Nancy -- our before pictures look like mirror-image twins! Your makeover is gorgeous! Great job. I love the picture frame molding in the last few pics (and DH says he'll help me do it) -- agree that with the gallery photos it's too much, so I'm thinking I'll aim for something like Nancy's artwork. Squirrel - why do you say you're fired? I think they look terrific and like the border/stencil option -- would be a way to tie together the light and dark woods if I end up staining the treads. LOVE your portrait, it's true you have super powers! You asked about the tile -- I am pretty sure it's original to the house (late 60s). Thank you all for your help!!! I will post after pics (but it will take me a long time to get to it!) First step is to fix the wobbly banister, because I don't want someone messing up my paint/staining when they come in to fix it.

Carey, it would not be Corian quartz (Zodiaq), it would be Corian solid surface, which is acrylic (?) Joseph, I have been going a little Corian crazy in this house: custom shower receptor, custom vanity tops with a short narrow coved edge that blends with the tile thicknesses, custom toilet paper niche that fits into the tile layout, custom coved shelves that fit exactly into the tile layout, two waste baskets, a "tile" for one specific spot for which no trim tile existed, shelves for the medicine cabinet with holes in them for tooth brushes and razors, and a door to the cat's tunnel complete with "grout lines" and an integrated finger pull, since the cat tunnel in the bathroom also fits into the tile layout. So I am a little obsessive (thinking of a Corian hood for the kitchen) and the fabricators have gamely made everything I have designed and thrown at them. I have an open railing (not code compliant) that is wood (white painted and capped with a piece made of clamshell and pole railing. It needs to redone and fitted with something like mesh in the opening and I will probably make this out of metal for "object integrity" but capping it with Corian and making matching handrails out of corian (Glacier white) and topped with Avonite Fondant (which is the only solid dark brown I can find) would be great and play into my obsessiveness, especially if they could make curved pieces which would probably be out of budget.

If I was given the choice I would not carpet the stairs. I would keep the wood as is ( if it is in good shape) or stain it to match your floors. If any money is saved I would replace the metal rails with classic wood spindles.

Thanks acm!! I need to get photoshop! Thanks George, my paint is revere pewter (Benjamin Moore). I truly appreciate everyone’s time. I have been reading discussions on Houzz for years. First time posting and I see the value now of providing complete info and good pics at the outset!! I have lived in this house forever and really need fresh eyes.