At the simplest and most functional level, staircases are designed to transport people from one level of the home to another. However, staircases offer more than just function; they can make impactful interior statements as architectural features.

Far from being a functional addition to your home, a well-designed staircase can create a dramatic focal point. If you’re still in the planning stage of decorating your staircase, do it in style with these steps from the experts at Ackworth House.

Consider design cues

Your home’s style can provide the starting point to the creative design of your staircase. Stairs with clean lines paired with timber, glass and steel will fit in a modern and minimalist scheme. Stairs with wrought iron balustrades and timber handrails will suit traditional homes.

Remember to keep liveability in mind. Even though your staircase can act as a focal point, its design should work with the interiors of your home rather than dominate the scheme.

Choose your balustrade wisely

Choosing the balustrade is an opportunity for you to decorate the stairway and reinforce the style you want for your home. Timber has an extensive range of tones that provides warmth and visual texture. Glass can be on the pricey side, but it’s worth it if you want to draw in more light and views to your interiors.

Stainless steel has always been a versatile and robust option and pairs well with various materials like wire for a minimalist look. Mild steel also suits a spectrum of styles, from strong architectural lines to wrought-iron lacework.

Tread carefully

Tread styles and finishes provide you with further creative control. They’re a simple yet effective way to enhance the look of your stairs and mesh well with your home’s overall decor.

Closed treads are a cost-effective option as economical structural timbers can be used. They also offer the opportunity for concealed storage underneath. When carpeted, they’re great in households with small children as they offer excellent slip resistance and deaden noise.

Open treads, on the other hand, can help places feel larger and enhance the flow of natural light. They provide a sleek and modern look that improves the aesthetics of any home.

Decorative decisions

As stairwells are high-traffic areas, pair durable finishes with decorative touches such as a washable and hard-wearing paint in a low-sheen finish to help conceal marks.

If you want the space below to look and feel larger, opt for pale walls. They let light bounce down from the upper levels, giving the illusion of a wider area. To create an intimate feel, go for dark tones that draw the eye in. A collection of framed photos and artwork can also help break up expansive walls and form a lovely home gallery.

Create a stunning staircase for your home with Ackworth House

For more than 40 years, Ackworth House has been designing, manufacturing and installing staircases in New Zealand. We have an extensive range of staircase designs that can be customised to stand out or blend in with your existing architectural blueprint. From timber staircases to open risers, we have a design to suit the style of any home.

To find out more about our staircase designs, contact us today.