There is no wrong answer BUT - if you want to focus on the banister, then paint everything else white - the doors and trim and baseboard - it will make that hallway feel bigger as well and the stairwell becomes the drama. Warm up the space with a colorful floor runner. Have fun

Thanks, Jan!

Most of the woodwork is original (1851) but was painted at one time, then stripped and clear-coated, so I am reluctant to paint the doors. Just not sure what to do with the rest of the trim.

We paint trim white all the time, but your trim would look great stained a darker color. Good luck:)

Its always a shame to hide the natural wood grain so I would advise against re-coating with paint. From the images, it appears the home has a conflicting design vocabulary so I recommend staining the window trim, door trim and baseboards to match the color/texture of the flooring. By simplifying the color palette and unifying the wood elements you may find more harmony. Enjoy!

Your original idea of dark wood with white trim would be absolutely beautiful, particularly since it's the original woodwork, which makes the house unique and charming. I think the stain on the floors is preferable to the stain on the doors. I'd stain all the wood to match, paint the trim white and the walls a soft beige/gray. If you feel it needs more light because of dark wood, you could add white wainscot. Your original idea made me think of this photo and color scheme.

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

Thanks for all the help! I also wanted to add that we will definitely be staining or painting the wood since the natural finish does not complement the floors.

My dilemma is whether doors, door trim, windows, window trim, and baseboards can be treated differently.

I am leaning towards staining the doors and windows and associated trim to match the darker tone in the flooring, but painting the moulding and baseboards white for a clean floor to wall transition.

Just need someone to tell me this is going to look terrible if that would be a mistake.

Thanks again!

Hope you stain the wood to match the floors! You can do all of the trim and baseboards in white and the floors, doors and stairs in a darker stain. It will be gorgeous. Have fun and good luck. Post us a photo of the end result!

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

Awesome door! and stairway! Get a good rug. Get a more beautiful light and make a statement here. I would paint the walls.

I would not paint any of the wood. It's beautiful.

I've never seen outlets on the baseboard before. Would be a nice blend if outlets covers and baseboard were white....