Staircases are staircases are staircases. Not the case in our Nathan Homes custom homes. They are designed to be the centerpiece or focal point in some cases making them practical of course but also a beautiful showpiece that is esthetically pleasing and an accent that amplifies a space. Obviously, we need stairs in our houses, but they don’t just have to be unseen elements, they can be artwork as well making one imagine a storybook entrance in an old movie or causing you to wonder where they lead. Grand and traditional or modern and unique are only two of the styles we strived for in our models. Come take a tour with me in this week’s blog and see for yourself that staircases are not just staircases.

Lakeside Luxe

Is the name of the model we designed and built this staircase for. The goal was to have the staircase where it was practical but since it was in such a prominent place in this two-story home it had to have some joie de vivre so to speak. The iron hand rails, and horizontal balusters create an elongated look that lengthen the look of the stairway and give it a grand feeling. Of course, the colors match flooring and overall décor but you’ll notice there is variation in the colors to give the railing a tiny bit of contrast. We decided to carpet the steps but give them a more contemporary look by leaving the outer string of the stairs has exposed dark stained hardwood flooring underneath the carpet which contrasts the carpet as well as the main level flooring.

The Prairie Zen Model

This one is not so much the staircase that’s amazing although the modern iron railing with horizontal cabling is impressive as it is the loft accenting that is impressive. As an alternative to a railing between the second-floor loft and the steps we created a vertical wood baluster wall for safety and style instead of using dry wall. It opens the loft and gives you a clear view of the stairway and the medium stain gives it color and contrasts the light carpet and walls. It kind of gives the loft a mid-century modern feeling while keeping it open and airy. And the price point for this particular design was as pleasing as the look.

Avalon

Is not only the model name for this home but by definition it is an island represented as an earthly paradise. The perfect name for this home and the perfect showpiece staircase inside. Rather than putting a traditional height railing in between the staircase landing and the staircase itself, we put in a vertical wood baluster wall for safety and define the entry area. This home is modern and has clean lines, so the baluster wall fits in perfectly. The medium color stain on the wall contrasts lighter hard wood flooring as well as the black iron hand railing on the opposite side of the steps. The fact that it is a floor to ceiling creation makes the space look taller and leaves it open to the area beyond. All of those combined make this simple piece look like a work of art.

Modern Chic

This home has over 5,000 square feet, is decked out head to toe and the staircase is by far my favorite. It’s the piece de resistance of the entire home. And that’s saying something in this place. You must take a look at the photo because words just don’t do it justice. The two inch by two inch slatted wall on the steps going from the first to second level in place of a railing or where you might traditionally have dry wall gives the stairway a grand feeling while also hiding it from the main living space. The design of is unique and oh so pleasing to the eye with vertical slats and some smaller horizontal pieces offset in between them. It’s stained a luxurious medium to dark color which coordinates perfectly with the carpet and stair strings painted white. Absolutely delightful and artistic.

For more information and to view other homes designs visit the Priority Group website at www.omahaprioritygroup.com