Stairway Redefined

You may not think about how many times you run up and down the stairs each day, but do you think about what you see? The truth is that stairways are often overlooked areas for design in a home. Most of the activity of daily living takes place on the first floor, and stairs are the means that transition us to the second floor where we return at the end of each day to turn in for the night and be restored for the morning.  So, shouldn’t it be a more inspiring space?

For this coastal home, we brought a dose of color to the stairway, painting it in blue lacquer to accent its natural curves, and pairing it with white to bring the coastal setting inside. The palette is carried throughout the stairway with walls covered in blue textured grasscloth, juxtaposed with white millwork. The lacquer finish also gives the handrail a smooth tactile feel and will hold up to wear.

Notably, blue and white is a classic palette that works equally well in non-coastal settings. While it harkens to a vast sky filled with clouds, its timelessness finds footing in interiors that range from traditional to modern.

Stairways are also a good place to put up artwork or a mirror, especially if the stairway is located near the entrance, as is often the case in colonial homes. In more private stairways, such as a back staircase, it’s a good opportunity to showcase a gallery of family photos.

In this home we hung oversized artwork on the wall of the landing, which holds your eye as you wind up the stairs.  We also chose flat-weave wool carpeting in a herringbone pattern that was finished with linen borders and nailheads to cover the stairs. The carpeting buffers sound and adds traction underfoot.

While you may consider your stairway more of a means to an end than a destination – adding color, texture, and accessories can go a long way towards helping to inspire your trips up and down.