What is on the other side of the wall with the niche?

I agree that you should simply do a drywall return. The less wood the better.

No casing. Good call to edit out the arch shape here, but don't trim out the opening.

To my eye, all three of those examples appear over-trimmed - and I appreciate well-applied molding as much as anyone.

Thank you for your comments. I like the drywall return and adding more wall scones in the hallway.

Should I leave about 12" or 18" header up top and should the same width be applied to the post?

For the side, plan it so that the light switch is centered between the edge of the wall and the edge of the opening. Remember to take into account the thickness of the drywall! Plan the header to create a nicely proportioned opening after the side post is locked down.

You might also run into a situation where you need to avoid electrical running to that switch, unless you plan to redo it.

Well, at first I thought yes. But then as I looked more closely I realized that for my own brain, having the light switch centered would be the most important thing because that is what I would notice most. But your brain might see the difference between the skylight more.

Yeah, I thought about the big drop down the stairs from the ledge. Had to stop son from attempting the jump the other day.

What about wood latticework? Stain or paint? I think I would want to make this into a feature artwork. Good idea?

Hey there--

Are you planning to keep your staircase millwork as-is? I don't see of those styles coordinating with the Colonial post-to-post handrail system as featured above. That may also be part of your scope of work to change or adjust, but haven't seen that mentioned in your plans.

The house will be transitional. The pictures samples of some latticework I like as they still permit lots of light through. What designs or patterns for the lattice work do you have in mind?

Stairs will be replaced, so will the light fixtures; the wallpaper; the flooring; the kitchen; the trims; the bathrooms . . . list is endless . . . sigh...