These are old photos. We're dry-walling now but w/time on my hands I'm trying to figure things out so when the time comes, we'll know what we're doing. Despite the 'roughness', hope you can see what I'm talking about. The first pix is what'll be in the livingroom (taupe/gray herringbone sofa, blue ottoman, leather chair, patterned pillows, gray, blue & taupe area rug). The other picture shows where the stairway is in relation to the living room. The couch will be on that wall w/the windows w/the area rug in front. So...the stairs really won't be seen from the LR. Wondering...

1.Does the runner on the stairs need to coordinate w/the ARug?

2.Do I still need a rug/mat in front of the front door (even tho we wont be using it)? If so, WHICH should that coordinate with - the ARug or Runner?

3.Should I paint the front door so there's not so much WHITE?

4.Would a black interior front door be too harsh?

5.If I do a black interior door, does the stair runner have to have black in it?

There is a fireplace on the end wall w/a TV above the mantel - so that'll carry the black...and I'm hoping for a black railing & stair treads. Still seems like it may be too much.

The LR walls? I'm hoping for some faux taupe grasscloth.

APPRECIATE your thoughts!