the actual stairs either need a carpet or painting- to me they personally are what's making the whole place look cold
when I moved to my house my stairs were like that and I painted them a dark green changed the whole place completeley and everyone comments on them
attached is some more ideas to just revamp for the time being though... such as maybe putting a grand piano under those stairs? or framing that table etc that you already have and making it more vibrant

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Getaway on the Lake · More Info

*putting a grand or normal piano under that window

Thank you. I love the piano idea. I hadn't thought of that!

I too love the piano suggestion. 🎶

You could also consider working with colour on the walls.

And adding a large (traditional) rug to complete the classy look.

Some photos in different styles that may (or may not 😊) help:

PS

Not sure of your space’s size but a grand piano may well be too big for it.

Thank you..You're right E D, a piano will not fit. Unfortunately the space is too small. A rug will definitely do and QUEENbee's suggestion to either paint the stairs or put a carpet. I was wondering though what I could also do with that small space under the stairs. any ideas?

The yellow tones don’t do it for me- I think if you reduce the amount of wood showing by adding a stair carpet or by painting some or all of the wood then changing the wall colour the room will feel very different. I think the inspiration pictures posted in earlier comments show rooms that have more contrast so there are some dark elements as well as light- if you favour light and neutral decorating perhaps dark picture frames would be the solution for you.

I also think this room is under decorated and needs pattern- a rug is the obvious solution.

And given the room is light consider a large plant and useful furniture such as an umbrella stand or chair to put on shoes.

I love the Wooden doors but feel that the stairs dominate, I would paint them a lighter colour and add a carpet. I also think the yellow doesn't do it justice, I would go more neutral or off white or more dramatic. If you go for off white, then a large vintage rug would look good, and maybe an antique pot under the stairs if you can find one large enough.

+1 to a potted plant like fern and a antique bench underneath the stairs.