There are so many choices...if you go onto Stair runner carpet design on Houzz, you may get a feel for what you like. Thought you might like the one below, as it's traditional and the brown border would compliment your clock and the yellow/cream, your walls and floor. Purchase the best underpading you can afford, as it tends to extend the life of the carpet, which you will need with your busy family. It's a big job to update the woodwork (it took me over 35 hours to complete our 3 floors), but it was so worth it. Good luck. [houzz=