Contemporary or modern stair design can be gloriously simple using clean lines or gracefully curved. Staircases are such an important element in a home as they are usually the first thing that you see when you enter a home and are so frequently used.
Most modern staircase design is meticulously detailed, exposing all the working elements and eschewing trim, moldings, and other decoration. Because this type of stair is meant to be viewed as if it were a piece of sculpture, it looks best in an open space where the entire structure is visible.
I have long had a fascination for staircases. They are one of the most challenging elements I have to deal with in my practice and one of the most expensive to detail correctly. One of my pet peeves is wall to wall carpet on stairs. I prefer to use runners or leave the stairs bare if at all possible. In my last renovation for a client, I removed the carpet on their open staircase and replaced it with 2 inch thick slabs of 100 year old reclaimed Asian teak. The reclaimed teak has a beautiful patina and you see it's solid thickness as you traverse up and down the staircase.
The best reference book I have in my library is Staircase Design. Although it is out of print, there are a few used books available on Amazon.
Staircases: Design & Construction and Stairscaping are also noteworthy.
This graceful staircase by Armenio Losa (above & below) makes me want to run my hand along the curved hand rail, or slide down it.
The side detailing of this staircase shows off the solid thickness of the treads and risers. David Schefer
Magni Design
Renwick above and below
Thom Filicia
I love how the circular design of the staircase is repeated in the flooring. Alberto Pinto
This is one of my favourite staircases. I love the cantilevered slabs projecting from the rough concrete wall.
Steven Ehrlich
Addendum March 13 2009 
The Blue Fin Restaurant W Times Square Wall Surface Interiors
Interior design Yabu Pushellberg via A Schematic Life
Patricia Gray writes about 'WHAT'S HOT 'in the world of Interior Design, new and emerging trends, modern design,
architecture, and travel, as well as how your surroundings can enhance your world.
© Patricia Gray Interior Design Blog, 2009
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20 comments:
Great work,
We can never ignore your performance such a nice blogging.
Thanks for sharing.
All the Best
Love the staircase section of your blog. Love your style! I've told bloggers to check out your blog!
Michelle
zunigainteriors.blospot.com
Thanks for your lovely emails and comments on this post.
You are all amazing.
xx
Patricia
Hi Patricia
Your post has come at just the right time as my staircase is the last big item to be completed. Safety was my number 1 priority so it may not be the most beautiful, detailed staircase on the block! But...after looking at your pictures, the David Schefer staircase gave me a great idea. On the landing is that stunning blind (I think) that draws the eye and creates a focal point. This is what I am going to do now as I also have a very big window (obscure) glass on my landing.
That you Patricia for the inspiration!
Mrs B
Not only beautiful staircases... but amazing spaces.
Dear Patricia,
I hope you are well.
I love the Pinto staircase, reminds me a bit of Le Petit Trianon in Versailles, with the curved bannister.
All the best,
Ingela
Such great examples of staircase designs ... . you even featured one of my fav designers , whom I rarely see referenced: Alberto Pinto.
Lovely blog ... . I'll stop by again! Judith
Each an everyone of these designs is unique and beautiful within its own context.
great post.
My favourite is the one by Magni Design and the second one by Living Etc.
Great designs!
I love all of them, but I think I most like the glass stairs (Living Etc).
stairs are great - i'm a big fan of eva jiricna and her work with glass and stairs...
Hi Patricia,
Love all the different staircases but my favorite is by Magni Design. Looks like a swirling ball gown. Also, I am long overdue in sending you a note of thanks. I am so pleased that you took some time to stop by the lisa porter collection.
Your blog was the first one i ever took a look at. You grabbed me right from the start and I have been following ever since.
Thank you so much for including me on your list. I certainly do appreciate being in such good company. All the best.
Lisa
My most favorite staircase is in Kentucky at "Shakertown" for the simplicity. Please take a look if you do not know it - and or a visit.
pve
The last one is my favourite!!!
The floating Bo Bedre stairs creep me out! I could not walk up and down those stairs. I spent quite a lot of my childhood falling down (and yes, sometimes up) stairs, so I need a sturdy looking stair with a solid banister to hold onto!!!
Well I went on Amazon and they were GONE! The first one anyways. Obviously everyone was there before me! I love the first curved ones but don't we have rules about those openings in Vancouver? I guess they are not everywhere. Lovely post to have on file!
Thanks Patricia!
GREAT collection of staircases!
The night before you posted this, I was busy downloading pictures of staircases for a post on our blog!!
Isn't the glass staircase from Livingetc awesome!? And did you see this staircase on Angelo Surmelis's blog:
http://angelosurmelis.blogspot.com/2009/02/wow.html
Too cool!!
We have two plain, straight oak staircases. Nothing fancy, but at least we finally have access to our loft (after 6 years of needing to use an extension ladder to get up there!!)
I agree with you on the wall-to-wall carpeted stairs -- not good. We're going to have to add runners to our staircases so the dogs have some traction to get up and down!!
Kelly @ DesignTies
Patricia, I love the circular-shaped staircase by Pinto (with the circle shape on the floor to match). It's beautiful with the scrolled ballisters. Love your designs. BTW, I have you on my blogroll too (am one of the "others who click here"). :)
All very nice examples and great to look at. The example by Armenio Losa entices me to climb the stair to see what it feels like and where it leads. The staircase by Magni is appealing to me because I see it as organic, sensual, and very elegant. Thanks Patricia.
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