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I like your idea of an accent wall, as long as it doesn't compete with the art work. This post might get more responses on the Home Decorating forum (especially with the paint/wallpaper style question) or the Smaller Home forum. They will really appreciate your creative use of space...and Smaller Homes is a slower forum and questions stay on the first page longer :)

I have one, I started at the bottom and worked my way to the top. I used identical frames, in varying sizes. I think it tends to gets busy/messy looking if you either don't match the frames or if art is mix and match in theme. Mine are all family photos in black and white, starting with wedding photos and working up the stairs is the progression of our family with newborn and 1-year pictures of baby 1, 2 and then 3. They are now 13, 12 and 8 so I love admiring their baby pics every time I go up the stairs. I will say, in a high traffic, narrow staircase, be prepared for them to get knocked around here and there. Especially if you'll be going up and down with a laundry basket, etc. Be sure to use good hardware for hanging. It looks like a newly painted stairway (what color? Love it!) so definitely take the time to use paper and cut to size and tape it up as a mock gallery, with painters tape before lifting a hammer. The last thing you want is holes and spackling after you decide the layout you chose wasn't measured right or looks too busy with the spindals. etc. Also, if it's a new build, wait until all upstairs furniture is delivered and in place before you start this project. Movers are NOT the most gentle to your walls! In your space I think a few larger prints in larger format will look better than many smaller ones. It's a narrow staircase and you don't want to detract from your beautiful railing and woodwork.

Thanks! I feel better now. I just didn't want to have overkill on the ferris wheels :) I might sit on it a bit before moving them all closer though because what a pain that is to get them up and straight the first time lol. Anyway, thanks for the feedback and making me feel better about it. By the way...that stand is just an old dresser from the 70s that my parents had ditched to the basement at their house. I rummaged it out and redid it. It has been one of my favorite pieces I have. I love that when that happens :)