My thoughts are: Paint the stair in a Matt Black (As per Tilly above), Definitely look to remove the carpet from the steps. The carpet spoils these beautiful treads. Is this brickwork all through the house? If so, then probably quite an expensive exercise to paint. If there is only a small amount of brickwork, then to paint it would radically change the appearance of the space. Perhaps also a grey toned carpet would work well.

Post in design dilemma

If it's your forever home go for what best suits you eg cork is best for feet knees and anti microbial and there are beautiful cork planks wch look like timber (see ready cork). It's also warmer than timber. But apart from cork timber look planks I'd only go real timber floorboards not anything else. Wormy chestnut is harder than tassie oak but much same price Carpet for stairs reduces noise of footsteps. I got Godfrey hirst one made from sugar cane beautiful and great for pets Hope this helps

Hi All, thanks very much for the suggestions. Every comment is appreciated. I like the idea of building the cabinets out to cover the stair case. We could also put the pantry where the current store is and then move fridge next to the store. Also compass appreciate the innovative idea for the butlers, however I don't think we quite have the depth to achieve this really cool concept. Thanks