Heavenly Staircases For Your Abode!

While we often plan our living rooms and bedrooms in extensive detail, we might not pay attention to another integral part of the house, the staircases. For houses with more than one storey, staircases connect the various parts of the house, allowing the inhabitants easy access from one level to the next. A beautifully designed staircase can tie together the aesthetic of the rest of the house. Not just the steps themselves, but the railings can also provide an outlet for creativity in interior decor, with different materials, textures and colours, as well as the addition of plants or framed photographs.

Although staircases are primarily functional, if designed well they have the ability to capture the onlooker’s eyes. No wonder humans have put so much effort in making historical staircases look breathtaking, like Sigiriya Lion’s Rock or the Spanish Steps.

If you want to know about trends that help you blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, then keep reading!

1. Suspended Wooden Staircase

In a modern, minimalist home, wooden staircases can be an intelligent addition. Wood brings in an element of nature and adds a warm and inviting aesthetic to the interiors. With separate planks, the steps are conjoined to the wall, creating an illusion of suspension, which adds to the sophistication of this design. Whether you choose polished planks of light brown wood, or darker shades with some natural ageing, the look can range from modern and stylish to rustic and rugged.

However, all design choices must take into account the local climate. For a humid country like India, wood might be an impractical choice. Its porosity, combined with humidity, might make it vulnerable to mildew and damage. To avoid these complications while retaining the aesthetic, wooden tiles can be a perfect alternative. Wooden tiles, made from ceramic or vitrified materials, are durable, stain-resistant and water-resistant. Very importantly for a staircase, these tiles can sustain high friction and heavy traffic with ease. For an optimal naturalistic look, these wooden tiles are also available as planks, providing all the aesthetic delights of wood minus any inconvenience. For a wide range of modern wooden tiles, explore the latest collections from Orientbell Tiles here.

2. Regal Marble Staircase 

Marble & Granite staircases have been used in traditional homes since ages, and it was the material of choice for kings and rulers throughout history. Marble conveys luxury, tradition and supreme taste. Due to its intricate vein structure and gleaming look, marble is popular for floors, walls and staircases. If you are looking for a more traditional, imperial touch in your home, marble stairs are your go-to.

That being said, like many natural substances, marble also has its drawbacks. Being a porous stone, regular sealing is required to prevent dampness, mildew and other such issues which might weaken its structural integrity. Marble is costly to purchase and transport, in addition to being quite heavy. Luckily for you, there is no longer any need to compromise with your chosen aesthetic, as marble tiles offer all the benefits of marble’s beauty without any of its maintenance issues. Marble tiles are lighter than marble and easier to install, all while providing a very natural look. Unlike marble, they will not yellow over time, retaining their original pristine shine and glimmer. Easy to maintain and affordable, these marble tiles offer the best of both worlds. To explore a range of natural-looking marble tiles, check out the latest collections at Orientbell Tiles.

3. Illuminated Steps 

Proper lighting in the staircase area is very essential as dark nooks can be misleading, leading to slips and falls. Adding subtle lighting not only brightens up the area but also provides subtle lighting for the landing area or the larger space. Adding lights along the line of the steps or along the railing are attractive options that flow with the design without any distracting elements. LED strips allow for an endless array of options with respect to the size, brightness and colours of lights. These days, the latest options provide motion-sensing lights, which light up automatically when they sense movement along upon the stairs. Although the installation cost for such lights may be high initially, they provide savings in terms of energy efficiency, convenience and design interest.

Moroccan Patterned Staircases

Moroccan patterned tiles used on or around the steps not just look trendy but your staircase will become the highlight of the entire space. Moroccan patterns work well not just on the steps but could also be used on the walls to highlight plain or neutral coloured tiles. You can explore a range of Moroccan tiles here.

One should be mindful when choosing staircase tiles, and select only those that are durable, strong and are made for the floors.

Points to Consider While Designing a Staircase 

• Use materials that have a high tolerance for friction or have a matte finish, as these will provide better grip.
• Use lighter colours for better visibility.
• Ensure that there is ample lighting in and around the staircase area.
• Make sure that every step in the staircase is of equal dimensions to avoid any accidents or falls.
• Staircases with more than 15 steps should have a landing in-between.
• Stairs with gaps in between them should be used carefully as the foot might get stuck in the gaps.
• Railings should be made of sturdy materials like iron and steel to ensure safe support while climbing up.
• Installing safety gates at the base of the staircase might be required if you have children or pets in your house.
• Consider the space available and design your staircase accordingly. Large​_​_ staircases might eat up space while narrow ones may look claustrophobic.

You can definitely get creative and add plants along the staircase, or use quirky colours to highlight your staircase. With changing trends, staircases are having their own moment. It is entirely up to you and the type of staircase you prefer: if you are more concerned about comfort, simple stairs with sturdy steps are advisable. If you want to experiment or save on space, you can go for spiral staircases, which have an old-world charm to them and look alluring. Whichever option you go for, ensure you use high-quality materials that can withstand heavy loads and high traffic. It might also be advisable to consult with a designer before designing your staircases.

What are some of the ideas you love to incorporate in your staircase designs? Let us know in the comments!