7 More Swoon-worthy Staircases

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: staircases are often overlooked and underappreciated. But when done right—like these ones from the WL archives—they can make a really strong statement. Scroll down to see how some of the West’s best designers and architects have stepped up their staircase game.

Double Duty

This stunning staircase not only connects the floors in architect Rafael Santa Ana’s North Vancouver home, but also forms a bench—at the base of a very cool bookshelf made from white oak veneer boxes. See more of this beautiful space.

Curb Appeal

Knowing that this staircase would be visible from outside, designer Andrea Rodman made sure to give it a sense of drama. By placing the handrails on top of the glass and using black mounting hardware for the treads (which disappear into the frame), these stairs seem to be floating in the room. Explore this black, white and neutral North Vancouver home.

Step Back

Composed of black stainless-steel spindles and a wood handrail, this staircase designed by Andrea Rodman and Broadwell Metal is both contemporary and conventional. “We wanted to capture a modern feel with a little bit of a traditional element,” explains Rodman. Step inside this 10,000-square-foot Victoria home.

Pattern Play

Since the rest of this entryway is simple and understated, designer Ami McKay decided to go bold with the stair risers. The hand-painted tiles from World Mosaic are inspired by her travels to Mexico and Spain. “I think it’s a perfect opportunity to make you smile when you walk up the stairs,” she says. “There’s something beautiful there.” Get more design tips and tricks from 11 other great spaces.

Dream State

We’re not entirely sure what the owners of this Bearspaw, Alberta residence were envisioning when they asked designer Stephanie Charest to incorporate slats into their living space—but apparently this walnut-coloured slatted feature wall turned out even better than they imagined. Check out the rest of this elegantly renovated home.

Top Secret

With this staircase, it’s not the treads, risers or banisters that matter. “The client had wanted a Scooby Doo-inspired staircase in his house since he was a kid,” explains designer Kelly Deck, who fulfilled that quirky dream by hiding one behind a bookshelf in the office. It leads down to the primary suite. Tour this whimsical Vancouver manor.

Mirror Image

It’s hard to believe that this double staircase wasn’t part of this Yaletown loft’s original design. Jamie Hamilton and Greer Nelson added the left-hand side while renovating the 1,200-square-foot condo, adding great visual balance and creating an opportunity to sneak in an extra closet. See more of this industrial-chic space.