Modern Staircase Ideas

Custom painted steel horizontal railing with oak handrail made by Capozzoli Stairworks. Project location: Princeton, NJ. Please contact us at 609-635-1265 or visit our website www.thecapo.us for more information.

Ryan Edwards
Small minimalist wooden straight staircase photo in Raleigh with painted risers

Staircase - mid-sized modern wooden floating open and metal railing staircase idea in Los Angeles

Example of a mid-sized minimalist wooden l-shaped mixed material railing staircase design in Orange County

metal stringer with black powder coating
Staircase - mid-sized modern wooden straight open and metal railing staircase idea

Example of a mid-sized minimalist wooden u-shaped glass railing staircase design in Orange County with wooden risers

A staircase is so much more than circulation. It provides a space to create dramatic interior architecture, a place for design to carve into, where a staircase can either embrace or stand as its own design piece. In this custom stair and railing design, completed in January 2020, we wanted a grand statement for the two-story foyer. With walls wrapped in a modern wainscoting, the staircase is a sleek combination of black metal balusters and honey stained millwork. Open stair treads of white oak were custom stained to match the engineered wide plank floors. Each riser painted white, to offset and highlight the ascent to a U-shaped loft and hallway above. The black interior doors and white painted walls enhance the subtle color of the wood, and the oversized black metal chandelier lends a classic and modern feel. The staircase is created with several “zones”: from the second story, a panoramic view is offered from the second story loft and surrounding hallway. The full height of the home is revealed and the detail of our black metal pendant can be admired in close view. At the main level, our staircase lands facing the dining room entrance, and is flanked by wall sconces set within the wainscoting. It is a formal landing spot with views to the front entrance as well as the backyard patio and pool. And in the lower level, the open stair system creates continuity and elegance as the staircase ends at the custom home bar and wine storage. The view back up from the bottom reveals a comprehensive open system to delight its family, both young and old!

A new floating steel and glass stair with solid walnut treads filters light through the 4-floor townhouse.
Small minimalist wooden floating glass railing staircase photo in Boston with glass risers

Alan Blakely
Staircase - large modern wooden u-shaped open and metal railing staircase idea in Salt Lake City

Beautiful new entry and staircase with pull out storage built in to the staircase to maximize storage. Bench has continuity in to the line of the third stair tread. Photography by OnSite Studios.

Functional art at it's finest. Photo by Chris DiNottia.
Example of a minimalist wooden u-shaped wood railing staircase design in Seattle with wooden risers

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern wooden u-shaped metal railing staircase remodel in DC Metro with painted risers

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern wooden straight wood railing staircase remodel in Denver with painted risers

Natural Weave Wallcovering
Example of a minimalist floating wallpaper staircase design in Orange County

Floating staircase with steel mono-stringer and white oak treads as seen from below. The wood top rail seamlessly flows up the multi level staircase. Stairs and railings by Keuka Studios Photography by Dave Noonan

Example of a large minimalist wooden straight cable railing and open staircase design in Orange County

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern wooden l-shaped mixed material railing staircase remodel in Orange County

This breathtaking double-height entry foyer makes a bold statement with its warm minimalism and striking architectural details. Dramatic ceilings create an open, airy feel in the grand space. Underfoot, sprawling stark travertine tile floors establish the home's clean, contemporary aesthetic. The neutral travertine's rich neutral tones and organic veining add lovely warmth and texture. The showstopping focal point is the stunning console table - an exquisite custom piece that is truly a sculptural work of art. The sinuous, organic form contrasts beautifully with the entry's crisp lines. Despite its minimalist color palette of warm whites, grays, and naturals, the entry feels warm and welcoming. Thoughtful layering of organic textures, sculptural forms, and tailored details epitomize this home's transitional design brilliance.

When a world class sailing champion approached us to design a Newport home for his family, with lodging for his sailing crew, we set out to create a clean, light-filled modern home that would integrate with the natural surroundings of the waterfront property, and respect the character of the historic district. Our approach was to make the marine landscape an integral feature throughout the home. One hundred eighty degree views of the ocean from the top floors are the result of the pinwheel massing. The home is designed as an extension of the curvilinear approach to the property through the woods and reflects the gentle undulating waterline of the adjacent saltwater marsh. Floodplain regulations dictated that the primary occupied spaces be located significantly above grade; accordingly, we designed the first and second floors on a stone “plinth” above a walk-out basement with ample storage for sailing equipment. The curved stone base slopes to grade and houses the shallow entry stair, while the same stone clads the interior’s vertical core to the roof, along which the wood, glass and stainless steel stair ascends to the upper level. One critical programmatic requirement was enough sleeping space for the sailing crew, and informal party spaces for the end of race-day gatherings. The private master suite is situated on one side of the public central volume, giving the homeowners views of approaching visitors. A “bedroom bar,” designed to accommodate a full house of guests, emerges from the other side of the central volume, and serves as a backdrop for the infinity pool and the cove beyond. Also essential to the design process was ecological sensitivity and stewardship. The wetlands of the adjacent saltwater marsh were designed to be restored; an extensive geo-thermal heating and cooling system was implemented; low carbon footprint materials and permeable surfaces were used where possible. Native and non-invasive plant species were utilized in the landscape. The abundance of windows and glass railings maximize views of the landscape, and, in deference to the adjacent bird sanctuary, bird-friendly glazing was used throughout. Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO Photography