With such a generous space you have the real opportunity to achieve a very elegant space. Of course, what can be achieved depends on budget, But this is what we would suggest: - re-condition the stairs, with better, lighter balusters, newel posts, a proper curled bottom step - Install a large lantern in place of the chandelier - replace the fireplace surrounds with something less crude and render; render or line its inner walls; recess the hearthstone; add a large mirror above the mantel, which will reflect the light of the lantern. - Paint all timber: the balusters, the double doors - if you paint the flat panel radiator the same colour of the wall and the double doors a contrasting colour, the radiator will become less noticeable. Radiator covers often draw more attention to it and dramatically cut down the radiator's efficiency, defeating the point twice. - White is not the only way: consider a warm gray or even a colour for the walls. Use contrast to your advantage. It will help to draw people's attention to what you want them to see (lantern, fireplace, stairs, double doors) and away from what you don't want them to notice (radiator) Here are some examples we have recently completed:

We have the same type of panelling in our hall and it was oak the same as yours with an oak floor. It just started to feel quite dark and drab but we hesitated to to do anything for fear of messing it up. In the end we painted all the panelling in Farrows French grey, left the doors and floors wood and painted the sides of our staircase and the spindles in Farrows clunch but left the newel posts and the bannister rail as wood - looks like a different hallway - I have never regretted painting it

I leave a lamp on permanently on my landing, yes I know it's bad for the planet not to mention my budget but that's what you get for living in a 250 year old house with too little natural light.

we have a similar hallway, although there is bend between the front and back room and then a back extension kitchen; the front door faces north. We have been through several incarnations regarding light. starting outside, we have a porch light, which helps to light the hall at night (if we use the override switch). the colours are portland pale above dado, and their darker shade below. woodwork Portland Pale too (eggshell)I would recommend leaving the dado in , it breaks up the tall wall and I am always hitting the walls with shopping and stuff and it is easier to paint over anglypta and it doesn't show the scuffs. All the paint is matt or eggshell, including skirtings/dado, so nothing jumps out at you it all recedes. we have a long mirror on the front part wall and a squarer one of the back so we get bounced light. Mirrors match and come from habitat. The door at the end of the hall is small glass pannelled to get the south light coming to the front of the house. The lighting is recessed into the ceiling and supplemented with pendant. We had the attic done and had a dome put in the top floor which floods light down into the first and ground floor. BTW it has taken us 20 years or so of trial and error..................... top photo from front, bottom photo from centre to back of hall