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Stair Flair: Staircases Unlike Any Other
Make Each Step Count with Tiles, Paint, and Unique Materials
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
If your home has two stories, a basement, or anything that requires the changing of floor levels, chances are you need a staircase. There are a few ways to go about it: you can choose the everyday traditional staircase, or you can make a statement with an original staircase that will make your neighbors jealous. Of course, in most cases, this requires you to be in the preliminary stages of a new construction or in the midst of a renovation, so maybe you can just tuck away these ideas for future use. However, if you’re in the place to take creative staircase action, consider the following tips to literally and figuratively bring your staircase to the next level.
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Create a division. Don't twist your neck: this split staircase instantly warrants a double-take.
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Vary the width. Most staircases are as wide at the top as they are at the bottom. Instead, consider building your staircase with varying widths to make for an interesting ascent and descent.
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Get creative with the railing. There are no rules that stair railings be installed parallel to the stairs. These vertical poles add the safety of a railing and an unexpected visual accessory.
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by Nic Darling
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| Or, install a stair wall. For maximum safety, outfit your staircase with a wall. The cut-outs are a fun addition and keep the staircase from feeling too entrapped. |
by Tamar Schechner
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Paint them. Here’s an easy and inexpensive way to add a unique splash to your staircase: paint! This lime green hue is playful and cheery, and the perfect entrance to this eclectic landing.
by Siller Stairs
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Create your own unique design. Like anything, stairs too can be customized into the unexpected design of your dreams. This semi-spiral staircase is as much of a sculptural piece as it is a functional one.
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Choose something out of the ordinary for the actual stairs. At the end of the day, the stairs are simply horizontal planks that can be made from a variety of materials. These wood blocks are a great rustic complement to this modern home.
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| Or, think concrete stairs for an unusual contemporary look. |
Add an unexpected stair landing. Instead of typically extending your stairs all the way to the floor, interrupt them with an interesting landing. Install drawers for extra storage.
Tile the stair risers. Add a graphic element by tiling your stair risers. Choose different patterns to make your ascent up the stairs continually surprising. Consider adding vertical stripes up and down your staircase to make it appear longer and add personality.
Mix it up. Wood stairs? Or stainless steel stairs? Why not both! When rustic meets contemporary it equals a chic combination full of texture.
by Aurelio Vazquez
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Back-light the staircase. For a staircase that glows day and night, add back-lighting beneath the stairs. No need for a night-light with this look!
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| Go for the glass. For a staircase that seems to just disappear, consider using glass. Just be sure you have the stomach for walking up and down them!
More Staircase Ideas: What's Hiding Under the Stairs 10 High Designs for the Handrail Artful Stairs: Continuity in Steel |
Comments
smilesparkles I can not imagine trying to keep glass stairs clean!! Some great ideas here though.
22 months ago · Like
Shawn Gauthier I can barely imagine walking on glass stairs without getting dizzy!!! But they certainly look cool ;)
22 months ago · Like
mrsben Although some of these stairs are virtually cool to look at, I'm afraid I would have to crawl up them rather than walk. To each their own! :)
22 months ago · Like
1gkelly1 I agree that all of the examples are very cool to look at, but the first three images are either 1) safety/trip hazards or 2) attractive nuisances and all three do not meet code requirements. And yes there is a rule that says that there must be a continuous unbroken hand rail parallel to the nose treads at a specified height. As a general contractor, I could never sign off on these designs and building inspector that I have ever met would take one look and laugh at me for trying to pass them off as safe.
22 months ago · Like
ntruro Lots of eye candy, but some wouldn't pass inspection.
22 months ago · Like
DecoDesignCenter.com Beautiful staircases-railings. We are doing more and more contemporary and modern stair and balcony railings than ever. I guess nobody wants wrought iron anymore for stairs. ha ha
22 months ago · Like
Maynard Studios Maybe not the "old wrought iron"! But you should see some of NEW stuff happening... 
22 months ago · Like
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Catalyst Architects, LLC stair to tower room from foyer 
22 months ago · Like
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Ideabook published on Aug. 7, 2011.
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