7 wow factor staircases

If you're renovating a property or thinking of reworking your country home, take inspiration from these striking staircases, from sweeping banisters to tiny treads and risers, and create a real style statement from the moment you walk through the door.

Modern rustic
Make the most of the natural structure and
architecture of a building when considering materials for a new
staircase. Barn conversions often have stunning timber frames that,
when exposed, not only looks fabulous but can be the inspiration for a
staircase design. For a modern rustic feel team state of the art steel
with the existing aged-wood beams of an old property and a clean-lined
banister design that echoes the lines of the roof timbers.

Ahead of the curve
Curved staircases provide a great
space-saving solution for compact country interiors, not to mention
making a bold and striking architectural design statement, too. Use in
properties where a visual link with the level above is needed such as
when connecting a lofty mezzanine with the narrow floor space below and
consider keeping the area under the curve free from storage or furniture
pieces to really show off your new staircase's best feature.

Be bold with beams
If your country home is particularly quirky
then a bespoke staircase will enhance its charm and character. Richard
McLane, Design Director of Bisca Staircases advises "drawing the eye to
the natural curve of existing timber beams with a unique design feature
of hand carved huge treads from green oak. With its cracks, twists and
splits the green oak ages beautifully and within a short time its patina
will blend with the existing timber, as if it had always been there."

Faded glory
For a contemporary coastal feel try sanding back
the original wood boards and leaving bare. Enhance the look with a
beach-style banister stained to match. Cathryn Helsby, Marketing Manager
of Earthborn Paints advises "the banister and balustrades can easily be
updated with an environmentally friendly wood stain. Earthborn Wood
Stain is water based with a beautiful satin finish and comes in bold
colours and natural shades such as mahogany, teak and oak."

Runner up
Make the most of a capacious entrance and hallway in a grand country home with an eye-catching sweeping staircase in natural English oak that also works well with other natural materials such as slate or stone for surrounding floors. Pay attention to detail and introduce traditional carving styles for spindles and banisters for an authentic feel. To add warmth underfoot opt for a runner in natural wool fitted with gripper and underlay and finish off with decorative oak rods and brackets in brass for a classic feel.

Climb the walls
For impact in a country hallway with an ornate staircase, try wallpaper instead of paint. Claire Vallis, Design Director of Harlequin Group advises that "the length, height and width of your staircase can all dictate the scale you could use, but there's nothing to stop you being bold! Create a statement with oversized florals in striking tones with hints of metallic and don't be afraid to experiment - a hall is a thoroughfare so it needs to grab your attention instantly"

On display
A staircase that serves three purposes is
perfect for tiny country pads. If commissioning a staircase for a modern
country conversion then why not factor in some nifty open-plan shelving
into the design for showing off your favourite ornaments and curios. A
carpenter can build the design so it cleverly uses the otherwise
redundant space underneath the treads and risers to great effect to
create capsules for storage and display as well as being a functioning
staircase.

Like this? For more ideas and inspiration visit the Country Homes & Interiors homepage.

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