I'd consider making or buying something when it occurs to you, when you find something meaningful. My story about the thrift shop: I bought an uplifting saying for a buck and felt stupid about it for a while. Now it hangs where I see it, but at very least it had to have 'my colors'... there's bound to be something you'll like that's a good size/color/style, etc... maybe you like a certain animal, or a nature setting...

Add wood trim to the walls. View photo here- . https://www.houzz.com/photos/governor-s-house-beach-style-bedroom-phvw-vp~122845832. This will provide interest with obstucting walking area on stairs. New light fixtures in both the hall and stairway would help as well. A beaded glass tierd light fixture in stairway, and a similar close to ceiling in the hall for doorway clearance.

I would consider installing a hanging pendant in the space to make the space more interesting.

I like your existing light because it doesn’t block the nice window.

You could add art you like, wallpaper the whole area, do some sort of trimwork, etc.

What decor styles do you like?

Thank you for your ideas. I love the idea of a wood accent wall. I also really like the pendant lamp but I would agree that it will block the window. Our house is a 100 year old craftsman. I have attached some pictures of other rooms.

Beautiful home. I think wallpaper would look wonderful.

Would you wallpaper one wall, if so which one? Or would you do both?

I’d wallpaper it all. I’m envisioning a William Morris print. :)

Next two are Pure Acorn:

Or wainscoting with wallpaper:

Or a more subtle print if these seem too bold. I think continuing the wallpaper into the hallway might look fabulous, too (hard to say without seeing it all in person).

Such a narrow stairwell is for sure an issue but wall paper could be the answer and IMO the ight should be led bulbs maye 3 all 4000K and hung to be seen in that window

Thank you! Do you have an image of the light you reference?