to help you help me

It's all a work in progress.

I think the entry is too narrow for sconces.

I also think you *should put art on the tall wall at a height to be viewed from the living room over the back of the sofa; as well as some art lower down for viewing in the entryway.

Thanks, ineffable, but I think it would look a little odd when I stand in the foyer and look up and see something really high on the wall. I think I would need to see a picture of that in someone's home to know how it would look.

I think I'd look for a rectangular chandelier to replace the one you have...one that would fill that space above the couch and be something interesting to look at. I know it's not part of the foyer, but I'd also put a sofa table behind the couch in front of the railing. I would not be comfy cozied up to that railing, knowing there is a big void behind and below. If you could get a long enough table to add a lamp on the dining end of the table without interfering visually with the larger chandelier, then I'd do that, or add a floor lamp and some substantial, well attached decor to the table.

I would move the tree picture to the opposite wall (placed so it doesn't interfere with the door opening) and look for some kind of fabric art piece to hang over the railing behind the sectional, a quilt or tapestry, an interesting rug, a woven blanket, etc. to cover the spindles and add some softness and color.

or maybe

Is the landing where the demilune and capiz art a dead end? If so, could you switch the demilune into that space so it faces the door? Maybe with your ledge and candles above the table there? I'd also think about a nice wide runner on the floor in the foyer.

Here is a link that might be useful: rectangular chandeliers

it's kind of difficult to tell by the photos...but i wonder if installing a moulding to match what is on the opposite side (under the railing) on the opposing side to break up the large expanse of wall...i agree with ineffablespace that placing artwork such that it can be viewed from the living area would work better....also olychicks examples of lighting is very good as well

olychick, thanks so much. I like your chandy idea. Too bad they are so expensive. I may have to wait a little bit on that, but it's something to look forward to. I also like your idea of putting a sofa table behind the sofa and covering some of the rail with some softness. I can also move the picture to the other wall in the foyer, or at least remove it from that wall it's on right now. I hope it doesn't look lost on that huge wall though. The wall with the capiz art is the wall above stairs going downstairs to lower level, so I couldn't move the demilune table there. I definitely think a long runner would be good. I just haven't done that yet.

desert, thanks for your comments. I'm not sure how that would look to put a moulding on the other wall opposite the railing. I know it's a hard wall to decorate. In fact, the model homes I've seen lately with situations like this just leave that huge wall blank for the most part.

I think you might benefit from looking at the thread on color blocking. One of the issues with stairwells is any kind of furniture or anything not flat against the wall risks getting knocked or someone getting hurt. Further, scale becomes critical in such an area. Using paint however can furnish the space and turn the tall walls and angles and shapes into an asset. You might consider wallpaper, a mix of colors, or even adding wall molding to add some horizontal lines and a place to break colors which will also bring down the height. Best yet, paint is inexpensive.

Here is a link that might be useful: Color blocking

This post was edited by AnnieDeighnaugh on Tue, Dec 10, 13 at 20:32

Thanks, Annie. I will definitely look at it. It may be just what I need for that space.

The color blocking/accent walls thread you posted was very informative and enjoyable, Annie.

Since I'm far from an expert, though, I am not sure how I can transfer that information to my own home. However, I'm wondering if possibly using a different color on my fireplace wall (the red color from my kitchen) and also this same color possibly on the landing where my demilune table is now would help my situation. Maybe it would help take the focus off the big expansive wall. ? Also, I may need to change the entire expansive foyer wall to a different color or texture.

Being challenged in this area, I really don't know how best to use color or texture to enhance my space.

The wall to the right as you enter the door is essentially one of the walls of the living room and it should not be ignored from the living room.

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[Contemporary Entry[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-entryway-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_741~s_2103) by Pittsburgh Photographers Jason Snyder

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[Traditional Entry[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-entryway-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_741~s_2107) by Beverly Architects & Designers Siemasko + Verbridge

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[Traditional Entry[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-entryway-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_741~s_2107) by San Francisco Architects & Designers BAR Architects
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[Transitional Entry[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/transitional-entryway-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_741~s_2112) by Des Moines Interior Designers & Decorators Meghan Blum

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[Contemporary Living Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2103) by Wilmington General Contractors Dewson Construction Company

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[Eclectic Staircase[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-staircase-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_745~s_2104) by Cambridge Architects & Designers LDa Architecture & Interiors
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[Contemporary Dining Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-dining-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_722~s_2103) by San Diego Interior Designers & Decorators Kropat Interior Design

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[Modern Staircase[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-staircase-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_745~s_2105) by Berkeley General Contractors Camber Construction

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[Contemporary Staircase[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-staircase-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_745~s_2103) by Los Angeles Photographers Alex Amend Photography

Wow, ineffable, I guess I better rethink this whole situation. Thank you!