Houzz editorial team. Photojournalist specialising in design, travel and living well. Follow her photodocumentary about pets and the people who love them on Instagram @unfoldingtails
Houzz editorial team. Photojournalist specialising in design, travel and living well.... More
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Why have a bland staircase when you can have one that brings not only a striking architectural element to your home, but also that light and airy feel most homeowners covet. And not only that – a standout staircase can bring a polished designer edge to your home that makes it look instantly more expensive. Be inspired by these stunning staircases – they’ll have you thinking outside the square and contemplating what you could do differently at your house.
Talk about doing things differently. Instead of supporting the weight of the stairs from the ground up, the support comes from above in such a way as to enhance the room rather than take up valuable space.
The staircase is pivotal in this grand extension to a traditional inner-Sydney terrace. A three-storey spiral stairway extends the full width of the house with cantilevering treads that don’t touch the perimeter walls. And it’s designed in such a way as to avoid the need for balustrades. “The staircase is dramatic, clever and beautifully made,” says Smart Design Studio architect William Smart. “It’s the most impressive feature of the house.”
If industrial style is the look you’re leaning towards, take inspiration from this forward-thinking German house and give your stairs some artistic edge. Concrete, steel and glass are a winning combination.
These concrete stairs avoid the heavy effect that can come with such a material by skipping the risers. Reinforced with sturdy rods secured through the wall, the chunky treads bring bold good looks to a home that isn’t shy about making a statement.
This contemporary take on the traditional stairway runner is both practical and polished, and the colours tie in seamlessly with the concrete and timber used throughout the house.
With a single wire holding up each stair and the treads so finely designed, a staircase like this appears to almost float on air. Better yet, the stairway does nothing to block the flow of light or hinder the home’s clean, contemporary vibe.
If you like a sturdier feel to stairs as you walk up or down, a design like this could deliver the right sort of middle ground.
Don’t forget about lighting when you’re planning your stairs. The strip lighting under each of these suspended stairs delivers safety and style in equal measure. Combining the first few stairs with cabinetry that gives a room form and function is a clever move.
When a room is as bright and white as this one, it needs a grounding influence. The black staircase brings this room down to earth, but still allows plenty of light to penetrate.
The material you choose for your stairway can be what gives it wow factor, so it pays to think beyond timber and steel when you’re weighing up your options. In this case, marble takes these stairs upmarket.
A staircase that starts out one way and transitions to another is all the more interesting, and can prevent the stairs encroaching on the room too much.