For a while now we've been mildly obsessed with classic rope banisters, which add a nautical note to the stairwell. Here are 10 we like (covet):
N.B. Canadian House & Home offers a good DIY tutorial on making your own rope stair banister. Our favorite source for ropes is Stair Ropes, a UK company that makes made-to-measure stair ropes, banister rope, rope handrails, and barrier ropes.
Above: A simple stairway in a Rhinebeck with rope handrail, Photography by Richard Powers for Tsao & McKown Architects via Home Life. N.B. Want to recreate this look? Go to Steal This Look: Danish Modern in Upstate New York.
Above L: A stairwell in London by Remodelista Architect/Designer member Stiff + Trevillion. Above R: Black and white nautical stairs; via Laurie's Projects.
Above: A staircase in a project by Italian architect Sabrina Bignami of b-arch Studio.
Above: A curving stairwell by Vicente Wolf Associates.
Above: A clever use of rope: photo by Sean Fennessy.
Above: A stairwell wallpapered in a Les Indiennes pattern; photo via Les Indiennes.
Above L: A staircase painted in shades of blue by Jonathan Adler. Above R: Stenciled numbered stairs and a rope hand rail by Bockman + Forbes Design.
Above: A dramatic staircase in a beach house by Pursley Dixon Architecture.