I would definitely try to move the handrail to the outside of the stairs, the wider the stairs appear, the more welcoming and functional they will be. I don't think I'd go with steel though, I would keep to the era which was timber, it could be painted or stained. I also like most of the ideas and in addition think that painting the rafters a light colour toning with your overall theme will make the whole area feel more expansive. Add a feature to the entrance by way of colour on the door, as suggested or some very sleek ornament on the wall as suggested or my preference would be to feature the risers as mentioned.

I would just LOVE a space like this in my home, for I would agree with dohraime above and keep the flow and view into your lounge space free-flowing. One can never have too many views to gaze at! I would make the space say "library" and: - keep the wall unit and include plenty of books - keep the gorgeous floor lamp - add 2 small lightish coloured, plain or patterned comfy chairs and a small coffee table underneath the stairs - add a complimentary console table on the wall opposite the stairs - add a large stylish mirror over the console table to bounce light around the fairly dark space - add a generously sized, patterned rug with some lightish colours in it, round or oblong, whichever you prefer. If the comfy chairs are patterned, ensure the rug coordinates with them Oh .... And a statement pendant ceiling light as well even though you have down lights already good luck!

Hi Kel B, what a lovely home! I'd recommend doing a long hall runner to replace the rug which is there - and I'd run it from the bottom of the stairs to that lovely console table you have. The Dharma Door have some gorgeous Jute Runners which I think would compliment the timber tones of your stairs and soften the floor beautifully. Let me see if I can attach a link Hall Runner Idea I'd also suggest a large palm of some description in a large pot to sit by the glass panel by the front door at the bottom of the stairs. You may need to move the artwork slightly to the left towards the stairs to accomodate it but I think it would be a worthwhile addition to marry the outdoor greenery with the indoor and from the other end of the hall you will still see the flashes of greenery between the stairs, which would be lovely. I'd maybe bring the console down a few feet so that's it's in the middle of that wall that it's on. i.e centred between that other opening and the end of the wall where is is currenlty. Then, what you could do is put a bench seat on the wall opposite (under the stairs) for putting shoes on an off with some lovely rattan baskets underneath to also hold shoes. Possible with a small indoor plant beside it too. Let me attach some images here for inspo ... Or some hooks on the wall under the stairs to break up that wall? Maybe a round mirror above the console? Plant I'd go as large as... I hope that helps, good luck! Laura

Congratulations siriuskey! So many of us here on Houzz have benefitted from your generosity with your time and expertise. The tweaks you did to my design ramped it to the next level in terms of functionality, and you are still helping me with choices of fixtures and fittings (Your Houzz moniker is very apt - if I am in doubt I just 'ask Siri'!). So it is lovely to see you get some recognition for your clever design. The room you designed with the App is gorgeous! And the artwork you've chosen for your prize is stunning.