Simulating wood with a photographic applique layer under a clear protective layer, laminate is just a composite. I would not consider spending money on a laminate floor at this point. It isn’t a better solution than going with the ivory carpet for a few years. Laminate is $, but it's noisy and doesn’t like water. "Water can cause laminate flooring to swell if it gets between the seams. Being made of pressed board, laminate can easily chip--especially the critical tongue and groove sections.” Where I would spend extra money is on the padding under the rug. That will go a long way to help keep the rug clean. It isn’t the rug fibre which stains, it is whatever liquid has soaked into the pad that keeps coming back to haunt you. Spend a few cents extra and ask for Mohawk Smart Step. it has a coating which keeps any liquid from soaking into the pad. If it needs to be seamed, have them duck-tape the seams. I have a light wool wall to wall carpet. Should something spill, I grab a dry cloth or paper towel or newspaper and step on it until all the liquid is out of the rug. Then, use a combo of water and ammonia, and just dab at it. Actual dirt or mud, just let it dry and then vacuum.

Remove that carpet from the ledge that is just silly. I would look for an amazing contemporary wallpaper for above the trim and a coordinating color of paint for the bottom. When you have the money change those spindles to something much simpler if you like contemporary.I love a touch of metallic. Remove the carpet from the stairs and paint the spindles white, A nice sized round table with gold legs and glass top with a fab lamp with a gold lined shade in either white or black depending on the wall paper and a vase for fresh flowers when you entertain or just for everyday.

A multi pendant chandelier looks beautiful in a two story staircase. We make the chandelier in the right length for your ceiling height. If you are looking for unique lighting, in Galilee lighting we offer beautiful lighting designs made of hand blown glass and fused glass in any size or length. If you would like to receive our catalog by email and get more ideas, contact Sales@GalileeLighting.com or visit www.GalileeLighting.com We offer free design consultation, to design the perfect size of chandelier for your space. Call us 305-807-8711

Copy that! You may be able to keep what you have in place, but I would certainly make sure it has dimmer control so you're not over-bright in laundry. One additional idea for this laundry space would be undercabinet lighting (so simple now with LED strips or pucks) that's also dimmable. That might give you more targeted task lighting while working out a stain or soaking items in your utility sink without needing to reach for the overhead light. Alternatively, it could be helpful to consider moving the switched box location from overhead to the far wall (rt side, from in front of laundry units) that could help provide a beam angle into the laundry units over-shoulder for sorting and transfer, since there's less wall surface behind from that perspective that isn't shared with the hall area. In tall, narrow stair halls like this, I often recommend a plan of wall lamps that uplight the tall vault and bounce the light down into the pedestrian area versus directional beams down from overhead. When placed at the right elevation over and above personal height, they don't have to interfere with traffic clearances even in a super-tight space. Hope that helps, cheers!