Architecture
Get High on Staircases With a Designer Difference
Some of these stylish staircases are made from surprising materials, others simply defy convention
Why have an ordinary staircase, when you can have one that not only boasts architectural prowess but shows off what it’s made of? Let’s face it, staircases are no longer used solely for their function and practicality. Today’s staircases can add immediate elegance to a room, transforming the space to one of style and sophistication. They play an important role in defining an interior space too, from one floor to another. Here, we look at staircases that defy convention, using materials that not only transform but also enrich and enliven the heart of a home.
Floating timber treads
These stairs are sleek, sexy and, because they have ‘floating’ treads, are perfect for maximising light. The glass balustrades allow light to be carried between levels, while the dark timber treads and handrail give the staircase the appearance of floating in mid air. This has created harmony in the room, and the graphic black and white palette makes the ultimate modernist statement, which is great inspiration for those looking for a minimalist revamp of their own house.
These stairs are sleek, sexy and, because they have ‘floating’ treads, are perfect for maximising light. The glass balustrades allow light to be carried between levels, while the dark timber treads and handrail give the staircase the appearance of floating in mid air. This has created harmony in the room, and the graphic black and white palette makes the ultimate modernist statement, which is great inspiration for those looking for a minimalist revamp of their own house.
Modern marble marvel
Marble is one of those materials that instantly transforms a room from drab to dreamy, so if you can afford it, then why not use it in a more unorthodox manner, i.e. for stairs?
Breaking away from convention, this stunning bespoke staircase is made from marble and boasts a clear rimless balustrade that makes it look like it is floating. In this London penthouse, designer Oliver Burns has paired the staircase with polished stainless steel trimming and has bathed it in light, presumably streaming from a window on the next level or directly from a skylight above.
Marble is one of those materials that instantly transforms a room from drab to dreamy, so if you can afford it, then why not use it in a more unorthodox manner, i.e. for stairs?
Breaking away from convention, this stunning bespoke staircase is made from marble and boasts a clear rimless balustrade that makes it look like it is floating. In this London penthouse, designer Oliver Burns has paired the staircase with polished stainless steel trimming and has bathed it in light, presumably streaming from a window on the next level or directly from a skylight above.
Inspiring steel spirals
Spiral stairs aren’t just found in fire stations anymore. Although not as easy to navigate as their straight counterparts (especially after a few drinks), spirals are versatile and space efficient.
Here, Allwood Constructions have paired industrial black metal railings with warm natural timber treads and have created an upward circling gridline that’s at once dramatic and dynamic.
Spiral stairs aren’t just found in fire stations anymore. Although not as easy to navigate as their straight counterparts (especially after a few drinks), spirals are versatile and space efficient.
Here, Allwood Constructions have paired industrial black metal railings with warm natural timber treads and have created an upward circling gridline that’s at once dramatic and dynamic.
Dramatically lit staircase
If you’re after some architectural extravagance and have room to play with, these are the stairs for you. Overwhelmingly impressive, and featuring the bold use of concrete and grand balustrades, these stairs create an air of modern industrial opulence. The strip lights under the concrete treads further add to the dramatic appeal of the design, while also highlighting the wall colour and polished finishes. Add an oversized light fixture to show off the cathedral-like ceilings and you have yourself a flamboyant staircase that will no doubt be a talking point for visitors.
If you’re after some architectural extravagance and have room to play with, these are the stairs for you. Overwhelmingly impressive, and featuring the bold use of concrete and grand balustrades, these stairs create an air of modern industrial opulence. The strip lights under the concrete treads further add to the dramatic appeal of the design, while also highlighting the wall colour and polished finishes. Add an oversized light fixture to show off the cathedral-like ceilings and you have yourself a flamboyant staircase that will no doubt be a talking point for visitors.
Suspended wooden wonder
If you’re going to use a more commonplace material such as timber for your new staircase, why not break the rules in the way you construct them?
This Montreal townhouse has done just that with these floating stairs made of engineered European white oak. The high vertical balustrades that hold each tread elongate the height, and their repetition creates a sense of balance and visual calmness. The wooden treads, suspended as they are, create a feeling of openness and allow light to travel between levels.
If you’re going to use a more commonplace material such as timber for your new staircase, why not break the rules in the way you construct them?
This Montreal townhouse has done just that with these floating stairs made of engineered European white oak. The high vertical balustrades that hold each tread elongate the height, and their repetition creates a sense of balance and visual calmness. The wooden treads, suspended as they are, create a feeling of openness and allow light to travel between levels.
Zig-zag climber
Functionality is important, but aesthetics and design completely transform a room. This seemingly simple staircase, for instance, creates an artistic element.
The rich, dark German oak treads contrast against the white wall, while the camouflaged handrail serves a purpose but does not take away from the unconventional and surprising form of the design. The simple zig-zag pattern adds energy to the space and, furthermore, creates a sculptural aesthetic that serves as the art in the room.
Functionality is important, but aesthetics and design completely transform a room. This seemingly simple staircase, for instance, creates an artistic element.
The rich, dark German oak treads contrast against the white wall, while the camouflaged handrail serves a purpose but does not take away from the unconventional and surprising form of the design. The simple zig-zag pattern adds energy to the space and, furthermore, creates a sculptural aesthetic that serves as the art in the room.
Black and white stripes
The stairs of this inner-city terrace display a point of difference not so much through the unconventional materials used, but rather their unusual finish. They were painted in the monochromes of black and white to resemble a striped floor runner. The effect cascades down and snakes around the landing creating interest and energy as you travel up and down. Paint is an inexpensive way to personalise and add drama to stairs, without creating too much upheaval.
The stairs of this inner-city terrace display a point of difference not so much through the unconventional materials used, but rather their unusual finish. They were painted in the monochromes of black and white to resemble a striped floor runner. The effect cascades down and snakes around the landing creating interest and energy as you travel up and down. Paint is an inexpensive way to personalise and add drama to stairs, without creating too much upheaval.
Quirky ply craftsmanship
An unconventional approach features in the design of these bold, steeply graded and exceptionally eccentric stairs. Built in an apartment in a converted industrial building, this staircase is not only beautiful and sculptural, but adds an enormous amount of character to the space. Doubling as a bookshelf, it’s spatially efficient and perfectly combines structure and aesthetic. The added bonus is that you don’t have to leave your house to have a workout!
An unconventional approach features in the design of these bold, steeply graded and exceptionally eccentric stairs. Built in an apartment in a converted industrial building, this staircase is not only beautiful and sculptural, but adds an enormous amount of character to the space. Doubling as a bookshelf, it’s spatially efficient and perfectly combines structure and aesthetic. The added bonus is that you don’t have to leave your house to have a workout!
Stylish under-storage
When choosing what to build under your stairs, consider what best works for you – whether that’s storage, bookshelves or even a small study nook. The area beneath staircases is often an under-utilised space that can be put to good use. If well considered, the design of the storage can act as an impressive feature of the general style of the stairs.
The ones pictured here hold a wall of cupboards and drawers, maximising storage space through the effective use of decorative cabinetry. Combined with sleek wire balustrades, this stairwell cleverly hides everyday knick-knacks and avoids the cluttered look while remaining exceptionally stylish.
What to build under the stairs
When choosing what to build under your stairs, consider what best works for you – whether that’s storage, bookshelves or even a small study nook. The area beneath staircases is often an under-utilised space that can be put to good use. If well considered, the design of the storage can act as an impressive feature of the general style of the stairs.
The ones pictured here hold a wall of cupboards and drawers, maximising storage space through the effective use of decorative cabinetry. Combined with sleek wire balustrades, this stairwell cleverly hides everyday knick-knacks and avoids the cluttered look while remaining exceptionally stylish.
What to build under the stairs
Twisted grandeur
Classic elegance meets cutting-edge design in this dramatic and curvaceous staircase that winds its way up to a spacious attic. The monochromatic fully-carpeted curve provides a sculptural element in the room without taking up too much floor space.
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Have you used unusual materials for your stairs, or do you have an unusual staircase in your home? Upload photos and show us in the Comments section.
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Classic elegance meets cutting-edge design in this dramatic and curvaceous staircase that winds its way up to a spacious attic. The monochromatic fully-carpeted curve provides a sculptural element in the room without taking up too much floor space.
TELL US
Have you used unusual materials for your stairs, or do you have an unusual staircase in your home? Upload photos and show us in the Comments section.
MORE
Browse more statement staircases
The stairs in this space immediately elevate the look of the room to one of cool sophistication. The large-format raw concrete steps brighten and widen the room, while the large glass windows that line the staircase further add light and spatial depth. There is a sense of serenity and languid peacefulness in this house, created mainly through the extensive use of concrete. And although it is traditionally an industrial material, here it is used in such a way that defies expectations.
Design features to work out of concrete