Stairway to Timeless Design: Restoring a Victorian Entryway

Our Liberty project's stairway transformation ✨

Design: Together Home Design Studio | @togetherhomedesignstudio

Photography: Emily Dulla | @emilydulla

San Francisco is known for its rich architectural history, and restoring these spaces is one of the most rewarding parts of our work. Our recent project—a stunning Victorian stairway in a home built in 1888—was a lesson in balance: modernizing the space while preserving its historic charm.

When we first stepped into the home, the stairway was an overwhelming display of Victorian ornamentation. Over the years, previous owners had layered on intricate details, taking the era’s signature embellishments to an extreme. Instead of celebrating the home’s original craftsmanship, these additions overshadowed it. Our goal was clear: strip back the excess, restore the stairway’s integrity, and introduce modern updates that enhance both beauty and function.

The transformation started with simplifying the design. We scaled back overly elaborate details, opting for a more traditional Victorian aesthetic. The steps were painted black, creating a bold yet timeless foundation. Updating the railing allowed us to bring the design back in line with classic San Francisco Victorian architecture, making the space feel both historic and refreshed.

To complement the stairway, we selected a striking wallpaper for the surrounding entryway—something that felt both modern and true to the home’s heritage. Instead of a traditional repeating pattern, we chose a mural-like design from de Gournay, adding depth and artistry that enhances the stairway’s presence without competing with it.

The result is a stairway that feels undeniably Victorian yet perfectly suited for contemporary living. This project highlights our passion for restoring historic homes while making them livable, stylish, and relevant for today. If you love thoughtful design that bridges past and present, this transformation is the perfect example of how a single staircase can redefine an entire space.

Before: You can see how previous owners layered on intricate details which actually took away from the building's original charm

After: A serene entryway that feels timeless, elegant and classic

Before: Purple carpet and over the top embellishments...

After: a layered and timeless look with a black staircase, a classic wooden railing, and beautiful de Gournay wallpaper.

Shop Here

Inquire