Awkward Staircase Solution Needed

14 years ago

We have this staircase in the middle of our main floor floor plan. It is copper pipe and wood (so odd) and is simply strange for the flow of the house. The front door is 3 feet from the back (right) of the staircase. We are wanting to plan a renovation and all I can think of to make this staircase work is to open up the mid part (where the photo canvas is) and replace with railings. I've been all through HOUZZ and can't seem to fina solution. If this staircase has to remain, I would like to find an elegant way for it to exist. Possible?

As part of the renovation we may move the front door such that the door opens onto a new hallway infront of the staircase. Moving the staircase is quite costly. So hoping for some creative thoughts.

The style of our house is Transitional/eclectic

Featured Answer

mpoulsom

14 years ago

My first thought is to just build the wall up on the back part of the staircase that faces the door, and then replace the railing on the other side. In other words get rid of the railing entirely on that entrance door side of the staircase, so that you won't be looking into the stairs at all when you walk in. ??

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (16)

PRO
Custom Home Planning Center
14 years ago
http://www.yorkspiralstair.com/Products/York18.asp I've used this a few times the oldest installed 22 years ago worth the cost and changes you whole view of the space. The can do a combination of straight,curve and straight as well as needed.
PRO
Melanie Rebane
Original Author
14 years ago
I should also mention that there is a BAsement access that needs to be accomodated as well. Possibly complicates the use of a spiral? Also are there code issues with a spiral being your only access up and down from the second floor?
Related Professionals
Chambersburg Interior Designers & Decorators · Canton Interior Designers & Decorators · Amarillo Interior Designers & Decorators · Eugene Interior Designers & Decorators · Leominster Architects & Building Designers · Milwaukee Architects & Building Designers · Kalispell Architects & Building Designers · Huntsville Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Sarasota Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Rolla Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Lafayette Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Lansing Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · La Crosse Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Salt Lake City Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Seattle Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
dcer
14 years ago
Hi! I have seen some amazing staircase transformations using paint! If you could possibly paint the banister and spindles, it makes a staircase seem so much lighter. You could paint the spindles white, and then the banister pretty much any color! Chocolate brown and many shades of grey work well. You probably need to prime the copper...but I have only seen this done on staircases that are wood.
Hope that Helps!
lefty47
14 years ago
HI -- I think it would be worth it to get a few stair people in to see what they say about fixing a lest the bottom part of the stairs. Or get a consult with an architect . There is room to move with the small hall on the side possibly and maybe opening the basement stairs will be posible also. When was the house built because this looks like an 80's thing with the copper pipes . I think your floor plan will be much improved changing the stairs. Good Luck !
decoenthusiaste
14 years ago
Sell the spindles - copper is being stolen out of vacant homes and from businesses that stockpile it - might pay for the redo!
houssaon
14 years ago
I would replace the copper spindles.
Melanie Rebane thanked houssaon
jackieinabox
14 years ago
If you want something easy on the wallet you could replace the balusters with plain pre-painted white ones (cheap and clean looking) and add matching moulding to the side. It's fairly inexpensive but will make a big difference. Obviously if you're up for it you could stain or paint the rail and steps as well! Here's an example..
pcmom1
14 years ago
Think about just closing up the stairway, putting it behind a full wall on the side seen from the door.
Melanie Rebane thanked pcmom1
PRO
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
14 years ago
I agree with deco that copper is selling for big money these days. Cash in and change your staircase to iron balisters and railings. Or make the copper stand out by painting the oak (?) black.
Exterior, Entry, Living Room, Kitchen and Bedroom · More Info

Entry · More Info
PRO
Custom Home Planning Center
14 years ago
The model shown was code approved for main stair. Basement just mean you have to double the cost which could be an Och.
PRO
Melanie Rebane
Original Author
14 years ago
I believe the solution for this staircase willmake or break the investment ithe reno. As is really willtake away from anything we do... There is a dining on one side and living room office on the other...perhaps opening up one side and closing he other may be more cost effective...but that spiral is lovely...
PRO
Melanie Rebane
Original Author
14 years ago
Here are some of the treatments that i have been considering http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2153857/thumbs/staircase
jacksonmom
14 years ago
What is under that first landing? It just seems so bulky and dated - maybe the railing is less trouble than the wall. I agree with the pp - sell the balusters and go for something more timeless. Then, either open up the wall that you see when you open the door,
Best Builders ltd · More Info
give it more interest.
Minnesota Private Residence · More Info

Of course, you could always add a wine cellar. ;)
Vinotemp Under Stairs Wine Cabinets · More Info
Melanie Rebane thanked jacksonmom
PRO
Melanie Rebane
Original Author
14 years ago
Agreed the bulk is particularly awful. That bulkiness is the clearance to the basement from the dor of the left side of the staircase. If i were to fill it with any kind of cabinet i might be unable to clear my head going down the stairs. I wil look more closely and send pics of the underside.
PRO
Mint Design
14 years ago
I would consider eliminating the rails and taking the drywall all the way to the ceiling with a handrail on the inside wall. :)
Melanie Rebane thanked Mint Design