I'm an artist so apologies for focusing on the art... the space looks fantastic and I'm a fan of natural wood also but some of the painted designs above look fantastic too. Your funtiture tonally complimetns the staircase as it is and looks good too and as that is gorgeous strong floor pattern I think it unlikely you're going to be changing that. Personally I would change the rug/carpet at the front of the photo first bringing in something much lighter and simpler and without the intense pattern. I would change the gold frame on your picture also which would benefit from being simpler and lighter too... more contemporary as it were, and the same is true for the clock which needs toning down a bit as black is too strong. Simple to do. At the moment you have gold black and what looks like dark grey framing your wall decorations, once they all tonaly work together you will create space which is much easier on the eye. Whatever you decide to do with the wood will dictate which tones to use. At the moment though there is too much going on.... for me at least. Once you've decided on the above you're possible going to need to change the lamp shade too to fit with your lighter design... again very simple to do. Hope that helps..... Simon

After living with beige neutrals for about 10 years I revamped my stairs and hallway early this year with lavender walls and the brightest white gloss I could find. Mine is not the biggest space so I took out the pendant light and had recessed spot lights installed. Finished off with a silver grey carpet, although I confess this went completely against everything my friends told me....."dark carpet on stairs!". It looks fab, light and clean, although I am now a strictly no shoes upstairs freak. The floor downstairs is a parquet type flooring in a pale oak colour. I have dark oak in the kitchen and am pleased that I went with the paler oak for the hallway. I finished it off with a white blind at the top of the stairs where the only window is and the space which doubles up as an office. The first picture is taken at night with the spots on and it shines different in the daylight. Overall, I was sceptical when the first coat of paint went on but now I'm quite liking the whole 'purple' effect.

Wow, love this style!!

I love these authentic staircases, I wouldn't change much about it. The colour largely depends on what else you have in the house, clean colours look good with pure white woodwork, earthy colours look better with off white. Sisal flooring wrapped round with pale painted woodwork would be my choice. I actually ripped out my hideous turned spindles (90s house) and revamped my stairs in this style.