stairways to heaven
Whether it is grand or small, the staircase is one of the most important aspects of a home! A staircase is often the first thing you see when you enter a home, and there are so many options when it comes to decorating this area to fit your personal style. Showing off your taste in the entry of your home is important because it introduces your guests to the vibe of the rest of your home! Keep reading to see just a few tips and tricks we love to use when it comes to decorating staircases, along with some designs that we love from other talented interior designers!
functional and fabulous
There are so many ways to make your staircase a multi-functional space, like in this design where we did with built-in storage under the stairs! Instead of creating a hidden closet, we designed this built-in feature that allows our client’s children to store school supplies, shoes, toys and more! This is an excellent way of saving space while designing for families that need some extra storage. This type of built-in is also something that can be done to create a smaller bookcase if you are an avid reader or want extra book storage!
We suggest using an easy-to-clean paint finish so that when messes happen (which they will with kids) it will make for a significantly less complicated clean-up. From kicking of their shoes to throwing their backpack down after a long day at school, this storage nook is so functional for kids with busy schedules!
Design by: @emilyjunedeisgns
Photo by: @kerrykirkphoto
vintage virtue
This staircase features an amazing attention to detail from the staircase risers to the teal and gold balusters. Lining a staircase wall with art and framed photos is very common, but this designer took is a step further with the gorgeous use of black and white paint used to highlight the art! The runners of the staircase are a light pink while the risers feature a subtle but beautiful pattern that adds even more detail to the design. This is something that can be easily done in your own home! You can add a durable wallpaper or painted design to the risers of your staircase to create a focal point in your home.
Windows are another thing that is common near a staircase. You can decorate these areas with plants, as seen here, or add your own personal touches whether it be artwork, books, or vases. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone when designing your own staircase!
Design by: @onealchemyhouse
entry elegance
Many two-story homes feature a staircase within the entryway of a home., and in these cases it’s imperative to make your entry stand out with your own personal touches! This staircase makes use of gold guardrails and matching decorative balusters that attract attention in this overall white palette. The tread of this staircase is a darker brown wood that would look extremely heavy within this design, so a lighter stair runner is used to offset this. A unique piece of artwork is used next to this staircase which adds to the individualism of this space!
Using a piece of artwork like the one pictured is one of the easiest ways to make your own staircase stand out. Art creates a personal touch that will invite people into your home when they first enter, and give them a sense of your personality and style!
Design by: @robbowendesigngroup
Photo by: @seamuspayne
“yes” to yellow
This bright yellow staircase has a personality of its own! This is something any guest won’t be able to miss when walking through this home. This bright yellow color acts as the focal point of this entire home against the dark walls that surround it. If you want something as loud as this within your home then this is your answer! Just be sure to use a paint that is durable, has good grip, and is easily cleanable. Staircases see a lot of wear-and-tear, so choosing a paint finish with these qualities will be the best for its sustainability and safety.
Aside from the bold color of this staircase, there’s something else we love to do when decorating and it is a good gallery wall! These can be done anywhere in the home, however a gallery wall next to a staircase is always a great place to start! This is something simple and easy to do when compared with painting a staircase an entirely different color.
Design by: @youngbradford
Photo by: @chrismottalini
colorful creativity
Using bold colors against neutral palettes is something we love to do because it makes the colors pop even more! This designer expertly used black and white to create a balanced neutral background, and used boldly colored accessories to make this space stand out! The blue stair runner makes this staircase unique in its own way, and paired with the bright pink seating, it creates a design that is one-of-a-kind. This staircase is very traditional in shape and color on its own, but the bright colors and simplicity of the space creates a modern atmosphere. If you have a more traditional staircase do not be fooled into thinking your space can’t be modern! This design is the perfect example of how to take an existing traditional space and still make use of a modern style. Try adding bold pops of color along with modern forms of furniture and you’ll see your space begin to transform!
Design by: @jonathanadler
Photo by: @josemanuel.alorda
reading nook relaxation
This small reading nook at the base of the staircase is an excellent way of utilizing extra space! The thin balusters and handrail give this staircase an elegant look while the neutral palette creates a sense of relaxation and tranquility. The wallpaper features a large scale pattern, while the stair runner and bench cushion make use of a smaller scale pattern. This is a great way of mixing patterns within a space and adding a bit more interest to the overall neutral design!
If you find that you have extra room next to a staircase, you can use the built-in storage option mentioned above or use this space as another seating area within your home. The lighting feature above this nook is something important to remember when adding one to your own home! This space will need its own task lighting, and it will help separate this space from the walkway. Wallpaper in a staircase area is another easy way of changing up the look of your home. You can do anything from neutral colors to bright colors and bold designs. Whatever your style is, there is a wallpaper that is bound to match it!
Design by: @AmylBerry @William_S_Briggs
Photo by: @NathanSchroderPhoto