Staircases aren't just purely functional – they're a decorative style statement in their own right. Overlooking them is no longer an option, which is why architects and interior designers are dreaming up bigger and grander stairwell ideas than ever before.
Here are 14 of the most impressive modern staircases that homify professionals have to offer – each one containing an impressive concept. Which one would you love to have in your home?
Let's start this list off with a bang – this luxurious staircase is so refined that it actually contains a miniature garden! We love the inclusion of verdant Bonsai trees, and how the creamy pebbles match the heavy white structure of the steps.
This idea is GENIUS. When space in the home is limited, why not take advantage of that under-used space beneath the stairs and turn it into a highly-functional storage system? This staircase wardrobe has room for everything – coats, dresses, shoes and handbags all have a designated space in these sliding racks.
Tile decals are having a moment, and this staircase has taken the fad to the extreme! We love the interplay of colours and patterns, which create a kaleidoscopic effect on the walls. Cheap and easy to achieve, this look is one of our absolute favourites.
Modern architecture really doesn't have any boundaries. Just check out this minimal wooden staircase that seems to defy gravity – it's like a level on a video game!
Each individual step is held in place by a strong metal girder in the wall, which enables it to hold the weight of anyone who climbs it. Just hope that you don't get vertigo on the way down… there's no bannister!
This ethereal staircase by Samara Barbosa Arquitetura looks like it comes straight from a modern fairytale. The lightly textured marble steps and transparent bannister are minimal yet opulent, and the zesty yellow vases and accent table add a touch of 'anything goes’ to this refined space.
How cute! This smart, small home has combined a small staircase with cubbies for a stylish alternative to bookshelves. In this minimal hallway, the stacked books add a refreshing pop of colour and interest that would otherwise be lacking.
Tucked away in a small corner, this spiral wooden staircase rises like a tree to the upper levels of the home. This twisted design looks like it can barely fit into the space, and that it is straining to grow up and out. It's the perfect staircase for lovers of rustic and natural influences.
This hallway looks like it could have been designed by MC Escher! The steps trail down past an expansive window and onto a mezzanine level, then change direction and gradually grow in size until they reach the bottom and appear to pool on the floor.
At first glance, this modern hallway looks like an optical illusion. It's only on take two that you realise this surreal opulence is for real…
See-through perspex panels and chrome accents dominate this space age staircase. The light refracts through the paneling and is thrown around the room, creating shimmering patterns of lightness and shade. If this is what the future looks like, we can't wait for it to arrive!
Here's another novel way to use that under-stair space – build a cosy reading corner and pile it up with pillows, drapes, and rugs. This idea works especially well here thanks to the curvy, rustic staircase, which looks like it could feature in a fairytale cottage.
Is this even a staircase at all? How does one even dream up such an impressive sculptural stairwell? Though these multi-functional steps by Studio Mieke Meijer might look death-defying, they are actually relatively easy to climb thanks to all of the jutting shelves to hold onto.
It also includes space to show off crockery, stack books, and tend to plants. There's even a small writing space – how clever!
These stairs are perhaps more traditional than the ones we've already seen, but no less beautiful. The floating wood structure climbs effortlessly to the second floor, lined by a delicate glass and wood bannister.
The style is a unique, Asian-influenced blend of rustic and modern. Orchids line the route to the top, and matching rattan pendulum lampshades hang through the staircase void at alternating heights.
After all of these striking statement staircases, it's nice to look at something a little more simple. This spindly spiral stair creeps delicately down to this ground floor creative space, bringing the light from above with it.
A burst of natural colour is introduced to the white and wood space thanks to numerous potted plants, which lends this minimal staircase a slightly boho, shabby chic vibe.
Finally, we arrive at this corkscrew masterpiece by WHO. This elegantly sweeping design fits perfectly with the modern polish of this home, and provides a focal point to this light and airy space without dominating it completely. This might just be our personal favourite – what was yours?
For more home inspiration ideas, check out these entrance halls that wow!