Modern Staircase with Classical Influences, Buckinghamshire

Balancing elegance and simplicity by introducing curves and classical detailing - this modern staircase design for our client's contemporary home, comprises thoughtful material choices which create a timeless, cohesive and perfectly connected space

Project ID: 10906

Bisca was first approached by interior designer Sarah Truman, who was closely involved with the new build project of our client’s contemporary home in Buckinghamshire. From the outset, the intention was to introduce character and refinement into a scheme that was still in its earliest planning stages. By involving Bisca prior to construction, there was an opportunity to fully integrate our bespoke staircase design into architectural building plans, rather than treating it as a purely functional structure.

The home itself features strong, angular forms and expansive glazing, including full-height feature windows at the front of the property. The entrance hall is a dramatic double-height space, with a central void, overlooked by a landing above. Positioned directly opposite a grand front door, the staircase is visible from multiple viewpoints, both internally and externally.

Contemporary Staircase with Timeless Appeal

The brief was to design a staircase that felt like a natural continuation of the home’s exterior, while introducing softness and warmth internally. Our client envisioned a contemporary yet timeless interior, drawing on classical influences without the staircase becoming too dominant or imposing within the space. Curves were key to the brief, helping to pacify the largely linear architecture of the building. The staircase needed to act as a subtle statement – elegant, refined and welcoming, while still allowing the entrance hall to accommodate other features, such as a console table and pendant lighting.

Materiality played an important role in achieving this balance. The palette was to remain largely neutral, with natural timber and bronze tones bringing warmth and depth, supported by a clean white structure to keep the overall composition light and understated. Several staircase configurations were explored during the concept stage, including free-floating helical designs and more dramatic curved options extending deep into the space. The final design focused on enhancing the natural curves of the plan while maintaining visual restraint.

Curved to Inspire Everyday Beauty

By positioning the balustrade to one side only, the architecture and interior styling worked together in complete harmony. A visually lightweight, cut-string structure – painted white, forms the base of the stair. This is set away from the wall to create a subtle floating effect and allow for concealed lighting beneath the treads. From below, a sweeping sculptural soffit transforms the underside of the staircase into a sculptural feature – its sinuous curves introducing a strong sense of flow, rising from a feature newel at the base and continuing up to the landing edge above.

The staircase was manufactured with a focus on crisp detailing and material consistency throughout. Oak treads, finished in a raw oil, retain their natural character and were carefully colour-matched to the surrounding flooring. Each tread features a softened bullnose, reinforcing the classical influences within the contemporary design. At the base of the stair, a widened feature tread creates a generous entrance and provides a platform for the sculptural newel.

Designed to Anchor its Modern Interior

The staircase balustrade introduces smooth, tapered uprights in electroplated bronze, echoing the bronze detailing in the lighting scheme. This repetition of material helps to visually connect the staircase with the wider design narrative of the home. A slim, oval-profile oak handrail flows continuously along the stair, capping the uprights and finishing in a refined volute detail at the newel. Every element was carefully coordinated and installed to ensure the staircase felt seamlessly integrated within the space.

This project is a strong example of the value of early collaboration between architect, interior designer and staircase specialist. By being involved from the initial planning stages, Bisca was able to transform a previously conventional staircase layout into a sculptural, yet understated feature which enhances the entire experience of the home.

What Our Client Had To Say…

The stairs are stunning and we absolutely love them. We greatly appreciate the craftmanship, care and design that has gone into creating them.

Partners For This Project

Interior Designer – Sarah Truman Interior Design
Project Manager / Contractor – New Space Design

Project ID: 10906