There’s a reason people move to Florida and never want to leave. It’s not just the beaches or the weather—it’s a lifestyle. Open, airy, relaxed, and sun-soaked. And when it comes to home design, nothing captures that Florida feel quite like a beautiful open staircase that lets in natural light and creates a sense of flow throughout your space.
At Beach City Stairs, we believe your staircase should reflect how you live. Whether you’re remodeling a coastal bungalow or building your dream home in South Florida, open staircases offer a perfect blend of function and Florida flair.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can embrace the Florida lifestyle with an open staircase design that maximizes natural light, space, and style.
Why Open Staircases Work So Well in Florida Homes
Open staircases—also known as open riser staircases—are all about clean lines, modern elegance, and a sense of airiness. By eliminating the solid risers between each step, you allow light to filter through and create a more expansive feel.
This is especially beneficial in Florida homes, where natural light is abundant and deserves to be celebrated. Open staircases help:
- Enhance natural light: Open risers and sleek railings allow sunlight to pass through unimpeded, brightening your entire interior.
- Create visual space: Florida homes often lean toward open floor plans. An open staircase adds to that flow, creating sightlines that make your space feel bigger and more connected.
- Show off modern aesthetics: Whether you’re near the coast or tucked into a city neighborhood, modern staircase design pairs beautifully with Florida’s clean, coastal style.
Materials that Match the Florida Aesthetic
Your choice of materials plays a huge role in how well your staircase complements your home and your lifestyle. In Florida, we recommend materials that feel breezy, coastal, contemporary and (if you’re into it) eco-friendly. Here are a few popular picks:
- Glass railings: Keep views unobstructed while adding a sleek, modern touch.
Sleek and sophisticated—this open staircase features floating wooden treads and frameless glass railings, blending modern design with warm, natural elements.
- Wood treads: Warm, natural wood tones evoke that beach-house feel and contrast beautifully with minimalist supports.
This open staircase brings a bold, modern edge to a clean and airy living space, with natural wood steps and black metal railings adding contrast and style.
- Cable or metal balusters: Durable and low-maintenance, they also add a subtle nautical vibe that nods to Florida’s coastal roots.
This open staircase combines warm wood tones with stainless steel cable balusters, offering a modern and airy design perfect for Florida homes.
Mixing materials—like combining oak treads with black steel railings—is also a great way to keep things grounded and timeless.
Where Open Staircases Shine
Not sure if an open staircase is right for your home? Here are a few settings where they really shine:
- Coastal homes: Think ocean views, lots of windows, and open-plan living rooms—perfect for a floating staircase.
- Condos and townhomes: When square footage is limited, open staircases help make smaller spaces feel bigger and brighter.
- Modern renovations: Want to update an older home? Swapping a bulky staircase for an open design can instantly modernize your space.
And of course, they’re a showstopper in new builds that aim to capture that clean, coastal-meets-modern Florida vibe.
Adding a Splash of Florida-Inspired Color
Incorporating the right color palette is just as important as structure when it comes to designing your staircase. Soft, beachy tones like white, sand, driftwood gray, and seafoam green create a calm, breezy atmosphere. These hues reflect natural light beautifully, helping your staircase blend seamlessly into a coastal or tropical interior.
For a bolder take, consider adding navy, coral, or turquoise accents—whether on the risers, handrails, or surrounding wall paint. These pops of color give a nod to ocean vibes and bring a cheerful, energetic feel to the space.
If you want a more classic approach, natural wood finishes pair beautifully with white or pale tones, giving you that timeless beach house look with plenty of warmth and texture.
The key? Keep it light, bright, and inspired by the outdoors because in Florida, color should make you feel like you’re never far from the beach.
Your Staircase Should Feel Like Home
At Beach City Stairs, we specialize in custom staircase design that reflects your personal style. Whether you’re dreaming of a floating staircase, a warm wood feature, or a mix of materials, our team is here to bring your vision to life.
Living in Florida means embracing openness, brightness, and effortless indoor-outdoor living. Your staircase should be no exception.