stairs

Going along with that layout of the two story condo we saw: currently its got one of those lame 1970s open staircases where you can see through it...meh, old school. It would look best with closed off stairs and building a little storage area under the stairs. Here's some ideas, etc.

Exhibit A: built in open shelf with drawers and cubbies.
Advantages: Extra storage space, attractiveness
Disadvantages: Loss of maximum amount of storage space that could be used if it was made into a closet instead
Exhibit B: Giant Drawers (its not under a staircase here but you get the idea... the whole step thing...)
Advantages: Orderly looking, easy access to whatever you put in drawers, uniqueness
Disadvantages: Same as Exhibit A
Here's ideas of runners and railings that are pretty and I like. I particularly LOVE the one with the pattern but the one with just the stripes seems neutral, friendly, just plain lovely