As children most of us dreaded the descent into the basement, that first creaking stair signaling uncertain doom and dimly lit quarters playing host to many of our worst fears.

Fortunately the basement of yesterday is a far cry from the basement of today, starting with the very steps we journeyed down.

The modern basement is all things at once: recreational room, office, laundry corner, and studio. Hardly uninviting, it is a welcome addition to the greater home, and extension of all that is meant to be valued and enjoyed.

Whatever the purpose of your basement, you deserve a smooth and attractive descent, and the basement stair designs of the moment ensure both style and stability. From more traditional models that bring to mind the welcomingly sturdy farmhouse structure to contemporary glass paneling and hardware, as well as ingenious sliding-drawer storage units within the steps themselves-suffice it to say you’ll never look at your basement the same way again.

With so much care awarded the upstairs domain, it’s a shame the basement is so often treated as an afterthought. With the proper steps to guide you to your destination, these basement stairs ideas can take on a whole new identity, at last presenting itself as a reimagined canvas awaiting your inspiration.