Hi, It depends what you want to achieve. Do you want to make a feature of it.. Go Olive. Or do you want to blend it in and minimise its impact so as not draw attention to it? Regards, Gina

I'd be temped to paint it white and either put a black cast iron insert in or line out the opening with brick (love the herringbone example shown below) and put a wood burner in. http://www.chesneys.co.uk/products/accessories/interior-panels/ches-brickherin

Aw shucks guys! Thanks! I’m definitely aiming for a tiny bit more stylish. My partner brought that heinous green drainer from his house and was everso pleased with himself for solving a problem I wasn’t aware I had! And the el cheapo Wilko kettle is a placeholder til I get a boiling water tap, so I haven’t upgraded it for three years. Plus he’s got a brewing corner in the kitchen, and a 3D printing bench in the utility. I’m just glad to have his wallpapering skills! Though we had a difficult conversation when he replaced my Henry who fitted under the stairs for his Dyson which doesn’t :-)

Hello, The idea is to get to a final result as the picture on the right. On the left, that's my staircase. After removing the carpet, filling holes, and a bit of sanding, I realised that the old paint running along what I guess was once a runner doesn't come off. What's more, between the painted areas and the bare wood, the surface is uneven (because of the existing layer of paint). I would like to avoid stripping off the old paint and paint directly over it. Shall I try to sand it more? What would you suggest to get a good finish look ?