In many classic homes, the hallway forms the heart of the house, with the staircase as the undisputed eye-catcher. In this project in a characteristic 1930s home in Eindhoven, the renovation of precisely such a “showpiece” was central. The result is a perfect balance between classical grandeur and contemporary craftsmanship, where an unfortunate water-damage incident led to a beautiful new showpiece.

From Classic Red to Contemporary

The original situation was a testament to quality: a classic red stair runner that had been in place for no less than 30 years. Although the carpet itself was still in excellent condition, water damage had caused the colours to bleed. This necessary farewell, however, created the opportunity to reinvent the central feature of the home.

The objective was clear: the staircase needed to become the central, distinctive element of the house once again—this time with a fresh perspective. After considering various colour options—from blue to mustard yellow—a bold yet elegant dark aqua green-blue colour scheme was chosen.

A Design in Three Parts

In this segment, a stair runner is not simply a matter of rolling out a piece of carpet. The design is carefully composed of three separate elements that together form a rich, cohesive whole:

The Border (Frame): The outer edge is finished with a solid border in a shade a few tones darker than the central field.

The Central Field: This forms the foundation and consists of a subtle pattern with various colour nuances that add depth to the overall design.

The Binding (Accent): A narrow, gold-yellow binding runs around the central field. This detail provides a classic frame and allows the main colour to stand out even more.

Optical Perfection: The Solution for Crooked Walls

The choice for this specific construction—especially the solid outer border—is not only aesthetic, but above all technically essential in older homes.

In a 1930s property, walls are rarely perfectly straight; there are recesses, doorways, and uneven angles.

• The Challenge: When a pattern is laid tightly along a crooked wall, any irregularity immediately becomes noticeable.
• The Solution: The dark, solid border absorbs these irregularities. The border is cut wider or narrower depending on the wall. As a result, the gold-yellow binding and the inner pattern appear perfectly straight and balanced to the eye, without even a 2-millimetre discrepancy.

This demands the highest level of craftsmanship: the three components (central field, binding, and border) are separate pieces of carpet that are custom-cut on site, mitred, and bonded together.

Material Choice: Wool and Innovation

Where 100% wool was often chosen in the past, a modern lifestyle calls for smart material blends. For this staircase—the most heavily trafficked area of a home—a combination of 20% wool and synthetic fibres was selected.

Synthetic fibres: Offer enhanced durability. This is crucial for the stair nosings (the edge where you place your foot), which take a significant impact with every step.

Wool: Provides the classic, warm appearance and soft feel.

Conclusion

This project proves that a classic element like a stair runner does not have to feel outdated. By playing with colour (aqua green-blue instead of red) and using clever optical techniques, the staircase has once again become the “showpiece” the home deserves. It is a harmonious blend of original design and traditional craftsmanship, ready for the next 30 years.