Are you renovating or extending – and you’re going up, up, up by adding another storey to your home? It’s an exhilarating journey from start to finish filled with numerous design decisions – but one of the most exciting choices you’ll be making is choosing from the various types of staircases.
Artistic ascent: Stair types that perfect flow & form
Remember, the perfect staircase design isn’t just a functional matter of getting from one floor to another – although obviously, those steps need to all connect! But the modern staircase design you choose can be a true focal point of your home and extension, blending artistry with architecture and setting the tone for the entire space.
So let’s take a dive into the world of architectural beauty with our top 10 cool staircase designs that seamlessly blend form and function:
1. Floating
Floating staircases create the illusion that each step is hovering in mid-air – a minimalist and ultra-modern look. They’re secured to a hidden support system, adding an element of surprise and wonder to your extension.
2. Spiral
It’s the classic stairs design that never goes out of style! Spiral staircases – usually metal or wood – are eye-popping space-savers that can fit into tight corners whilst providing a whimsical touch and a sculptural element.
3. Cantilevered
What does that mean? The word refers to a structural element that is supported at only one end, making the other appear to float. In staircase form, these structures appear as though they’re jutting out, providing a daring architectural feature and serving as a testament to modern engineering & design.
4. Glass balustrade
These use clear glass as railings, providing an airy feel for small spaces with a touch of elegance and spaciousness.
5. Helical
Unlike spirals, helical staircases don’t have a central pole, and they curve more gracefully – a sure-fire centrepiece of any room. Their gentle arcs, providing broader steps, are both captivating and functional.
6. Zig-Zag plate
Made from folded plates, these super-cool staircases have a distinctive zig-zag profile, combining simplicity with contemporary style. Their geometric aesthetics can be further accentuated with matching lighting.
7. Steel frame
A sturdy steel frame combined with wooden or glass steps may sound run-of-the-mill, but the modern-industrial vibe seems to really work wonders in any setting. As durable as they are stylish, it’s always a bold statement.
8. Ribbon
As the name implies, these are designed to look like a ribbon gracefully and mesmerisingly spiralling upwards. They offer an avant-garde touch to interiors, with a flowing form that can connect multiple levels seamlessly.
9. Combination
Want to mix and match various designs – like floating steps with spiral curves, for instance? Crafting unique and personalised structures can be done with the right professional architectural support, and they’re perfect for intrepid homeowners who can’t settle on just a single style.
10. Ladder style
When your modern extension is really crammed for space, consider a modern ladder style – perhaps the most simple and unique solution among the different types of stairs. It’s pretty much just like a ladder but much better-looking and easier to climb. A chic solution when space is tight.
Final descent: What’s your favourite type of staircase?
Has our exclusive list lit up your creative juices and your appetite for a super-cool home extension? RFT Solutions is a one-of-a-kind group of Melbourne home extension specialists who do it all: drafting and permits, evaluating builder quotes, and serving as a true ally and asset as you embark on that extension journey all the way from conception to the exciting finish line. Ready to ascend to the home extension heights of your dreams in style? Reach out to RFT Solutions today.