Do you use the hall tree?

I would also re trim out you stairway, removing the scallop edge. OK- I would also remove the wooden spindle ballisters with metal ones;)

Like all Margo's ideas except removing the spindles. They look good as is.

Like adding the bombay chest and mirror and removing that funky scalloped edge. I've never seen anything like that on staircase. In my old kitchen, yes ...... but it's gone now!

However, I do now find myself craving some scalloped potatoes;)

Or you could create a little design tension by leaving the gingerbread trim and using a modern dresser and lamp. Then kind of go middle ground with the rug. Make sure it's. 5X7 or 6X8 rug - the biggest you can fit in there while still leaving a bit of a border.

Call me crazy, but can anyone see that gingerbread painted navy - if the color is used elsewhere that is? Before you ask, I'm not drinking!

I like your colors Karemore but not feeling the navy gingerbread trim;)

In that case,probably the trim should go :))

I like that modern dresser, karenmore. Where did you find it?

That was easy lol

The hall tree was the very first piece of furniture I ever bought (many years ago). It most definitely does not have to stay. Thanks so much for all your suggestions. I am thrilled as I have never posted on Houzz before. I have georgeous metal railings pinned on Pinterest that I love. You know you have things in your house (like the scalloped trim) that is there and you really don't pay much attention to those details after awhile. We built this house 18 years ago and its soooo time to update! I originally was thinking of putting a built in bench seat there. This is my foyer which is open to the second story so it is a really large space.

Maybe color the stair rails white

I don't think a built in bench seat would offer enough flexibility. Rather a bench seat like those shown above. Or possibly a console table with a bench seat underneath and a piece of art or a mirror above the table and a tall plant either real or fake in the area of where the existing furniture piece is. The "decorative" trim on the stairs should be removed. I would then add a nice area rug at the front door to finish it off.

An area rug would be nice!

Well, depending on how many changes you'd like to make, you could paint the stair bannister a charcoal grey and replace the gingerbread trim with a classic molding.

You could do a console table as suggested above with one or two ottomans underneath. Hallway mirror, indoor/outdoor rug and you're good to go!

Happyasaclam, the dresser is the Linea from Crate & Barrel:)

LOL Margo, you didn't get an argument on painting the gingerbread trim navy because it would only work if you were into that Jonathan Adler Happy Chic look, or if you were an aging hippie who was having trouble letting go!

Also, I was headed out on a hike - no time to argue lol!

I think the scalloped edge is okay and an interesting feature, but it stands out too much. Make it into a subtle decorative detail by painting it the same white trim color as the balusters. You may also consider painting the backs of the stairs at the same time for a fresher, classic look.

Also, Lynn, what style are you looking for? What about the rest of your house? Hard to give suggestions unless we know what your style might be -- country, classic, traditional, hollywood glam, modern?

karemore, thank you so much!

Yes, I like the scalloped edge trim. Blue colored??? That would definitely make a BOLD statement with blue trimmed stairs.

The shapes on karemores blue and navy rugs are dodecahedrons. Yes I did count the sides. Yes I do have a life.

Dog bed on chest with drawers as on an earlier dilemma. If no dog, put an occasional table.

Chookchook I know what you're up to! Believe me I didn't even think about that when I posted that rug!

Oh hold on here, People - Lynn is in the Bahamas! Gingerbread trim allowed! OK I stand behind my original idea - gingerbread trim stays and paint it navy. Bahamas makes all the difference (slaps head).

Or white as novice noodled suggests.

I always love a tabs for your keys etc and put two ottomans underneath that can pull out if needed to sit, ottomans are best to store your hats and mitts or dog supplies etc.

Sorry lynn! *slapping head too*! Leave that trim as is!!!

Mittens in the Bahamas hmmm...interesting concept!

And novicenoodled, I didn't mean to call you novice noodled. It was auto-correct's fault.

Novicenoodler novicenoodler novicenoodler - spell it three times really fast!

How about some nice large tropical plants?

Really like Gen's idea for my stairway nook.. Great arrangement for mittens and doggy supplies. Would have a difficult time pulling off the arrangement, though. Seems pretty intricate.

Haha it's okay, Karemore, you can just use "noodler" in the future if that is easier :)

I never tire of this picture…