How a staircase renovation can elevate interiors and increase the value of your home
Never considered a staircase renovation? Neville Johnson, the UK’s leading makers of bespoke fitted furniture, wardrobes, and staircases, says it might be time you should.
In many ways, at the heart of the home, we use staircases every day, yet it’s often overlooked when it comes to interior design. Staircases anchor your layout and, when designed beautifully, elevate the look and feel of your home, as well as increasing its value. Below, PuRe speaks to Roberta Jervis, Staircase Sales Manager, about the secret to designing a beautiful staircase, and the impact this has on your home.
HOW TO INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE WITH YOUR STAIRCASE
Much of a home’s value is defined by what we see, from its structure to the staging, which is why your staircase should make a statement. It is often the first thing you see when you enter a home and what connects every room and floor together, meaning your staircase has a profound impact on your interior’s appeal and perceived value.
Roberta Jervis comments: “A well-designed staircase renovation can certainly improve a property’s appeal and contribute positively to a buyer’s perception of the home. What a staircase renovation can do is create a strong and immediate first impression. A prospective buyer will often decide how they feel about a property within moments of entering it, and the hallway and staircase play an important role in that experience.
A staircase that feels dated or poorly maintained can affect the impression of the rest of the house. Conversely, a thoughtfully designed, professionally installed staircase can help the property feel cared for, cohesive and finished to a high standard.”
THE EVOLUTION OF STAIRCASE DESIGN
Like all interior trends, our taste for staircases has evolved in the four decades Neville Johnson has been designing them. From the dark woods and heavily carpeted steps that defined the 1980s to today’s preference for glass, staircase design has changed enormously.
“Over time, homeowners have become much more aware of the staircase as an architectural feature. We have seen a move towards cleaner lines, greater simplicity and designs that allow more natural light to travel through the hallway,” says Roberta.
“In 2026, we are seeing strong interest in designs that combine natural warmth with crisp, contemporary detailing. Oak remains extremely popular because of its warmth, durability and timeless appearance. Glass continues to be a sought-after choice, particularly in smaller or darker hallways, because it can create a more open feeling and allow light to flow through the space. Metal balustrades and slim steel spindles are also popular, especially in black and darker finishes, where they create definition without making the staircase feel visually heavy.
Mixed-material designs are especially effective. For example, natural timber can be combined with glass for a warm but contemporary result, or with dark metal details to introduce contrast and a more architectural feel.”
WHEN TO CONSIDER A RENOVATION
A staircase renovation can be worth thinking about earlier that you might expect, advises Roberta. Whether the rest of your home has been updated, leaving your staircase feeling dated and out of place, homeowners should consider renovating their staircase when:
- The staircase is structurally sound but looks dated
- The handrail or balustrade feels insecure or no longer meets the household’s needs
- The hallway feels dark, enclosed or visually cluttered
- The existing materials are worn or difficult to maintain
- The staircase does not complement the rest of the interior
- They want a substantial visual transformation without the disruption of completely removing the staircase
“A successful renovation does not simply make the staircase look newer. It can make the entrance feel more welcoming, improve the perception of space and give the house a clearer sense of identity. Because the staircase frequently occupies such a central position, changing it can have a disproportionately large effect on how the whole home feels,” notes Roberta.
