This staircase by Danny Kuo is Character Approved for two reasons. One, it is beautiful when at rest and functional when in use. Two, it is not a staircase at all but a free-standing dresser, one capable of helping you up to its highest compartments by pulling them out in order to form, you guessed it, a staircase. It has to be seen to be believed, especially coming from a just-graduated student. Which goes to prove that Whitney Houston had it right all this time: The children REALLY ARE our future!

Ms. Kuo explains that, "the most efficient way to build is vertically. Building vertically saves space as it uses minimal ground square meters. When it comes to interior design, the same rule can be applied."

Isn't that what we unabashedly talk about in these columns, week after week, to be inspired to help others through design, not simply shine on the front pages of blogs and magazines? Danny Kuo embodies that quest with her ingeniously constructed staircase and I, for one, thank her.

[Image: Found by James]