Our collection of the top staircase trends explores how this often overlooked element in interior design can create a magnificent architectural feature in your space, and make for a truly eye-catching focal point.

Not simply something to help you get from A to B, due to the size and, usually, the positioning, a staircase should be seen as a whole room all of its own. Staircases come in all manner of different shapes, sizes, materials and styles. Many traditional designs in period properties are often crafted from stone or wood, featuring intricate and ornate detailing, with more contemporary stair designs focusing on an adventurous use of material, shape and color.

Gareth Betts, staircase designer at Neville Johnson says, 'a bespoke staircase renovation has the power to transform your home with outstanding results.'

So, for some beautiful inspiration for your next project, spend some time exploring our collection of staircase trends – you might just come away with a brand new favorite look or style. 

BY THEA BABINGTON-STITT. CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ZARA STACEY

Using an elegant mix of materials and uniting contrasting textures, colors and shapes can make for a staircase design rich with appealing visual interest. 

Wonderfully shown in this renovated Victorian London home, the traditional 1850s staircase has been replaced with a striking, steel and timber design from Cake Industries. Establishing a stylish contrast, the juxtaposition between the warming oak steps and floor, and sleek steel edging and railings, creates a bold, graphic look, with a unique, industrial edge.

We also love how the use of glass enhances the natural light in the space, creating a feeling of openness and allowing for the staircase to be appreciated from all angles.

It's easy to consider steel as simply a practical element to use in a staircase, but it actually works beautifully as a modern decorative element, and more and more of us are choosing to use steel due to its strength and incredibly versatility.

We love the emphasis on the striking, thin elegance of the tough metal in this staircase design, creating a stylish and graphic disruption in the space against the white walls and columns.

There is so much variety when it comes to using steel, with this design embodying a more stripped-back, industrial look, but steel can be elegantly finished in a variety of shapes and colors to perfectly suit your style.

When many of us think of a staircase, we think of a design crafted from wood, or metal, well, as interior designs become more and more adventurous and unique, the use of luxurious materials, such as marble and stone, are becoming increasingly popular with designers to create utterly transformative designs.

'Stone may appear to be an old-fashioned or a traditional material to select for your staircase, but it has been reinvented,' says Lucy Searle, global editor in chief, Homes & Gardens.

'Opt for modern molding techniques to create a sense of movement and flow, with a sweeping shape and gently curved edges adding a more contemporary note to this classical material. Choose a very pale or super dark stone for maximum drama.'

If you want to really establish a luxe look and palatial feel, use a material such as marble – rich with incredibly natural beauty and long-lasting durability.

Floating staircases have been popular with architects and designers for quite a while now, but this design still remains as one of the top trends.

'A floating staircase can really create a sense of magic and intriguing visual interest. Stripped back to bare essentials, a floating staircase is a simplified design that can wonderfully trick the eye; ideal for those who prefer a more modern, minimalist style, or for smaller spaces where you want light to flood through a room,' says Sarah Spiteri, global brand director for Homes & Gardens. 

So how does a floating design work? Well, instead of being supported at each side, the stair rises are connected to a hidden metal framework within the walls, often made from materials such as steel, or supported by a hidden frame underneath. This leaves the risers exposed, establishing the unique, 'floating' effect.

Pair with a unique hanging railing, like in the design above, sleek glass panels, or leave full exposed for a truly striking look.

Historically, spiral staircases were originally created for medieval castles as a from of protection. The staircases were built to turn clockwise, better for those that were right-handed, therefore, better for armed soldiers and swordsman if they needed to attack enemies coming up the stairs...who knew!

Over time, the spiral staircase has been revolutionized into a magnificent design feature, adding a dynamic presence to homes, hotels, offices and more.

Richard McLane, design director at Bisca says, 'from a design perspective, spiral staircases, with their DNA-like profiles, are both sculptural and functional. Practically, they are great for those who want to improve their current living space without physically moving; as a spiral is a good way of extending up to the loft, or down into the basement.'

Interior trends over the last few years, have seen us make our homes more comfortable and cozy, and one way you can transform a regular looking staircase with color, texture and comfort, is with a beautiful runner.

Andy Guard, creative director at Roger Oates Design says, 'In the past, staircases have been rather overlooked, but consumers are now seeing them as an area where they can make a visual statement and add a touch of personality. Stair runners are decorative in their own right but on wooden and stone staircases they also soften the resonating sound of crashing feet.'

Fluid forms and organic shapes has dominated trends this year, and this trend can be taken all the way to the staircase. 

Helping to create a more relaxed, calming atmosphere, the white-washed timber used for this staircase has been beautifully crafted with a sweeping, soft edge, creating a more inviting, informal look. The beautiful curved panel creates a truly elegant design detail, with the dark wooden rail adding warming color and further natural texture. A simple yet utterly beautiful design.

For balustrades, Richard McLane from Bisca says that  trends will focus on warmer-toned metals, especially bronze. 

'People are more and more interested in time-honored craftsmanship and a balustrade of hand-forged, hand-finished uprights. A rectangular panel within the balustrade, as shown above, adds more detail and increases the design scope, with a small, decorative addition in brass catching the light and adding interest and a touch of luxury.'