Other than buying a bungalow what can we do with our staircase?
As you might have guessed, we dislike our staircase. We've had it like this for 5 years. It's horrible. We're taking it out an replacing it. Putting 2 Velux sun tunnels over the new staircase and we would like to ask what staircase can we put in to brighten up our lives? Wooden or metal, spindles or no railing, a glass wall? Open steps or carpeted - full or a patterned strip down the middle? Have an open staircase or put shelving/cupboard underneath? Lighting on the steps or on the side? What would work best in such a corridor from the front door to the kitchen ? We like a contemporary sleek modern look we definitely are not replacing it with what we're taking out. Does the flooring have to match the stairs if it's wood as we're changing the flooring in the hallway. We are in need of inspiration for our hallway. What would you do?
Comments (12)
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Comments (2)Hi Bex! You're right - there are lots of options with bungalows! They're great because they're so flexible and easy to adapt. But all the choices can make it hard to decide. This is something I could help you with if you're looking for support and design help. It sounds as though you've already given this a lot of thought, which is great - exactly the right thing to do. You may also find my free Design Your Home Vision Checklist useful to help you figure things out. You can get that here: https://www.i-architect.co.uk/dyhvchecklist.html Best of luck with your redesign! Jane eco-home architect www.i-architect.co.uk...See More
PROSteve Attwell Ironwork
7 years agoI make replacement metal and glass spindles. Here is one of my designs. You can see more on my website.
Bodalair House. Hurst · More InfoIveta Evans thanked Steve Attwell Ironwork
PROShaw Stairs Ltd
7 years ago
PROArchitectural Heritage
7 years agoExpect you've sorted your dilemma by now Iveta but should you come up against this again but you are living by then in a period house I'd suggest something like the attached photo (which is now sold to a house in Ireland). But for your current home I'd have looked at installing glass too as the first respondent suggested, to replace the wooden bannister and spindles - more modern - then redecorating in grey tones perhaps with Elephants Breath from F&B and replacing your stair carpet with a grey coloured one carpet. Then of course you'd also need to replace the 60s style paned glass door into your kitchen with a solid door. Last night I went to a Houzz event and met a chap from Foxstow who make doors - they'd probably come with an idea for you.
Good Luck.
PROCreate Perfect
7 years agoHi, as someone else said, it's really your imagination is the limit! ...and those you talk to :)
I would go for something practical but a statement. Bring the hallway from your front door in needs to really set the tone for the house and for your personalities.
What style is the rest of the house and is budget an issue?? They are two of the first questions I would ask my clients on this question.
I would do a good hunt on images and create an image-book of everything you like and mix it with your ideas for the hall itself.
Greys and white (especially the contrasts) is great for a modern space. Adding glass is also a great idea.. but it needs to go with the rest of the house.
kikiamack
7 years agoIf you're committed to changing the staircase, I would definitely recommend putting in some decent practical storage. We have a fairly narrow hall and the old cupboard under the stairs was a nightmarish mess of shoes bags and other junk. As part of our house remodel / extension we had a loft conversion and therefore decided to change the whole staircase. There is a small cupboard on the left for shopping bags etc. But what has revolutionised the hall is the pull-out cupboards, one for shoes and one for coats. The bottom of the coat cupboard also has a well for hats and gloves etc. My boys just automatically put their shoes away now and I don't have coats hanging on the banister. The few long coats we have hang neatly on the coat hooks behind the front door, with room for guest coats.
If you haven't committed yet to a new staircase, the final picture was just inspiration for a spruce up.
Finally, the glass "banisters" are lovely, but all that goes through my head is "kids and fingerprints"!
PRO
PRONicola Scannell Design and Property
7 years ago
PROAJP Architects Ltd
7 years ago
PROThe Stair Guru
7 years agoYou can literally do anything you want to the staircase and the under stair storage, you may find that ripping it out is a bit extreme, staircases can be renovated more easily with less disruption to the home, the range and styles of the renovation will depend on styles and budgets
Contemporary Glass Staircases · More Info
Jonathan