anniebear's Profile

I agree with all those above who said that part of your problem is the railing wall. A cheap fix that involves no remodeling is to simply drape a quilt over it. It's hard to tell how long the railing is from your pix, but it looks like a queen or king draped length-wise should cover it. You can either go with a solid color that blends in with the paint color of the walls, or go for something with a bright pattern to turn an eyesore into a focal point. Put a console table in front, or even move your tv unit there.

Totally agree with Xandra re hanging art in a white frame above the garage door ... the top of its frame should be at the exact height of the molding around the front door.

It looks like there is enough width to put a narrow console table against the railing in front of the door. I would put a second matching table against the railing running perpendicular. Add bright pottery or collectibles.

Hang a quilt on the staircase wall.

Definitely change that builder's standard ceiling light.

Also, how about painting the area a bright color? Even if you didn't want to paint the wall that goes down against the staircase, you could paint the two walls something interesting. I'd even consider painting the underside of the beam a contrasting color to make a racing stripe effect.

But don't paint the railings!!! Natural wood is beautiful, and two much white would make the moldings pop rather than accessories.

I agree with chrubo - rubber brooms are awesome. I use the Sweepa rubber broom on my rugs, hardwood floors, tile, etc. Works wonders on the kitty hair that seems to be everywhere!

Available at:
http://www.simplygoodstuff.com/rubber_brooms.htm