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It seems odd to me that I’ve only lived in one two-story house in my married life, two in my entire life. I always visualize my dream house (from the curb anyway) as a two story house. There is something so appealing about the architectural lines of a two story house.
{the 2 images above via Design Chic}
That said, I’ve been told by several friends in my age group that I am so lucky to be living in a single story house. They always say they wish they were in a single story. I guess the thought that I might not be able to make it up a flight of stairs in my old age makes sense. But I also believe that we often do what we have to do, so it might keep me younger to be forced to exercise by walking up a flight, right?
Is there a point anywhere in this post, Karen? Why yes. As I do with things I admire, in this case stair cases, I’ve got a file of them and I thought I’d share some pretty images with you…
This (above) is a 2 for 1, the front door is a show-stopper, the stairs look great too.
{Jill Brinson}
{Mark D. Sikes above & below via Architectural Digest}
{Southern Accents}
{Steve Giannetti via Velvet & Linen}
I love this nautical take on a stair rail.
Then there’s this…a hotel in London.
Tell me, do you live in a two-story house? Do you love it?
I’ve linked to Savvy Southern Style for Kim’s Wow Us Wednesday.
Garden, Home & Party 
Debby said:
I do live in a 2 story house and actually took a bad fall down the stairs while the house was being built – I got stitches in my head. I think I’d be safe in a 1 story house. The exteriors in this post are beyond gorgeous!! xo
Karen B. said:
Debby, Oh my, that used to be one of my greatest fears…our only 2-story home was purchased just after we had our first child and I used to worry I’d take a tumble with him in my arms! But the curb appeal of a two story is unmatched! Karen
Victoria Elizabeth Barnes said:
That last photo is really amazing… the molding on the underside of the three visible stairs is the kind of thing that would make me buy a house. Not whether the location was good or if it had a new furnace…
I’m kind of torn on the giant foyer/huge staircase. I mean, obviously if you live in a castle—great. But we have a fairly large foyer (in relation to the rest of the downstairs,) and now that I’ve gotten over how much I love it, it kind of seems like a waste of space… it would be better if it were somehow attached to the living room or something, rather than a full-size room of its own.
I’m sure your house is perfectly adorable without steps. Plus, no need to whack your ankles with the vacuum lugging it up the stairs!!
Karen B. said:
Victoria, Interesting, I always thought a large foyer could hold a round, substantial antique table and a large blue and white urn, which would hold fresh flowers such as hydrangea, delphinium and blossoming tree branches. There would be a sizable silver tray where you could toss the keys to your Bentley and your sheepskin driving gloves when you walk in the front door. 😉 I never thought one might feel it was a waste of square footage! LOL. But seriously, when I saw disco glitter moving about your foyer, I was envious! Karen
Victoria Elizabeth Barnes said:
Gosh, Karen… the only thing I’m missing in that list, is the sheepskin driving gloves… no wonder my foyer didn’t seem quite right!!
Karen B. said:
No problem, I wanted it to be a surprise but just so you don’t go out and buy the gloves for yourself, they’re in the mail…call it a late Christmas present. 🙂
Phyllis said:
You’ve got a couple of show-stoppers here. While I do live in a two-story house, and grew up in one, I see single-level living in my future. I loved the apartments I lived in when I was younger, and wouldn’t mind being an apartment dweller again, but my husband is very keen to build a modern, single-level house. Not sure how my generally traditional things will work in that modern house, but we’ll cross that bridge…
Hope you have a great week!
Phyllis
Karen B. said:
Phylllis, I do enjoy our smallish single story now that I’m more *mature. *But there is something so appealing about a 2-story with dormers and shutters on the lower level. I have seen several more modern homes in our area that capture my attention, when there might have been a time I wouldn’t have wanted something with clean lines and contemporary detailing. I’ve learned that great design transcends styles, don’t you agree? Have a wonderful week, we are enjoying very seasonal weather (which I love) since SoCal doesn’t usually know how to ‘do’ winter weather. 🙂 Karen
Linda Coble said:
Karen,
As you know, I’ve lived in my 2-story house for almost 15 years. Before that, I lived for 18 years in another 2-story house. i guess you could say that I’m a sucker for 2-story houses! I love having warm, cozy bedrooms upstairs and the best views in the house are from the second story. I realize that the stairs could become a problem in old age but I’m going to enjoy them for now.
Loved the pics of the staircases – that London hotel -Wow!
Linda
Karen B. said:
Hi Linda, I really love so many features you can only find in a two story home. I’m comfortable where we are but there is something special about a second story on a house. xo, Karen
Kathy said:
Oh my, all the photos are swoon worthy! I have to go back and study them again. I’ve only lived in two story homes my entire life. I think our prettiest staircase was our Western Reserve home. It was Chippendale style. I was very young when we bought it. I didn’t appreciate until I grew older and wiser just how special it was. I wish I had it in this place!!! When we down sized to our little teeny home…which is a condo…I got both worlds. The exterior is in the western reserve style but inside isn’t. Upstairs is a loft and spare bedroom. We use the downstairs bedroom. I actually did this so when our children come home they have the entire second floor. Wow, now I know what I was missing!! I love the bedroom on the first floor with the laundry room around the corner. The problem around this area is most of the single story homes were built in the 60s and not attractive like your home. Recently people have been buying them and giving them very attractive makeovers. I don’t want the work but my heart will always be with gorgeous old homes.
Kathy said:
I hope you understood I meant your home IS attractive! Many here are not.
Karen B. said:
Hi Kathy, I like the idea of the laundry room on the same floor as the bedrooms and how nice to have the option in a two-story to have a bedroom downstairs and a floor for visiting adult children. I’ve started feeling like we need an extra bedroom now that we have a grand baby! So happy your blogging again. Karen
Gretchen said:
Karen, as you know I’ve lived in both one and two story houses. I agree that two story houses are more interesting architecturally and I love going upstairs at the end of the day to our cozy bedroom, but now I’m ready for a much smaller one story house. Lately I’ve seen some very well done single story remodels in our area. I think the right architect could give me the smaller home of my dreams.
If I had a staircase as gorgeous as any of those in your picture I might have to rethink my next move!
Karen B. said:
Gretchen, You’ll have to show me some of the newly remodeled homes in our area, it’s been awhile since I’ve driven the streets to check things out. xo, Karen
trouverlesoleil said:
Gorgeous.. all of them! The last photo is amazing ~ I really like that rug;) Love the Mark D. Sikes entry! I may need to save a few of these images. Thanks for sharing!
xxleslie
Karen B. said:
Leslie, I do love Mark D. Sikes, I need to find more of his homes and rooms…maybe there’s a post in there somewhere! 🙂 Karen
Ann said:
Love those houses…
I do live in a two-story house right now
but I enjoyed living in a single story during my childhood… no fear of falling from the stairs there and me and my brother would run around a lot inside the house. so much fun we had in that one story home.
Karen B. said:
Hi Ann,
Thanks for stopping by, so nice to meet you. Do you enjoy the benefit of a two-story home or do you prefer a single story?
Karen
Loi Thai Tone on Tone said:
Hi, Karen –
We have an old two story house. But the upstairs and staircase are both very modest. I am lucky to have clients that have beautiful homes with very gracious and generous foyers and staircases. At least when I visit, I get to enjoy their homes. Even fantasize a bit 🙂
Lovely photos!
Cheers,
Loi
Karen B. said:
Hi Loi,
I do love some of the freshly painted, older staircases. If I had a two-story house I’d want the stair rail to be ebony stain and the balusters white, talk about fantasizing, full living color.
Karen