Photo from Martha Stewart
I'm intrigued by the variety of curves and materials used in creating of stairway banisters. The photograph above is from Susan Lyne's home as featured by Martha Stewart. I love how the pattern on the wall behind the stairway echoes the shape of the banister. Beautiful!
Here's another spiral stairway pictured in Coastal Living. The woodwork in this interior is more than remarkable. I've always loved inset wood, and the compass in the floor is the perfect focal point for the space.
Photo from Coastal Living
Banisters are striking when they are made of iron, too. I love the iron scroll work in the photograph below. Again, it compliments the shape of the stairway. The designer of this space did a great job combining Mediterranean and traditional genres.
Photo from Southern Accents
The case for straight stairways and their banisters can be made in the following two photographs. Traditional and central to the design in each home.
Photo from Southern Accents
Photo from Traditional Home
Stairways with angular turns can be equally elegant. I adore the formal look of the stairway in the photograph below. I would choose this one as my favorite for its traditional appearance. I love the archway under the stairs, and I love the furniture, dark hardwood floor, and chandelier!
Photo from BHG
So now I'm curious to know: Which of these designs would you choose?
Be sure to visit Julia's Hooked on Fridays party, Fifi's Fashionable Friday, and Melissa's Beautiful Life.
Interesting how in the first photo you saw the circular staircase and the scrolling on the wall and I saw the staircase and the circular chair in the front. Everyones eye is so different.
Love your blog and will be back again. It's so nice to meet you.~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
Posted by: ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~ | March 31, 2009 at 10:37 AM
Beautiful photos. Especially like the second with the darker wood.
Posted by: Gennaro | April 02, 2009 at 08:13 PM
Oh, I LOVE these!!!!!!
Posted by: the BLAH BLAH BLAHger | April 02, 2009 at 08:33 PM
Those curved banisters are to die for!
Posted by: Mrs. Petrie | April 02, 2009 at 08:46 PM
Great post....Love that second one, especially!!
Posted by: Linda @ Lime in the Coconut | April 03, 2009 at 04:09 AM
This post is beautiful! My favorite is the second one--I love all the dark wood!
Posted by: Lacy | April 03, 2009 at 06:27 AM
I would probably choose either of the last two, because they're a little bit similiar to mine, but they're all beautiful :)
rue
Posted by: rue | April 03, 2009 at 10:04 AM
I would most likely pick the third picture- it just calls to me. It would be a great way to make an entrance =)
Posted by: teresa | April 03, 2009 at 10:26 AM
I LOVE the third staircase!!! Sooooo fashionable... I could imagine walking down the stairs in a beautiful gown!
Posted by: Fifi Flowers | April 03, 2009 at 10:31 AM
I like #4, the one without a curve or bend. I don't think any stair should detract from the ladies in their beautiful gowns. But stairs are also fashionable places for sitting so there needs to be a lot to look at.
Posted by: TK | April 03, 2009 at 02:18 PM
I have to admit that looking at stairways make me very jealous...
Posted by: Puna | April 04, 2009 at 05:47 AM
What a gorgeous post! I love beautiful stairs, but in my future dream home, I want the stairs tucked to the side. I prefer to have a view from the front door straight through to the back!
Posted by: Things That Inspire | April 04, 2009 at 03:37 PM
Oh, these are lovely! I love the coastal living one, and the last one the best!!!
Posted by: melissa @ the inspired room | April 09, 2009 at 10:52 AM