A duplex stairway refers to a set of stairs that have two separate flights, each with its own landings, typically found in multi-level buildings. A gradient color on a duplex stairway refers to a stair design where the color changes gradually from one level to the next. This can be achieved through painting, carpeting, or using materials with different color tones. The use of gradient colors in stair design can add visual interest and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the space.