Oak Staircase Renovation with Forged Balustrade, Essex

An oak staircase renovation defined by elegance and flow within a double-height entrance hall, Bisca was introduced by luxury interior designer Edwards McCoy to create an elegant and classical staircase which brings light, warmth and sculptural clarity to the heart of the home.

Project ID: 11649

Creating A First Impression, Designed To Last

This oak staircase renovation was conceived as the defining feature within a beautifully refurbished family home. Positioned within a dramatic double-height entrance hall, the staircase was designed to introduce warmth, softness and architectural presence from the moment of entering the property.

Introduced to the project by interior designer Sally Anne McCoy from Edwards McCoy, Sally had long admired Bisca’s work and recognised the value of collaborating with a dedicated staircase specialist. The brief – to translate her vision of a staircase which reflects classical elegance – while ensuring it felt fully integrated within the wider scheme.

The existing staircase concept was uninspiring and so it was Bisca’s role to replace this with something far more elegant and emotionally connected to the property. Light, openness and flow became central to the scope. The staircase needed to make a statement without overwhelming the space, while visually connecting multiple floors through one cohesive architectural language.

Soft Curves and Sculptural Presence

Bisca’s response centred around comfort, proportion and movement. Slender forged uprights introduce texture and rhythm without interrupting light through the stairwell; while the flowing handrail terminates in a sculptural feature bun – a detail inspired by classical craftsmanship and designed to be touched as much as admired.

As with every Bisca project, the staircase was designed specifically around the property and the people living within it. Close collaboration with the interior designer ensured every detail aligned with the wider vision for the home – from smoked oak tones and moulded panelling, to the softened architectural lines flowing throughout the hall. Sally Anne McCoy comments:

Bisca installed the most beautiful staircase for my client. Their attention to detail and ability to bring my vision to life – down to the precise nature of every single step – was absolutely incredible. For anyone considering investing in such a significant element of an interior space, I can confidently say that your investment is in safe hands. The result is not just a staircase, but a true architectural feature that elevates the space it sits in.

Introducing gentle curves and widening the base of the stair allowed the design to feel softer and more inviting, while subtly drawing the eye upward through the entrance hall. A visually lightweight cut string profile keeps the staircase structure open and elegant, exposing the beautiful bullnosed edges of each hand-finished, oak tread.

Beyond aesthetics, careful consideration was given to how the staircase would feel. Winders were introduced to maximise comfort and movement through the space. The upper-floor balustrade was carefully integrated to create continuity across all levels of the home, ensuring the new staircase felt unified rather than isolated, within the renovation.

Crafted in Layers, Unified by Detail

Behind the calm simplicity of this feature stair lies extraordinary attention to detail. Every component – from the bespoke stained oak treads to the forged balustrade and lightweight steel structure – was handcrafted specifically for this client, within Bisca’s specialist workshops. The simplicity of the finished staircase conceals the level of technical refinement, planning and craftsmanship required to achieve it.

What Our Client Had To Say

Just to say thank you for the fabulous service we have received from you and what a beautiful staircase you have built and installed for us and our clients. The fitters have been brilliant and the client gasped when walking in to see it this morning! It’s been a pleasure working with you guys and I hope we get the opportunity to do so again in the future.

For homeowners and interior designers seeking a unique staircase design with emotional presence and timeless character, this project demonstrates the power of thoughtful collaboration and beautifully resolved detail.

Partners for this Project

Interior Designer – Edwards McCoy
Construction – Newland Building & Construction

Project ID: 11649