Visible staircases can really update your home by bringing together practicality and design. Let’s take a look at some fresh ideas to enhance your space with open staircase styles.

Add Style with Black Details

Black accents bring drama to this stylish staircase.
Black accents bring drama to this stylish staircase.

Black details can add style to your staircase. I once used matte black borders that looked great against light wood steps.

Adopt Contemporary Simplicity

A minimalist open staircase enhances the modern aesthetic of this living space.
A minimalist open staircase enhances the modern aesthetic of this living space.

If you appreciate uncluttered designs and a streamlined look, a modern minimalist staircase could be ideal. I find these designs make any room feel more spacious and airy, often using materials like metal and glass for a polished appearance.

Add Comfort with Untreated Wood

Natural wood tones bring warmth to this open staircase.
Natural wood tones bring warmth to this open staircase.

There’s a certain charm to the comfort of natural wood shades in a staircase. At my place, I went with walnut for the platforms, which brought a welcoming feel to our mostly modern setup.

Pair Wood and Metal for Visual Depth

Wood and metal combine for a textured, modern look.
Wood and metal combine for a textured, modern look.

Mixing wood and metal makes a nice textural mix. This combo adds both comfort and a modern touch, which I often suggest to blend styles.

Combine Surfaces with Stone Walls

A stone backdrop adds texture to this stylish open staircase.
A stone backdrop adds texture to this stylish open staircase.

A stone or brick wall can make your staircase more interesting. I once used a slate wall behind a staircase, and it became a really impressive part of the home.

Turn to Elegant Curves

A spiral staircase adds elegance and saves space.
A spiral staircase adds elegance and saves space.

Curved staircases don’t just save space; they also add a bit of elegance. I appreciate how they can become a main feature in a room, naturally drawing your eyes up with their smooth lines.

Design a Focal Wall

A feature wall creates a striking backdrop for this staircase.
A feature wall creates a striking backdrop for this staircase.

A focal wall can make a nice background for your staircase. I like using bright wallpaper or textured paint to make the staircase stand out.

Try Bold Color Choices

A bold color statement turns this staircase into a striking feature.
A bold color statement turns this staircase into a striking feature.

Painting your stairs a bright color can be a risky but great choice. I once suggested a dark blue, and it became a cool center of attention.

Set the Vibe with Staircase Lighting

Mood lighting enhances the ambiance of this open staircase.
Mood lighting enhances the ambiance of this open staircase.

Using lighting to set a mood can make your staircase look better. I often use soft spotlights to make a welcoming glow that’s great for evenings.

Use as Much Sunlight as Possible

Natural light enhances the open feel of this staircase.
Natural light enhances the open feel of this staircase.

Putting your staircase near big windows can flood the area with sunlight, making it feel more open and welcoming. I’ve seen this really change the feel of a place.

Add an Industrial Touch

Industrial elements give this staircase a chic, urban feel.
Industrial elements give this staircase a chic, urban feel.

For anyone who likes a little edge, including factory-inspired details like metal borders can really change things up. I once worked on an attic where this style fit perfectly with the raw, city feel.

Decorate with Art Pieces

Decorative elements bring personality to this open staircase.
Decorative elements bring personality to this open staircase.

Adding art or plants can turn your staircase into a designed space. I like adding a few pieces that show off what the homeowner likes.

Keep it Clean with Glass Borders

Glass railings provide safety without sacrificing openness.
Glass railings provide safety without sacrificing openness.

Glass borders are great if you want to keep that spacious feel while staying safe. I recall installing these at a client’s place and seeing the whole area change with the improved light flow.

Play with the Illusion of Unsupported Steps

Floating steps add a magical, airy feel to any staircase.
Floating steps add a magical, airy feel to any staircase.

Unsupported steps always grab attention. They make it look like the steps are hanging in the air, which I think is especially cool in a modern space.