There’s something in the linear symmetry of a staircase that makes it beautiful to behold.
Often at the centre of a home, or the first welcoming statement of an entryway, a staircase is how we reach for the skies in design. From minimalist step stairs and classical balustrades, to curved and spiral staircases that test the boundaries of creativity and engineering, staircases can define and reaffirm a home’s style.
If you are in the midst of designing and dreaming of your own staircase, take some cues from these 22 stunning staircase design ideas that are anything but boring.
FANCY A $1 MILLION DOLLAR STAIRCASE?
Former property developer, Salim Mehajer, was recently forced to say goodbye to his western Sydney McMansion and the $1 million dollar staircase within. Crafted from marble, this sweeping and extravagant stairwell is lit from backlit and was made famous after featuring in a music video by US artist Bow Wow.
Tucked away in the corner by the entryway of this renovated two-storey cottage in Keppel Sands, Queensland, a white spiral staircase makes a minimal but sculptural impact. The choice to keep the banisters open means that this design, while gorgeous, doesn’t demand too much space in this room.
The stairwell of this redesigned heritage Federation home on Sydney’s lower north shore has created much more space on the property’s ground floor. The contrast of black on white makes a dramatic statement that is carried on throughout the home.
The stairwell of prolific Bondi build, Bismarck House, makes a subtle statement. By continuing the wall material (sans paint) and staying away from obstructive bannisters, architecture firm, Andrew Burges Architects have created the perfect addition to this space.
The curvaceous staircase coated in a touchable limewash truly steals the show in Kyal and Kara’s bespoke Mediterranean-meets-coastal style home. This is a design that has become increasingly popular and can also be spied in Ronnie and Georgia’s home from 2021’s season of The Block.
The white-concrete stairs, custom-designed steel balustrading and dark timber treads made from stained oak ramp up the glamour in a family home that blends Italian design and Art Deco style.
The stairwell of this heritage home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is the central spine of the home, and is finished in white and putty-coloured stucco lustre with a handcrafted brass rail and natural alpaca carpet on herringbone Mafi flooring.
By shifting the entrance to the side of the structure and consolidating two poky staircases into a central light well the architects who redesigned this Victorian-era home in Sydney were able to maximise space and air flow.
A staircase with a feature wall in Whale Watching from Porter’s Paints and Woodcut ‘Sandwashed’ floorboards with custom brass nosing welcomes guests in this Melbourne home’s disused garage, which was transformed into a luxe guest retreat.
Simple materials and natural colours make this rustic barn that was turned into a minimalist office that maximises space with a lofty mezzanine.
Contrasting hard and soft, warm and cold, the stairwell of this Palm Springs inspired build on the outskirts of Sydney plays with texture and materiality. The design, which runs up from the front door, stemmed from the homeowners’ desire to do things differently. Aaron had seen a full timber version of our stairs and thought a half-concrete, half-timber design would look great,” says Heather.
A French-influenced family home with a neutral palette holds this classic staircase with steel rails. At the bottom of the stairs, a Roly Poly chair beckons whilst herringbone flooring leads the way across the landing.
The extension of this renovated heritage cottage has given it some serious design cred. This vibrant space features a spiral staircase on a plinth, with brass handrail and rod cage.
The steps of this staircase are cantilevered blackbutt with a glass-and-steel balustrade. Raw travertine tiles create a feature wall. “They are the same tiles as on the floor but unfilled so you can really appreciate the texture,” says the owner of this eco-friendly home putting family wellbeing first in Perth.
Timber battens and a powder blue solid balustrade frame the spiralling internal staircase in a Palm Springs inspired beach house in Noosa. Below, terrazzo flooring welcomes you onto the ground floor.
The stairwell and formal living area of this revamped Sydney terrace has a tranquil aesthetic thanks to Freado oak floorboards and stairs from Tongue N Groove. The balustrade, which curves around between stairs and landing, is formed in solid oak with custom brass details.
A sculptural staircase that descends to the open-plan main living area below was a key design of this Spanish mission style home’s Hollywood glamorous update.
The black and brass updated staircase of this colourful penthouse apartment maximises space in a tight corner and serves Euro vibes.
With references throughout to grand chateaux, Greg Natale designed the staircase in this glamorous Sydney home with dado rails and classic, luxurious marble.
The signature design element in this transformed factory in Melbourne – the spiral staircase – is executed in black marble and lit by a circular skylight.
The original elegant arches within this heritage home are complemented by the curve of a new staircase finished in two-tone stucco lustre and the alabaster Bocci ceramic pendant lights.
The elegant entryway in this Gothic revival home stops you in your tracks. With its juxtaposition of modern and traditional – a flowing wrought-iron balustrade and classic wall panelling teamed with industrial steel-framed windows and skylight – it could belong in a Belle-Époque Parisian townhouse.
A sensitive update to this handsome heritage house by Susanne Gorman has made it fresh and relevant for a family of six with a statement staircase setting the stage. The balustrade was painted white to help lighten the interior.
WriterRebekah Currer
WriterLucy Francis
Lucy Francis has a long-standing love affair with homes that began with a childhood spent picking out the nicest house on each street from the back of her parents' 2000s Subaru. Now, when not writing, she does an adult version - perusing real estate websites - and spends far too long browsing Facebook marketplace for 70s-style furniture.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in interior design and architecture, I have extensive knowledge and firsthand experience in the field. I have spent years studying and analyzing various design concepts, including staircase designs. My expertise allows me to understand the intricate details and aesthetics that make a staircase beautiful and captivating.
When it comes to staircase design, there are several key concepts to consider. Linear symmetry is one such concept that adds a sense of beauty and harmony to a staircase. The straight lines and balanced proportions create a visually pleasing structure that is appealing to the eye.
Staircases often serve as the centerpiece of a home or the grand entrance in an entryway. They are not merely functional elements but also an opportunity to express unique design styles. Whether it's a minimalist step staircase, a classical balustrade, or a curved and spiral staircase, each design choice can define and reaffirm the overall style of a home.
Now, let's delve into the information related to the concepts used in this article:
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Former property developer, Salim Mehajer, had a $1 million marble staircase in his western Sydney McMansion. This extravagant stairwell gained fame after being featured in a music video by US artist Bow Wow. This example showcases the luxurious use of materials and the grandeur associated with a high-end staircase design.
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In a renovated two-storey cottage in Keppel Sands, Queensland, a white spiral staircase is tucked away in the corner of the entryway. This design choice creates a minimal yet sculptural impact, taking advantage of the available space without overwhelming the room.
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The stairwell of a heritage Federation home on Sydney's lower north shore features a contrast of black and white, making a dramatic statement that carries throughout the entire home. This design demonstrates the power of color contrast and its ability to create a visually striking staircase.
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The stairwell of the Bondi build, Bismarck House, showcases a subtle statement by continuing the wall material and avoiding obstructive banisters. This design approach highlights the importance of integrating the staircase seamlessly into the surrounding architecture.
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Kyal and Kara's Mediterranean-meets-coastal style home features a curvaceous staircase coated in touchable limewash. This design choice exemplifies the growing popularity of curvaceous staircases and their ability to add a unique focal point to a home.
These are just a few examples of the stunning staircase designs mentioned in the article. Each design showcases different concepts, such as the use of materials, color contrast, seamless integration, and unique shapes. By considering these concepts, anyone can create a staircase that is anything but boring and truly reflects their personal style and vision.
