I think a white railing would look jarring here. You might consider painting the sides of the steps to match your trim, which would lighten things up quite a bit, but then leave the steps and railings a bit darker. (Is this currently a painted or a stained finish? it looks very uniform. maybe refinishing to a real wood tone would help.)

The style of the house is Mediterranean. I'm not sure how far you can push it toward modern grey-white-shaker sensibilities without practically starting over. You may need to compromise in some places.

I agree that moving towards a lighter/cleaner look is definitely challenging. The floors have been so bossy. Most of the rest of the house looks lighter now with Edgecomb gray and natural fabrics. The kitchen is still traditional but perhaps more Parisian with calacatta marble counters. But the paint must be changed in the foyer. How about painting the trim black and the walls revere pewter? I feel that white may look too boring without a lot of fancy molding.

I would pick up the colour of the floor and us that shade to paint the walls , and paint the railing, hand rail and the side of the risers all in a glossy black

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So I looked up decorators white and it is indeed beautiful without being too boring. And the photo above is gorgeous! I think railing black and trim white would do a lot. Thanks!

Which is which on the stairs?

The tread is cream. The riser is black. Opposite to what is usually seen. :(

Then I would definitely paint the woodwork and mahogany black. I think it will tie it in better (as typically risers are the wood work color).

Maybe you need to find a fabric first to find a wall color. You could upholster a bench or something for the entry.

atiman, start your own dilemma. This one belongs to luvbeautifulthings.

@atiman, you can start your own thread, but quickly this is all -

Jonathan Charles Walnut 2-Seater Salon Settee Cane Back Upholstered Seat 492247 · More Info

Yes, right now the wall has no artwork or any other colors that would tie this all together, so starting with fabrics from my adjacent living room or a piece of art, might help a lot. And if I paint all of the trim black (actually my first inclination but all of my friends said no way), then a nice white would be a fresh contrast.

Your problem, as some of us have commented is the mahogany. If that's gone, then most of the problem is gone. You are left with two colors and not three.

White won't do it...to stark.

Your only other choice is to paint all the woodwork a tone to match the crema marfil. Then that gives you the two colors again.

I'd vote for either choice if it rids you of the mahogany. Just way too Mediterranean for how you want to design your home.

puremichigan60...how do you like this new CSP color from BM?

I just used it on a client's wall in new construction. We wanted white, but something more in the stone white you are recommending. And, there are lots of black accents in the new room. I don't think my client would mind my showing her art work that was our inspiration.

This is Plaster of Paris and the walls came out so gorgeous.

joanne · More Info

I will try this color. It's so pretty. Do you have pictures Judy?

Not yet...three more rooms to go. Will do, but it may not be done in time for you. Give it a generous try on an area...make sure you roll it twice and let it dry in between.

I've decided to put a patterned carpet runner on the stairs, maybe an animal print or geometric pattern. Wall color will definitely be chosen to complement it but I'm going for a light gray or creamy white. Thanks to all who helped me resolve this.