Designing My Dream Custom Staircase

I’ve been dreaming of this moment—the custom staircase reveal! From the beginning of our home design process, I envisioned a grand staircase connecting the basement to the upper level. At the heart of it, I wanted a central landing framed by two-story windows that would light up the entire space. I wanted it to be a focal point both inside and outside. And now, that dream has finally become a reality.

✨ See the full transformation video on my Instagram Reel here!

Designing a Custom Staircase

This isn’t your typical staircase. It’s a custom staircase that I personally designed from scratch! Every detail came from sketches and ideas. I then partnered with the talented team at Cowie Construction here in Utah to make it happen.

They brought the vision to life with precision and care. From the custom millwork to the white oak railings and traditional newel posts, they handled every element with craftsmanship. The final result is timeless and feels completely original to our home.

Finishes That Pull Everything Together

The hammered pewter balusters are one of the standout features. Not only do they add a unique texture, but they also tie in beautifully with other metal finishes used throughout the house. This small detail helps everything feel cohesive and intentional.

The finishes throughout the staircase were carefully chosen to elevate the traditional design and create a cohesive, high-end feel. The white oak railing and newel posts feature a custom stain that perfectly matches our wood floors, tying everything together seamlessly.

Each landing is trimmed in a parquet wood flooring pattern, which adds texture and visual interest without overwhelming the space. It’s just one of several subtle patterns that work together to create a layered, luxurious look. The wood flooring is Provenza New York Loft in Park Place, which brings warmth and richness to every step.

There’s actually a lot of pattern play happening, but it’s so refined that it feels elevated and inviting rather than busy. You’ll notice it in the pinstripe stair carpet, the wall trim, and that stunning parquet flooring detail—all subtle nods to timeless design with a modern edge.

For the wall paint color we used Simply White BM semigloss.

A Chandelier That Steals the Show

No grand staircase is complete without a stunning light fixture. This cascading chandelier drops from the top floor almost to the main level. I added an extension pack to create that dramatic effect. You can see it from all levels of the home, and it even glows through the front windows at night. It’s truly a showstopper.

To complement the chandelier, I added wall sconces that give the space a warm and welcoming feel. They help create layers of light that make the staircase feel even more special.

The Stair Runner That Pulls It All Together

For the runner, I chose Prestige Mills DUPLIN II in the color Stone 70. I sourced it locally through National Flooring Brokers, and I couldn’t be happier. The texture adds just the right touch of softness without distracting from the craftsmanship of the wood. If you’re in Utah and looking for a reliable flooring source, I highly recommend them.

Why I Love This Custom Staircase

This custom staircase has become one of my favorite parts of our home. It’s warm, elegant, and completely unique. It took thoughtful planning and collaboration to bring it to life, but every detail was worth the effort.

I’m so grateful to Cowie Construction for their incredible work. If you’re local to Utah and need custom carpentry, they’re truly the best.

This custom staircase is just one of many projects I’ll be sharing from our new home. We’re still unpacking boxes, but it feels surreal to watch so many ideas I once sketched in my head come to life—and even more special to finally be living in them.

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