Independent homes
Stair and landing Colour Palette for Independent homes
Choose colour against the surfaces that will stay. Test it on a large sample at the room's brightest and darkest points.
Explore the ideas
Compare the options
- Set the brief
- Collect samples of permanent finishes, upholstery and hardware before picking a paint or laminate.
- Compare
- Assign a background colour, one wayfinding or feature colour, and contrast where people need to distinguish edges.
- Before buying
- Check painted or laminated samples vertically beside the same light source the finished room will use.
Worked example
A west-facing entry looks muted in the morning but takes on a strong orange cast in late afternoon.
Test wall and door samples at both times beside the actual floor finish. Use a quieter wall tone and reserve a stronger color for a door or artwork that remains legible in changing light.
How to test it
Compare the samples in daylight and artificial light, and check that handles and door edges remain easy to distinguish.
Apply it to this space
- Layout
- Keep the stair landing free of storage and provide a clear view of each approach.
- Detail
- Use continuous hand support and low-glare lighting at both ends and along the steps.
- Trade-off
- Under-stair storage adds capacity but can constrict the stair approach.
- Walk the stair with hands occupied
- Check lighting and head clearance
The Elixir portfolio
Details worth a closer look
