Ever notice how two homes with the same layout can feel completely different? A lot of that magic happens on the stairs—specifically in the staircase design you choose. At Beach City Stairs, we like to say the staircase is the spine of your home—it connects everything, literally and visually. And the fun part? One staircase design can take on totally different personalities just by changing materials, railings, finishes, and overall staircase style.
To show you what we mean, we pulled together five staircase examples that all share great bones—clean lines, thoughtful proportions, and strong craftsmanship—but each one takes on a completely different look through design choices alone.
Coastal Cool
The vibe: Light wood treads, white risers, cable railing, bright natural light
This one feels like a deep breath. Coastal-style stairs are all about keeping things light, breezy, and relaxed—making this staircase style perfect for beach homes or anyone who wants that laid-back vibe year-round. Think white oak or maple treads, painted risers, and cable or glass railings that don’t block the view.
It’s casual but polished. These stairs don’t shout for attention, they quietly make the whole space feel brighter and bigger.
A coastal staircase style that keeps things light and open with natural wood treads and sleek cable railing.
Modern Minimal
The vibe: Floating treads, glass balustrade, neutral tones, clean geometry
If coastal is barefoot living, modern minimal is sleek sneakers and a strong coffee. This staircase style strips things down to the essentials: open risers, floating treads, and glass railings that almost disappear.
The result? A staircase that feels more like architecture than furniture. Clean lines, simple materials, and lots of negative space give modern homes that airy, high-end feel. It’s proof that sometimes, less really is more.
A modern minimal staircase style that keeps the space open with floating treads and a sleek glass balustrade.
Traditional & Timeless
The vibe: Stained wood treads, classic balusters, warm lighting
This is the staircase that feels like home the second you walk in. Traditional staircase design leans into warmth and detail—rich wood tones, classic balusters, and a solid handrail that feels good under your hand.
It’s a style that never goes out of fashion, especially in Craftsman, Colonial, or family-focused homes. These stairs are built to last, both structurally and stylistically. They’ve got stories to tell (and probably will for generations).
A traditional staircase style showcasing rich dark wood treads paired with decorative metal balusters.
Industrial Edge
The vibe: Metal stringers, wood treads, matte black railing
Industrial staircase design brings a little grit—and a lot of personality. Mixing wood with steel creates contrast and character, making this style perfect for lofts, modern farmhouses, or homes that like to bend the rules.
Exposed hardware, darker finishes, and bold lines turn the staircase into a statement piece. It’s not flashy, but it definitely gets noticed.
An industrial staircase style that pairs warm wood treads with a bold matte black railing.
Luxe Contemporary
The vibe: Mixed materials, custom railing, statement lighting
Want your staircase to steal the show? This is it. Luxe contemporary staircase design blends high-end materials—wood, metal, glass, maybe even stone—with thoughtful details and dramatic lighting.
It’s all about balance: bold without being over-the-top, elegant without feeling cold. These staircases are designed to wow, whether you’re hosting guests or just heading upstairs in your socks.
A luxe contemporary staircase style that makes a statement with mixed materials and bold lighting.
Same Stairs, Totally Different Feel
Here’s the takeaway: the bones of a staircase matter, but the choices behind your staircase design and staircase style make it yours. Railings, materials, finishes, and lighting can completely change how your home feels without changing the footprint at all.
At Beach City Stairs, we love helping homeowners explore these options and find the style that fits their life—not just their floor plan. Whether you’re coastal, classic, or somewhere in between, we’re here to build stairs that feel like home.
Ready to see what your staircase could become? Let’s design the perfect steps for your space, together.