These stairs earn an A+ in creativity! Design by Sarah Richardson

Painting each stair riser a different color can add a pop of color to an otherwise unnoticed space and depth to a small staircase area. Design by Rate My Space contributor KITTENCAMPBELL.

The front porch stairs to an ocean-themed curb appeal makeover are home to a paraphrased quote by Loren Eiseley, an American anthropologist.

Cortney and Bob Novogratz of Sixx Design gave these stairs some significant girl power. Decorating a feminine living room on their show, HGTV's Home by Novogratz, they were sure to incorporate the staircase as an important decorating opportunity.

Black-stenciled numbers on the stair risers add fun and creative touch in a subtle manner.

With paint, stencils and a little time, you can personalize your stairs with a range of textures, patterns and colors.

Instead of continuing a losing battle with scuff marks, Rate My Space user katbeveridge painted the white risers to look like tile.

Design by Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey

The charcoal-colored balusters add a subtle personalization to this staircase railing. Design by Gina Samarotto 

Insert track lighting underneath stair steps to add dramatic effect. Design by Ilija Karlusic

A creative railing made from wooden Balinese window shutters is both functional and decorative. Design by Kathleen Perkins

Enhance the theme of any beach, coastal or nautical design with an all-white staircase.

The circular entryway is framed by a spiral wooden staircase accentuated by a heightened ceiling and skylights. Design by Dave Stimmel

Detailed woodwork on the staircase railing gives added visual interest. Design by Barry Dixon

This white wood staircase is a refreshing design element that complements the mint green striped walls. The geometric railing design resembles wood lattice work bringing a bit of the outdoors into this entry space. Design by Leta Austin Foster

The glass railing is a non-traditional element to a wood staircase that complements the room's industrial style. Design by Nicole Sassaman

HGTV's 2012 Green Home features a unique railing with interior windows designed to let light pass through the stairwell.

The stark white walls and interior furniture stand out against dark wood floors and staircase. Design by Andreas Charalambous

Design by Cindy Aplanalp

Design by PDI

The wrought-iron staircase railing echoes the iron work on the front doors and helps tie a large entryway together.

Design by Dahlia Mahmood

Design by Barry Dixon

This curved staircase helps provide a form for the bar area below. Design by Dave Stimmel

The iron stair railings are bent to resemble the natural movement of waves in the ocean, as well as the curve of the staircase itself. Design by Allison Rejeanne

Design by Celebrity Communities

This spiraling staircase accentuates the large dome ceiling, which is made of hand-applied fish scales. Design by Barry Dixon

Mixing Spanish and French design, this entry space provides a sophisticated welcome. Design by Betty Lou Phillips

Design by Barry Dixon

Design by Paula Grace Halewski

Design by Bryan Alan Kirkland

Create a space to display your wine collection that also functions as a interesting work of art. Design by Nicole Sassaman

This under-stair storage featured in HGTV's 2014 Dream Home provides a stylish place for a furry friend. The alcove also features a Dutch door to keep pets up while guests are over, while still allowing them to see the party. Design by Linda Woodrum

Space under the stairs can be used to store any odds and ends that tend to make thier way into our lives. Because of its close proximity to the kitchen, this storage space was used as a mini bar, but the space could also be used to store a book collection or used as a crafting space. Design by John Gidding.

Under stairs can be an ideal place for an office in a small space. Looks like poised pup, Chauncey, approves! Design by Brian Patrick Flynn

These basement stairs also function as an extra computer space. Tip: Due to the nature of basement stairs, it is important to assess the stability of the stairs before adding any storage underneath.

Storage underneath an entry staircase is the perfect place to hide all the shoes, keys, backpacks and coats that always end up crowding the floor space next to the front door. This allows for grab-and-go access for often-used items.

Expand your living room space by adding an entertainment center under your stairs. Design by Alicia Friedmann

This bar area was crafted under the staircase for maximum functionality, even featuring an under-the-counter refrigerator. The space can also be used as additional cabinet storage for your unending supply of cups and plates.

This small space from HGTV's Meg's Great Rooms features a pantry under the staircase for easy access as well as hidden storage.

Add a pop of color to your space with a multi-colored carpet runner. Photo courtesy of Matthew Mead

A bold patterned carpet runner can add visual interest to a neutral space. Design by Paisley McDonald

If your space is already buzzing with color and patterns, use a neutral, textured carpet runner to tone down the staircase while still adding interest. Design by Susan Anthony

Mimicking the stripes on the wall with stripes in the carpet runner helps to tie the space together. Design by John Lyle and Mark Umbach

Designer Sallie Giordano is known for her traditional style. This teal carpet runner accents the teal color in the printed wallpaper.

A neutral carpet runner can soften a bright, vibrant wall color. Design by Julia West

Bring out your wild side with a bold animal print carpet runner. This particular runner is wool for practicality and warmth. Design by Betty Lou Phillips

This patterned carpet runner with brass stair rods draws your eye up the sweeping staircase, enhancing the grandeur of the entryway. Design by Ron Nathan

Design by Shane Inman

A plain, neutral carpet runner along the black staircase breaks up the bold-patterned entryway floor. Design by Design the Line Interiors

This staircase from HGTV's Million Dollar Rooms winds through the foyer of the Acqua Liana Estate in Palm Beach County, Fla.

Seen through glass windows at the back of the home, the Acqua Liana Estate glass stairs serve as a functional walkway and spectacular work of art.

DIY Network's 2013 Blog Cabin entryway features a bamboo switchback staircase.

Design by Katarina Anderson

Design by Lori Dennis

These glass stairs allow light to stream in from the atrium windows. Design by Madelyn Simon

This view of the glass stairs shows they are clear from the side but are opaque from the bottom looking up for a bit of privacy. Design by Madelyn Simon

Design by Andreas Charalambous

A common trend in her design, designer Linda McDougald has brought together old world style and modern architectural elements.

This staircase is used to divide the living room from the the dining room without making the space feel choppy. Design by Pepe Calderin