how about one of the lighter blues that's in your rug? what is that color on the staircase risers? is it wood or painted? If painted, I would do them in a off-white to help brighten.

is it possible to do something like this? I think the addition of a better storage area w/a bench, and the close-mount lighting fixture, would really jazz up this spot. It's a great area.

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you could do something in this color with a similar light. build a bench and have a bright color cushion, do some crown molding,,,etc. lots of choices.

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With the warm wood stay away from cool grays. I have a certain amount of wood and have a creamy beige with just enough color to set off the white trim on the main level (Valspar Churchill Hotel Ecru), and have been painting the basement a blue with a gray undertone (Valspar School boy blue) and it is working well with the wood too. It is a darker color though.

My front entry:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~47409722

If that is too dark, then try a cream like in Beth's first two pictures.