7 Staircase Design Tips To Transform Your Home

chequerboard stairs — *Image credit:* *Annie Sloan*

Staircases are often one of the hardest areas of the home to know how to decorate. As they flow through each floor and connect up each space, it can be bewildering when deciding just where to start. If you are looking to install a new staircase or just want to spruce up your existing one, there are a vast number of inspiring design ideas out there that can help you decide on how you might want yours to look.

Go Bespoke

Creating a fun and bespoke staircase design is a really popular trend. From painting each riser a different colour for an ombre-rising rainbow, to spindles drenched in vivid hues like cobalt blue, modern and contemporary home design encourages the surprising and the joyful.

decoupage stairs — *Image credit: Annie Sloan*

Stencilling your staircase is an easy and effective way to add patterns to your steps; you can buy ready-made stencil sheets online small enough to paint a custom design on your risers. Or, if you are not confident enough to stencil, another idea is to use peel-and-stick tiles which are easy to apply and simple enough to remove if you get bored of them! As chequerboard patterns are currently popular, why not invest in some good-quality floor paint and use painter’s tape to mark off some squares to bring this contemporary pattern into your hallway?

Consider Lighting

While we adorn our bedrooms and living spaces with lamps and atmospheric lighting, the staircase is often left with the ceiling light being its only illuminating source. Unless you have a wide hallway with space for a console table, wall lights are a great way to elevate a staircase area and create an inviting and dramatic walkway. You don’t even need to have them wired in - battery-operated wall lights controlled by a remote allow you to host the lights on the wall and have them working without needing to hire an electrician.

industrial hallway — *Buster & Punch Caged Wall Light via* *Nest*

Add a bordered runner

A great way to add colour and definition to your stairs is to lay a bespoke runner with a colourful border. The look is traditional while still having personality and you can even get double borders if you fancy more than one colour. If you decide on a double border, think outside the box and pair two bright tones (pink and orange work well together) while keeping the runner a neutral shade for balance.

Border runner on stairs blue — *Tapi* *Carpet runner in the home of @house_at_403 on Instagram*

Install a new handrail

If your current staircase handrail is letting down your staircase, think about installing a new one. While traditionally these tended to be made from wood, there are now a variety of modern options made from materials such as steel, glass and metal.

curved staircase modern — *Image Credit: Superdwell*

Although for interior lovers aesthetics are important, you still want to prioritise safety. One way to do so is to secure your railings with solutions like square key clamp fittings. Key clamps represent one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century as they provide essential systems for staircases. A modular hand railing comprises a network of steel tubes and fittings that you can connect to form a strong and sturdy structure without welding. Homeowners can mount square key clamps on different staircase styles, including curved, straight, and spiral versions.

Create extra storage or a workspace

If the layout of your staircase means that there is dead space underneath it, don’t let it become a dumping ground. Instead, invest in built-in, bespoke storage and shelving underneath to contain baskets of shoes, hats and gloves that can be put away tidily. Another idea is to zone a small workspace area where you add a compact desk and a pinboard. This could be a great homework station, or an extra area to compose shopping lists or consult your diary before leaving the house.

under stair workspace area — *Milton Table and Kendal Chair from* *Furniture & Choice*.

Colourdrench

If working out what colour to paint each element of the staircase so that everything flows feels like hard work, why not colour-drench the entire area? Painting the walls, spindles, treads and trim all in the same shade not only makes decorating easier as there is no cutting in, but it also creates a cosy and cocooning feel that’s instantly inviting. If you are brave enough to go for a dark colour, all of the rooms that your staircase leads on and up to will instantly feel lighter and brighter.

colourwash hallway — *Image Credit: Carpetright*

Add panelling

Panelling the bottom half of your staircase wall can add a traditional feel that also allows for more protection and durability in this high-traffic area. If you paint your panelling in a hard-wearing, washable eggshell, it will be able to take the knocks and marks created when carrying items up and down the stairs. Panelling also enables you to be able to use wallpaper on the top half of the wall (if desired) to add more character to the space.

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