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I love two-story homes. I like the way they look architecturally and when done right they make a statement and command a presence on any street.
Oddly, I have lived in exactly two 2-story homes. One that my mother and step-father purchased just before I moved out on my own, and one since I’ve been married.
Mr. B and I have owned 4 houses, only one was a two-story. As I’ve “matured” I’ve noticed many of our closest friends, similar in age, will often say, “you are so lucky to be living in a one-story house”. When I ask why it’s always the same answer, as we age mature stairs can pose a problem for some. Knees are usually the first thing mentioned.
I believe, possibly without scientific back-up, that if we are forced to climb a flight of stairs we will probably be in better shape than those that get no other form of exercise.
Since I truly love stairs and the endless styles they come in I thought I’d share some that have captured my attention and my imagination…
How clever is this for the dog enthusiast?
The staircase in this home is only one of many features that I love about this house (below).
{Linda McDougald Design; Photo by Ranchel Boling}
{Mercer Hill Farm / PA Archer & Buchanan Architecture}
Is it just me or does this look like you might imagine ‘stairway to heaven’ looks?
The detailing on this banister is swoon worthy (in my humble opinion)
Simple and understated, but oh, so pretty.
So, what’s your thoughts on the subject? Drop by, we’ll chat. ♥
Garden, Home & Party 
julie ~ eab designs said:
I was just going up our flight of stairs yesterday, for what seemed like the 20th time of the day, and thought to myself “I must be getting a lot of exercise.” I’ve always lived in two story homes and love them. (Except when it comes to vacuuming all of the steps!)
Karen B. said:
Julie, I’m with you 100%. I believe they (stairs) keep us fit. Hey, even the vacuuming part contributes to our exercise regime. 😀 Karen
Victoria • Restoring our Victorian said:
I love all of those… and generally love our own staircase (except like above said about vacuuming… I manage to whack myself at least 12 times)
The only drawback is that our stairs are narrow. And have a sharp turn at the lower landing. Pretty much prevents us from bringing up anything really large. Too bad, because it limits my “finds” to the first floor, and I’m running out of space.
Karen B. said:
What?! You’ve got to hire a crane, I see beautiful mirrors in some of those upstairs rooms. How do we feel about stairs without carpet? I wonder if they are deemed to risky, slippery? Karen
debra phillips @ 5th and state said:
stairs get my vote, fit yes, but they add a wonderful architectural element.
but i do get the problem with maturing. fifteen years ago my mother bought “a house of stairs”. up, down, three stories AND most rooms were raised or sunken!! tomorrow we are moving her out, cannot take the stairs.
thank you for my eye candy of the day
xx
debra
Karen B. said:
Debra, I do love the look of stairs indoors and the architectural possibilities of a second story outdoors. Good luck with your move tomorrow and best wishes to your mom. 😀 Karen
around the table said:
I would agree Karen! Use it or loose it, right? I say start climbing:) Beautiful images of stairs. We’ve always lived in a two story homes with the exception of the apartment we stayed in when we first got married. xxleslie
Karen B. said:
Leslie, Where there’s a will there’s a way! I hope I can manage until they carry me out in a box. Ha! Karen
Linda Coble said:
Karen,
Loved these pics – especially the one from Mercer Hill Farm. Although the stairway in our present home isn’t as appealing as any in your pictures, I do love living in a two story home. With the exception of our first home, we’ve always lived in a home with stairs. I tell myself that I’m getting exercise each time I climb them! The only downer is the vacuum! I agree with Victoria on that one.
Karen B. said:
I really liked the two-story in Irvine, but when we transferred to Texas it seemed so many of the homes we looked at were single story and then back to Irvine where we just liked this house better than the two-story ones available at the time. I love the looks of a two story…yours especially. xo, Karen
D'Arcy H said:
A beautiful stairway always makes me wonder what’s at the top! I have always wanted a bedroom upstairs, but I’ve never lived in a two-story home. When our dog got old and needed to go out three times in the night, I decided, alas, perhaps, for our mature years, a single story is more “doable”!
Karen B. said:
That is where we are today. I do love the architectural lines of a lot of two-story homes, but our smaller single-story seems to work at our age (not that old). 😀
We have a friend that built a beautiful home and put in an elevator for their aging golden retriever, and for their eventual possible use. Karen
Gretchen said:
I’ve always felt that going upstairs to bed at the end of the day was very cozy. At this stage of my life, however, I’m envious of my friends who live in one story homes.
If my staircase looked even remotely like any of those gorgeous ones in your photos I might want to stay put!
Karen B. said:
Your staircase is lovely, in fact when you redid it I was longing for a second story. Alas, I have to enjoy other people’s staircases now. 😀 Karen
DG said:
Another vote for 2+ story houses. -The best of both world’s is to own a multi-level house that has a bedroom and bath on the first floor.
Karen B. said:
Yay! I agree, a split level or a master bed and bath downstairs would be ideal. Home builders in California. Are doing that.
Karen
Taylor Greenwalt said:
We wish we had a one story…The hubby’s knees just aren’t the same…Love all of these images…there beautiful!
Kelly - Talk of the House said:
We have never had a real two story home…the first house we built had stairs going up to the unfinished second floor. We sold the house before we finished the upstairs. Our current home looks like it has another story, but it does not. If the room above the garage is ever finished, we will actually have a second floor room. Yippee! I LOVE stairs and have wanted them since I was a child growing up in a one story house. All the ones in your post here are gorgeous!!
Karen B. said:
Kelly, I would consider your home the best of both worlds. I love the architectural detail on your home and if it’s one story, that would be perfect. 😀 Karen