The Evolution of Staircases
All fashion and design styles change regularly to keep up with current trends and staircases are no exception. In an era where aesthetics are vital, staircase trends are constantly evolving and contrary to the adage that ‘The Hearth is the Heart of the Home’ it is becoming increasingly common that the staircase is the central design focus in a home.
Since the origin of staircases, there are several designs which have stood the test of time, such as spiral staircases and grand bifurcated staircases, which have one main staircase that splits off into two smaller staircases. These designs are featured in some of the most famous buildings in the world, such as the Tulip Stairs in Queen’s House, Greenwich, or the grand staircase in the Titanic.
The first staircases ever created were used in castles in order to defend owners from intruders - the innovative spiral design meant that only one person could go up and down the stairs at a time and there wasn’t enough space to fight on the stairs. Since then, stairs have taken on a completely new purpose and although spiral staircases have remained popular, classic staircases with simple shapes and designs, such as a ‘u-turn’ or an ‘l-shape’, made with a variety of materials, such as wood, metal and glass, have become the standard in homes across the world.
A very popular current trend is the emergence of glass staircases, such as in the Apple Building in Shanghai. This trend can make even the darkest and smallest hallways and rooms feel light and open. Another exciting trend that incorporates glass elements is the ‘floating’ staircase trend, which combines architectural engineering with intelligent design.
Richard Burbidge offers several glass options for your staircase, including the Immix® collection which has sleek gunmetal connectors, plus light and space enhancing glass panels, combined with white oak.
An increasingly popular trend is the emergence of mixing old and new styles to create something completely unique. Combining classic shapes and styles with new and diverse materials can transform a staircase completely. An example of this is to create a glass bannister, which lets in light and opens the room up. When combined with industrial or old-fashioned fixings it can create the perfect mix of traditional yet contemporary. Richard Burbidge collections suitable for this trend, include; Elements® - which combines glass panels with luxurious white oak features and Fusion®, which mixes oak or pine with chrome or brushed nickel features.
‘Scandi’ is a hugely popular trend at the moment, consisting of neutral colours, simplistic styles and natural shapes. This look combined with other neutral-tone and minimalistic furniture add a stylish touch to any home. Our stylish Immix® collection would be a great choice for this trend.
To bring the staircase to the forefront of your home, a unique way of customising a classic staircase is to give it a pop of colour. Both wooden and metal staircases can be painted or coloured a bright and exciting colour to bring some life and excitement to your home.
No matter the design, the most integral part of any staircase is the quality of both the materials and the parts. Richard Burbidge is the UK’s leading supplier of stair parts, with over 150 years’ experience manufacturing timber products, you can be confident your Richard Burbidge staircase will be a great investment.
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Top Factors to Consider Before Renovating your Staircase
Top Factors to Consider Before Renovating your Staircase One of the most integral parts of a home is the staircase, when designing a home the location of the staircase determines the layout of the entire property. The staircase is the central design focus and a new stairway has the ability to transform your home from the aesthetics to the flow in your house. If you are looking to improve your interior space, a stair renovation may be for you. Here are some of the top factors to consider when looking to renovate your stair space. Interior Décor The staircase plays an integral part in enhancing the décor of your property. When you walk into a home your eyes go immediately to the staircase, the centrepiece and central design focus of the home. There is a staircase design to suit everyone, from glass to timber to metal balusters, every homeowner can find a design to match their interior vision. As the staircase is the first part of your home guests see upon entering, it really sets the tone for the décor style of the rest of the house. High Quality A well designed and well maintained staircase and balustrade can last for a lifetime without needing to be replaced. A good quality stair balustrade will ensure fitting is quick to complete and stays in top condition. Adding Value One of the many perks of choosing to renovate your staircase is that you will add a great deal of value to your home, to both the prospective buyers, and the monetary value. An up to date and current stair design will attract possible buyers to your property, increasing the demand and value. Safety Safety should be one of your top considerations when looking to renovate your staircase, it’s important to choose a company that is transparent about the testing and safety credentials their products hold. At Richard Burbidge all of our stair systems are put through a series of rigorous tests and assessments by FIRA, the recognised authorities in timber product testing, ensuring our products stand the test of time and comply with all the necessary domestic building regulations for your safety. We can confidently say our stair systems are top of the range safety. Experts When installing your new stair system make sure to hire a reputable fitter if you are not confident in installing yourself. We are always on hand to provide our expert fitting advice to ensure your stair renovation runs smoothly. No matter the design, the most integral part of any staircase is the quality of both the materials and the parts. Richard Burbidge is the UK’s leading supplier of stair parts, with over 150 years’ experience manufacturing timber products, you can be confident your Richard Burbidge staircase will be a great investment. See our stairparts collections here. Contact our technical team for any advice prior, during or after installation, on technical@richardburbidge.co.uk or 01691 678 212.
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Richard Burbidge Relocates Head Office
Richard Burbidge, the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of stair parts, decking accessories and decorative mouldings has relocated its head office to Chirk, North Wales, joining the company’s existing onsite manufacturing and distribution facility. As part of the ongoing development of the company, Richard Burbidge has relocated its office headquarters to join its existing manufacturing and distribution facility in Chirk. The Chirk site forms part of the extensive business history of Richard Burbidge, since it was initially acquired in 1986. The move will improve both the service and quality of products by having all staff in one location, unifying working relationships between all departments, from marketing to distribution, as well as improving efficiency, customer service and delivery. Mouldings Grading Facility Tony Miles, CEO of Richard Burbidge, comments: “The consolidation of all offices to Chirk is a big move and demonstrates just how serious we are about British manufacturing and sustainability. “We are a family business and above all, excellent quality and customer service are our priority. The move is already proving successful, with a unified workforce, improved communication and efficiency. “2020 is a big year for the company with increased marketing and production. Richard Burbidge is proving itself as a leading manufacturer of stair parts, decking accessories and decorative mouldings and this year will see further products being stocked in B&Q stores nationwide.”
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