Are there two black light fittings now? The door photo doesn't show the floor.

Your staircase transformation is amazing!! So beautiful....I have to say I do agree the dark fixtures really do not bring anything compared to the beauty of the staircase. I think you need to bring in some sparkle but still keep the look of the traditional staircase....I do agree the staircase light should drop down just above the turn in the stairs.

here are a few suggestions...

There are actually 3 new black fixtures. One in the stairway and two smaller globes , one in the foyer and the other in the adjoining den. The picture from upstairs shows the height from the ceiling of the new larger pendant. Because the last fixture didn't show well hanging lower, I had this one hung to look best from the upstairs. I thought hanging it lower it would get lost in the railing.

This brings me to my next question. Do I take the plunge and paint my wall unit white. I plan on painting the walls a darker neutral such as Latte by sherwin williams. The rest of the house except the dining room is in Kilim beige by s/w. Any suggestions?

Great!!! It's soothing to eyes.

Oh yes paint it white! It will look so beautiful and continue that bright new look from your staircase.

I think you answered your own dilemma when saying you had to raise the fixture at the stairs up higher so it didn't get lost in the railing!:) To much of a good thing with all round black fixtures..you want to mix the style but keep them complementary to each other.

Wow nice update to the staircase. Can you please let me know what is the paint color for the post and handrail? Is it from Sherwin William? Thanks in advance!

@Carver,

you can get a good match using a crisp white and a nice deep black. (a lot depends on what color your walls are, the stairs, the flooring, etc)

If you start your own post w/your own pics, we can advise on colors and finishes.

The lights looks just fine.

How would you rate your relative's decorating of her own house? If it doesn't impress you, then don't listen to her! I think your old light was never the right fixture for the space and not hung at the right height either.

I would be very tempted to paint that built-in. It will definitely brighten up the space.

Yikes, didn't notice it was a 9 year old zombie thread!