Indoor stairs are now far from just functional. They’re often one of the most important parts of your home given its often entrance poisoning in larger, period properties or multistoried penthouses. Grand staircases are an integral part of many London homes and cannot be overlooked when updating interiors, especially given the value they can add to a home.
There are plenty of design options to choose from, often making the decision seem overwhelming. These include simple straight stairs, fancy L-shaped, U-shaped, curved, spiral, floating steps and many more. However, finding the appropriate match that fits in perfectly with the long-term aesthetic vision (and cost) is where professionals can be of great help. Let’s first discuss the various components of home staircases before we delve into the details.
Spindles: Also known as balusters, these are the vertical posts on which the handrail rests.
Newel: Also known as a central pole or support column, the newel post supports the handrail.
Treads and risers: The central parts of the stairs, treads are the horizontal surfaces you step on, while risers are the vertical boards that connect the treads.
Getting the measurements right
From a design perspective, it is always advisable to select a style that complements the dimensions and orientation of your property. To begin, we need to obtain exact measurements for key characteristics, including the total rise, tread depth, riser height, and overall width. You can choose the style that best suits your room and the overall design theme of your home.
How to choose the right staircase design?
The staircase design you choose must be in sync with the spatial features and the overarching theme. Straight staircases are ideal for traditional and minimalist styles, while L-shaped or spiral ones are good for tight spaces. Curved staircases look elegant in grand, luxurious homes with ample space to spare, while glass-panelled, floating stairs give modern homes an edgy, eye-catching appearance.
Does InStyle provide staircase renovations?
Staircases can become a focal point of any renovation plan, and getting them right is crucial. At InStyle Direct, we transform dated properties into modern living spaces by updating everything from scratch.
Here are two case studies from our recent renovations at Cleveland Gardens in Westminster that showcase our expertise with staircases and beyond.
Property 1: Block staircase to spiral
While the project’s scope included transforming the entire layout from a dated four-bedroom lateral apartment into a spacious three-bedroom modern home, the old block staircases also needed an upgrade.
i. Design and structure
Before: The staircase was outdated and featured a 90-degree turn at the top. The white spindles and newel posts were simply old and unattractive.
After: Our designers modified it to a spiral frame that complements the open-plan architecture of the living area and added marble treads for a high-end look.
ii. Railing and balustrade
Before: The heavy wooden posts looked bulky, with traditional wooden spindles.
After: Sleek, metallic balusters were incorporated, eliminating the need for newel posts.
iii. Interior integration
Before: The staircase lacked cohesion and appeared as a separate entity, with exposed and unpolished flooring.
After: Enhanced curvy flow and design continuity with clean finishes to match the new interiors.
Result achieved: The apartment’s rent shot up from £4,100 to £8,500, and was reserved by the very first viewer.
Property 2: Basic to beautiful staircase upgrade
This stucco-fronted, three-bedroom period property needed an upgrade to boost its rental appeal, and its worn-out, archaic staircase wasn’t helping.
i. Structure and materials
Before: A traditional wooden staircase with white-painted spindles and newel posts. Dark, tired-looking risers with a dated design.
After: A modern wooden staircase with lighter-toned treads, sleek black metal balustrades and clean, minimalist design.
ii. Wall and railing integration
Before: Clunky design with white painted walls and railing for an ordinary, straightforward finish.
After: Infused with character derived from bright yellow panelling on the walls, creating a cohesive and eye-catching look.
iii. Lights and accents
Before: No decorative lighting near the staircase
After: A decorative hanging light fixture was added to enhance the warm tones used for the staircase.
Result achieved: The apartment was successfully let for double the initial rent
Final thoughts
The examples above were part of larger home improvements, but even small adjustments, such as changing the bannisters from a satin to a matte finish or replacing outdated treads and risers with newer ones, can go a long way.
Our team of dedicated designers and project managers at InStyle Direct collaborates to create beautiful staircase renovations that will last for years and cost less than you might think. Contact us today for a quote to renovate the stairs and the interior of your London home.
