I agree that something has been lost in painting your stair wall. I'm wondering if the opposite approach might have yielded better results - that is, painting the stair trim and risers white and leaving the wood stair wall natural wood finish.

While, I dont actually mind it painted, I do agree, that it does not look as nice as it did before. I wouldnt have painted any of that wall, or the pretty staircase. Its a bit late to do much about it now, so best to live with it, and dont do any more.

I like it better painted, so I think that just proves that some people are going to prefer it that way and some the other way, so no harm done.

I would not have painted the paneled wall.. Sorry. It was the star of the show. I'd strip it back to what it was.

I would have changed the paint on the walls, though. The front wall is too dark for the space. Ditto the black shade on the pendant light.

I would say that now that you’ve painted, fully commit and keep going. You’ve visually shortened the stair wall by painting part of it and leaving the riser trim slashing across it. Paint the stair riser trim and the stiles, leaving just the railing the stained wood.

Paint everything but the treads, banister and that larger newel post at the bottom.