I like the carpet all the way across the stairs. Runners do not look right to me and are hard to clean.

Have you tried to clean the wall? BM usually cleans well. If it doesn't. I would try a wallpaper. You might check with an installer and see if a paneling can be installed around a curve, if it can, then a stained wood could be great.

I agree with just cleaning the wall now and again. As a dog and kid owner this is my life.

Try a slat wall panel.

https://www.modernfurniture.com.au/products/woodflex-flexible-half-round-slat-wall-panel-oak-veneer-270cm?srsltid=AfmBOoqwKOHitAMbymoj9lj-SbQB_MxUWDM3x3dA6954sYuOGNugkv6J

Even though it’s a BM matte, it does not clean well - already tried. Bummer.

You could put on a chair rail and paint the bottom slightly different. maybe even add picture molding below. and maybe, gasp, semigloss? That way when necessary, you can easily repaint just a couple of feet or a small square instead of the whole shebang.

Matte vs Satin - the finish is the problem. Usually BM consultants ask where being used. Too bad.

I agree with Maureen. We alway use a satin or eggshell on walls.

Re-painting is out of the question, so maybe I’ll do the same as I’ve done at our primary residence staircase - gallery wall. I was hoping to do something different, but it’ll work. Thanks, all.

I've had no problems with BM Aura Matte with kids and dogs. It clean up well and I've also had good luck touching it up with left over paint.

My painter used Ben paint in matte finish, not Aura. I’m out of luck since we’re not repainting. Oh well, plan B.

If painter’s quote included the paint, that is probably why you ended up with what was used. Only mentioning in case you hire a painter again and suggest buying the paint or advising them what you want.

IMO a repaint in a finish that can be washed will be a lot cheaper than the slat wall The other option is wallpaper not cheap either

Is it just that wall to the right of the door or is it a problem all the way up the stairs? If just on the landing, is a very narrow console out of the question?

Could you put a rail going up like you have going down? It would break up the expanse of wall so you would not notice the buffed areas as much.

The whole entry (downstairs, landing, upstairs) is problematic. Maybe if I hung some art the walls wouldn’t bother me as much. I’ll have to get out my craft paper and make some templates and go from there.

I know you've emphasized no painting, but with the trouble and expense to do a gallery wall (which won't address all of the areas of concern) it seems the perfect solution would be a simple chair rail with matching but more durable finish paint below it. I think you can get flexible rails that could work with your curved wall, too. Being able to clean the walls seems like it would make you really happy.

A note on washing walls. You cannot just clean the dirty spot. You have to wash from bottom to top using a circular motion, rinsing the cloth or sponge frequently. Use nonsudsing ammonia or vinegar, not both. It is a real pain and a lot of work.

For a durable staircase wallpaper, choose vinyl or vinyl-coated wallpaper that can withstand high traffic.

Try Spoonflower:

Wallpaper + (assume) professionally applied will not be inexpensive. I think given the choices, interesting art/layout will be a nice addition visually and will also help distract. Take a look on line for ideas on how/what/where. Could also just paint that wall in the same color, but with eggshell or satin. Only you may notice, given the art will be drawing the eye and be sure to add something complementary on opposite wall by front door and a bonus is your entrance overall will also feel more inviting.