@ chookchook2 Very funny play on words! What about some of those lizards with suction caps on their feet...or frogs...although not mammals, still animals, they walk up vertical surfaces...and...just to make this light...in Charleville, Far Nth Qld. big green frogs live under the rims of toilets and.....yep, I screamed my lungs out when a couple attached themselves to my bare behind! I was the brunt of jokes at the pub for weeks! @ Luke Buckle....still copies of animal skins...what is it with people who need to have what I regard as a "trophy of the kill" on their wall or wear the skin...even if its imitation? Crocodile skin shoes? UGH. Fake Lepoard skin trim on boots...double UGH...Graphics of animal skins to stick on things? Still don't like the idea. Have a friend here at present...she likes the patterns and has a leopard skin patterned dress and a pair of boots.....I asked her what the attraction was....just the pattern, she loves animals, especially cats...but still there's this hunter thing....don't get it but each to his/her own. Glad I'm not married to a man who loves animal kill trophies..couldn't stand it. But then...I buy only leather shoes and I eat meat and love leather upholstered furniture...where do I think that comes from? MMMM Tis a puzzlement! Could never come at a real animal skin on the floor...but I like my lambswool underlay and my wooly sheepskin mat????? Double standard hypocrit? Pot calling the kettle?

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.

I'm always surprised whenever I read discussion threads on the pros/cons of timber vs engineered or timber-look products is that I seem to be the only one who cares about the sound, not just the aesthetics. I grew up in very old houses and for me, that sound as you walk along a real timber floor is majestic and cannot be replicated by other products that to, seem to all sound like fingernails on a black board in comparison (okay not really, but it evokes the same reaction in me as does walking on lino). So, for that awesome sound of "real" timber and for longevity's sake, authenticity's sake, and all the reasons above I say option 2. Of course, budget is also important and I totally understand the width argument too.

Yes, agree with sheilafirmin... frameless also suggested earlier, Also agree with non reflective glass in whatever frame. To FIND and DESIGN, Yes, saw Killen's post featuring a thin black frame. I liked the idea at first but on seeing that photo I did not think it worked. My mention with respect to black frames on B&W pictures was an observation not a criticism. I actually liked that display but did not think it a good example for framing a large delicately coloured picture. Ultimately its bekkyboo7's individual decision as to what "looks amazing" or trendy...whichever is the aim. Maybe it would be really helpful if somebody had some photographic examples of similar large delicately coloured pictures in frames that work. . Its such a lovely sensitive picture, perfect for near or in a children's room, it would be a shame to get the frame wrong. Maybe the suggestion of visiting some framing studios and take the picture along? (For me that would be like handing the ideas I have in my head over to the framer....and not all framers are aestheticists...mmm that might be a bad idea...unless you can find "THE ONE".) Maybe visit a gallery for inspiration and make a lovely day of it? Sound nice? It might be the charm that makes it all come together. Maybe ask the gallery people for a recommendation of a framer...they all have their preferred professionals. I liked the suggestion of a frame of the same colour as the background in the picture..... I'm done. Hope you find something that looks truly amazing. Oh I've been away from this "game' for far too long,,,am inspired to get my easel out..only now I'll have to find a nice comfy high stool. I love HOUZZ! So much to be inspired by!