Design by Astet Studio
Love Between the Floors
TRENDS
Staircases have always been transitional spaces, designed to move us from one level to another with efficiency and ease. In the spirit of the New Romantic, however, they are becoming something more. No longer purely functional, stairways are being treated as emotional landmarks, moments of pause, drama, and quiet beauty within the home.
In Studio Jaene’s Sassy Bow project, the staircase is sculptural and theatrical. A dark, curved timber form rises from a graphic black-and-white tiled floor, illuminated by softly glowing pendant lights above. Moving between floors becomes a considered, almost performative experience.
At Infinity House by Roisin Lafferty, the staircase is wrapped in rich green marble, its surface veined like living stone. The spiral form feels organic and fluid, complemented by a delicate pendant installation that floats through the void. Here, materiality leads the emotion.
In Cape Town, Miminat Designs approaches the stairway with architectural clarity. Their sweeping stone spiral is monumental yet calm, anchored by natural light and expansive views. The pale terrazzo and glass lift at its centre give the space a sense of weightlessness. It is romantic in restraint.
Greg Natale’s Hunters Hill II offers a more graphic interpretation. A crisp white balustrade curves around black marble treads, creating a striking play of contrast. The staircase feels bold and confident, echoing his love of Art Deco geometry and high-impact composition.
At Masden Bruno by Astet Studio, the stairwell becomes almost celestial. Warm amber lighting radiates from beneath each step, spiralling towards a circular skylight. The effect is hypnotic, transforming movement into ritual.
Together, these staircases reveal how circulation can become storytelling. Stairs are no longer hidden or neutral. They are moments of emotion, crafted to be felt as much as seen.
