Stepping through time: The changing art of unique staircases

Once merely a way to move between floors, today’s staircase has the power to transform the ambiance of a property - shaping light, flow, and even the emotional experience of a space.

As one of the UK’s leading staircase specialists, Bisca has spent three decades crafting bespoke staircases that elevate homes around the world. Each unique staircase design tells a story - one of the people who live with it, the materials it’s made from, and the architectural vision it completes.

From intricate metalwork to serene simplicity, the evolution of staircase design mirrors how our homes, and our lifestyles, have changed.

1995: Sculptural staircases and creative expression

In the mid-1990s, staircase design reflected an age of individuality and artistic freedom. Homes were often filled with character, and staircases followed suit - unapologetically bold, decorative and unique. Two contrasting styles defined the era: sleek stainless-steel handrails inspired by modernist architecture, and ornate metalwork reminiscent of Gaudí, celebrating craftsmanship and creativity.

Designs were fluid and organic, often embracing asymmetry and handcrafted detail over precision. Each staircase was a piece of art in itself - alive with personality and movement.

Projects from this period, such as Bisca’s Art Nouveau staircase in Newcastle or a sculptural Corian staircase designed for a penthouse in New York, embody this spirit. Even decades later, these staircases remain timeless - proving that when creativity and craftsmanship align, design never truly ages.

2025: A refined balance between classical and contemporary staircase design

Fast forward to the present, and staircase design has become more serene, refined, and architecturally integrated. Homeowners now see the staircase not as a separate feature but as a natural continuation of their home’s story - something that brings balance, light, and beauty to the spaces it connects.

Today’s trends fall broadly into two distinct styles:

Classical sophistication, inspired by Georgian and traditional styles. These designs embrace symmetry, form, and graceful materials. A curved oak staircase in West Yorkshire designed, crafted and installed by Bisca, adds warmth and timelessness, grounding even the most modern interiors.

Similarly, the classic Georgian staircase in Godalming demonstrates how elegance and craftsmanship never fade. Ultra-modern minimalism, where light and line take centre stage is reflected in projects such as Bisca’s curved staircase in Middlesex or the floating staircase in Bristol feature glass balustrades, hidden fixings and seamless engineering. These sculptural staircases introduce fluidity and openness, creating a breathtaking focal point within a contemporary setting.

Why staircase design has evolved

When Bisca began 30 years ago, “modern” often meant industrial - exposed metal, visible bolts and utilitarian finishes. Over time, as homes have become more open, lighter and connected, our interpretation of modern has shifted to a softer, simpler, and more human expression of comfort and beauty.

“There’s been a real change in how clients approach design,” says Richard McLane, founder and design director of Bisca. “Thanks to online inspiration, homeowners now have access to an incredible range of styles. They often come to us with a clear vision - and a desire to create something that feels both personal and enduring.”

Homeowners are also increasingly conscious of longevity. As Richard explains, “People are aware that trends come and go, and they want a staircase that feels timeless - one that will age gracefully with the home.”

This awareness has encouraged a move towards unique staircase designs that combine beauty with restraint - where every line, curve and joint is considered, and the materials themselves are part of the artistry.

How a bespoke staircase transforms a home

While trends and tastes have shifted, one truth has remained constant: a truly bespoke staircase can change the way a home feels - and how it’s lived in. A well-designed staircase doesn’t just link one floor to another; it creates rhythm and flow, guiding movement and connecting spaces both visually and emotionally.

Whether it’s a sweeping oak staircase curving through a hallway; or a minimalist sculptural staircase appearing to float in glass and steel, the result is the same - an enduring design statement woven into daily living.

As Bisca’s three decades of staircase craftmanship demonstrate, a staircase really can be both functional and poetic. It can anchor an interior, draw the eye, and set the tone for everything around it. Above all, when designed bespoke to your home, it will become a lasting expression of the homeowner’s taste, values, and lifestyle - a true centrepiece of the home.

Step into the future

If you’re considering remodelling, extending or building a new home, now is the perfect time to think about your staircase as more than a structural necessity. Working with an experienced staircase specialist such as Bisca means every detail - from materials to geometry - can be tailored to your property.

To explore more unique staircase designs, visit Bisca’s staircase gallery here, or contact their expert team on 01439 771702 to discuss your own bespoke project.