In a two or three story home, the foyer is often dominated by an open staircase. The staircase becomes the focal point of the space. Grand sweeping staircases, straight staircases and turned staircases all have their unique attributes and style. The style of the staircase should reflect the architecture of the home.
A floating staircase is perfect for a contemporary or modern home but would not look appropriate in a Victorian or Colonial style home. Balustrades and railings play a big part in the style of the staircase and can also range from very contemporary to ornate.
The staircase pictured here is simple in its straight construction but gets its grandeur from the large scale and central position in the room. The wood spindles and railings are of the same warm hued wood as the steps and risers. The natural wood on the railing has lovely patina of age from years of hands touching it. You can see the shadow of a runner down the center of the stairs that has been removed. The wood that would have been under the runner was not exposed and has not been lightened by sunlight.
There is much debate about leaving stairs plain wood or covering the center with a carpet runner. Both are great options for traditional stair cases. Modern and contemporary stairs are often left bare in keeping with the clean lines favored by those styles. Stone steps can also be left bare or covered with a runner to add color and traction to the steps.
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