10 Tips to Step Up Your Staircase Game

Feature 10

In his poem “Stairs – A Toast”, Oliver Herford paid homage to the inventor of the staircase. Though no one seems to know who the father of steps may be, mother nature has often produced remarkable wonders, such as the Giant’s Causeway located in Northern Ireland. According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica (2019), this marvellous handiwork is said to have been formed around 50 million years ago, and the area contains “40,000 of these stone pillars, each typically with five to seven irregular sides, jutting out of the cliff faces as if they were steps creeping into the sea.”

Another interesting point to note is that there are several staircase records in the Guinness Book of World Records. One such title is the most consecutive stairs climbed on the head. This title belongs to Li Longlong, who negotiated a total of 36 steps through only the force of motion and his head.

You could say that the journey to renovating your staircase begins with you taking the first step. Stair railings not only serve as safety features but can serve as a complementary feature in your home’s signature style. They come in varying colours, shapes and sizes and can add to the value and overall charm of your home.

Here are 10 tips from Homebuilding & Renovating UK, on how updating your staircase could elevate your home into a sophisticated sanctuary.

1)

Mix Materials to Make a Great First Impression

Your staircase may be the first thing family members and guests see. Therefore, it’s important to give them a warm welcome when entering your home.

This design can be influenced by colour, wall panelling, interior cladding or clever layering of materials through the stairway and into the hallway.

2)

Be Bold with Your Stairs

Your staircase can get a new lift from a paint job. Your dim passageway can be transformed with bright, bold colours. Some colours, like blues, mid-greys and greens, inspire calm while other colours, like yellows and pinks, are perky and can lift anyone’s mood at the end of a long day.

3) 3)

Enclose Staircase with an Open Concept

If you must enclose your stairway, using an open space design can harmonise the transition from private to public spaces. This creates a friendly and welcoming atmosphere while integrating the operational feature of the staircase with the artistic design of the house.

4)

Light up Your Stairway

Accessorising your stairway with a modern suspended light fixture can be an effective way to add a spark to your space.

Additionally, Homebuilding & Renovating suggests that if you have an open tread staircase, you can conceal LED lights under each step to create an ethereal effect.

5)

Pay Attention to Details

Find creative ways to utilise the space under the stairs (spandrel), while also adding material and lighting that will complement the area.

Neutral and pastel tones can be paired with recessed lights and accent lighting across the steps to give hallways and staircases a special touch

6)

Stairwell Gallery Walls

Add a modernised personal touch to your stairwell by mounting family photos with colour-coordinated frames.

7)

Wood and Metal Contrast

Mixing Scandinavian-inspired pale woods and matt black finishes has become chic in the last few years.

Combine simple balusters with wooden steps with trendy continuous handrails to create an elegant setting.

8)

Staircase with Pops of Colour

Colour can boost the dreariest mood, so you can always bring your stairway alive by merging stairway styles with contemporary hallway designs to create a fun and exciting space.

Colour concepts can include “powder-coated steel, a pop of colour on a wooden balustrade or contrasting a strong hue on the walls with a neutral staircase for a warm welcome.”

Don’t let old and dull stairs ruin your lofty plans to modernise your home. Collaborate new design ideas, whether with your rails or walls to create a unique staircase. Adding an industrial glass and metal staircase to old stairs can be the right addition to achieve an updated look.

10) 9)

Cosy up on a Carpet Balance the Old with the New Ideas for a Unique Staircase

Clothe your stairs with a carpet to create a cosy-comfy feel. This may not only be pleasing to the eyes but also to the feet. Just be careful to select one that’s both flattering and durable.

Creating the balance between functionality and fashion in updating your staircase may seem like a daunting task but know that the transformation will be well worth it. Use these tips to climb out of the drab and into contemporary chic.

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2019, October 10). Giant’s Causeway. Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Giants-Causeway