This is the idea ...

I'd put a large architectural sconce where the outlet is and one at the top of stairs...put a larger chandelier and one very large piece of art on the back wall where there are family pictures...it should be a vertical...at least 5' tall..

I also don't like the railing dark...make it light..a shade of white..

I would leave it plain.

I like the simplicity of sconces. I currently have candle sconces in the dining room and real light sconces in the living room. Is that getting too repetitive? Is that difficult to install?

Change the furniture at the bottom..too dark and not current...possibly mirrored and a piece of sculpture on it with a taller lamp..

Sconces in my opinion in a large open floor plan can not be overdone.

Tall ceilings often make us think we need to "fill up" the wall space. When you have a "L" staircase, you actually have less wall to deal with. In fact, if you want a more "transitional" look less would be more. I would find a dramatic, but smaller piece for the wall you face as you come up the stairs and center it, but keep it at eye level, not too high. On the opposite side (the wall you face coming down the stairs) find a long narrow artifact that speaks to the other art. Here are some examples.

Here is a dramatic frame in gold with a dark subject matter. It is lighted, but that wouldn't be necessary. Notice nothing else on the walls, but a dramatic vignette at the bottom of the stairs. This simple look, would make for a wonderful look in your entry and staircase.

Thanks for the thoughts so far! Agree that I might have too many sconces. I like the idea of one big piece (60x40 ish). Not sure which wall. I appreciate gallery walls but I think might be too busy for my taste. I can't replace the chandelier because I just bought it :) Agree on the entry table. It could use an upgrade for sure. I think white railings would be a bit too modern for suburban Kansas City (ha!). We actually just finished installing the spindles and end caps. You should have see it before : /

Laurie, I think I wasn't clear. I meant you may be able to use sconces in a few rooms and it can work in an open floor plan. :)

A single small print perhaps in a sepia tone, surrounded by a extra wide white matt and a thin black from is dramatic and singularly beautiful. As you come up the stairs you would be drawn to the picture. This is all you would need.

At the bottom of the stairs, I would place a modern console with a black shade lamp and some reflective piece on the console with the lamp.

Something like this.

Lamp for that cabinet. The black and gold would go beautifully with your existing walls and railing. I might try to do a little mock up for you later tonight or tomorrow.

111ideahound - I mis-read! I'll look at my space in the light tomorrow and see how that might look. Thank you. :)

Flo - Good to run into you again! You helped me tremendously with my office! I will post after photos when I'm completely done. I like the "less is more" approach". The black accent would be great with the tile on the floor as well as the staircase. Very elegant. Thank you!

Flo- I love that chest. I have a similar pattern in my dinning rug and drapes directly across. Perhaps too matchy matchy? I found this one that has potential too.....

Hey! Laurie! Glad to see you again as well. Here is a little mock up. Simple wide white print at eye level on stairway, first landing. Interesting cabinet at entry with lamp to the left side (higher on left usually best) with some sculptural piece, very simple. Then on the wall where you have a longer narrow piece, remove that and find a wide black frame piece with gold accents to repeat the golds. That is all you need. The wide white frame piece is an Andy Warhol, but just to give you the "look". You can make one of these type things yourself with help from a Hobby Lobby framer. Thin black frame, wide white matt and 3x4" small print of some kind. Something intriguing is best. The rest is kind of self explanatory. See what you think of these ideas! Have a wonderful weekend!

Hi all! Thanks again for the great feedback. My overhaul is complete! We ended up putting a sconce in where the existing wall outlet was. We bought a huge painting for the adjacent wall and replaced the table, lamp and accessories. I love it!

One more update. We lightened up the walls and painted the inside of the front door black. NOW, it's done ;)

That looks really great! What paint color is that? Looks really nice!

Hi MM Glaze. The wall color is SW Softer Tan and the door is SW Urbane Bronze.

Laurie your choices were perfect! You have a gorgeous home. Love the oversized painting.

I like your black stairway btw. Dramatic.

Looks incredible. Love the black and golds and the oversize painting is perfect. You did great. One tiny suggestion...move the vases in toward the center of the entry table about 3". About the same distance from the edge as the lamp on the other side. It will be more balanced. Love the lamp. Looks wonderful! Thanks for sharing the photos because sometimes we don't see the end point, so thanks for taking the time to do that! Enjoy your beautiful home. Very chic!

Thank you for the kind words, Flo! I moved the vases. Much better. I'm happy to post after pics and think everyone should! Do you know where I bought the lamp? Target! Looking forward to our paths crossing again down the road. . . . :)

It looks beautiful.