6 Homes with Gorgeous, Light-Filled Stairwells

Okay, I’ll admit it: I’m kind of obsessed with staircases. I’ve already showcased some of the best ones in the West here and here, but I just couldn’t help myself from diving back into the WL archives to look for more.

This time, I managed to find a common thread (or should I say tread?) in the examples I pulled. Each of the staircases below has been designed in a way that allows light to filter through, creating a truly stunning effect. Keep on scrolling to see what I mean.

Step Out

The elm staircase in this Winnipeg home is an absolutely showstopper—and that’s true whether you’re looking at it from inside or outside. It’s visible from the driveway through a two-storey Douglas fir timber curtain wall and looks even more incredible on a dark, snowy Prairie night. See why architect Jason Kun and interior designer Ashley Jull describe it as “a glowing beacon.”

Stair Repair

Renovating doesn’t always require tearing a home down to its studs. Take this Point Grey beach house, for example. Instead of completely replacing the glass staircase, Measured Architecture gave it a simple makeover that simultaneously maximizes style and minimizes waste.

“Both we and our clients were looking for a way to keep the house out of the garbage,” says architect Piers Cunnington. “There were a lot of valuable assets inside so we worked to preserve and protect the things that were working while integrating an addition that would improve its size, flow and functionality.” Peek inside this modern beauty.

High Strung

This West Vancouver home suffered from years of awkward renovations—and then Nigel Parish of Splyce Design showed up. By replacing and reorienting the bulky staircase (which once blocked those amazing ocean views), he completely transformed the main floor. The dramatic new staircase is crafted from steel that’s less than an inch thick and suspended by woven aircraft cables, letting light and air flood the space. Check out the before and after photos.

Sun Set

With no stringer, open treads and a vertical slatted metal screen, this staircase by Kelly Deck and MCC Interiors allows light to travel effortlessly through this Whistler home. It also casts dramatic shadows that shift and change as the sun moves across the sky. Explore this cozy, Nordic-inspired mountain retreat.

Force of Nature

When the team at BattersbyHowat first inspected this Squamish lot, they immediately decided that they would dig into the mountain rather than build on top of it. So, it makes perfect sense that the interior is filled with natural materials.

They brought in hemlock for the baseboards, natural linens for all the upholsteries, and white oak for the millwork and staircase. “We wanted everything to feel like it melded with the landscape,” says architect and designer Heather Howat. Tour this 5,000-square-foot sanctuary.

Bright Idea

To let some warm southern light trickle into this north-facing entryway, Curtis Krahn and Kevin Li of Synthesis Design installed an open-tread stairway with a laser-cut railing. It not only helps to brighten up the space, but also adds a truly one-of-a-kind element to the house—the railing was designed by the homeowner! Learn more about this custom look.