Paint,paint and more paint. I would change the chandelier to something fabulous. I would paint the walls in semi gloss paint in a dark color you like----- red - burgundy, blue- navy, green- forest, brown- chocolate,and even black. Dark colors will make the walls recede. Do the ceiling too in the same color. I would rip up the carpet and if the wood is not in good shape I would paint it grey ,beige or white using deck paint and add a geometric or sisal runner. Black and white photos with white frames would look stunning hung on the stairs. I would add a handrail ---black metal. The door could be painted a beige then glazed to give it an antique look . Good luck and don't be afraid of highly saturated colors.

Add more family photos.

Also the glass brick wall would look great it also would allow more light in which is always a good thing.

I thought the same thing immediately, a new light fixture. I like your own idea about a 1/2 wall on the left, I believe that would make a huge difference.

hang a mini chandelier, paint the ceiling and the door a silver semi gloss and hang three mirror panels on the wall. Pottery Barn has alot of inexpensive but very effective chandeliers - some fun and funky.

I'm all for a new light fixture & some seriously bold, glamorous wallpaper. Without knowing your personal style, I can only say what I would do - but it would involve a flush mount chandelier, colorful geometric wallpaper, and replacing the carpet with something a little more elegant...
http://content.costco.com/Images/Content/Product/675122L.jpg
http://www.cole-and-son.com/productimages/drop/95-6034.jpg
http://www.merrybuildersinc.com/images/entry-stairs-after2.jpg

I would install a Foyer Light. Something with a statement hanging into the space. What ever finish you use for the light I would at least change out the door handle to match. I think the walls are fine. Yes, a wood flooring would look terrific. If you can't replace the door you can paint it! This is just a small fun project and I know you will be so proud of yourself to complete it.

Wallpaper about nature. Some sort of organic chandelier. Paint the ceiling gray (close to the gray in the wallpaper) only if your ceiling is not continuous into the area at the top of the stairs. Paint your front door in a gray (darker than the carpet), with just a hint of lavender in it. A little art A small oriental rug bringing up some warm tones, and it's practical as it won't show dirt.

To bad you can't replace the door or add windows on the left. Additional lighting, either from the existing fixture, or perhaps some down-lighting on the right (track lights?) could help. But you do have light coming in through that window in the door. A few different ideas...

1. Paint the entry a bold color which gives the feeling of light and openness you're seeking to express, perhaps light yellow, turquoise, or forest glen green.

2. Display your favorite photo as an enlarged transparency in a light-box (like a movie poster box, but sleeker). This would add interest and light at the same time. You could get four photos and display a different photo each season. http://www.blueriverdigital.com/index.asp

3. A different direction would be to paint a 3 foot wide red stripe and mount these shiny sculptures in the middle: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Large-Modern-Abstract-Silver-Metal-Wall-Art-Decor-Sculpture-Forces-Nature-/230681639120?pt=Art_Paintings&hash=item35b5b278d0 Adding lights above them would help at night.

4. Or go big and cover most of the wall space: http://www.artisanti.com/silver-harmony---etched-metal-wall-panels-11454-p.asp

5. Decorative wall lights can add interest. Consider adding more than one:

paint the door a bright color

I would paint the door a semi-gloss bright color, and wallpaper one of the walls. You can either go bold, or nature-themed. I would also replace your flush-mount! Here are a few photos:

I would keep it clean simple lines bright and modern. White walls or a modern light gray, beautiful chandelier with crystals, and then hang something or a group of things that are modern on one wall-maybe amazing black and white photographs with simple simple frames. or beautiful mirrors going up the wall.
as to the floor i would personally pick up the carpet, install laminate and then install a tacked down runner that suits your taste. Maybe in a navy or gray pattern. Pattern on the walls might be too enclosing but pattern on the floor will not have the same effect.

please post pictures when you are done.

I would use a bold paper- something like Melrose Wallpaper by Farrow and Ball, a soft washed grey floor would brighten this space without being too over whleming. I agree with the other comments, add a new light fixture. Increase the size of your baseboards and consider adding crown.

I am officially overwhelmed by your amaaaaazing suggestions. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I will spend hours poring over your wonderful suggestions. It occurred to me that I should have mentioned that 2 sides of my home face a river with lots of trees. We have huge windows and a wrap-around deck, so nature is a key focal point from every location in the house (except, of course, my ugly entryway!) With this new information, are there any other suggestions? I will send a picture of my finished work! Many thanks for your ideas!!!

Besides changing lighting and flooring, consider painting a graphic with the door as a focal point. Paint, blue tape and sometimes a chalk line and level are all you'll need. The door can be replaced later.

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-paint-perfect-wall-stripes-stsetivw-vs~3427677

Paint (or eliminate) all of that contrasting trim with a light/warm eggshell like bone or afghan and continue up the stairs and throughout the hallway leaving the ceiling white. Paint the door wall and wall behind the door in an eggplant or gun-metal, including the door itself. The dark walls will disappear at night... Install small eyeball accent cans at existing fixture local above door and in the slopped ceiling as it rises up, alternating side to side to wash the walls. I liked the suggestion to put in "cubbies" to houzz things...maybe a couple on one wall and one on the other. Or, let a few nice art pieces shine in the soft down-light. Keep the carpet 'cause with such a limited entry, your guests should feel as cozy as possible, as soon as possible. Top it off with a copper hand-rail with just the right patina made out of 1-1/2" pipe.

I don't know if mentioned before but maybe just a simple door change wud suffice? And I must agree with the dark walls!! ?? Pick your most favorite dark paint color!!! Let me find a picture !!!
http://www.homedepot.com/Doors-Windows-Doors-Entry-Doors-Front-Doors/h_d1/N-5yc1vZar90/R-203072696/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051#.UHfgKWt5mSM JUST AN IDEA--then I had another idea to ADD to the open natural light and the View u extended your tam about check:
http://www.homedepot.com/Doors-Windows-Screen-Doors/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbchd/R-203400493/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051#.UHfgoWt5mSM
2of my neighbours have these n WHAT A GORGEOUS addition it gives a sneak peek into your home too which is so cool!!! And Not to mention THE BREEZE N FRESH AIR...AWWWa girl can dream ...n so far it might cost you on CLEARANCE--? $500 alll together for the entire project including paint !???

Add more light here and add a striped runner to make it look wider .

Add more light here and add a striped runner to make it look wider .

Before reading your question, my first thought was, man that room needs some.light and breathing space. And a new door isn't the answer anyway. It needs elbow room. Glass blocks should not be your first choice either, this look can become outdated and then 5-10 years from now and you will want to change it again. From the view that you have I think there are two options to solve this on is using a single pane that is large enough to not make it look like an outside window (this can either be left with no finishing or you could get a custom frost pattern. The second option is pushing the wall back far enough to create an illusion of depth. Designing is all about perception, setting the wall back slightly can change the space enough to add an architectural element inside will change the entire view of the space.

I would paint the door, trim around the door and the wall above the door the same color. An eye catching area rug whether square, round or octagon at the bottom of the steps. Don't do a rectangular shape rug. Waynes-coating along both sides of the wall w/ the stairs and no railing...the trim above the waynes-coating will act like the railing. Most definately change the light fixture to the star pendant (frosted) and rip up that carpet paint the stairs a chocolate brown (or stain it a dark color) and the front panels of the steps white. When you can, replace the door w/ something that has more windows.

Agree with Vikrant on rug. Paint the rest, including trim, all one color-perhaps same white as living room. Add new simple light fixture or recessed lighting. These fixes would be very inexpensive.

Wood flooring, white walls, cool light fixture, funky handrail. Mural on wall.

I am 22 hours late in putting in my 2 cents worth - drbay - you have some great ideas - many of them same - so get that light swapped out - find your go-to paint - and please show results of your labor!

I like the suggestions on this entryway, however, as soon as I saw it, I realized I would love to try painting one wall a contrasting color; and paint the ceiling and other wall both a lighter color. Not sure if I made sense here.

HI drbay,
Think light, bright, functional.
I also like Vikrant's comment - widening with pattern is always a smart thing to do. But, I'd want to repeat that pattern again somewhere in your home to make sense of it (belonging)...

Depending upon your budget, I'd change out the paint colour to something lighter, and brighter.
A tone that compliments what's going on the rest of your home, but definitely lighter - and welcoming.
Secondly, I'd add white wainscotting to bring light into this small space. Then you can paint that a high gloss white which is very durable for a busy area.
Lastly, I'd take the carpet off the stairs and put a fun tile on the riser (see photo) and simple porcelain for durability on the treads.
Obviously, change out the light fixture to add some pop and personality. Should be something you love and reflects your style.

Below is a quick rendition of what you need to do -
Good luck with your project!

Zebra stair runner anyone? ; ) Seriously though, a vertical stripe or zebra print runner along with a lighting fixture will brighten this up. Also, don't be afraid to paint the inside of the door to coordinate with your new look! (1st Pic housetohome.uk - 2nd Pic Via Coastal Living)

Zebra is Cool.

drbay - Just noticed the river picture. My new suggestion is... perhaps gift me your view. :) Just kidding of course. The entry for a river home should certainly "pack a punch" however, so my only other tidbit would be to not be afraid to be unconventional/a bit artistic with the entryway decor. It is expected in unique/waterfront homes! :)

Everyone of the items on your list, tearing out wall, laminate, wallcovering, etc. will cost. I think before you make any decisions that involve color, you should replace that front door with one that is full view. The light coming in will affect everything you choose.

I was so tempted to say that also Judy!... tried to resist seeing the door must stay but you make a great point about the other items costing!

Many years for me to learn not to throw good money after bad. One step at a time.

get a hand rail you WILL fall. I was in my twenties when I fell and I am NOT clumsy.2 cents.

Hi, I just found this company the other day and was very surprised.Go to B&N Industries, they have the most stunning panels and I am specifying them immediately in a white on white project. They would be stunning coming up the steps in white. Than I would do some things with what is in the ceiling maybe join the panel to it and make it all the same it will add height or paint it a dove grey with some metallic.

I would do a grey door painted and you can take some of the panels outs and put in a reeded or craft or lead glass in the door panels. You have a world of options.

Once you get to the landing and you finish the carpet a nice grey so that you do not see a lot of dirt you have choices you could put a small carpet in mosaic tile, circular at Home Depot 4 feet diameter is 199 I think in grey in white. or being and white or make you own carpet just to make a transfer from the carpet which is dull and the brass strip is not helping.

You could put all slate, but in the rain,, down you will go. or just treads and stain them from Home depot they are not expensive and you do not have that many steps. Stain the steps a deep mahogany with the white walls and ceiling in a beige simple Honey from Sherwin Williams very pretty with a bit of metallic or some flakes of gold stuck on. These come in paper and you pull them off gently and add. Looks great and fun.

Just to make it look diffrerent. Or just the beige ceiling, white panels, mahogany door, open the 4 openings with reeded glass, probably cost 200. not a lot. And if you are worried than put a note outside no alarms just water and open electric wire, enter in rubber only, gotta giggle in this world.
Enjoy life is short, I love B & N it is so cool let us know how you do.
Oh and you can add led around the top ceiling to get more lighting down.
C

I would defiantly paint the walls a brighter color

I would paint the walls and ceiling white. Lowes has a great light that shows reflections and sparkles on the walls. Then I would add a collection of framed black mirrors and framed black collage pictures from Joann's ( the kind that has 2pieces of glass and you can put beautiful flowers, leaves or ferns inside the glass, collected from your yard )

Another option is to utilize three colors and let the colors speak for the area. Not expensive and very colorful. If you paint, I would spend the extra money on Benjamin Moore flat wall paint that requires no primer and is highly washable.

We had the same problem with our entry being too dark. The solution was to go to a local hardware store that had a door shop. They cut the center out of the door and replaced it with glass. Worked perfect. Let in more light which made the entryway more inviting. Heck of a lot cheaper than a new door.

Check out Beautiful Remodel.com photo on this page!
http://st.houzz.com/simgs/c04275040028a5f0_7-1200/home-design.jpg

You could also add wainscoting. There are some great ones on houzz. Just type it in the search bar.

You could put up chair rail on both sides. paint the bottom half in white and the top half in a mustard color .Paint the trim in white and replace the light fixture with something more stylish ( check your local Lowes or Home Depot store or Walmart for fixtures). On the walls, I would add a big flower picture on both sides to brighten up the space also. Tile or laminate will be great on the floor space too!

I haven't read through all of the posts, so if I am repeating someone my apologies.

I would cut out wall niches and use them for books, art work, family photos or other interesting items.

There is no need for me to suggest you change the light fixture, or to paint the walls other than to say I would go with a very classic look, but use a bold color.

Would love to see updates when you are finished.

I would take a saw to the wall BETWEEN the studs and cut tall no glass openings to the room that borders that left wall. Probably 3 of them spaced out evenly going up the stairs and leaving room between for art. It would require some drywalling and painting work, but it would not be a structural issue because you aren't cutting studs. That would open it up. Then as money permitted, I would change the chandelair. I also like the niches idea as shown above by janishill. My idea of open windows would begin a little higher from the floor and be at least twice as tall as those niches.

Love the Zebra print stair runner idea!!!

Great improvement! Maybe you should post under the "Before and After" category.

Good job. My eyes went immediately to the picture...that's an excellent alternative to the focal point which in most cases would be the door.

Very nice!

I don't know if my suggestion is on time. I would consider painting the walls white and add wooden framed mirrors to both walls to add more room to the space, and keep the wooden flooring, and maybe top it off with a glass chandelier at the center of the roof.

I think we can help. Check us out at www.customizedwalls.com. I know I have worked with a bunch of clients with this issue in the past.

Big difference in the new look! Great job!