, but this 👇🏻 from Pinterest gives an idea of the stickers

Thanks, Jan. What a great idea! Some people are so creative!

Not sure about the mice!

Worse for ornithophobic me, Kate, abovementioned friend had some incredibly realistic 3D bird stickers. I knew they were there but every so often I’d get surprised by them. My “squeak” of horror could be heard in the next state 🤦🏻‍♀️

I can't offer any suggestions for stairs , but this thread reminded me of rugs

In country town Rutherglen Victoria they have speed humps painted with 3d effect on highway running through the township.

Probably not helping Stef (sorry Stef) but that is fascinating Pottsy and Kate. I’m imagining walking down Stef’s stairs and having to step onto one of those rugs, Pottsy! Wondering which part of my brain, logical or reactive, would triumph? We’re driving up to Canberra soonish, will have to take a detour to look at these speed humps too, Kate

And definitely don’t want to walk down those stairs to that rug after a few champagnes! 😂