painting wont deal with the worst aspect which is the diagonal boards. time to make a deal, he gets to keep his favorite recliner if you get to un-wood the entry.

If it fits with the style of your house, white painted wood can look very rustic and charming, add some distressing and it will look like you have old painted wood. White will definitely brighten up the space and emphasize the railing and door. Maybe you can compromise on a light warm gray? Again, without having seen the rest of the house this is my opinion.

Wood on the diagonal is 1970s contemporary. Your door and staircase are not 1970s contemporary. They wouldn't look nice together at all even if you painted the wood. I'd either remove the wood or replace the door depending on the rest of the house. Both are very nice but they are fighting a bit.

It looks like nice wood, maybe it could be removed carefully and used elsewhere.