How to inject life into dead staircases

Too often, staircases are overlooked in favour of more prominent design elements like living rooms or kitchens. But with a little creativity and my tips, your staircase can become a focal point, a source of beauty and practicality. Whether you’re renovating an existing home or designing from scratch, here’s how to transform your staircase into a statement piece that reflects your unique style.

A staircase is the perfect place for bold, sculptural design. Think of it as a work of art that moves people through space, not just as a functional tool. From sweeping curves to angular, geometric designs, your staircase can play a central role in defining the character of your home.

• Material choices: The right materials can elevate a staircase from ordinary to extraordinary. Marble, wood, and glass all bring their own elegance, but metal elements such as brass or steel can add a modern, industrial feel. Each material tells a different story, and together they can be blended to create something unique.
• Curved or floating designs: One of the most exciting ways to design a staircase is with curves or floating treads. A cantilevered staircase with floating treads not only looks striking but gives the illusion of more space, as light and air can flow through the gaps. Curved staircases are timelessly elegant, giving your space a sense of flow.
• Bold geometry: Geometric shapes – sharp angles or sweeping lines – can create a dramatic visual effect. With clever use of angles, you can design a staircase that adds both structure and beauty to your home.

For this project we removed walls and created a free floating spine staircase with commissioned feature artworks as a focal point

While many may stick with neutral tones for their staircases, I encourage clients to take some risk in this space.  Treat your staircases as a feature – make a bold colour choice or apply artistic paintwork or wallpaper; your stairs are a room which you move through so make it fun and transform this into an interesting, challenging talking point.

• Bold accents: Add character by incorporating accent colours in handrails or stair risers. Rich, dark tones or pops of colour can inject energy and personality into an otherwise utilitarian space.
• Gradient effects and metallic finishes: A gradient, where colours transition from dark to light, can add a sense of movement and depth to the staircase. Alternatively, using metallic paints in gold, silver, or copper creates a sophisticated touch, highlighting the structural beauty of the staircase.
• Stair runners and patterns: Adding a stair runner or patterned carpet to the treads introduces colour and texture, softening the feel of the space while adding an extra layer of design. Whether a luxurious velvet or a bold geometric print, the possibilities are endless.

For this project we used the clients favourite colour – signature of her brand – as a runner strip through the house as well as bespoke painted black and white stripes on the walls, they were measured out to adjust to the space of the walls.

For this house we stripped out the oak stairs and replaced them with a cantilevered zigzag design with steel strings, white wood treads and glass panels

I always advise to spend on good lighting , it plays a crucial role in how any room is perceived, this applies also to staircases – you travel through this area constantly. You want to balance good illumination, especially when there is little daylight, with fun interesting designs and ideally add several circuits so that you have optionality on how bright to make the area; if you are rewiring, then add low level mini spots and LED strips underneath treads or in shelving or add wall lights to accentuate features and create mood.

• Integrated led strips: Placing LED strips along the edges of stairs or underneath handrails creates a subtle glow that adds drama and helps with navigation at night. This modern approach can highlight the staircase’s design, transforming it into a glowing feature after dark.
• Statement pendants: For a touch of elegance, a statement chandelier or series of pendant lights above the staircase can make a bold design statement. The play of light and shadow adds depth, highlighting the structure while creating an inviting atmosphere.
• Recessed lighting: Recessed lighting along the walls or steps is a minimal yet effective way to add focus to the staircase. It’s perfect for accentuating the architectural design without overwhelming the space.

The railings and balustrades of a staircase are not just safety features – they can completely redefine its aesthetic. By custom designing these elements, you can create a one-of-a-kind staircase that feels truly personal.

• Bespoke designs: Handcrafted, bespoke railings, whether traditional wrought iron or modern glass, provide an opportunity to personalise the staircase. Wooden railings paired with metal spindles can create a timeless, elegant look, while glass or steel balustrades can give a sleek, contemporary edge.
• Vintage styles: For a more decorative feel, intricate designs inspired by the Art Deco movement, or vintage wrought-iron railings, add an extra layer of luxury. Custom detailing such as hand-forged metalwork can elevate the entire staircase design.
• Cornices, Mirrors, Panelling, Windows and Arches: Take a fresh look at your stairs and corridors and landings and consider if there are any other changes you can make to either combine or divide spaces or make them more prominent through decorative additions. We have created openings and added glass windows to create a sense of space, sometimes framed or plain. We have added elaborate panelling or balustrades to make stairs grander  – it’s important to make deliberate choices about the décor – either the stairs and halls are prominent and elaborate or plain and simple but make those decisions with purpose and intention!

A staircase doesn’t have to be purely functional – wherever possible the team at Claudia Dorsch Interiors will look for opportunities to include practical storage solutions as well.

• Understairs storage: The space beneath your staircase can be transformed into hidden storage, perfect for everything from books to shoes to coats. In many terraced houses the ground floor understairs is big enough for an extra cloak WC and on other floors it might hide a washing machine or a home bar or mini wine room. Custom cabinetry that fits seamlessly with the design of the staircase ensures it feels integrated and elegant, not cluttered.
• Display shelves: Integrating shelving along the staircase, either within the walls or along the banister, offers an opportunity to display art, plants, or personal collections, turning the staircase into a dynamic feature of your home.

Landings often go unnoticed, but with a little creativity, they can be transformed into a beautiful extension of your staircase. Think of the landing as a platform for additional design elements – an opportunity to break up the vertical flow and add character.

• Creating a Feature Nook: A small armchair, a built-in bench or a statement desk on the landing can add a layer of luxury and comfort. This space can become a perfect spot for reading or contemplation, allowing the staircase to evolve from a mere passageway into a space of relaxation and visual interest.
• Music spot: you might not have space for a separate music room but we have placed upright pianos on landings and created a music themed landing.
• Expanded display areas: Use the landing to display larger works of art, sculptures, or even a console table. This area can serve as a bridge between levels, connecting the upstairs and downstairs with visual continuity and style.
• Storage: Many homes are short of coat and shoe storage and I encourage clients to consider placing a beautiful, vintage or bespoke, wardrobe or chest of drawers on upper floor landings for as additional stores.  Whether it’s a place to sit and enjoy the view or a spot to store your belongings, these small additions can significantly enhance the space.

Last but not least: A staircase provides an opportunity for dynamic, seasonal decoration that evolves throughout the year. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to infuse your home with festive charm and holiday magic. Garlands wrapped around banisters, sparkling fairy lights, or a wreath at the base of the stairs can create a festive atmosphere.

Throughout the year, my staircase becomes a true reflection of the changing seasons. For Easter, I love to decorate it with little touches of spring, like pastel eggs and fresh blooms. When Halloween comes around, I can’t resist hanging up some playful spiders –  it’s all in good fun! And then, during the spring, I often drape beautiful flower garlands along the banister, adding a burst of color and life. It’s such a simple thing, but it really brings so much joy and personality to my home. Each season feels like a new opportunity to create something special, and I think that’s the magic of decorating – it keeps evolving and keeps my space feeling fresh.

Who knew staircases could steal the show? With a few creative tweaks, yours might just become the most talked-about ‘step’ in your home!

Stay inspired, stay sophisticated