VT HOME: Stairway to Heaven

An absolute masterpiece by architect Oscar Niemeyer.

It’s been said that the kitchen is the heart of a home. However, when you really think about it, in multi level dwellings, the stairway is actually the most vital component. It’s the passageway that connects the home, creates unity within, and sets the tone for the entire experience. Even if there is no need for guests to use the staircase (in cases when it leads to bedrooms or other private living quarters), its design can make a very dramatic statement.

If you are in the process of designing your dream house or maybe considering a renovation, make sure your staircase is an impactful design feature that not only opens up your home but also serves as a sculptural form of art. Here are some examples to inspire you.

This organic staircase seems to almost grow out of the natural stone floor.

Opening one side of a staircase and using support rods as decorative elements is a perfect solution to a dark and narrow space.

This high glam regency style staircase is incredibly elegant with the mirrored application.

An origami inspired staircase brightens up a modest country house.

This simple glass staircase design opens up this contemporary home to light from above and from each side.

An enclosed staircase like this one allows guests to be surprised when they’ve reached their destination.

A sculptural geometric handrail design makes this simple staircase extraordinary.