Thank you my New Zealand friend!! LOVE the idea of a giant mirror. I actually have one hanging in my current house too but never thought to set it up the way you suggested :)

A table like in photo #3 would be in keeping with the traditional look of the space and wood on banister. Beautiful wall. I could enjoy it just as it is.

Hello!

Have you thought about pictures? What I could imagine for this grand hallway is a picture gallery along the wall. Nothing too large to cover the wainscoting you love, but small pictures - something of meaning to you. Possibly black and white photos of family members/loved ones or of your favorite places around the world.

Having the picture gallery would be a sophisticated, clean way to add something to your hallway. I feel like a table but look a little misplaced but having photos tell a story on the wall would be a beautiful addition. Below I have attached a photo of what I'm talking about. I hope this helps and good luck!!

You have plenty of room to add a long antique console table and you could just rest art or a mirror and layer accessories (a lamp or two or sconces). The advantage is you can change things around and won't be leaving permanent marks on your beautiful wall. [houzz=];[houzz=]

Maureen's idea to rest a piece of art on a beautiful table makes sense. That way you wouldn't have to be making holes in that beautiful board and batten.

I agree with the suggestion to incorporate an oversized or floor mirror. Restoration Hardware has some very attractive mirror (especially their Bisto and Venetian Beaded lines). You certainly have a space that can handle both the size and presence of one. I also agree to use a console table and add personal decorative details and some color.

i would try to add some some more black, possibly on the stair treads. The room might also just need filled in with some more furniture, I think you're on the right track.

very subtle stencils from other post...

Love what you have going on. I would consider having a pop of color and keeping it simple with the artwork.

What's on the right of that table? You don't want to block traffic flow with tables and stuff.

I would hang pictures inside some of the squares, and paint those squares with a contrasting color. All framed and matted alike.

I agree but wouldn't you want pictures to fill the entire rectangle? That's what I envision... more clean... less details to distract from many lines already..

I like the idea of a longer console table with a large framed picture hanging above it and perhaps another frame or two of different sizes propped up against the wall to add to but not compete with the wainscoting. This could be anchored by two wall sconces centered inside the wainscoting squares.

This is nice too...

Long narrow table with mirror and lamp.

It's beautiful as I look again - light neutrals grey wall then warm but light wood flooring? and dark banister? Have you thought of a runner?
How big is your foyer? do you have any furniture nearby?

this kind of thing which might call out tone of flooring ---
http://www.ballarddesigns.com/bd/265638?cm_mmc=mer-_-cse-_-houzz-_-prod-feed&mr:referralID=eac3202d-70e9-11e4-ac6c-001b2166c2c0&SourceCode=BDGOO46&redirect=y

Glad I could help, still like the big mirror and long console table, love the area you have, would love to see rest of house

Definitely lamps, I have a lamp fetish lol

Your mirror you have in your photo would be great there

I am doing same shape but smaller (to fit inside each frame) black and white photos of family, like a family tree, using snaps of relatives in their 20s-40s mimicking Hollywood glam style. Sticking with one wall colour though.

Deffo agree with making the treads black.

Ooooo I definitely like blenheimnewzealand's enormous pier mirror, with an open console that lets the mirror show all the way to the floor. 1st class look for the 1st class space that you have. It's just gorgeous. Add a couple of sexy chairs, and you've got a look that is not run-of-the-mill.

NO,not black stair trends.They don't go with the wainscoating & will date badly in few years. I'd go for a really colorful area rug &/or larger & more dramatic piece(s) of furniture. You've got the room for a knockout chaise/chair plus a taller, thinish table or a larger storage piece (high backed coat stand/table maybe.with colorful tile insert around its mirroror dramatic black with curly lines for contrast).

I love what's already going on here. Great blank canvas but with a little texture too. I think the idea of a floor mirror is a good one. Not only is it great for reflecting light around the space, it's perfect for that last check in the mirror before you dash out the door. You could really go dramatic like this one here http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UkSeZzAfIt4/Th7s3Tm3DoI/AAAAAAAAGC0/Zgt5a000pWM/s1600/39735030_YGwUzvLK_c.jpg
to add a little character. If this is not your style find something you do love but make sure it defines your aesthetic. Since this is an entry I also recommend adding a chair or a bench for sitting to put on/take off shoes if you like to do that. Or you could put a console table there as a drop zone and add lamps, decorative items, artwork to make it more inviting. Also, do you need a coat tree, an umbrella stand, a boot tray? Before buying anything I would sit down and think about all the ways you need your entry to function and go from there. An entry needs to be beautiful and functional!

goodkleenfun, what say you after all these ideas have been posted?

this console table is to small. So, you need more substantial piece. For instance, heavier and longer console with two chairs. in addition, the some of the boxes on your wall need some art work inside, such as a family pictures or faux finish.A Nice runner will be recommended.

hi, what is paint color used on the wainscoting wall ? many thanks

First picture of mine, or long console table and your mirror

goodkleenfun , what is paint color used on the wainscoting wall ? Thanks

It would seem that goodkleenfun has left the building!

My apologies! Packing up, etc... Haven't left the building but anxiously waiting to move into the new one. I'm leaning toward the giant mirror with a narrow console in front from NewZealands original suggestion. The brownstone was a 1.5 year reno by the contractor/seller and everything is brand new. The light wood floors are on all 4 levels and I'd rather paint walls than change them. I also loved the black/white picture suggestions and actually have that theme in my current home! All from old LIFE magazines (see below). The space is beautiful but needs a lot of color once we're in. I just attached a bigger pic of what the space looked like during "staging." Lastly, we have a dog and 4 kids so going for a "contemporary cozy" feel. Thank you again for all the feedback....Houzz is amazing!!!

This is what I mean by "cozy contemporary" but feel free to send pics with your interpretation!

And this:

A dream house to die for. I'm sure you're so excited to move in. Wish you all the best.

I always like seeing more photos of remainder of a space we've been posting about... you have 'surprised' me... So it seems it's open to front door and dining?
I like the brown paint of your 'old house' - do you know what it is? Nice with the wood floor.

Also the wood tone in above - I bought Ikea's bookcases in grey-brown which resembles headboard....

this question is for goodkleenfun - would you please share the color of the wainscoting wall ?

Good morning! I painted hallway a few years back but pretty sure it is Benjamin Moore Cafe Olé (possibly Dellwood Sand) Used them both throughout my condo.

Re, the new place, I'll find out from the builder what shade of gray he used on that entry way but definitely Benjamin Moore. There are about 4 or 5 shades of gray throughout the new place. Here's a few more pics.... I'm dying to get some color in there and make it feel like a real home!

Hi goodkleenfun; I am asking about the gray wall, the wainscoting wall , the entryway wall which is gray- beige, not the brown wall painted Benjamin Moore Cafe Olé ; thanks

Everdebz asked about my current home but I will get the answer ASAP from builder regarding the new place

All the best for the move, beautiful home, how exciting

Perhaps a wall mural

Stain a French style console table to match the dark banister, hang a gilded gold mirror above. Flank with sconces.

Your flooring suggests a bit of rustic style is possible. I suggest a large piece of original art in a very ornate old world frame. If possible suspend it from the ceiling a few inches away from the way by dark chain link. Just a few ideas from Art Glass to more moody colours. Artist's work featured are Barbara Milne, Chris Temple, Mark Mullen. Modern or traditional the framing is the statement that ties the elements of the rest of your space together. A simple metal hall/console table can sit underneath. I've included a photo of a slightly rustic metal one from Crate and Barrel - the Silviano

If you haven't stained yet- the dark banister is enough contrast.... I think riser change would reduce beauty...imagine looking through each white spindle to see bits of dark stair....too much!
similar to what was suggested:

I love the color of your floors. Do you happen to know what it is? Thanks

So excited for your new home I hope it evolves to fit your family well. It looks like it's at a wonderful jumping off point.

I think a few sconces might be all you need!