You could get a brushed nickel radiator cover and use either a bench for the corner or a mirrored console table with some lamps on top. Hanging a mirror above the table will reflect light. That would brighten up the space.
Here is a picture of a bench seat for reference.
http://houzz.com/photos/880055

Do you mean replace the whole thing? I like that it blends into the wall now. You could consider replacing just the top with a piece of marble.
Btw you live in my dream home especially if you put modern/contemporary furnishings against this amazing backdrop!

Just for ideas this is a house I like that uses a lot of light eclectic pieces to brighten up dark woodwork. If you open the pic there are other photos in the project (not suggesting you paint any wood - this house has some white mixed in).
http://houzz.com/photos/56744

wow! what a beautiful home you must have. that woodwork is amazing!

Radiator cover is fine as is. Bench under the stairs, perfect, Bench should be simple frame, fabric covered top, The fabric can incorporate many colors. find anything you like.
Would avoid modern, jagged pattern (chevron etc).
My feeling is, the woodwork is enough of a statement. Cheers!

I think the juxtaposition of a very different and contemporary style chair and table with some modern art will give you great impact, light, and actually highlight the gorgeous wood in a fresher way. Think outside the box.

I keep seeing something gilded or mirrored against the dark wood.

Beautiful space. I'd change the chandelier for something less colourful and a if you want a little seat, something like this would be nice. Artwork on the wall. Could also be a thick white invisibly mounted shelf with a sculpture on it if you like.

definitely keep it simple the woodwork and stair case speaks volumes on its own. A sleek little bench or chair in black wood make it look rich. You should browse photos of entryways to get ideas as well, maybe you have been already. In the end its your home and you create the flow of it. You should decorate with things that you love to look at and use in your space.

go with that,,,a bench,and a new chandelier it definitely stand out and cause the one you have is horribly scary

What a beautiful space! perhaps a small settee, traditional shape but you could liven it up with a more contemporary fabric for fun.

Room and Board console, Bella Bella mirror, turned wood bowl to drop keys, orchid to reflect the chandelier:

I'm not a chandelier lover, but I love the whimsy of the one you have. I'd keep it and play with it.

I know that unique chandelier was Somebody's dream come true, but maybe you could use it in a pale room. This hallway does seem to call for something brighter! The paneling is obviously lovely, but there's such a lot of it, it could stand to be broken up with some contrasting colors and curvy items. I like the idea of a marble top for the radiator, in a color that echoes the walls, maybe a little deeper. No need to replace the existing top -- just set marble on top -- carefully! Or maybe even just a rich damask table runner.

[houzz=] is a nice curvy chandelier. I need to figure out how to embed, sorry. I hope you're not a huge lover of silver tones, because I think the woodwork calls for something warmer.

No reason why you couldn't pick a couple of pieces of contemporary art for the unpanelled part of the stair wall and for over the radiator.

Large green plant would also be nice in that area, to soften things up.

Have some fun here.

i love the idea of a longer mirror, but how would you properly mount it over the wood baseboard..since the wood comes out further than the wall. Just let it be angled back a little?

Hang the mirror just above the wood.

I just want to say, if the rest of that place looks like the photos here...OMG....Loving it!!!
But as anyone who knows me here can tell you. I'm an old house lover all the way. :0)

This is a tricky area and very beautiful. I think it would really benefit from a modern light fixture and a modern wingback chair and round table. High drama with a piece of art or amazing glass vase. Pull the colors from the stained glass and amp it up! A lively antique tribal rug would finish it off. Good luck!

If the fixture isn't original, I'd search architectural shops & find something period. I'm not feeling a modern piece here. There are nice, old rewired fixtures on Ebay & Etsy as well. Put some Edison bulbs in it & a dimmer switch on the wall.

Meant to mention need for nice rug as mentioned above. I have the feeling you took out whatever was there before, to stretch our imaginations! But tribal aside, I think go curvy, just for the contrast. So many right angles there already!

I would love to have a craftsman style floral rug or upholstered bench with a large vase from that era to complement this beautiful woodwork.

Wow..

I love your home!

I would consider a large scale wingback or canopy chair. They are very popular right now at places like Restoration Hardware.

Second I would pull from the color of your chandelier for pillow or accent colors for pillow and an art piece to go over the heavy judge's paneling.

Great space!

I have a great blog posts that may help.

http://timothyriversinteriors.com/2014/12/06/make-a-statement-in-your-entryway/

Have fun...going with colorful, eye catching and useful. Chair, rug and side table (even coordinates with chandelier)

Or you could go traditional, as I did in previous house

"In front of the stairs"...? Is that the wall facing the stairs, where there is a small wooden cabinet (some here think it's a radiator...is it?)? Or are you referring to the 'nook' in your first photo? If it's the latter, a bench would be good IF you need one. If not, I'd place a gorgeous tall square or round table in that space with a beautiful piece of object d'art standing on it and a sma;; painting on the wall (but not to cross the paneling line!). WOW! What a lovely entry to have!