IMO, ipdeally always best to use same flooring for visual continuity & feeling of spaciousness. Not knowing layout of your house but assuming stairs lead up to bedroom level, could you match existing laminate throughout upstairs hallway and bedrooms? For those who prefer carpet, add a large area rug in room over the laminate. As for the stairs, if they're already carpeted or have a runner, simply replace it.
If you're able to post a few pics of the spaces that would also be helpful.
Good luck!

Continuity of the flooring is exactly why I was leaning towards option two.

I probably could use the same laminate but I don't really like the color/style for the master bedroom which is why I didn't have that option listed. It's from Ikea and it looks they still have it so we'd definitely use it for the third child's room.

Here are a couple photos - I apologize for poor lighting and unopened doors but my kids are still sleeping so I don't want to open up the doors too much.

From downstairs looking up

At the top of the stairs - bedroom behind barn door is laminate. Master to the left.

This is looking down the hallway - tiled laundry room at the end, tiled bathroom to the right. Far bedroom on left with carpet and other bedroom next to bookshelves is laminate.

Going to the master

Have you considered laminate upstairs, bedroom and hallway? Carpet in the main bedroom is better as you're somewhat limited to who uses the space. Staircase in wood. Hallway and stairs will get the most traffic, carpet is not the best for it.

I definitely know carpet isn't the best option for the stairs and hallway and it isn't what I want, but it is the cheapest option and budget is important since we are doing a kitchen remodel and landscaping which are much more important to us right now since we live downstairs and outside all day. We'll definitely get to all wood floors in about 3-4 years but that is a long time to keep looking at the disgusting 17-year-old carpet.

If stairs are not finished, I’d paint them and add a runner or stain if you can. I’d leave the laminate in the two bedrooms and redo hall and the other two bedrooms with a laminate. It would be better to try and match up or find something that is not too different that you like better.

We pulled up our carpeting ourselves and that will save you money. In the scheme of things good quality carpeting and under-padding is not inexpensive and not a big difference from laminate. Installation is what will be higher, but you’ll have a nicer look, that is so much easier to clean and is healthier.

I like the idea of painting the stairs and adding a runner. How would I know if my stairs will look good painted? What do I look for when I pull up the carpet? Or do I need some do something to them first?

What would I do with the hallway? Laminate? And what about the transition from stairs to hallway? I'm having a hard time picturing that.

When you pull up carpet you‘ll know if it’s hardwood or not. If hardwood and in good shape they can be sanded and you would match stain to the laminate. Below is an example of how close our stairs are to the laminate. A pro can easily get pretty close.

Floor and treads are off a bit below but it’s not that bad, if you wanted to try yourself.

If not hardwood, you can paint all white or use black on the treads and if bannister is white, you could paint black to update as well for a different feel.

Thank you! This definitely helps! I will be meeting with the flooring company that installed our downstairs floors a few years ago and will share this idea with him.

Another thought since you're planning to replace with hardwood in a few years anyways - have a professional carpet cleaning. That may make a big difference until you're ready to change it all. As well, from experience, if your staircase banister & spindles are not to current code you're looking at a big expense if you have a licensed professional do the stair work as they have to bring it up to code. The flooring rep can confirm code status when they're on site.

Oh it's definitely been professionally cleaned on more than one occasion. They are very gross and there are several stains that I am just over looking at.

Ahhhh - been there too! Was hoping that could work until you're ready for the hardwood...