Make an Impact with a Contemporary Staircase, Architecture and Interiors Images
How to Make an Impact with a Contemporary Staircase Tips
A staircase will always play a starring role in the look of a home – Architectural Article by Houzz
16 Oct 2017
Contemporary Staircase
A staircase will always play a starring role in the look of a home, so be captivated by these stunners
Full article first published on Houzz
Sarah Warwick, Houzz Contributor
From floating, how-do-they-stay-up steps through to tactile wood and beautiful sculptural forms, these spectacular staircases show the design possibilities in contemporary homes, as well as in modern extensions to older properties. The spine of a house, the staircase can be a stunning feature whether it’s located in a hallway or at the heart of an open-plan layout. If you’re looking for ideas for new stairs in your own home, feast your eyes on these delights.
Look upwards
In white oiled pine with painted treads, the soffit (that’s the part underneath) of this staircase as it turns has an attractive faceted form that adds graphic contrast to the sleek hallway. The lesson? Consider the appearance of the staircase from below as well as the view straight on if it’s in an open area. If you’re planning a new staircase, it’s worth bearing in mind that those with a 180-degree turn can provide a welcome pause when you’re climbing.
Tread lightly
White treads reflect the daylight that reaches this staircase through glass panels to keep the central stairwell light filled. Riser bars occupy the open space between the treads (such a detail will often also be a safety feature to remove the risk of slips between the steps, especially for young children). As an alternative, you could consider glass risers or half risers for free flow of light and an open appearance.
How to bring more daylight into your home
See through
Placed in the centre of the hallway, the straight staircase of this new-build home helps to draw attention to the full height of the building and exposed roof structure, while its materials echo the palette used throughout the house.
Balcony style is important but so is visibility – check out glass balustrades maintain the flow of light.
A glass balustrade, especially a frameless one like this, teamed with open tread steps has the potential to maximise daylight in any hallway, but must follow Building Regulations when it comes to the gap between the steps for safety’s sake.
Make old new
The wood staircase in this new-build home makes its traditional roots plain, but it’s still thoroughly modern. Carved spindles and newel posts are exchanged for sleek and fuss-free lines and precise angles. Check out the way the curvaceous light cables contrast with the straight lines of the staircase. Contrast in design can often be a striking thing.
Get an architect’s tips on how you can make more of your staircase
Make a fresh start
An extended hallway is complemented by a contemporary staircase in this revamped bungalow. Glass balustrades maintain the flow of light, while the handrail is tactile in timber to match the steps. To emphasise the depth of a space like this one, paint the rear wall in a darker shade.
Maximise the view
Open treads allow the view through the floor-to-ceiling glazing in this new build to remain visible through the staircase. Although open, the industrial-style support visually signals the staircase’s strength as well, again, as partially blocking the gap between the risers for safety.
Matching staircase timber to other wood finishes in the interior, including elements such as wooden beams, can create an aesthetically pleasing continuity of materials throughout.
Float upstairs
These cantilevered stairs look as if they’re floating. To make them safe without distracting from their lighter-than-air appearance, they’ve been teamed with clear balustrades.
Note the contrast between no-visible-support minimalism and the dark-wood finish that makes them feel substantial and ensures they make a statement.
Store more
Leading to a new basement, this staircase is made from oak. The glass in the handrail is backlit and the soft light can be seen from the room below. The under-stairs storage in this design looks super modern thanks to the unobtrusive door panels. And dividing the under-stairs storage into sections helps make locating and accessing the contents easier.
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