Very unique. What do you want to change?

It looks very chunky/80’s. I don’t like the rounded areas or the support beams. I like light and airy decor. I thought of maybe molding out the beams?? My husband wants to sand/stain the handrails and stain stairs darker.

how about starting with paint? I guess you want to disguise the round balconies? Also, if you have enough light, what about hanging plants?

I'm definitely out of my league on this one. The pros will need to address. I don't think trimming out the beams is the answer as long as the rounded areas are there.

yes to lighter handrails!

Eventually replace the black railings with glass panels, but for now just paint the steps black to keep the theme going.Save up for a real overhaul down the road.

Hmmm interesting. I think clever painting can help and could look spectacular, you've got the features, embrace them. Maybe wall facing top of staircase in black or navy and the circular walls painted dark. All in the trick of the eye. You would need to get advice on what would look good, but sure it could work and be a one off. A thought

I plan to paint room sw agreeable gray. Floor and stairs will be darkened.. possibly white risers? I don’t know how to make rounded areas aesthetically pleasing without costing a fortune.

go for contrast, like here

Build half walls where railing is that go into round parts and get rid of the rails for a more traditional look?

Following.

Also wanted to say omg that ladder, I'm having heart palpitations and not in a good way!

Dianna, the simplest remedy might be to just paint the beams ( although I like your idea of putting accent moulding on those ) and/or your rounded walls a deep charcoal gray to make them recede more.—-OR—-You could embrace the curves and make them feature/ accent walls that look structural using 3D flexible wail panels ( it’s like wallpaper - see info. below)—OR—-you could replace the curved walls with railing to match your stair railing .

Also, I notice a ceiling fan (that’s probably for the room below behind the stairs ) visible as you look up the stairs . In the theme of embracing the curved walls and tying in with those, you could change that fan to a more round pendant/ chandelier something like in the pics. below. Much happiness to you in your new home !

I see that your current stair rail is a hand rail on top of a short wall ( hadn’t remembered that the first time). I think you could still put co-ordinating pickets like in the pic. post , with the same rail, to give it a lighter feel - and it wouldn’t be as costly or as busy as a whole new railing - just a highlight at the top rounded portions.

I like niccidhg’s suggestion of opening up the curved walls. They’d look lighter and more modern. They’re really kinda fun! Like balconies. Maybe the lighter handrail too. Open it all up. The shapes are okay. Just too many thick walls.

International Style -

I would consider adding a runner to the stairs. A wool sisal with a black border would tie into the railing.

Just saw this article. May give you ideas
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/best-entrance-halls-slideshow/all

Cleaning those upper entry windows will be a pain.
The stairs are already prominent in the light color...darkening them only makes them more "loud" to the eye. The noise of shoes on the bare stairs would bother me.

Dianna, I just ran across this wall application . It shows how one of the wall treatments I had posted looks up on a wall. I’m not necessarily advocating for this ( it was just one of several suggestions ) and it reminded me of your thread . You must have become extremely busy since you have not responded to anything yet. Has your solution come to you yet ?

before replacing the solid with open railing on the curved balconies... make sure you make your bed every day or can live with the door closed, cuz it seems they'll be on display with open rails.

I just purchased a house with similar curved walls, not in the foyer, but in other areas. At first I thought they were ridiculous, a holdover for the 80's, and then I saw curved walls in new construction (expensive), so I'm re-thinking my opinion of the curves! I do think the smartest thing to do is PAINT, in your favorite designer color on the walls and curves. I also agree that the handrails should be a white, or something close to white. Do the steps match the floors? Would you consider a carpet runner?

Hey, I like it! Kind of reminds me of a visit to the Guggenheim. I’d live with it for a while before making big changes, and probably paint the walls white. Hang art that you love.

Following...

Thanks for all of the suggestions! I guess the whole curved wall looks more modern than I’d like. I’m not in to modern design aesthetic. I prefer craftsman/eclectic/a little traditional/ industrial. Here is a picture after the black has been removed.