Stairway to Heaven

The next big decision is the staircase

Top of my list of things to do this week has been to decide on my stairs. The precast for my "upstairs" arrives on site this Friday, so if I'm going to go the whole hog and have concrete stairs to match my concrete floors, now is the time to jump or so I've been reliably informed by Mark my contractor. Well jump I have and concrete it is....floors and stairs co-ordinating already, a true Bradshaw/Beeny decision!!

So focused and on a mission, I've been browsing for ideas on www.concretestairs.ie, a "does exactly what is says on the tin" website, and the more imaginatively named www.stairporn.org, er.... "a not what it says on the tin" website, no naked bodies cavorting on steps, just great looking stairs!

image courtesy of stairporn

This is my favourite so far. It's the subtle curve and the delicate balustrading that get me here, two little words "LOVE IT". I will be delighted if I manage to recreate a staircase as beautiful as this in my own hallway. However, as a "realist" I appreciate that a certain amount of the said beauty would be lost in my own house, what with the numerous pairs of shoes stacked upon the subtly curving treads along with the layers of school sweaters, coats and bags that are likely to adorn the delicate balustrading come 3 o'clock.....

This next gem of a staircase is located in a studio on Majorca which listed on www.shootfactory.co.uk. I'd like the underside of my main staircase to be exposed like this one, rather than solid to the floor as above......what do you think? I'm definitely going to go for this style of staircase in the games room.

Image courtesy of Shootfactory via stairporn.org

Just thought I'd mention that Shootfactory is a full-service location agency, representing UK and international properties, studios and venues for TV, film, photo shoots, product launches and events. An amazing site to trawl for ideas if you are as hooked on houses as me!

Image courtesy of stairporn

I'm most likely going to clad the stair treads in wood. The rustic sleeper treads above appeal, but think this is a tad too chunky to go with the curve and the steel balustrading that I'm hankering after.

Image source unknown

I will probably go for a tread like this one, think it's quite quirky how they have used stainless steel for the riser. An alternative option to the delicate stainless steel balustrade would be to "keep it concrete" like this example.....it all comes down to budget at the end of the day.....will keep you posted!!