I think you do need to bring the furniture in first. Luckly not a lot of furniture would be in the way if you did decide tp paint. Problem here is you need to repaint the whole space.

Are you putting a runner on the stairs?

I would paint the columns the color of the walls. They are odd looking to me

They are strange. Wonder what the original purpose was.

I agree they are strange. No idea why they were originally put in!

No plans for a runner at this time but possible in the future.

then I would paint the risers

I would paint both as you envisioned. Let the wood floor be the star.

I vote paint everything white except the floors and landing. Maybe leave the treads/ rail wood but use a pale beige or cream runner on them.

Everything is so dark and dreary. Change out overhead light fixtures to something that actually casts light...that yellow glass is so dim. So are the bulbs.

I think the eye should be drawn to French Doors beyond. The wall space between the columns is picking up light from the doors. Enhance that light with a gallery wall of various mirrors and brighten things up.

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I like the wood stairs, but I'd probably paint the pilasters to match the crown molding and baseboards.

It looks like the Columns were a doorway and the previous owner closed in that room.

Paint the columns for sure.

I’d also swap the base board for larger ones. The Columns make it look skimpy.

Paint the kickboards.

But wait on the spindles. Maybe you can modernize them down the line. They are ok for now.

Those columns are cool, but they do look out of place next to the painted walls. Makes me wonder what the room looked like originally. I'd paint the columns, but leave everything else natural wood. If you feel like you really need to paint something, paint the risers on the stairway. Put a runner in the hallway to lighten/brighten things up along with some new bulbs in the light fixtures that don't have a yellow cast and you will really brighten up the hallway.

Any suggestions on light fixtures?

thanks to cawaps for using the technically correct term pilaster. it gave me the opportunity to google and clarify for myself that a column does not need to be free-standing but when it is both embedded in a wall and rectangular it becomes a pilaster.

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I personally like a hanging pendant in hallway. But you can also do a flush mount. Let me know if you want more suggestions

Yes, I’d appreciate any suggestions! Thanks!

Something that casts light in all directions.

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ceilings are low in that hall dont start trying to hang lantern or cone shaped fabric shades. IM not clear why people are suggesting exterior lanterns here. If anything, look to semi flush bell jars Id like to see the rest of the house before lighting.

I know, some of these you'd bump your head. Ouch! Make sure the height is adjustable. I just googled semi-flush bell jars...beautiful! Problem solved!

Thanks, just googled semi flush bell jars and these look great. Just moved in and house style is currently 1990s (it’s a colonial). I’d like a more modern, clean and bright look!

And your house is a Colonial? Voila! Those fixtures would be perfect with the architecture.

They make some that have that modern feel. they can be $$ but they are also timeless.

Any suggestions for a modern one?

That depends on what modern means to you. I would start looking googling modern colonial. btw the last picture makes me say yes to painting the spindles and kickboards. These are all modern looks in their own way.

Thank you for all the input!

Modern.

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