Case Study: Grand Foyer Entrance in Newtown Square, PA

When we were brought on for this Newtown Square, PA renovation, the goal of the project was a custom-built spiral staircase designed to anchor the home's grand foyer entrance. The client had a clear and specific vision for the staircase's design, and the goal from the start was to deliver a staircase that would feel as much like an architectural feature as a functional element of the home.

Crafted from oak, the staircase combines durability with a warm, classic finish that complements the rest of the home's interior. The curved design sweeps from the foyer up to the second floor, where it opens into a 5-foot hallway that flows seamlessly into the great room.

This layout was intentional: rather than treating the staircase as an isolated feature, the design connects the entryway, the upper level, and the home's main living space into one continuous visual experience. Anyone entering the home is immediately drawn upward along the curve of the stairs. Because the homeowner's vision called for such a specific design, sourcing the right materials took longer than initially expected. The manufacturer responsible for supplying key components for the staircase experienced a backorder, which meant the project timeline had to shift to accommodate material availability. Rather than compromise on the design to keep to the original schedule, our team and the homeowner agreed it was worth the wait to bring the design to life.

During the waiting period, the foyer area was closed off for safety, since work on the staircase itself was paused. Fortunately, the home's layout included a second staircase on the opposite side of the residence, which allowed the family to maintain full access to both floors throughout the delay. This meant the project's timeline could flex without disrupting day-to-day life in the home.

Once materials arrived, the installation came together to create a staircase that's as much a design statement as it is a functional connector between floors. The finished result: a curved oak staircase with custom millwork detail, turned balusters, and a hand-finished rail that gives the entire foyer a sense of craftsmanship and intention.