Varsity Calgary – Stairs Renovation

Basement stairs don’t have to be boring—and in this renovation, we proved just that. Originally, the staircase to the basement sat in the middle of the main floor and felt more like a design afterthought than a feature. It lacked visual interest and disrupted the flow of the space.

Our clients wanted the stairs to become a standout design element, not something to hide. So we completely reimagined the staircase, starting with a new layout and custom railing design. We layered in bold wallpaper, statement stair lighting, and a beautiful pendant fixture to elevate the space. The result is a striking focal point that ties into the rest of the home’s aesthetic—dynamic, modern, and far from an eyesore.

Now, instead of blending into the background, the stairs bring personality and architectural interest to the main floor—proof that even transitional spaces can become design moments.

“We found Maria to be kind, generous with her time, and willing to discuss concerns and explore new ideas with us. Her confidently humble personality sets her apart from other designers that we interviewed, and her pricing was much more reasonable than many of her competitors. In fact, her economical referrals (eg. to have furniture custom-made) along with her designer’s discounts added up to very significant savings – enough to pay her fees!! So, we were able to build a ‘stellar’ home for about the same cost as building a ‘not-so-stellar’ home without her. We would never attempt another renovation without her help!”
Stacy & Reg
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