Gisele Bündchen's entryway includes a modern glass staircase

Genie Norris, a design consultant and owner of Color Genie, undertook a renovation project for her Austin home, focusing on unique vintage textile-inspired designs for each room. The final challenge was the stairwell, which needed to integrate with the home's diverse color palette, featuring 60 different paint colors and nine door shades. Norris sought a print that would tie these elements together, eventually discovering a Bauhaus-inspired floor covering made of vinyl. This discovery was pivotal, as she initially considered a custom painted mural for the stairwell, which would have been significantly more expensive, costing thousands of dollars for two stories. The vinyl, based on a collage, caught her eye during an extensive online search for a suitable design. She contacted the business owner, who agreed to enlarge the design to fit the dimensions of her stair risers. This solution proved to be a cost-effective and efficient alternative to a custom mural. Norris completed the installation herself over a weekend using a utility knife and a credit card to smooth out bubbles, costing only a few hundred dollars compared to the prohibitive expense of a professional muralist. The final phase of the stairwell project involved installing balusters. Norris wanted to maximize light and showcase a cherished family portrait by Elizabeth Chapin while discreetly concealing all bolts and fasteners. This complex task was managed by CG&S Design Build, who conceptualized and constructed a floor-to-ceiling 'screen' that created a seamless, clean-lined appearance across all levels. This required the coordinated effort of various subcontractors, including a welder, a Sheetrock expert, and flooring specialists. For the finishing touch, each pole of the baluster system was painted with Sherwin-Williams’s now-archived Gypsy Red. Norris considers red her neutral, using it to unify the different spaces within her home. She noted that high-gloss finishes, especially in this vibrant red, are challenging to apply perfectly. The painters meticulously applied eight coats to achieve the desired flawless finish, demonstrating the commitment to detail in the project. The result transformed the stairwell into a cohesive and visually stimulating element within the colorful and uniquely designed home. #HomeRenovation #StairwellDesign #BauhausInspired #VinylFlooring #DIYDesign #ColorTheory #InteriorDesign #CostEffectiveDecor #CustomSolutions

Staircases, traditionally seen as purely functional elements within a home, are increasingly being recognized as significant design features capable of making a strong aesthetic statement. This shift is evident in celebrity homes and public spaces alike, where staircases are transformed into focal points that combine practicality with visual appeal. The trend is exemplified by high-profile instances, such as the Beckham family's Holland Park mansion, which frequently features its black-and-white chequerboard marble floor and glossy black banisters in social media posts. Similarly, the planned introduction of curved escalators at Harrods, designed to evoke the store's historic sweeping staircases, highlights a broader appreciation for the dramatic potential of these structures. Pop culture, from Disney's 'Frozen' to Netflix's 'Sirens,' and even the annual Met Gala, further underscores the staircase's evolution into a symbol of grand entrances and impactful design. Ashif Kazee, a trend expert at Roccia.com, notes that staircases are becoming the 'new red carpet,' emphasizing the importance of designing these spaces with both daily life and social media presence in mind. This trend is not exclusive to large, opulent homes; even smaller hallways can be transformed through strategic styling. The process of giving a staircase 'star appeal' begins with the flooring, which serves as a foundational element. Bold geometric tiling, monochrome marble-effect tiles, or wood-look chevron patterns in durable porcelain can create a high-impact base that photographs well. Porcelain tiles are particularly recommended for their ability to mimic luxurious materials like marble and onyx while offering practicality and resilience. Beyond the floor, the banister plays a crucial role in defining the staircase's character. Instead of being merely functional, it can be enhanced with design elements such as painted spindles in contrasting shades, metallic handrails, or minimalist glass finishes. Seasonal styling, like adding greenery for spring or lanterns for winter, can further personalize the space. Artwork strategically placed at the top of the stairs can also frame the view and add visual interest. Texture and color are also vital considerations. Lucy Mather, an interiors expert from Arighi Bianchi, suggests using a sumptuous runner to draw the eye upwards, woven baskets for stylish storage, and a plush rug at the foot of the stairs to add depth. While soft neutrals maintain a timeless appeal, jewel tones or statement wallpaper on the stairwell wall can infuse the space with celebrity-worthy glamour. Lighting is another key aspect, with designers like Tom Raffield emphasizing the ceiling light as the primary focal point of the hallway, setting the tone for the entire staircase. Sculptural pendants for narrower spaces or dramatic statement pieces for larger entrances can instantly add impact. The concept of 'consolescape' involves styling a console table at the base of the stairs with lamps and decorative objects of varying heights, creating visual interest and ambient lighting. Shelley Cochrane from Furniture Village advises using a cohesive color palette and hanging artwork above the console to tie the arrangement together. Finally, creating a museum-worthy gallery wall along the staircase can add a personal and artistic touch. Magdalena Gierasinka from Barker and Stonehouse recommends combining photos and artworks of different sizes and shapes, using a mix of frame styles to avoid a contrived look. The key is to leave sufficient space between each piece to allow them to stand out individually, transforming the staircase into a curated display that reflects personal style and contributes to the home's overall aesthetic appeal. #StaircaseDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorStyling #CelebrityHomes #HallwayIdeas #LuxuryInteriors #FlooringTrends #LightingDesign #GalleryWall #ArchitecturalFeatures

The staircase in a home, while primarily functional, holds significant potential as a three-dimensional sculptural element that can dramatically influence a home’s aesthetic. Despite its impact, it is often overlooked during design or remodeling projects. Homeowners are encouraged to recognize that staircases, like other home features, can be renovated and styled to align with their desired tastes and overall home design. There is no single approach to staircase construction or decoration. Examples from design experts illustrate this versatility. One approach involves incorporating a classic striped runner, as seen in an 1870s brownstone, seamlessly blending function with vintage style. Another demonstrates the elegance of sweeping curved stairs with exposed pale wood treads in a Georgian Revival-style house, showcasing how custom designs can enhance specific architectural periods. Architects sometimes advocate for positioning stairways slightly apart from main entranceways, utilizing elements like pilasters and soffits to create a distinct identity for the staircase area, allowing it to subtly integrate with adjacent spaces while maintaining its unique presence. For real estate purposes, an appealing staircase and its surroundings can significantly improve a buyer's first impression, even if it is not as critical as a renovated kitchen or bathroom. Modern floating staircases, with their sleek and clean lines, are particularly attractive to younger buyers, adding a contemporary and dramatic accent to a home. When considering proportions, it is essential that the staircase is visually balanced with its surrounding space. Building codes provide safety guidelines for riser height and tread width, allowing some flexibility. The objective in remodeling or building new stairs is to ensure a graceful and comfortable ascent and descent. The individual components of a staircase—balustrade, railing, newel post, and nose—should also be in harmonious proportion with each other. Resources like Houzz offer detailed guidelines for achieving these proportions. Maintaining continuity in materials and colors is often a key consideration. Designers frequently advise clients to select their flooring species and color first, especially if replacing or refinishing, and then coordinate the staircase elements accordingly, advocating for matching stain colors rather than contrasting ones. Popular wood choices include walnut and oak, valued for their durability. Designers may prefer darker or medium hues, though lighter stains are sometimes used in contemporary settings, avoiding whitewashed finishes. While trends evolve, long-term factors such as durability and overall home style should guide material and color choices. For contemporary designs, white oak with light stains and squared-off treads (the part beyond the riser) are commonly favored. The overarching design philosophy is to integrate the staircase seamlessly with the entire house's aesthetic. Designers also explore creative variations beyond matching wood components. Painting handrails in striking colors, such as blue-black, can introduce visual interest. Painting risers and spindles white or a trim color can lighten the appearance of the staircase. Preserving well-maintained wrought-iron railings in older homes can retain character, provided they are not overly elaborate. Emphasis is placed on quality materials and joinery to enhance the staircase's natural appeal. Contemporary designs frequently incorporate cable railings or glass walls, which allow more light and views, updating traditional homes. For example, a traditional suburban home was modernized with metal cable railings, oak treads stained medium gray, and white risers, complemented by a tightly woven blue wool carpet runner, at a modest cost. Another renovation transformed a Colonial-style home's wooden staircase with tempered glass panels and steel handrails and posts, coordinated with whitewashed floors and new white oak treads and risers, to create a strong focal point. The use of stair modules, built off-site and assembled on-site, has become a practical approach for specialized stair companies, reducing construction time and errors while ensuring safety standards, particularly for floating staircases. The debate over carpeting on stairs generally leans away from fully carpeted treads in modern design, favoring runners in specific cases. If original wood boards underneath are in good condition, they may be stained or painted. For safety, wire-brushing uncarpeted stairs is recommended to prevent slips. While many prefer uncarpeted stairs for a modern look, some designers advocate for runners to enhance safety and absorb sound, recommending flat, tightly woven options in classic patterns. Professional installation is crucial for proper pattern alignment, with waterfall and Hollywood/Chicago styles being common choices. Beyond the staircase itself, accessorizing the surrounding space is important. Wallpaper or paint can introduce color and style to the area. A strategically placed large light fixture can add drama to a foyer and highlight the staircase. Other traditional additions like a table, chest, mirror, seating, artwork, or easy-to-clean floor cloths can personalize the space. Faux-wood panels can also be applied along a stairwell to add texture, emphasizing that these additions contribute to a home's individual style. #StaircaseDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesignTrends #ArchitecturalFeatures #HomeStyling #RealEstateValue #ModernStaircases #HomeImprovement

This article highlights how Gisele Bündchen's kitchen island elevates natural wood and white marble into a sophisticated design statement. In her kitchen, dark natural wood cabinetry is contrasted with crisp white accents and glossy white marble countertops. Contemporary pendant lights illuminate the central island, which features a matte dark wood base against a bright white counter, creating a high-contrast visual appeal. Jennifer Ebert, a color expert and digital editor at Homes & Gardens, notes that this combination of dark and light colors is both intriguing and classic, predicting it will become a significant interior design trend due to the increasing preference for natural materials. The article suggests that those not ready to commit to full natural wood kitchen cabinets can incorporate the aesthetic through carefully chosen wooden countertop accents or intricate china. A dark wooden bowl and a blue-and-white china-style bowl are presented as examples, mimicking elements found in Bündchen's kitchen. These items are shown to combine beauty and function, enhancing the kitchen's display with rich textures and unique patterns, such as an 18th-century Imari Oriental border. The integration of different materials creates compelling visual interest, aligning with a broader trend towards natural materials and earth-centered tones in interior design. Interior designer and architect Greg Roth emphasizes the current trend of incorporating natural materials and earth tones, especially as people seek deeper connections to nature. He observes that this trend is reflected in Bündchen's kitchen through the grounding presence of natural wood and gray marble. Roth explains that the interplay of these textures and colors creates a warm and inviting interior, evoking the comfort of a sun-heated landscape. This design approach not only creates an appealing aesthetic but also grounds inhabitants in the natural world, offering a cozy retreat during cooler seasons. Such high-contrast kitchen islands are anticipated to become a major design trend, driven by the growing demand for natural, authentic aesthetics in home interiors. #GiseleBundchen #KitchenDesign #HighContrast #NaturalMaterials #InteriorDesignTrends #WoodAndMarble #KitchenIsland #HomeDecor #CelebrityStyle

Peggy and David Matthews, celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary, undertook a significant interior design renovation of their Southside Place home, which they built 20 years ago. The initial design of the house catered to their young children, but with their five children now ranging from 16 to 28, and several back home due to the coronavirus pandemic, the family's needs and lifestyle have evolved. Peggy Matthews, who owns Rapid Record Retrieval, a legal support company, expressed a desire to upgrade, redo, and refresh their living space, driven by her love for change. The redesign project was spearheaded by Marie Flanigan Interiors, with Marie Flanigan and design director Melanie Hamel leading the effort. A key aspect of the renovation involved transforming a multi-purpose front room, which had served as a playroom and teenage hangout, into Peggy's personal retreat. This room now features deep blue lacquered walls and built-in bookshelves, a sofa reupholstered in white fabric, a bold geometric rug with chartreuse accents, and a dark blue tufted ottoman. This space allows Peggy to relax privately, though it remains appealing to other family members as well. Peggy's passion for fashion significantly influenced the design choices, prompting the designers to incorporate sophisticated yet functional fabrics inspired by runway trends, including Hermes and Jean Paul Gaultier fabrics. The home's existing art collection, notably Andy Warhol's "Cowboys and Indians" lithographs, served as a primary source of color inspiration. The rich ochers and cobalts present in Warhol's pieces, such as "Mother and Child" in the front room, "Geronimo" in the family room, and "Kachina Dolls" in the hallway, guided the selection of the home's new color palette. Flanigan and Hamel aimed to create a vibrant interior that matched Peggy's dynamic lifestyle, moving away from an all-white aesthetic. The dining room, frequently used for family gatherings, was reimagined with customized de Gournay "Willow" wallpaper featuring delicate branches and a Lindsey Adelman "Branching Bubble" chandelier. Vintage side chairs, discovered on firstdibs.com with garish green frames and old upholstery, were meticulously restored with a gold-bronze finish and reupholstered to complement the wallpaper. The family room was designed with two distinct seating areas to accommodate both large group television watching and intimate conversations, and even includes a designated "dance floor" for entertaining. Minor updates were also made to the kitchen, including replacing traditional island legs with edgier stainless steel ones to match the existing stainless steel counters and range hood. New barstools, combining wood frames with varied fabric on the backs and seats, added warmth. A geometric patterned backsplash was installed after a range replacement, contributing to the updated decor. The breakfast area received new furniture, including a round table that can expand to an oval for larger gatherings. Furthermore, part of the backyard patio was enclosed with large glass panels to create an indoor-outdoor sunroom, offering a climate-controlled space that can be fully opened to the outdoors. This sunroom is furnished with a mix of blue and white patterns in performance fabrics, including a bold Martyn Lawrence Bullard Perennials print on a large ottoman, a striped chair, a solid sofa, and a chevron rug, ensuring durability and a cohesive aesthetic that extends the home's style into the outdoor living area. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #FashionInspiredDecor #LuxuryInteriors #ArtCollection #CustomWallpaper #ModernTraditional #IndoorOutdoorLiving #FamilyHome

The entryway serves as the initial introduction to a home's design and establishes the overall ambiance. Incorporating luxurious details, such as sweeping staircases or cascading chandeliers, can significantly enhance the entry's appeal and leave a lasting impression on guests. This article presents 15 distinct examples of entryways designed by leading Australian architects and interior designers, showcasing a range of styles from classic to modern. One example features a sunlit courtyard leading to a breezy, light-filled foyer with a sweeping staircase guiding visitors upstairs. Another highlights a pared-back aesthetic and neutral color scheme, accented by eclectic elements, to create a tranquil mood. A historic Melbourne mansion, originally built in 1859 in the Classical Revival style, boasts an entryway where Haymes 'Modesty White' provides a crisp backdrop to decorative plasterwork. Its recent renovation aimed to soften the imposing structure for modern family life. Further examples include a five-bedroom Italianate mansion in Sydney, featuring intricately carved 19th-century oak doors, and a restored 1920s Mediterranean villa with a high double-oak front door flanked by large pots of red geraniums and olive trees, evoking a coastal European feel. A harbourside home reimagined by Pollak Design showcases a beautifully welcoming entryway filled with natural light and elegant details. An entryway inspired by a Hamptons property, designed by architect Brad Inwood and interior designer Greg Natale, integrates Cape Cod features and layers of cobalt blue. Another stylish semi in Dover Heights greets guests with a dramatic pendant light, sculpture, and a curved staircase, establishing the home's contemporary aesthetic. A Gothic Revival home features a blend of modern and traditional elements, such as a wrought-iron balustrade and steel-framed windows, reminiscent of a Belle-Époque Parisian townhouse. For a 1930s neo-Georgian style house, designer Brendan Wong transformed the interior, including a timber staircase with a rich purple runner and a fine gold pinstripe, hinting at unexpected interior elements within the traditional envelope. A grand Toorak home, modeled on classical French architecture, features interiors by Thomas Hamel and Dylan Farrell, with Pacific Island stone sculptures welcoming guests at the entrance. A contemporary Melbourne home designed by David Hicks, drawing on Californian inspirations, uses palm trees to create a glamorous and elegant vibe. A waterfront home employs contrasting white and dark, moody spaces, with a custom pendant light over a Moooi table in a double-height space to draw the eye upwards. Finally, a resort-style home overlooking Sydney’s Parsley Bay, designed by Brooke Aitken, features a minimalist luxury aesthetic with a strong black and white theme, including a custom-made gate and new canopy. The last example highlights a home updated by Mim Design, blending Japanese, contemporary, and Victorian influences, with new steel-rimmed glazing panels reminiscent of traditional Japanese shoji screens, to achieve an effortless calm. #EntrywayIdeas #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #FoyerDesign #StaircaseDesign #HomeRenovation #ModernInteriors

The stairway serves as a fundamental connector within a building, enabling movement between floors. Beyond this basic function, a well-designed stairway can significantly unify and enhance the entire aesthetic of a space, making a dramatic impression that few other interior architectural features can achieve. In contrast to the ornate, heavily carved newel posts characteristic of Victorian staircases, modern design philosophy, as exemplified by companies like Viewrail, centers on the treads themselves as the primary eye-catching element. Viewrail, founded in 2011 with a focus on modern stair design, developed its FLIGHT floating stairway in 2017. This design emphasizes wooden treads, complemented by railings made of glass, cables, or metal rods. The core principle behind this approach is to minimize the visibility of structural components, allowing the natural grain patterns and colors of the wood treads to become the focal point. This creates a sense of openness and allows light to filter through, making rooms appear larger and contributing to a more expansive visual environment. Floating stairways, particularly those with glass railings, are highly valued for their transparency, which allows them to seemingly disappear and integrate seamlessly into the surrounding architecture. This design choice transforms the stairway from a mere functional element into a striking focal point. Brian Ellison, a multidisciplinary designer, attests to the transformative power of Viewrail's stairs, noting their ability to unify spaces and impart a modern feel. He views the floating stairway as an unexpected and memorable feature that leaves a lasting impact on observers. Traditionally, staircases relied on lumber stringers built into the walls for support. Viewrail's modern floating stairways, however, often utilize a metal stringer located beneath the stairs, contributing to their sleek, minimalist appearance. Furthermore, Viewrail's pre-fabricated components, manufactured in Goshen, Indiana, offer a more affordable alternative to custom-built floating stairways. This accessibility allows designers to incorporate sophisticated, modern designs into projects that might otherwise be constrained by budget, making high-end aesthetics attainable for a wider range of projects. Viewrail prides itself on creating a streamlined process for designing, manufacturing, and delivering staircases, contributing to their affordability. The cost of a Viewrail staircase is comparable to that of a new kitchen countertop or half the expense of a mid-range bathroom remodel. Whether undertaking a renovation or new construction, careful consideration should be given to the stairway's design from the outset. Rather than being an afterthought, the stairway should be intentionally planned to accentuate the room and foster connectivity between different areas, thereby literally bringing spaces together. #ModernStairwayDesign #FloatingStairs #GlassRailing #InteriorArchitecture #HomeRenovation #ModernHome #Viewrail #AffordableDesign #ArchitecturalFeatures

Melanie Lazenby, the daughter of actor George Lazenby (who played James Bond in 1969), and a successful real estate broker known for closing deals totaling $1.2 billion for Douglas Elliman, recently moved into her dream apartment on Madison Avenue in the Upper East Side. A top-tier closet was a major priority for her new home. Her impressive walk-in wardrobe was designed by Nate Berkus and features lacquered wood with brass handles and a Niermann Weeks chandelier. Lazenby's primary goal for the closet was to maximize every square inch to accommodate her collection of 200 dresses, with Alaïa being a favorite brand. She also possesses about 100 pairs of shoes and 50 pairs of sunglasses, favoring Miu Miu. Given her extensive collection, Lazenby emphasizes the importance of organization. She enlisted Maria Kontovas from Neat Method to help bring order to her possessions. Kontovas organized the dresses by season and color, also finding suitable places for vintage items such as a twist-front Versace dress. The organizational strategy was to allow Lazenby to 'shop' her accessories within her own closet. Lazenby highlights the growing significance of closet space in the current real estate market. She recalls selling a 6,500-square-foot, four-bedroom penthouse in NoMad to Jennifer Lopez, where the massive closet, featuring French doors leading to a terrace, was a key selling point. This allowed Lopez the option of fresh air circulating through her clothes. Lazenby was also impressed by Alex Rodriguez’s well-designed and spacious closet in Trump Park Avenue, noting its beauty despite expecting an athlete's closet to be filled with track pants. According to Lazenby, good closet space can be a deal-maker or breaker for buyers, and large, well-designed walk-in closets significantly add value to a property. At 41, Lazenby underscores that buyers are not serious unless they are meticulously examining the closet space. #MelanieLazenby #WalkInCloset #LuxuryRealEstate #HomeDesign #NateBerkus #Fashion #Organization

The article explores the sophisticated design of Gisele Bündchen's kitchen island, highlighting its use of natural materials and high-contrast color palette to create a dramatic and elegant statement. The kitchen features dark natural wood and crisp white accents, with contemporary pendant lights illuminating glossy white marble countertops and stainless steel hardware. The dark matte wood of the island juxtaposed with its white counter immediately draws attention and is described as both intriguing and classic by Jennifer Ebert, a color expert and digital editor at Homes & Gardens. Ebert anticipates that this high-contrast look will become a significant interior design trend in the coming years, driven by a growing preference for natural materials. The piece also provides suggestions for incorporating Gisele Bündchen's aesthetic into one's own kitchen, even without a complete overhaul. It recommends starting with wooden countertop accents like a dark wooden bowl or intricate china. Specific product recommendations, such as a Spode Bi Brocato Bowl, a Mercer41 Jense Pendant Light, and a Tondo Acacia Wood Serving Bowl, are included to help readers achieve a similar look. These items are presented as balancing beauty and function, suitable for various uses from everyday to entertaining. Beyond color, the article delves into the importance of material contrast. Greg Roth, a California-based interior designer and architect, notes a rising trend toward natural materials and earth-centered tones in interiors. He connects this trend to a human desire for a stronger bond with nature, an aspect reflected in Bündchen's kitchen through its natural wood and gray marble elements. The design fosters a sense of warmth and groundedness, reminiscent of a sun-heated landscape, which is particularly appealing during cooler seasons. This trend suggests that kitchen islands similar to Bündchen's are likely to gain widespread popularity, encouraging readers to consider adopting this style. The overall theme emphasizes how a thoughtful combination of natural elements, contrasting colors, and carefully selected accessories can elevate a functional space into a design statement. The article blends celebrity interior design inspiration with practical advice and expert opinions, positioning Bündchen's kitchen as a model for timeless and sophisticated living spaces. It also underscores the broader movement towards incorporating natural elements and high-contrast aesthetics in modern home decor. #GiseleBündchen #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #NaturalMaterials #HighContrastDecor #HomeDecor #CelebrityStyle #KitchenIslandIdeas

The 'last step' staircase trend is gaining traction in interior design, transforming functional staircases into distinctive design features by incorporating luxurious materials into the final steps. This approach highlights the architectural importance of staircases, blurring the lines between utilitarian structures and artistic installations within a home. The trend offers a method to infuse artistry into design while potentially managing budget constraints. Several interpretations of this trend demonstrate its versatility. One example involves a dramatic, curving staircase where Australian building codes necessitated a landing after 18 steps. The designers strategically placed this landing near the beginning of the staircase, using contrasting Cosmic Black Granite with a leathered finish for the initial, smaller flight. This choice creates a striking visual contrast with the timber main stairs and plaster balustrade, emphasizing different textures and tones. The goal was to make the staircase a focal point visible from various rooms, enhancing the overall drama of the entry space. Another application showcases a minimalist aesthetic, proving the trend isn't limited to opulence. Inspired by Scandinavian minimalism and Japanese architecture, this design focuses on quiet simplicity. An interior consultant describes creating a sculptural, monolithic presence using drywall for smooth surfaces and incorporating a single travertine step. This travertine step, a recurring material throughout the space, provides a subtle, tactile contrast to the otherwise tone-on-tone design, contributing to a sense of calm and cohesion within the home. A classical luxury interpretation blends Edwardian-style architecture with modern elements. In a grand entrance hall, Nero Antico marble treads elevate the staircase, complemented by fluted walls. The design incorporates timber stairs and a graphic black balustrade to introduce modernity and precision, achieving a balanced dialogue between classic elegance and contemporary forms. The choice of materials, including timber, marble, and lacquered fluting, adds depth, texture, and a sense of permanence, creating a distinctive and elegant character. The trend also adapts to retro styles, as seen in a project inspired by 1970s aesthetics. Here, an existing timber staircase was enhanced by adding a striking emerald-toned Bamboo Green Marble to the steps. This addition creates a bold contrast with the original timber and complements the rich plum paint on the ceilings and walls, resulting in a warm, jewel-toned space. The intention was to introduce a solid, contrasting element that would stand out and contribute to a vibrant, colorful family home. Finally, a design emphasizing softened stone incorporates a single Calacatta Viola marble step into a dark walnut staircase with a curved handrail. This approach balances traditional elegance with modern sensibilities, bridging contrasting client tastes for classic and minimalist styles. The luxurious marble against the soft curves of the staircase creates a dramatic yet elegant effect, transforming a functional element into sculptural art. To recreate this look, designers advise simplicity and consistency. Using a single tone for walls and stairs, with matte or mineral-based paints, helps achieve a sculptural, seamless appearance. Introducing a single step of a contrasting material—stone, sawn timber, or steel—that is also used elsewhere in the home, can subtly connect the staircase to the broader material palette without disrupting simplicity. In larger spaces like entryways, a neutral palette with layered browns and blacks can provide depth and contrast. Crucially, avoiding materials that are only slightly different in texture or tone is recommended to ensure a clear and impactful contrast, preventing an unintended appearance of material mismatch. #LastStepTrend #StaircaseDesign #LuxuryMaterials #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalFeatures #MaterialContrast #ModernElegance

Staircases, often seen as merely utilitarian, possess significant architectural and aesthetic potential, serving as a primary focal point in a home's entryway and setting the overall design tone. This collection showcases 54 diverse staircase designs from the VERANDA archive, highlighting how these transitional spaces can be transformed into artistic statements through thoughtful design choices. The article explores various styles and decorative elements that elevate staircases beyond their functional purpose. Several examples illustrate the integration of art and grandiosity. The 'Portrait Staircase' in Timothy Corrigan’s French country estate features 146 portraits spanning centuries, creating a gallery-like experience. Similarly, the 'Frescoed Staircase' in a Dallas manor by Jan Showers utilizes Iksel wallpaper with sweeping scenes and gold-leafed railings to evoke a 19th-century Italian villa. The 'Botanical Staircase' in a Chicago estate by Summer Thornton pairs herringbone floors and a Palladian-inspired lantern with an oversized de Gournay botanical-print wallpaper, introducing a blend of grandeur and whimsy. Other designs focus on unique materials and patterns. Meg Braff's 'Waterfront Staircase' in Nantucket incorporates a zebra-print stair runner and hand-painted faux-bois checkerboard flooring, drawing inspiration from the coastal environment. Guy Oliver's 'Soaring Staircase' in a London townhouse features a boldly-scaled black-and-white floor, reminiscent of the Hotel Cincinnati from 'The Queen’s Gambit.' The 'Bygone Staircase' in Anna Brockway's Upper East Side apartment uses de Gournay’s Hippolyta’s Forest wallcovering to create a dramatic, elegant spiral stairwell. The collection also highlights the creative use of space and thematic elements. Michael S. Smith's 'Striped Staircase' in a New York townhouse employs striped wallpaper and a colorful runner to draw the eye upward and encourage exploration. The 'Cantilevered Staircase' in Martyn Lawrence Bullard's Irish estate showcases collections and art in the often-overlooked space beneath the stairs, featuring an ensemble of busts against cheerful yellow walls. Sue Jones's 'Spiral Staircase' in her Cotswolds cottage integrates an 18th-century Beauvais tapestry, enhancing the quaint space with history. Contemporary and traditional elements are also blended effectively. The 'Art Pop Staircase' in Lorenzo Castillo's Chelsea townhouse uses modern artworks by Boa Mistura and James English Leary as a colorful contrast to neutral wallpaper. Mary McDonald's 'Grand Stone Staircase' in a Palm Beach home emphasizes authentic architecture with an original stone and iron staircase and a custom kilim. Jayne Design Studio's 'Georgian Staircase' in Charleston features soft camellia wallpaper transitioning into a custom cream-and-yellow paper inspired by early 18th-century designs. The article also covers unique historical and personal touches. The 'Seven-Story Staircase' in a New York Beaux-Arts townhouse, having survived a fire, is adorned with embossed metal Kirdi shields and African tribal art. Fashion designer Liz Lange's 'Grey Gardens Staircase' restoration preserved original details while incorporating daring style with Jonathan Adler's input. Architect Paul Bates's 'Cottage Staircase' in Birmingham features solid curved walls and lacquered handrail caps, adding glamor. Matthew Carter's 'Jubilant Staircase' in a Maine summer house uses star-patterned walls and a striped runner, complemented by antique wildlife prints. Eric J. Smith and Steven Gambrel's 'Jazz Age Staircase' in a 1920s New Jersey estate pays homage to Art Deco roots with an arched window flanked by contemporary and Le Corbusier lithographs. Finally, Charlotte Moss's 'Fauna Staircase' in a Houston estate displays a commissioned “Birds of Texas” painting series, creating a personal connection to the home, and Amanda Lindroth's 'Bahamian Staircase' uses a collection of shells, sponges, and coral to enhance its coastal theme. #StaircaseDesign #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalFeatures #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #Wallcoverings #EntrywayDecor #ArtIntegration #DesignInspiration

Geddes Ulinskas Architects has completed a 12,000-square-foot, three-story residence in San Francisco's Cow Hollow neighborhood, featuring six bedrooms and a strong emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. The home, built on a 0.26-acre vacant lot, offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge and was completed in 2021 for developer Troon Pacific. The architectural design is characterized by stacked envelopes with continuous glazing, allowing natural light to permeate the interiors. Geddes Ulinskas, the principal and founder, stated that the design was heavily influenced by the natural environment, aiming to integrate the outdoors within the living spaces as much as possible. Structural elements are strategically set back from the exterior walls, creating a 'floating effect' for the roof and incorporating a linear band of bronze windows throughout the residence. The exterior combines smooth plaster walls with rough split-faced limestone at the entry, complemented by warm wood-wrapped roof eaves. A notable feature is the 20-feet-tall monumental wooden door that serves as the main entrance, leading into a landscaped entry area. The ground floor's seating area and adjacent dining room seamlessly connect to the garden through floor-to-ceiling, full-width pocketed sliding glass doors. These doors minimize their footprint, fostering a transparent relationship between the interior and exterior living areas. Inside, a curated selection of natural materials, including wood and hand-textured stone, is paired with custom paneling and blackened steel finishes. The color palette is inspired by nature, incorporating charcoal and dark green, while fixtures draw inspiration from elements like water ripples and lightning. Sliding glass doors are consistently used throughout the home, opening various living spaces to expansive San Francisco views. Subtle design details, such as fabric stretched across the ceiling to conceal technical equipment, contribute to the clean lines and uninterrupted surfaces of the interior. A central artistic element of the home is the double-height foyer, which houses a steel and glass staircase. This staircase, described as a two-story piece of art, was crafted by Oakland-based artist John Lewis. He created the sculptural stairwell by pouring molten glass into a four-inch-thick form, with the solid glass treads undergoing a three-month cooling process. The staircase is suspended between a reflecting pool and an operable skylight, enhancing its visual impact. Beyond the primary living spaces, the residence is equipped with luxurious amenities, including a private movie theater, a wine room, a gym, and a 72-foot lap pool. It also features a built-in stainless steel spa and a wellness spa complete with a glass-enclosed sauna and a steam shower. The home culminates in a large rooftop deck, offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and featuring a stone-crafted fire table, providing an ideal space for outdoor relaxation and entertainment. #SanFranciscoArchitecture #LuxuryHomeDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #CastGlassStaircase #ModernResidential #GeddesUlinksasArchitects #BayAreaDesign #NaturalMaterials #SustainableDesign

This article showcases the lavish and unique entrance hallways and staircases of various celebrities, emphasizing how these spaces contribute to a grand first impression in their homes. It delves into the design choices and personal touches that make each celebrity's entryway distinctive, ranging from opulent and traditional to modern and minimalist. The article begins by featuring Catherine Zeta-Jones' New York home, which boasts a double-height ceiling and an open staircase adorned with garlands and fairy lights during Christmas, complemented by a chandelier. Crown Princess Marie-Chantal's New York townhouse is highlighted for its grand hallway and staircase, featuring an ornate gold bench and table, alongside mahogany columns. Kylie Jenner's Hidden Hills residence presents a lavish entrance with a wine store under the stairs, black-and-white framed photos, and a cozy bench with books and a plant. Cristiano Ronaldo's Madeira home is noted for its open staircase in the living room, designed to maximize ocean views with large windows and a glass railing. Leigh-Anne Pinnock's home showcases a grand entrance with a curved staircase, wooden bannister, and a black piano. Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes' Surrey home features a large hallway with a wooden winding staircase, decorated in neutral tones with cream tiled flooring and a stair runner. David and Victoria Beckham's London home is characterized by a spacious hallway with black-and-white tiled flooring and a staircase leading to a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the garden. Ronan and Storm Keating's family home boasts a double-height entrance hall with an open staircase and windows that offer stunning country views, accented by a statement light fitting and a landing seating area. Gordon Ramsay's Los Angeles home features a double-height entrance hall with a wraparound balcony, large pendant lights, and a neon sign. Kate and Rio Ferdinand's Essex home has a curved staircase with black metal bannisters, white wooden stairs, and a grey carpet runner, enhanced by a large mirror and grey wall panelling. Kris Jenner's home entrance includes a staircase on both sides, a mezzanine balcony with black metal railings, black-and-white tiled flooring, and large plants. Finally, Lucy Mecklenburgh and Ryan Thomas's Essex home is styled with a marble and gold West Elm table, a full-length mirror, a slim grey sofa, and framed prints. Jenna Dewan's new home features a staircase in the middle of an open-plan living area with glass panels, metal bannisters, and windows for natural light. #CelebrityHomes #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #Hallways #Staircases #LuxuryHomes #ArchitecturalFeatures #CelebrityLifestyle

Artist and architect Inés Esnal has unveiled her Prism installation, transforming the lobby of a new residential building in New York City. The artwork utilizes colorful elastic ropes to create intricate triangular formations that serve to filter light, producing a dynamic interplay of vivid colors and optical illusions. This installation provides a stark and compelling contrast to the lobby's existing concrete walls, injecting an element of artistic vibrancy into the otherwise stark architectural setting. The Prism installation is characterized by its use of stretched elastic ropes, meticulously arranged to form geometric patterns. These ropes, varying in color, intersect and overlap, creating a complex web that interacts with the ambient light. As light passes through these colored strands, it is fractured and dispersed, casting a spectrum of hues across the lobby space. This optical phenomenon changes throughout the day, depending on the angle and intensity of natural light, offering a constantly evolving visual experience for residents and visitors. The design intention behind Prism is to introduce an element of surprise and visual engagement within a functional architectural space. By contrasting the inherent rigidity and monochromatic nature of concrete with the fluidity and vibrant palette of the elastic ropes, Esnal challenges conventional perceptions of lobby design. The installation effectively redefines the entrance area, transforming it from a transitional zone into an immersive artistic environment. Esnal's work often explores the relationship between art, architecture, and human perception. In Prism, she employs principles of geometry and optics to manipulate space and light, thereby creating an illusory depth and movement within a static structure. The triangular shapes formed by the ropes evoke the concept of prisms, which are known for their ability to refract light into its constituent colors. This not only imbues the space with aesthetic appeal but also invites viewers to contemplate the scientific and artistic principles at play. The installation aims to enhance the sensory experience of the building's occupants, offering a momentary escape from the urban environment. The selection of elastic ropes as the primary material allows for flexibility in form and an ethereal quality that belies the material's strength. This choice also contributes to the lightweight and seemingly gravity-defying appearance of the artwork, further emphasizing its illusory nature. The vibrant colors chosen are intended to evoke a sense of energy and warmth, counteracting the potentially cold aesthetic of modern concrete architecture. The overall effect is one of harmony between the artistic intervention and the architectural context, demonstrating how art can profoundly alter and enrich built environments. #ArchitecturalInstallation #PublicArt #LobbyDesign #InesEsnal #OpticalIllusions #ElasticRopeArt #NYCArchitecture #ColorTheory #GeometricArt

This article compiles a visual lookbook featuring ten residential staircases that incorporate contemporary and non-traditional balustrades. Balustrades, which are railings designed to prevent falls, are traditionally characterized by their bulbous, lathe-turned balusters. However, the featured examples deviate from this conventional form, introducing innovative designs that serve as statement focal points within their respective homes. The collection begins with a Private House in Cologne, Germany, designed by SMO Architektur. This home features a seamless, perforated balustrade made from a single sheet of material. Its circular perforations create a striking contrast with the staircase's rigid, angular profile, aligning with the house's cubic form and a design informed by Le Corbusier's Plan Libre. Next is the Mo-tel House in London, UK, a Georgian townhouse renovated by Office S&M. This residence showcases a brightly colored, geometric staircase. The balustrade consists of vertically slatted balusters painted pink, complemented by a bright yellow handrail that integrates seamlessly with the staircase's end post, contributing to the home's vibrant interior scheme. A Tel Aviv townhouse designed by architect David Lebenthal presents a unique steel rod balustrade. The staircase is suspended behind a wall of vertically arranged steel rods that extend between floors, fixed to and intersecting with the metal-folded treads. This design is integrated with an exposed concrete party wall, forming a central element of the home. Gundry & Ducker's White Rabbit House in London features a cantilevered staircase with a balustrade made of green-painted vertical rods. A single-piece wooden bannister is positioned atop these balusters, piercing through an overhanging lip on the base step's tread, adding a distinct architectural detail to the 1970s house. Bonhôte House, also in London, designed by AOC, incorporates angular brass rods arranged in a zigzag pattern. These rods flank the staircase, which ascends above an open-plan living and kitchen area. The brass-wrapped staircase also functions as a visual divider for the ground floor spaces within this contemporary family home. AOC's Hearth House in Golders Green features a negative relief-style balustrade. Plywood sheets are laser-cut with the silhouettes of traditional spindle balusters, creating voids where ornamental spindles would typically be found. A lamp extending from the handrail further enhances the unique design. In Berlin, Germany, architect Philipp von Matt designed O12, an artist's home with a golden-hued, perforated-brass bannister. This mesh brass element zigzags along a solid concrete staircase, allowing light to filter through its perforations and illuminate the monolithic stairwell. Ash House in Lewisham, London, by R2 Studio, features a full-height ash bannister with circular cut-out openings. These openings are strategically sized, with larger holes at eye level for both adults and children, and a groove on the opposite side forms an inset handrail, connecting two storeys of an Edwardian house. Maryland House in London, the home of designer Remi Connolly-Taylor, includes a red metal staircase with a seemingly weightless appearance. A tubular, pipe-like handrail and balustrade follow the profile of the red folded treads, and the staircase is encased within a glass block-clad stairwell, designed to maximize light while maintaining privacy. Finally, Coastal House in Devon, UK, renovated by 6a Architects, showcases a wooden staircase with thin, tapering spindle-shaped balustrades. These are arranged at alternating angles, creating a wave-like rhythm. Made from oak, the balustrade and bannister have an unfinished, rustic quality that complements the home's original beams and stone walls. This lookbook aims to provide visual inspiration, highlighting innovative approaches to staircase balustrade design that move beyond traditional forms to create striking and functional architectural features within residential settings. The examples demonstrate diverse material choices, structural designs, and aesthetic considerations, showcasing how balustrades can be transformed into key elements of interior design. #HomeInteriors #StaircaseDesign #Balustrades #ContemporaryDesign #ArchitecturalDetails #ResidentialDesign #InteriorInspiration #ModernHomes #DesignInnovation

Filmmaker Nancy Meyers' approach to entryway design emphasizes thoughtful curation and minimal accessories, effectively setting a welcoming tone for the entire home. Her recent Instagram post showcased a stone table adorned with a grand floral arrangement and glass-encased candles, set against a calming gray wall. This serves as a prime example of how carefully selected items, rather than an abundance of decor, can create an inviting atmosphere. Experts, such as designer Nina Lichtenstein, advocate for investing time and thought into staging an entryway to significantly boost its appeal and functionality, transforming it from an overlooked space into a captivating entry point. A foundational element for any entryway is a solid console table. Meyers' elegant, long, and smooth table exemplifies this principle. Lichtenstein highlights the dual role of a console table, providing a surface for decorative elements like vases, lamps, and trays, while also offering practical storage for everyday essentials such as keys and mail. The choice of table design, whether sleek and minimalist for modern homes or rustic and ornate for traditional ones, should align with the home's overall aesthetic. Atmospheric accessories play a crucial role in enhancing the entryway's ambiance. Proper lighting, for instance, is paramount. Lichtenstein stresses that an entryway should be well-lit and visually engaging, moving beyond dimly lit or overly fluorescent conditions. A statement chandelier, pendant light, or elegant sconce can instantly elevate the space. Fixtures with unique designs or materials, like twine, crystals, or wood, can further complement the home's aesthetic. Adding reflective features, such as mirrors, can introduce dimension and make the space feel larger and brighter. Mirrors also serve a practical purpose, allowing for last-minute checks before leaving the house. Choosing a mirror with an eye-catching frame that harmonizes with the decor further enhances the entryway's visual appeal. Beyond functionality, the entryway offers an opportunity for personal expression and creativity. Lichtenstein encourages the inclusion of statement pieces and personalized decorative accents. This could involve a gallery wall of family photos, a distinctive piece of art, a vase of fresh flowers, or unique decorative objects like geodes, sculptures, or plants. These elements inject character, making the space feel like a natural extension of the home. Hand-crafted artwork or mementos from travels can add a particularly special and personal touch. Finally, integrating comfortable seating options, such as a bench or a pair of chairs, can enhance both the practicality and comfort of the entryway. These pieces offer a convenient spot for putting on or taking off shoes and often provide additional storage. Materials like live-edge wood or upholstered seating can introduce texture and color, boosting the visual appeal. Meyers' use of glass enclosures over candles in her entryway illustrates how simple yet unexpected accents can elevate a space, making sophisticated design both accessible and impactful. #NancyMeyers #EntrywayDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesignTips #CelebrityHomes #FunctionalDecor #LightingDesign #PersonalizedSpaces