MC Escher notwithstanding, staircases serve a highly functional purpose. They are a means to get from Point A to Point B – and back down again. But as practical as they are, staircases also feature prominently in your design. As one of the largest interior features, they inevitably draw the eye while emphasizing or complementing the overall style of the space. Why waste a great opportunity to make a beautiful impact?

These staircase styles will take your design to the next level (literally and figuratively!).

5 Staircase Styles to Keep Your Eye On

Rather than an afterthought after you plan a gorgeous chef’s kitchen or a fully equipped home office or gym, treat your staircase as a key design element.

1.Make Your Staircase a Focal Point

Transform the mundane into the magnificent, the ordinary into the extraordinary… you get the idea. You can take an interior element that is often just a member of the cast and turn it into a headliner.

In the past few years, there has been a distinct move towards more prominent, statement-making staircases in office/work settings. They can help maximize natural light and a feeling of openness and even facilitate connection and collaboration. We are seeing a similar trend in homes.

There are many ways you can achieve this, from your choice of railings and treads (more on these in a moment) to artwork and use of light. It doesn’t need to be ostentatious to be eye-catching. In this G&G home, for example, the staircase leads the eye up, giving the space a sense of great height and light-filled appeal. The simple darker wood elements capture the spirit of the prairie home and contrast beautifully with the white and light notes.

Enjoy a Secret Staircase

Flipping the focal point trend around, there is also something to be said for a hidden staircase. Tucked discreetly at the back of the house, it does not dominate the scene when you or your guests walk into your home. This allows other features or architectural details to shine. It can also subconsciously mark the upstairs as “off limits” to all but household members for those who highly value their privacy or who may have in-laws or others living in the upstairs quarters. Another important benefit: it provides access to the real hubs of the home – the kitchen, the family rooms, the bedrooms – without having to walk through to the entryway or foyer. 

Of course, you can also have a show-stopping entry way with a grand staircase that is always guest-ready and picture-perfect, if you choose. The back stairs, then, serve as the more functional, everyday steps you take to go to and fro. While not as common today, having two sets of staircases was a regular feature in affluent homes for centuries. 

3.Hit the Right Note with Two Tone Steps

This is another trend homes are “borrowing” from the commercial space. We often see two-tone steps for a very simple, practical reason: it makes it easier for folks to see so they can use them more safely. For homeowners, though, the prevailing goal may be to elevate their aesthetic.  

In this Modern Prairie home, the risers are crisp white while the treads are a sleek LVP. The contrast is simple and elegant, providing a little visual interest for the eye without being overwhelming. When going for two-toned steps, you can use different colors or shades of paint or different mediums altogether, such as paint and LVP, wood, or carpeting. You can go subtle, or you can go bold, depending on your style.  

Often, it is these little details that end up making a big impact on the overall design – and on your enjoyment of your home. 

4.Elevate the Elegance with Iron Rails

Iron rails are a terrific addition because the versatile material can accommodate any number of staircase styles. From intricate, ornate designs to clean, streamlined railings, they pair perfectly with virtually any architectural design, especially as the finish options are endless: unpainted, sandblasted, copper, gunmetal, hand antiqued, rust textured, powder coated, black, white, gray… The list goes on and on. But don’t worry: the G&G team will help you select the right style and finish for your needs. 

Aside from the aesthetic value, iron is incredibly strong, durable, and stable. All features you want in your staircase! 

5.Incorporate Textures for Added Interest 

We’ve already touched on a few ways to integrate texture to your staircase, including carpeting, wood or LVP, and the use of artwork. These touches add a dynamic layer to the decor, keeping it from looking flat, boring, or same old-same old. 

While many of us don’t think of the staircase as a canvas on which to paint our masterpieces, so to speak, they can be a beautiful way to display your personality and style. For example, instead of paint or carpeting on the risers, why not consider richly textured, 3D wallpaper for extra pop? Or making the staircase wall textural with stacked stone or another surface? 

So many possibilities!  

G&G Custom Homes 

Ready to start making those possibilities a reality? G&G Custom Homes specializes in delivering a memorable experience that leads to stunning results. Connect with our team to schedule your free consultation.