Hi Anna - you could get the thinner ones replaced but this will probably cost you quite a bit especially if it means altering the balustrades. It's quite difficult to notice the difference on the pictures but I can image the newer ones to be bigger than the original posts. Alternatively paint them the same colour and not in high gloss, this will draw less attention to them. If you are brave you could paint them a dark colour to add a bit of drama to your hallway/landing.

in my experience adding a double (master bedroom with ensuite) in the loft will outstrip any financial loss on reducing an already small single room, but as advised, check with your local agents and research other houses in your area. estate agents will advertise the room as a 4th bedroom if a single bed can be put in and has a window, i think the minimum sq meter recommendation is 4.64 mtr sq. in many 1930 properties this is a popular solution, also ive seen the bathroom converted into two, the rear of the bathroom serving the rear bedroom as an ensuite and a shower room acessed from the landing, helps if you have a combination boiler as the traditional airing cupboard can be removed.

To achieve want you want you would have to move the stairs and reconfigure the bathroom. The loft hatch can be moved. Then you'd need to take space from one of the bedrooms for stairs up the loft conversion.

Has this issue been solved yet?