1. JCR Design Group.
The designers at JCR Design Group selected this stair runner to bring depth and personality to what is otherwise a very classic architectural setting. The bold, graphic pattern creates a dramatic focal point and adds movement as you ascend the staircase, while the dark tones ground the bright white millwork and balance the warmth of the wood floors. It’s a great example of how a runner can feel both timeless and statement-making at the same time. Photography by Karen Palmer.
2. DFW Textile Sourcing.
This Lhasa rug makes a striking statement as an 82-foot stair runner, bringing movement, color and craftsmanship to every step. Inspired by traditional Tibetan tiger motifs, the pattern feels both storied and bold, with a colorful palette that adds depth without overwhelming the space. Each knot is meticulously tied by hand in wool, giving the runner texture, durability and a sense of quiet luxury underfoot. The finished installation turns the staircase into a true design moment, blending heritage inspiration with a modern, tailored finish.
Photography courtesy of DFW.
3. Chair Whimsy.
This designer decided to do a full makeover of her own stairway to better match her personal style. Originally an already colorful design, she sought to redo the wallpaper on the risers and paint the oak trim. The vibrant striped wallpaper acts as a visual bridge between the bold florals in the entryway and dining room, making the whole space feel more cohesive and joyfully designed. Painting the oak finishes blue has brought out the detail in the trim and helped lighten up the space immensely. Photography by Wendy Conklin.
4. Arsenic Lace.
Painting the stairs was by far the biggest upgrade to this space. When the owners moved in, the banister was white and the stairs were painted a mustard yellow. It was dark and the paint job was simply unappealing. The stairwell was the only area in the whole house with no window and therefore the darkest. The designer picked a light and airy wallpaper for the accent wall and created a landing area. A bench was added, along with the coat rack and baskets, which solidified the space’s new additional functionality. Photography by Thaddeus Rombauer.
This staircase reimagines a compact passage as a moment of character and craft. Glossy green ceramic risers nod to Spanish Revival tilework. The custom iron railing pays homage to the client’s Texas cattle ranch heritage, layering personal narrative into the architectural detail. Photography by Darlen Halaby.
6. Ben Pentreath.
“I wanted to give this tall, narrow stair a sense of scale and drama, so we painted it in strong, architectural 'Cooks Blue' from Farrow & Ball. The fine Regency mahogany handrail and oak stair is set off by this patterned runner, which I designed and coloured based on a David Hicks original." - Ben Pentreath, from his book An English Vision. Photography by Ben Pentreath.
7. Banyan Bridges.
This stairwell to the basement felt like a portal to the pit of despair. And with a bit of color and paint it now feels vibrant and welcoming. This makeover shows the power of paint and how beginner friendly a painted design can be. It may not require major artistic skill to pull off, but the difference that a little bit of color makes is immense. Photography by Racheal Jackson.
