AD curates a set of 5 stunning staircase designs that steal the spotlight

These staircase designs go beyond mere functionality, transforming a simple architectural element into a striking focal point in any space. Whether it's a sleek modern design, a grand staircase with hand-carved balustrades, or a unique combination of material and colour, these staircase designs are bound to be the centrepieces of the homes they occupy.

An Interplay Of Emerald And Brass

Amidst a residential neighbourhood of Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad that is defined by conventional architecture, this striking home emerges—a contemporary presence that contrasts with its more typical surroundings. Designed by Sona Reddy Studio, this 11,000-square-foot, three-storey project reimagines tradition with a modern perspective, where the dialogue between Brutalist aesthetics with vibrant interior design is woven into every corner.

There are 3 main staircases through the house and the design intent was to keep them all distinct in character; the emerald palette in combination with the brass and wooden handrail creates a striking impression. The sculptural staircases serve as architectural centrepieces. The main staircase, with its solid wood balustrade and brass handrail, transcends mere functionality, becoming a piece of art in itself, a symbol of the home’s timeless luxury.

Text by Nadezna Siganporia; Edited by Khushi Sheth.

A Palatial Moroccan Home In Mangalore

From the outside, this sprawling home in Mangalore, India, reminds us of the quiet elegance of Moroccan Palaces and riads. Whilst the Middle East and southern India are miles apart, both in terms of climate and design style, there is a very poignant reason why designer Vinita Chaitanya looked to the Arab world for inspiration. The famous Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta visited Mangalore, and instantly fell in love. Inspired by this ancient connection and the enduring influence of Indo-Mughal architecture, Vinita Chaitanya, who heads up India's leading design studio Prism, decided to re-establish the links between these seemingly different regions.

The grand, ballroom-style staircase rises from the inlaid honey-onyx floor to a double-height landing, culminating in a domed volume – a highlight of the house that not only creates a focal point, but also dials back to the original inspiration: Olden Moroccan palaces that used geometry as a way of creating hierarchy and more importantly, guiding the eye. “I reached out to Tahiliani to create this unique tapestry on the grand staircase. I recall my client saying she adored his work, and he is a dear friend of mine,” remembers Chaitanya. The black marble balustrades of the stairs are hand-carved, and inspired by Islamic art and craft traditions,

Text by Shalbha Sarda; Edited by Khushi Sheth.

A Second Home In Ahmedabad

When locating a project in the outskirts of any city, space is usually not a constraint. That is the first thought that comes to mind when witnessing this second home in Ahmedabad. Shweta Pandya, lead designer of Gujarat-based Architects at Work, took on this project—spread across a staggering 14,120-square-feet—to design a “client-aligned contemporary” home that balances elegance, innovation and nature.

The main residential block of this second home is both imposing and welcoming, featuring a double-height formal living area with architectural features such as a staircase, bridge, jharokhas, and a bar counter that add a unique flow to the space. The eye-catching spiral staircase becomes a functional element that adds a dynamic, sculptural quality to the space. The striking staircase transitions into a plinth that doubles as a bar counter. The circular staircase’s slim design lead to challenges in stability, and Pandya resolves this by ingeniously adding a shelf unit behind the bar counter for additional support.

Text by Alisha Lad; Edited by Khushi Sheth.

A Minimalist Sculptural Staircase

New York City–based designer Purvi Padia’s family duplex could be considered a wrinkle in time. She was inspired by the details of the old buildings in Greece and Rome, and believes the depth found in traditional spaces is more interesting and warm. This can be seen in the exacting symmetry and sturdy columns to dramatically veined stone slabs which give this space its firmitas, utilitas, venustas (Latin for “strength, utility, beauty”).

This age-old architectural trinity is epitomised in the home’s centrepiece—a voluptuous, curved staircase. In the airy double-height foyer, it rises like a tendril of smoke yet carries as much aesthetic weight as more orthodox ways of making an impression through design. “There isn’t a lot of colour around or art on the walls, so the staircase becomes the main sculptural art piece,” says Padia.

Text by Leilani Marie Labong; Edited by Khushi Sheth.

A Pristine Marble Staircase

When logistics magnate Sandeep Barasia first met Akshat Bhatt, principal architect at Architecture Discipline, he was clear about how he wanted his new Delhi home to be. Barasia had pictured a vibrant space with plenty of light and greenery. He also needed it to accommodate his large circle of friends and family. But, most of all, he envisioned a space that would be the canvas for his extensive art collection. To meet this long and diverse list of requirements Bhatt chose to design the two-storey home with muted colours, varying textures and straight lines.

With the entire home being linear, Bhatt wanted one key element to anchor the open floor plan. The sculpted stairway in the middle of the living area does just that. Breaking away from the interior's rectilinearity, the curved marble structure forms the focal point of the room. The sculpted staircase is made in pristine marble and leads to the upper deck. The skylight illuminates the space within. A low angular sofa—which also looks like a piece of art—is juxtaposed against the curvaceous staircase, and bridges formal and informal living areas.

Text by Anubhuti Krishna; Edited by Khushi Sheth.