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Remodeling Design Dilemma entry

Staircase design dilemma

5 years ago

We bought a colonial style house that we are renovating next month to make it more updated/transitional. We have a designer and contractor working with us but I’m curious what others might have to say about our staircase design dilemma. The staircase is currently is exposed to dining room with an awful platform step. Our designer plans to wall the dining room off so this is no longer such an awkward placement. They also plan to slightly turn the stairs at the bottom but I keep thinking there HAS to be a better way! Moving the stairs was talked about, but they decided it would eat into the entry space. I am starting to get really nervous about only having one point of entry for the dining room and closing off a room when most houses are built completely open now. Any other ideas? The last picture shows what our designer plans to do. Oh, and obviously the XXL chandelier is going bye bye;)

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Comments (5)

houssaon
5 years ago
This configuration is relatively common.

Looks like your formal living is in the back of the house, so it might be OK to close off the hall entry to the dining. But that is a big spend for little gain. I think I'd keep it the way it it is.
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
5 years ago
You have a very formal house, so having a closed off formal dining seems appropriate. The current configuration is exceedingly awkward so short of rebuilding the entire entry this seems like a viable solution. I like the image where the landing is extended to wrap around the newel but then it is going to project into the sidelight which seems a little awkward?
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You just need a cleaner. less busy stair, fewer spindles, more "beef" But..........there is code. No more open space between than four inches. You need a contractor. I wouldn't close it in.....it's too close to the front door and will look congested. Tempered glass....or reduce the busy too many spindles. Just remember ......it is a total design, toatal cleanup. All the way up and in concert all. : ) Balusters, railing..ALL, and in consideration of the rest of your home.
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palimpsest
5 years ago
I might close it off but do a discreet jib door between the dining room and front hall for occasional access, but keep it closed.
gigirambles
5 years ago
Lovely home! I don't know that I would close the wall; simply because I don't care to have the stairs behind an opened door.
tqtqtbw
5 years ago
I like the inspiration photo and your house is perfect for it. The idea above to have a hidden door is genius.

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