Stairs are a metaphor for life and the real estate market, they simply go up and down with the purpose of getting us from one place (or elevation) to another. First let’s just notice a set of stairs, a staircase, and observe what they can represent. If stairs reflect the journey we take daily in our home, then stairs should be stable and safe, aesthetically pleasing, and maybe even artful and beautiful.
Staircases often sit prominently in or around our homes, and we traverse them multiple times daily, so what can we do to improve our daily experience with this frequently used but sometimes forgotten feature? I see so many staircases when I list and show homes, and here is what has recently solidified for me. We don’t always think about our staircase or “see” it, but it is serving a primary function in homes, and noticing and improving this critical column of daily activity has a huge impact on you and your home’s design. Especially if you share my belief that it’s the simple things in our lives and homes that, if aligned with us and our desired experience, reflect joy and beauty back to us in our everyday lives. Stairs simply move us around, but if we walk them thousands of times surrounded by beautiful design and a sense of delight, isn’t that even better?!
Stairs Defined
Okay, I’m done philosophizing about stairs for a minute. Let’s get into actual stairways. The parts of stairs are likely words you have heard before, but in the interest of clarity, I have defined stairs by their parts using this little illustration. Note this diagram refers to the individual spindles by their formal name, “balusters.” And who knew the term for that little curve at the section extending out from the bottom tread? “Curtail.” Use those two words in a sentence or a crossword this week.
Next Steps (pun intended): Update and Upgrade
Take a look at your staircase today (if you have one) or check out a commercial building, your outdoor front porch steps, or a friend’s home if you don’t have one. What does it evoke? Is it inviting and reflective of your home’s vibe or your personality? What can you do to either update or elevate it? There is no right answer. You may have worn and carpeted treads that are old but cozy, a historic staircase that doesn’t meet current code but creates a sense of connection to the past, or a glass and metal modern stairway with solid blocks of wood as treads – there are so many unique designs and materials for stairs! They can lean contemporary, historic, traditional, or modern and sleek.
If you find your staircase is blah or meh, what can you do? Since most of us don’t intend to rip out our current staircase, the question becomes, what do we do to improve the experience on the one we already have? I checked in with a design consultant who gives me solid advice on the regular, Megan Daughtry of Proud House Studio. She offered some wisdom about how to update or elevate your staircase. Here are three simple ideas to elevate your staircase game.
“As an interior designer, I see stairs as an integral part of a home’s architecture and an opportunity to tell a story. The architecture of the stairs is engineered to be an integral structure supporting another floor and a pathway to gain access to what is often a private area of living. The Balusters are a decorative element that also prevents falling and can be steel, metal, or glass and have a design that often tells the story of the architecture of that home. The treads can match the flooring, be carpeted or be open underneath. The handrail and newel posts can also offer a design element reflecting the home’s style or homeowner’s preference. Add art to the walls, sconces or decorative pendant lights, and the eye is drawn up to that next level. What story do you want to tell to those traveling through your space? Look at this Before and After!” -Megan Daughtry
Change out the spindles and or the Newell posts
The classic staircase spindles or “balusters” on the before staircase can be refreshed with metal or another material. Fully replacing them with vertical versions that fit into the already bored holes in the wooden treads and handrail makes updating easier as there will be no holes to fill. What about dated new posts? Make a statement by replacing these or refinishing them to your desired look.
Recent Listing with 133-year-old stairs created with several unique, hand-crafted spindle patterns. This stairway was created in 1890, and it still stands proudly today. Don’t replace these as they are the story of the home!
This stairway isn’t historic, but it is dated. Check out the contrasting refinish and how they likely maintained the handrail but stained it and the treads accordingly.
Refinish the Treads
Changing from dated and worn carpet to wooden stairs is an elegant and easy-to-clean solution for updating your staircase. Not this relatively simple paint and re-finish project yields a show-worthy staircase and updates the feel of your home.
Decorate the walls, landings, treads, or the risers.
Great art or powerfully arranged family photos on the walls surrounding a staircase can elevate your everyday experience.
Your landings can also be a great place to put a tall plant or a refined basket for upstairs items to congregate before you eventually make the trip upstairs (or down).
You can always install a runner or individual custom-cut treads. I’ve used Flor squares cut and affixed to my wood stairs to increase grip for my family and my elderly dog. Or you could add some whimsy to the risers of your stairs. Nervous this is too much? Do it on your basement stairs or choose something simpler, like a contrasting paint color.
Add some whimsy to the risers of your stairs. Nervous this is too much? Do it on your basement stairs or choose something simpler, like a contrasting paint color.
That’s a lot of options for your home's central column. Review your stairs and determine if they need a heavy or light makeover. And if you ever need advice, let me know as I’ve got a team of designers of all project sizes and contractors that can implement your own designs too!
