I have a lovely pale straw-colored carpet with raised tiny white squares on my stairs. I cannot wait to rip it out. The white thread is a dirt magnet and we are forever having the carpet cleaned. The least amount of dirt seems to show up in a pattern on the steps in no time, and drives me mad! We don't wear our shoes upstairs (to try to minimize this problem) but guests and my housekeeper do not take off their shoes (I don't have a "rule"). You might want to think about both the dog fur and dirt. Granted, my carpet is textured, which may exacerbate the problem.

CPartist sorry I delayed in my response. Lost track of things. So much is going on with the house now things are absolutely crazy. I told the guy to do the balusters like the last pic. The posts are in but the rail won't be installed until next week since the painter wants to get his work done first. Here is are updated pics: Michael: Like chartist said you will get more help on your own thread since the experts will write. I'm a novice. If you want my personal opinion I do much prefer the new layout to the old one. The diagonal wasted a lot of space in the entry and also seemed a bit off. My husband and I love the 180 deg turn stairs like you are now showing. We would have used those if they worked with our plan. The basement (?) door and closet door open into each other now which doesn't seem ideal- will you be using that closet a lot or rarely? I see you added the entry closets by the door like we did. If you want to see how that ends up looking:

Your house is not dated. It looks fresh, and there are only a few tweaks I see, as others have noted. Something more colorful for rugs. The overhead lights could be switched out for more flair. I'd find a single art piece for behind the sofa, something with a bit more drama - I was going to say color, but if you'd prefer, a black and white piece would go there well, if it stood out more. I am NOT one for low artwork behind furniture - but in this case with that window above, I think the art does call for being lower. (Why I am not, generally-speaking, a fan? 1) Navel-height art fails to appeal to me, and 2) people leaning back on couches will likely bang or brush their heads on the art.) I'd switch the two chairs in the living room. Stair railing: I am fine with it as is, or stain it a bit darker (do not paint). As for paint color for the walls - nothing ever looks the same on a monitor as in person, but what you already have appears to work (and you'd be doing a LOT of painting if you do decide to change the color. Get samples, paint a board or spare bit of sheet rock. I like the fish tank - painting that might be worthwhile.

Your room is attractive and I find the monochromatic look calm and sophisticated. Much better without the knickknacks. I don't think it looks impersonal at all. As it is, the wing chair is not part of the conversation area in the room, and to my eye it makes the room look a bit awkward or even unfriendly since no-one would choose to sit there. I suggest that you switch the side table to the fireplace side of the wing chair, and pull the wing chair as close to the sofa as you can without blocking the traffic path. It will be closer to the fireplace which is also good - it should look like an inviting chair to read a book at the fireside on a chilly day. Don't try to center it in the nook - I'd put a plant in the nook. For the same reason, move the love seat closer to the fireplace by a foot or so. I like the burgundy color but whatever color you choose, it needs to be repeated to look intentional. Maybe a burgundy and cream print on the pillows instead of the solid color, to avoid the spotty look. And a burgundy throw over the sofa or love seat and/or a cream throw over the back of the wing chair. Your pillows look firm and uninviting. Replace them with ones a bit larger, and with softer filling such as down or feather/down. Given the satiny texture of your sofa, velvet or velour pillow covers would look good as a contrast and to add a soft touch.