31 Staircase Ideas That Are Truly Next Level | Architectural Digest

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Stairs are more than just a utilitarian fixture of the home. Why not make a major statement in the entryway with one of the following staircase ideas, which are sure to capture guests’ attention as soon as they set foot inside of your space? There are so many creative routes to take when it comes to staircase design. “Staircases are a beautiful way to work in corresponding materials found elsewhere in the home or to add pattern and texture through runners,” says AD PRO Directory member Benjamin Johnston of Benjamin Johnston Design.

Below you’ll find 31 top-notch staircase design ideas from experts all across the country that will leave you feeling majorly inspired, whether you desire a modern staircase, crave a minimalist look, are working with a small space, and so much more. (Just don’t make these staircase renovation mistakes.)

Designers agree that architecturally interesting staircase shapes are having a moment as of late. “Whether it’s a floating staircase made of steel and wood with a glass railing or a curved organic plaster staircase, stairs are now becoming more than just a functional element—they are making an artistic statement,” says Cheri Etchelecu Martin, the founder of Dallas’s Cheri Etchelecu Interior Design.

Bryan Yates, the Dallas–based founder of Yates Desygn, echoes similar sentiments. “Designers are thinking of staircases as a way to create a unique element within a home, whether it be painting the risers or implementing a custom rug,” he says. “Think outside the box when it comes to not only stairs, but all small spaces in general.”

Professional interior designers have several suggestions for how to best give stairs a makeover without breaking the bank. Consider laying down a carpet runner or painting an element of the staircase, such as a riser or railing, Shannon Callahan, director of design at Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc. suggests. Additionally, consider hanging a gallery wall of favorite art prints on the stairwell. “If your stairs are bland or need something to dress it up, then creating a cool wall of art can instantly make stairs seem like a curated area,” Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs adds.

Constructing a staircase from scratch can be an investment. “Depending on what you’re looking to do with your stairs they can be a lot of work to construct, in labor and cost,” Hayslett explains. “Even a simple set of stairs can cost a pretty penny.” She recommends evaluating various staircase ideas and determining the stair design that appeals to you before meeting with a contractor, as structure will greatly affect cost.

Designers agree that the materials one selects for a staircase design will vary depending on a client’s needs and preferences. Yates is personally a proponent of a wood tread with a custom runner. Viki Chupik, the founder of Chupik Design, is partial to hardwood treads, stained wood or painted paneling, and wool carpet runners.

There’s a range of decorating ideas that will add a luxurious touch to your staircase. “I recommend looking to your personal style to achieve a visually high-end and unique space,” Martin says, citing stair runners and wall treatments as possible additions.

The right finishes will also make all of the difference. “For my projects, I gravitate towards plaster walls or wood paneling details, marble or stone treads and risers, wool woven stair runners in a sophisticated stripe or chic pattern, handcrafted bronze railing with unique details, and upholstered benches at the landing,” Chupik says.

Don’t forget about the lighting above the staircase, either, Yates notes. “Proper lighting, including a mixture of recessed and decorative fixtures, will always enhance your space and create a more luxurious environment,” he says.

Designing a beautiful staircase is simpler than one might think, and there are many viable DIY approaches. “If you don’t have the means or funds to replace your staircase, a fresh coat of paint and a runner will work wonders,” Johnston says. “For even more of an impact, swap your current balusters for ones with an architectural design featuring decorative accents of brass or gold.” Hayslett agrees that it’s smart to start small. “Painting the railings, adding a gallery wall, or changing the look of the risers to a fun tile can really make your stairs start to shine,” she says.

A staircase by Kendall Wilkinson

Add comfort to your staircase with the addition of a runner. This contemporary staircase by Kendall Wilkinson of Kendall Wilkinson Design in San Francisco features a stair runner from The Rug Company and a delicate light fixture by Jeremy Cole. The piece of art in this Silicon Valley, California, home is by Pamela Jordan and titled Lune.

A space by Nadia Watts

When designing this traditional foyer in her home city of Denver, AD PRO Directory designer Nadia Watts of Nadia Watts Interior Design opted to create a custom, full-length stair runner by cutting and binding together three individual runners that spoke to her.

Another project by Nadia Watts

In a Highlands Ranch, Colorado, home, Watts dressed up a sweeping staircase with a custom-designed color from Scott Group Studio in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Two Kravet Haddam high back chairs upholstered in a Pierre Frey fabric add a welcoming touch to the foyer.

Lilse McKenna’s project

Lilse McKenna, the founder of Lilse McKenna, Inc., in New Canaan, Connecticut, covered the area surrounding this staircase in Sister Parish’s Desmond wallpaper. Sitting in sleek gold frames, meaningful photos and articles that her client has collected over the years add a pop of personality parallel to the banister. “I love a gallery wall going up the stairs or through a hallway,” McKenna reflects. “In a space like this, which has quite a lot happening architecturally and visually, I recommend keeping the frames and mats consistent to give the eyes a rest.”

A staicase by Benjamin Johnston

In an unexpected yet stylish fashion, this staircase’s wrought-iron balusters are mounted on the stringer rather than directly onto the treads, Benjamin Johnston explains. “No space is wasted here,” the Houston–based designer adds. “A small gate cleverly transforms the lower portion of the staircase into a cozy kennel for our client’s pup. The middle section provides a deep storage closet perfect for seasonal and holiday decorations or long-term storage.”

A vibrant staircase in the background by Gray Walker Interiors

In a Sea Island, Georgia, home Gray Walker of Gray Walker Interiors from Charlotte, North Carolina, brightened up the staircase with an eye-catching, rainbow-colored Missoni runner. A painting from Travis & Company hanging in the foyer mimics many of the hues present.

A Fire Island project by Peter Dunham

“We did everything we could to keep the decorating minimal and simple so as not to detract from the architecture-as-sculpture staircase and how the light comes down beautifully from the windows above,” says Peter Dunham of Peter Dunham & Associates. In this Horace Gifford–designed Fire Island Pines, New York, home, a cedar console by LA artisan Bradley Duncan is a perfect complementary piece, given that the wood staircase—and every other surface in the house—is made from that same material.

A staircase moment by Czar Interiors

Lauren Czarniecki, founder and principal designer of Czar Interiors in Delray Beach, Florida, added geometric-shaped moldings to this stairwell, opting for a flat-stock molding in lieu of a more traditional paneling to achieve a contemporary look that better suited the space. She then installed a sculptural light fixture with glass details that mimic the crystal accents on the stair railing. “The translucent nature of the fixture allows you to see through to the outside, bringing the natural light and Florida foliage into the space,” the designer shares.

A modern project by Linda Hayslett

Originally, this Los Angeles home’s stairwell featured a chandelier, but Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs felt that such a fixture was impractical for her client’s busy family and opted to hang Fett wall sconces instead. “I wanted a more dramatic, cool, interesting effect when you walked up the stairs,” the Los Angeles–based designer says. “But I also wanted my clients to not have to worry about changing a light bulb down the road either.”

In Palm Beach, a project by Marc-Michaels Interior Design

“Smoke glass adds drama to the staircase, which a clear glass can’t accomplish,” says Shannon Callahan, director of design at Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc., in Winter Park, Florida. In this Palm Beach, Florida, home, the glass appears differently depending on where one stands. “When standing within the staircase looking through a single pane, it appears like a light smoke-tinted glass, but standing in the living room looking to the kitchen the multiple layers cast tones as dark as deep graphite,” Callahan says. Meanwhile, she adds, slabs of natural walnut as the stair treads help to balance out the look.

Inside a project by Alexandra Kaehler Design

Alexandra Kaehler opted to take advantage of this Chicago home’s high ceilings and installed a large yet airy chandelier in the stairwell. “I wanted something with a bit of whimsy to contrast the exposed brick wall,” says the Chicago–based principal of Alexandra Kaehler Design.

A home by Jackson Warren Interiors

Kiley Jackson and Aileen Warren of Houston’s Jackson Warren Interiors hung various framed Hermès scarves in the stairwell of this local home. In the landing, a bench from Dmitry covered in Loro Piana fabric makes a bold statement.

An LA project by Jeff Andrews

Why opt for just one piece of art when you can create an eye-catching display? AD PRO Directory member Jeff Andrews of Jeff Andrews Design in Los Angeles, chose to hang two large paintings by Cuban artist Danilo Vinardeli via Pegaso Gallery on the second story of a grand foyer in Beverly Hills; the wallpaper is from Maya Romanoff. “We used the large painting upstairs to help draw the eye up into the larger space and also complement the chandelier,” Andrews explains.

A Maryland project by Purple Cherry Architects

Cathy Purple Cherry of Purple Cherry Architects in Annapolis, Maryland, designed this triple staircase to have a classical coastal railing design. In the landing sits a tail wing that the client, a collector of industrial artifacts, sourced from an artist. “We loved the juxtaposition of this large industrial piece against the more traditional staircase,” Purple Cherry says. “Its unexpectedness in this space makes it a total showstopper.”

A San Francisco staircase by K Interiors

Kristen Peña of AD PRO Directory firm K Interiors in San Francisco imagines that back when this nearby home was built in the early 1900s, the area of the stairwell that now features wood detailing was home to stained glass. “Filling in the area with this decorative wood detailing allows for light to pass into an otherwise dark staircase and provides a moment of visual interest as you come into the front door of the home,” she shares.

A Houston bar nook by Creative Tonic

AD PRO Directory designer Courtnay Tartt Elias of Creative Tonic chose to integrate a bar area under this Houston home’s staircase, using artwork from her client’s collection to add extra flair to this colorful nook. “Adding a bright cocktail bar allowed us to give function and fun to the space without making any structural changes,” Elias shares.

A modern project by K Interiors

Peña of K Interiors kept function top of mind in this San Francisco home belonging to a family of four. “This area is right off of the garage—an entry zone—as the family returns from work and school,” she shares, noting that the cabinets below the contemporary staircase are designed to corral essentials including backpacks, purses, outwear, and more.

A Houston project by Creative Tonic

In another Houston home, Elias of Creative Tonic gave a Stark Rugs runner a bit of a facelift by adding on a custom antiqued brass nailhead trim. “I love a decorative nailhead detail on canvas rug borders when I can use them,” she says. “It is an unusual bespoke detail that stands out—literally—and a staircase is often the perfect spot for raised/textural details like this one.”

A custom runner by Studio Munroe.

Emilie Munroe of Studio Munroe in San Francisco designed a custom runner that winds through three stories of this Edwardian home in the Golden City, the second property on which she has worked with this set of clients. “The black-and-white color combination is an homage to the two-tone color scheme in their prior house, with the angular geometric pattern serving to balance and complement the traditional architectural detailing found throughout the home,” Munroe explains.

A Texas project by Creative Tonic

In this Galveston, Texas, home, Elias created her own custom wood railing. “I was inspired by classic Chinese Chippendale millwork fences and their light and breezy—yet elevated—vibe, which fit perfectly in this bay house,” she comments.

A project by Prairie

In her previous home, Shannon McLaren of California’s Praire needed to redesign her floating stairs to ensure they were up to code and kid-friendly. Because she loved the airy effect of the original setup, she chose to pay homage to that design and worked thick, see-through glass spindles into the mix. McLaren finished off the staircase with a custom walnut railing and green Missoni carpeting.

Caitlin Kah Interiors’ project in Palm Beach

An airy wood staircase shines in this Palm Beach, Florida, home. Caitlin Kah of Caitlin Kah Interiors worked alongside Valencia Welding to design this staircase, which features a custom glass panel by Seabreeze Building. Kah also incorporated a floating window, designed by Roger Janssen of Daily Janssen Architects, beside the stairwell. “The addition of the floating window allows for ample light to pour throughout the space, providing unobstructed ocean views from the living room, the staircase, and the foyer just out of frame,” she comments.

A staircase conceived by Sanayi313.

This stunning staircase by Istanbul–based design studio Sanayi313 features a black-and-white patterned custom carpet, as well as a unique looking handrail, which is made from silk rope.

A project by Traci Connell

Traci Connell, the founder of Traci Connell Interiors in Dallas, wanted to “create a showstopper that is like an art installation” with this staircase. “The solid glass pieces connect beautifully on the metal eye beam structure, which also supports the white oak tread stairs,” Connell states. Given that her clients travel often, live plants under the staircase were out of the question. “I contacted one of my favorite artificial floral artists to create a chic, bonsai-type tree to set the mood of connecting the interior with the exterior,” the designer shares.

A staircase by Cheri Etchelecu Martin.

Martin knew that she wanted to create a “unique and dramatic entrance” to this Vail, Colorado, home. This staircase is made from a combination of stone and glass and features 32 handblown crystal globes hanging above it. “The staircase enhances both levels of the home with texture, lighting, color, and shape,” Martin says.

An Airbnb designed by Bryan Yates

A rainbow-colored staircase shines in this Airbnb that Yates designed for a client who operates the Instagram account Dallas Love List. The designer wanted to create an ombré effect. “Each element was selected to be cost-effective and long-lasting to withstand vast groups of people while still packing a punch,” he says. “The stairs may be a transitional space to most, but we wanted to utilize them in a way that inspired guests to stop for a Palm Springs–meets–Vegas–meets–rainbow moment selfie!”

Viki Chupik’s Austin home

This home is what Chupik refers to as a “reversed house.” As the Austin-based designer explains, “Guests enter on a lower level with a bedroom and a wine cellar, and you travel up the stairs to reach the main living level.” It was therefore necessary to “find a way to draw guests through the entry space and gently guide them up.” Chupik worked with a local artisan to design a custom bronze handrail, which she says “further echoes the soft curves throughout the home and [layers] another unique feature.”

Deana Concilio-Lenz’s natural project.

AD PRO Directory member Deana Concilio-Lenz, the founder of Deana Lenz Interiors, refers to this staircase as “a bit of a geometry puzzle.” Made from cedar wood and black steel, it weaves its way through a three-story home perched on a mountaintop in Telluride, Colorado. “The materials lend themselves to nature’s elements, while the design captures the expansive views,” says the New York–based designer.

A Lake Michigan home by James Thomas Interiors

Tom Riker, who leads Chicago’s James Thomas Interiors alongside James Dolenc, wanted to incorporate nautical elements into this Lake Michigan summer home. “The paddles are a nod to the family’s love of lake activities,” he says, describing the banister. Storage was also a key component of the staircase. “We loved how it created a whimsical look.” The drawers are made from poplar and Sherwin Williams Alabaster, a color that Riker says matches the home’s trim.

Glenna Stone’s staircase project

In an art-filled home, the staircase, designed by Krieger Architects is “a three-dimensional work of art in its own right,” says Glenna Stone, the founder of Glenna Stone Interior Design in Philadelphia. “Its unique design allows us to see the artwork at the top of the stairs, as well as the architectural and interior details beyond it,” the designer says. “It helps to unify the first and second floors as one visual space, while at the same time creating defined areas in an open-concept home.”

In the Maine cabin, designer Kristin Rivoli whitewashed all of the cedar walls to brighten up the space. However, she says, “We left the handrail and the balustrades as we found them, so you can feel the warmth of the wood and see the generations of hands that have touched it,” says the founder of Kristin Rivoli Interior Design in Winchester, Massachusetts. “A family tradition has been to hang their school banners, so we embraced that, creating a space where each person leaves their mark alongside those of their ancestors!”