At Powdertech Corby, colour isn’t just a coating – it’s a design statement. Our specialist powder coating finishes enhance, elevate, and perfect metalwork, bringing design visions to life while keeping architects and designers in tune with the latest colour directions for 2026. With thousands of shades, tones, and textures, from Evolution and PowderLUX to Wood Finish, Inspirations, Stone, Rust, and Terracotta, our finishes ensure that great designs receive the beautiful finish they deserve.
Over the past three decades, unique staircase design has undergone a quiet but remarkable transformation — shifting from a purely functional architectural feature to a defining sculptural statement within interior and building design. As world-leading staircase specialist Bisca celebrates 30 years of crafting bespoke staircases, we reflect on the trends that have shaped their success, and how each era’s influences continue to inspire staircase designs of today.
1995: Sculpture Staircase Shapes and Creative Expression
In 1995, staircase design reflected the unique eclectic tastes of the era. Two contrasting trends dominated: sleek stainless-steel handrails inspired by emerging modernist architecture, and ornate, almost Gaudí-esque metalwork that celebrated raw craftsmanship and individuality.
Designs were unapologetically expressive – more organic, with flowing lines, asymmetry, and less reliance on repetition or geometric order. Each commission was a creative experiment, where artistry often outweighed restraint.
Examples from Bisca’s early portfolio, such as this Art Nouveau staircase in Newcastle or the sculptural Corian staircase in New York, capture the essence of that time: imaginative, tactile, and full of character.
Despite the decades that have passed, these staircases continue to look as striking as the day they were installed — proof that genuine craftsmanship and balanced design endure far beyond fleeting trends.
2025: A Refined Balance Between Classical and Contemporary Staircase Design
Fast forward to today, and staircase design has evolved towards a unique combination of refinement and restraint. While bold expression still has its place, clients now favour designs that harmonise with their architectural and interior context.
Current trends lean in two distinct directions:
Georgian-inspired classics, where balance, symmetry and intricate yet controlled detailing take precedence. Examples such as this curved oak staircase with feature balustrade in West Yorkshire; or a Georgian staircase in Godalming, which exemplifies timeless elegance.
Ultra-modern minimalism, defined by crisp geometry, glass balustrades and invisible fixings – such as this curved staircase (below) in Middlesex, gives a floating appearance adding lightness and flow to a contemporary interior.
What’s Driven This Bespoke Staircase Evolution?
While “ultra-modern” has always existed, in staircase terms its expression has shifted dramatically. In the mid-1990s, minimalism often took on an industrial edge — exposed steel, heavy materials, visible fixings. Today, the same ethos has become lighter, more fluid, and technologically sophisticated, thanks to advancements in materials and engineering pioneered by Bisca.
“There has also been a cultural shift in how clients approach design,” explains Richard McLane, founder and design director at Bisca. “The internet has given homeowners unparalleled access to global inspiration. As a result, clients often come to Bisca with strong opinions on what they like – and don’t like.”
“Homeowners are much more aware now of trends and how certain styles and materials can become outdated within a short amount of time,” Richard continues. “Clients have therefore become less willing to take the risk, avoiding staircase designs that are overly decorative or that might not stand the test of time.”
Thirty years ago, clients typically approached Bisca with an open mind, eager to explore possibilities alongside the designer. Today, collaboration is still key, but the process is informed by greater awareness – and a desire for finesse, quality, and longevity.
The Consistent Thread: Bespoke Craftsmanship
While aesthetics have evolved, one thing has remained constant: clients who work with a staircase specialist such as Bisca still seek something truly bespoke – a staircase designed and made exclusively to meet their personal expectations and property’s individual characteristics.
Increasingly, homeowners and architects are looking for a statement staircase which creates a focal point not through ornamentation, but through proportion, precision and the beauty of material.
From ornate metalwork to minimalist floating structures, Bisca’s journey reflects how design, craftsmanship and innovation can transcend evolution – proving that a unique staircase design, when thoughtfully conceived, can elevate not just the way people move through a home, but also the way they experience it.
Looking for more staircase inspiration? Explore Bisca’s staircase gallery online, or to book a free design consultation, contact their expert team on 01439 771702.
LiGHT 25, the UK’s only trade show dedicated exclusively to high-end lighting specification, will return to the Business Design Centre, Islington, London, on 19–20 November 2025.
Following the success of LiGHT 24, which welcomed over 5,500 visitors, this year’s edition will feature an expanded programme of innovation, education, and networking opportunities. Key highlights for 2025 include the introduction of the Technical Zone, the return of the Associations Lounge, and a new large-scale immersive light art installation.
Sage green has been one of the most popular shades of the summer, but as winter approaches is it time for its broodier brother to take the spotlight?
Moss green is a luscious, earthy shade with subtle undertones of yellow and brown, evoking a feeling of warmth and a connection to nature.
And when paired with panoramic wall murals from family-run design house By Haleys, it brings sophistication and calm to interior schemes.
Richard Haley, Creative Director of By Haleys, said: “Renowned for its soothing and tranquil qualities, Moss Green is a versatile shade that is set to shine in coming months.
“There is a real richness to the hue, which is why we wanted to incorporate it into three of our nature-inspired designs to really ramp up the biophilic impact.”
Arbour is a dramatic design of towering tree trunks and rich vegetation. Available in the colourway Moss, it is brimming with vibrancy and luxury, bringing a real richness into the home.
Richard said: “Arbour showcases the opulence and majesty of nature in a very theatrical way, but the prolific use of moss green throughout gives it a very grounded quality.”
Dynamic and free-flowing, Eden in Verde offers a very abstract take on the natural world. It is captivating and energetic and utilises moss green to bring depth and earthy appeal.
Richard said: “Eden with its rich depth, truly encapsulates the hand-painted nature of our designs. Each brushstroke and mark is deliberately unpredictable, contributing to a composition that feels alive and ever-changing.”
Rounding off the trio is By Haleys’ newest wall mural, a tribute to their hometown of Toothill in Yorkshire. Available in the colourway Peardrop, moss green weaves throughout to showcase the striking beauty of the rolling hills of Yorkshire.
Richard added: “Moss green in its rich, luscious glory is playing a starring role in three of our most popular designs, and I don’t think it will be long before we start to see the shade everywhere.”
Arbour, Toothill and Eden are available now from By Haleys, with prices starting at £48 per m2.
Dgn London is a family-run British furniture maker renowned for its timeless craftsmanship and bespoke
design. Blending tradition with contemporary elegance, each piece is meticulously crafted to reflect
heritage, quality, and enduring beauty. Trusted by clients worldwide, founded by Joe C Dogan;
Dgn London stands as a symbol of excellence and integrity in bespoke furniture making.
As a fictive finger-exercise, after appointed as the founding director of this school, part of the Florida Atlantic University in Fort Lauderdale, I ventured to answer my self-imposed question, what should be the locus for the education of architects? In reality, there was intent to build such a building, with public/private money, containing additional offices for different, university related spaces. After several site-related investigations, my personal memories of the African “Teaching-Tree” offered the beginnings of the solution, with massive trunk and branches above.
The flexibility of our state-of-the-art manufacturing process really shows when it comes to furniture. Our computer-controlled machinery can create bespoke pieces precisely to your plans.
Sourcing your bespoke interior Furniture from KUB3 is like having your own manufacturing facility at your command from Design to Installation. We are One Stop shop from Design, Manufacture to Installation and Maintenance. We can make a Kitchen, Wardrobes, TV unit, Bar Unit or any special shape Furniture, to fit perfectly in your home. We can produce designer furniture that only you will own, because it’s completely unique.
You can specify exactly what you want to the last detail, or take advantage of our professional in-house design team to come up with the perfect solution. Our Bespoke Furniture’s are built to last with life time warranty of our mechanism. The finished product is then installed by our own expert team. We are exclusive representatives of Miele and Siemens Appliances. Designed and Manufactured in London. Get in touch to discuss your requirements today.
info@kub3.co.uk • 020 8667 1117
www.kub3.co.uk
GB-Sol have worked closely with the property owners and Gransmore architects on this extension and renovation of historic barns on a Grade II Listed property in the Cotswolds.
This 200-year-old cottage had fallen into complete disrepair. The rebuild had to emulate the design and character of the original, while also allowing for the technology of modern living.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects how individuals process information, regulate their attention and manage impulses. The environment plays a crucial role in supporting or hindering the efforts of ADHD individuals. To cater to that, “ADHD-friendly design” is an emerging field that considers these unique needs and helps by creating spaces and systems that promote focus, reduce overwhelm, and gives a sense of calm.