I think you could do personal pictures there if you want. I don't have any suggestions as to what photo. Just make sure really love them! Since they're expensive and I would have a hard time committing to a large canvas photo for an extended period of time, here's an idea (see link). I think three of these would be too small for the space and it would look better as a grouping. If nothing else you could tape up the form core (poster board would work better) just to get an idea of size and what you think of something up there. There are a lot of photo layout ideas online. If you do use photos, I would go with all black and white or maybe sepia tone. (Quick fyi - After reading the tutorial again, down in the comment, these are engineering prints and can only be printed in b&w.) Here is a link that might be useful: Dear Lillie-oversized poster tutorial This post was edited by sheesharee on Tue, Apr 22, 14 at 13:05

Let me just say, you guys are just the best. I have actually LOL at some of your comments. I love it. Ingrid: As mentioned in my post, I'm painting the railing back to black, its original color. It's been white for more than 10 years, and I'm tired of it. I think I have a picture of it when it was white last week. I will post in my next set of pictures. I'm not sure the picture will look good with a black frame. I will post it also and you can give me your critique then. The black chandy is exactly my thought process. Graywings: I like your idea of a bench, but space is premium in that small space. I'm afraid a bench might really congest it more, but I am willing to give it a try as that never occurred to me. Moving the shelf off the wall will allow me to see the bench. Lighting is definitely the key as the ceiling is quite high and I don't have that lovely window Oceanna has. During the holidays, I place poinsettias on every other step and have gotten lots of compliments, but a few of you are poo-pooing the plants, so that's probably a scratch. The word art on the risers (every other one), may be enough. You may be on to something about the clock wall and I may just have the thing to try. Where are you suggesting I put chair rail in the foyer? Love my black wrought iron railings. Enailes: Yes, I love pastels. I'm loving the idea of cream walls for that area. HD finally has samples that can be purchased for $3.97. I bought three today. Just remembered, I have sconces, not brass and glass, that I purchased from JCP at a ridiculously low price. Will pull them out to take a look. The swing doors are going away-just not yet. I consider them part of the kitchen so they will be in kitchen redo. The kids love those doors, as does my contractor. What does he know at 33 :). Teacats-You just blow me away. I am lol at your post. Simple and to the point--stop apologizing-this is just what I need. Got my big girl panties on today and nothing you can say offends or hurts. I asked for it remember? The railings were white for 10+ years--time for something new. Door wouldn't look good in white, imo. It's solid and it will either take black or remain as is with a redoing of the stain. You are the second person to suggest a bench. I am going to try it. Will "borrow" a bench just to get an idea. I still think the area's too small but you guys have me just about convinced to do it. The swing doors are addressed above. Joanie: Got three paint samples from HD today. Will mark up more of the wall and take pictures. Enailes suggested neutrals also. The colors are more creams than tans. I like Behr paint and will choose from one of their palettes. I think I have an idea what you might have over your front door. No dried flowers-I promise :). I saw that Design to Sell show. I love my wrought iron railing, so it'll have to stay. I have a large family room downstairs with bookcases. I think once something black is hanging from the ceiling-the railing will seem a good choice. Magazines and HGTV are killing me. When I was updating my two small bathrooms, I used several ideas from both and loved them. I have two months of DTS taped for other ideas. Always something good. Please, keep the good critiques coming. I'll wear the "big girls" for a few more days :)). Peachie

Hello! You asked specifically about the entry, so I'll stick with that for now. :) I am going to echo a little of what was said above. I do like the wall! I wouldn't change the wood or rip it out although it could be refinished a little if it's too 80s looking in color. The biggest problem in the entry is the tile, the carpet and all that wood the railing. Get that little square tile out (the contrasting grout is def 80s!) from the whole entry, dining and kitchen, and maybe replace with something more linear (like a 6x24 plank-style tile) with matching grout. If that's simply not in the budget, perhaps you could have the tile all re-grouted with something that matches that color of the tile instead of contrasting so strongly with it. Replace the stair carpet with a low loop, more pale carpet (no more shag and definitely not mottled brown!). And then perhaps replace the railing balusters with metal instead of all that wood...it looks like you may need to keep the handrail since it is built in over on the living room wall? Change up your light fixtures (entry and dining) to something more sleek and modern and I think you'll like it a lot better!

I don't think you need much -- the plant seems ok, or an umbrella stand if you come in and out this way. If you find something you like, then either wall is ok. If you need additional functionality here (not just for decor purposes), you could move the plant to the other side and put a little shelf for mail or whatever, with a small picture or mirror over it. Otherwise, I like the rug and I'd update the chandelier to something with maybe some black metal elements...