I admit, I’ve never thought too much about stairs. When they’re amazing, I can’t help but notice them. Otherwise they sort of just blend in and I take them for granted. Not anymore. We have to pick what we want to do – from the riser to the tread to the stringer. (My new appreciation also comes with new vocabulary).

There are some seriously bold options available, but again, the practical side of me is kicking in. I don’t want to worry about gaps between steps or kids’ fingerprints everywhere. For the large part, I’m choosing safety over aesthetics. With a young daughter (and babe #2 on the way), I just don’t want to worry every time I climb the stairs. And, trust me, there will be lots of climbing.

That being said, there’s no reason I can’t share some photos of some pretty stellar steps.

Above: Photo care of Roger Davies
Below: Photo care of Mike Sinclair


Above: Daily Catch
Below: Oomen Architecten


Above: Photo care of Marie Burgos Blog
Below: Elding Oscarson


Above: Peter Aaron Photography
Below: Light Locations


Above: Photo care of Michael Graydon
Below: Canadian House & Home Magazine