There are many unique features you can incorporate into the design of your custom home to create that stunning "wow" factor. 

Most commonly, homeowners choose to design a spectacular kitchen or spa-like ensuite bathroom, but there are other features you can spice up to make for unique designs in your home. 

One of those features is your staircase. Let's look at some elegant touches to add to this functional feature.

Hardwood Treads 

Most staircases are designed to be covered with carpet, mainly as an element of comfort leading up to the cozier parts of the home such as the bedrooms. However, if you swap carpet for hardwood, and choose the right style of hardwood, you've just elevated your game. 

Hardwood finished stairs look spectacular, and can give your home a very different look depending on how you apply the hardwood. You can wrap both the rise and the run in the same hardwood for a consistent look, or you can paint the rise a colour matching your trim, and apply contrasting hardwood to the step itself. 

These two designs create a different look and feel to your staircase. And if you want to take it one step further — and your equilibrium can handle it — remove the risers altogether for a truly unique and modern effect. This does give some people vertigo, but if you like the look and can handle it, it's a very elegant finish.

Runner 

If you chose to cap your steps with hardwood, you can regain the friction (hardwood can be slippery) and a bit of warmth by adding a stylish carpet runner. This is a great way to add a layer of comfort to your staircase without sacrificing style. A carpet runner will also preserve the wood on your staircase, extending the life of the design.

Artwork and Windows 

Don't forget to include the wall in the design of your staircase. If your staircase lines a wall, the last thing you want it to look like is a tunnel into the upstairs unknown. 

Treat the wall as a blank canvas. 

Add some windows to bring natural light into the area, and enhance the negative space with carefully chosen and displayed artwork. If you have a landing, this is a great spot to place artwork on the wall, or a sculpture to spruce up your décor if the landing is large enough to safely pass.

The Space Underneath 

Let's not forget about the fantastic void that's created underneath the staircase. If this space is not the stairs down to the basement, you likely have a great opportunity to create a multitude of functional spaces under your stairs.

If you have children, this cute little space is great for a private cubby hole for pillows, books, and a mini light. Close in the space to look like a miniature playhouse, complete with an opening/closing door. If the space is large enough, include a couple of shelves inside to keep the books and toys neat and tidy.

This space could also be converted into additional storage, either completely hidden away with a closing door, or open shelving to store books, artwork, or décor items.

Grand and Curvy 

If it's grace and sophistication you're looking for, a marvellous curving staircase is the ultimate "wow" factor. A curved railing of stained wood and iron spindles boasting an elegant, ornate design and a magnificent chandelier to accentuate the curve, brings the most stunning display to your home. This type of staircase creates the most striking open-to-below feature, which is sure to turn the heads of anyone who visits your home.

Floating Stairs 

This effect is surprising when you see it. Instead of typical spindle type railing, opt for glass and stairs that are mounted to the wall in such a way that they appear to be floating. This type of staircase doesn't have a typical stringer the stairs attach to, making them look magical. These floating stairs also have no riser, so they truly look like each step stands alone. In a design like this, consider installing undermounted lighting to enhance the overall look.

Motion Sensing Lights 

Speaking of staircase lighting, opt for motion sensing mini lights mounted in the risers. Your movements trigger the lights to ensure your path is well lit both up and down the stairs. This is a wonderful feature to have for those family members that visit the kitchen in the middle of the night — they won't need to turn any lights on to get there.

Your staircase can be a work of art on its own in your new home. Be sure to give it some attention when designing the rest of your custom home, and get creative in not only its impressiveness but its functionality as well.

Looking to bring more of that "wow" factor into your home? Here are some custom home features that have the "wow" factor for the front entry!