In any house with more than one storey, a staircase is a prominent feature for those who need access the different levels of their home. As well as being an efficient and distinctively purposeful addition to your home, they can also be an aesthetic consideration that combines its functionality with ingenuity.

Your staircase doesn’t have to be boring! Depending on where you put it, it can be a striking feature that adds value and charm to your home and directly impacts the way your home design flows and how it is naturally lit.

A staircase has more power in opening up a home than one would realise. It creates scale and volume, even in a compact design. Placing it perpendicularly from your front door gives the impression that your house is longitudinal and lengthy, as well as leads the eye up to experience the full openness of your home.

Stairs are also an excellent opportunity to create privacy and an air of mystery to your home. Placing it parallel to your front door or amongst the main rooms of the house offers security and a visual blockage to more private areas of the family rooms and bedrooms upstairs.

There are a variety of materials you can use for the stairs themselves (the nosing and treads) such as timber, steel or carpet but the part of the staircase that allows for the most fun in design is the balustrade.

An essential component of any staircase, a balustrade is the railing that provides a safe and secure barrier for anyone travelling up or down your stairs. They can be used to visually separate your staircase from the rest of the room, offer privacy between levels, add aesthetic value to your home, and as a barrier for balconies and landings. They can be grandiose or simple, twirling and swirling or structured. The balustrade is where you get to have your fun in designing your feature staircase.

A balustrade design should suit the style of your home. Whether it is traditional or modern, the materials used, and the level of craftsmanship involved hold the key to a harmonious living space. There are numerous materials that can make up a balustrade. Here are our favourites!

Glass panels
Glass is generally the most popular vote for those with modern homes, particularly if the glass balustrading is frameless. The minimalistic design of glass balustrade remains visually appealing and contemporary no matter the home and it adds an air of clarity and utility that doesn’t impede on views.

Timber
Timber has a lustre that can be used for both modern and traditional designs. Raw or painted, timber is durable and classic, adding value to any home. Available so many variations, timber’s elegance and style lend a natural flair to any home and does well to match its environment. Perfect for both a Hamptons style home or a more industrial alternative, it’s hard to go wrong with timber.

Wire
Stainless steel wire under tension is popular for those seeking a more industrial look that is still adaptable to a modern home. Best paired with sturdy timber, the typically horizontally running wire lasts long and stays taut.

Wrought Iron
Favourably used as the primary material in construction for centuries, there’s a good reason why wrought iron is still a popular choice for both traditional and modern homes. With modern technology allowing for even more designs, balustrades can be tailored to any home and its specifications. One of the most durable materials on offer for balustrades, it is safe and robust, ensuring a long lifetime with no maintenance requirements.

At Oceanview Constructions, we assist you in choosing all your custom inclusions to encapsulate the aesthetic appeal of your custom designed home perfectly. Nestled in the heart of the Redlands and Brisbane Bayside, Oceanview Constructions strives to exceed your expectations.

If you’re interested in adding a feature staircase to your new build that wows your family and guests, contact us today!