Staircases are more than just a way to get from one floor to the next. "A staircase is a stage," said Sam Cochran, global features director at Architectural Digest. "It's an opportunity for ceremony.

I'm larger than a pinnacle, but smaller than a spire. What am I? I'm a finial! This decorative element can be found on buildings, furniture, flagpoles, fence posts, walls, curtain rods, lamps and even ...