HI -- Your house sounds real nice . First thing I would do is paint the stair railings white like the rest of your trims. Paint the front door black/charcoal and surrounding and have some textured glass for the side light. I think the large wall could use a bold wallpaper something with a tone on tone texture or have a grass or linen looking wallpaper for the whole hallway. Then a big painting or mirror with a narrow flowting shelf under. A long rug runner in a stripe or something ethnic and colorful .

Couple options- put up a chair rail and paint the bottom half a darker color- you'd still get the upper half light and airy feeling. OR put wallpaper or a stencil with a big graphic on that big wall. I also think painting the inside of the door a bright fun color. Have you thought of painting the banisters- same color as the door?

I agree wtih lefty47 on the trim, everything should flow. I was going to suggest painting the walls something bright and cheery, wall paper works as well. I agree with the runner. Maybe even throw a couple of small accent pieces in there as well. For example: an old dresser that you can fix up.

I agree with lefty, paint the railings white to match your trim and not compete with the hardwood floors. I would also paint or wallpaper the hall and staircase well. Add a narrow, long console table across the big wall. Hang a nice mirror or art above. A lamp or two on the console would also be nice.

Your mouldings are very traditional while your front door and side light seem more modern. If you want to stay traditional, I would consider changing out the front door and sidelight to something more traditional. If you want to go more modern/transitional, I would consider replacing the fluted, crown mouldings and stair railings with simpler more modern lined trim. Either way, I'd keep true to the style of your house.

I like the traditional wood tones! I'm usually not a fan but I think the railing and door compliment each other nicely. Im not a professional but I might consider a very high moulding..maybe five feet...with decorative squared off moldings underneath so it looks like an entire wood wall in white. Can you drop an appropriately sized chandelier in there and a beautiful runner? I think it would look beautiful. Good luck!

This wall would make a great art gallery.

beautiful art gallery wall!!! a long runner, and I would hang a beautiful mobile from the ceiling that was light and airy closer to the front door and double door area. Perhaps put one dresser or buffet type piece of furniture on the left wall, (when looking towards the door), with at least one lamp. Or a long bench with a cushion in that area. I love your house!

I like a mirror at entrance of home - for oneself and guests - also good in hallway to open it up - do agree with art wall and runner as well . .

I would NOT paint the back of that beautiful door. The wood railing looks fine to me.

I would search for a wide colorful runner for the hallway, with a pattern like this: or this:

Along the way, a console with a lamp and a mirror would be practical, as well as, a small bench. See:
Complete the space with an interesting chandelier:

don't know your style exactly, or if you are into art, but here are a few ideas for paper mobile chandeliers..

I think I would hang a chandelier (light fixture) above the stairwell....maybe something that gives off a pattern of light on the walls.

I would do a gallery photo wall for sure!!! And like the mirror idea that someone mentioned earlier!

I would add wainscoting or wall treatment 3/4 the height of the doors and paint the bottom portion a creamy color and the top a darker tone. Like the treatment I ths photo, but taller.

You are fortunate to have lots of light and high ceilings! Have you considered opening the wall to the hallway? It still feels closed off and would feel more open to the living space and light in the back of the house if you had a series of pillars (a grand hall) from the front door.

Don't forget the value of hanging beautiful lighting as sculpture from the ceiling.

Building in a series of lighted niches for display could give the illusion of pillars/posts while maintaining more separation. I would love to see the stair railing upgraded to a more modern look.

Yes to the ideas of an art gallery hall and beautiful carpet runners on the floor!

Hi,
I suggest a new glass and wood entry door. Here is an example from one of our projects.

The extra natural light will make an enormous difference.
-Nils Finne, AIA

Lots of wonderful ideas here. Mine is just a little change, but needed. Beef up the newel post.