Is this maybe a steel-framed house??? The clear spans you will have if those support posts are both removed look awfully long for traditional LVL joists. I can imagine maybe taking out the post next to the stairs but seriously, that other post looks like it HAS to be structural. Builders sometimes make mistakes. I would definitely insist that my builder put it in writing that that post is merely decorative and that he had checked with an engineer to verify that it is not structural and can be removed. Otherwise you'll be midway thru the build and he'll come back telling you "gee sorry, turns out I was wrong and those posts have to be there after all." And at that point your only option will be to let him put the posts in or have the second floor cave in on you. Trust me, I've been there, done that... and the span where I had to put in a totally unwanted support post is not nearly as wide as yours looks.

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.

The wood floor in front of the stairs is the part that's only 36". That's why I don't want newels in front of the bottom step, wanted them to sides (on bullnose step) originally, now given I can't do that with these steps I want them *on* the bottom step, coming straight down from where the ones attached to the wall are. I have 43" of wall on the side of the stairs and it's about 6ft deep though I don't want to put anything deeper than an 18" deep bench there. A bench would really be more useful than a table for us. I keep checking CL and thrift stores, so far I haven't even found a cheap twin headboard, small dresser, or even an nice (small) old door I can make into a bench. Here is a link that might be useful: Inspiration

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.