DM, I tried everything I could think of to embed your photos here and nothing worked. Sorry. Snapfish doesn't seem to be set up to posted photos on forums. Too bad. Do you have a photobucket account? They are very easy to use and you can even share clickable thumbnails. They seem to have every kind of code you'd need to post anywhere that I've ever wanted to post to. As for you entry. I love the table! That is one gorgeous piece. It seems to have been made for your home. The table runner is awesome too, but it could limit you on art selection. Once you get a large piece of art on the wall I don't think the lack of wall color will matter. This way, as you both want, the features of your home along with the decor, will be the show piece. You won't need color on the walls to "make" the room. As for wall art, what about making your own? I know you don't like to paint walls, but.....? There's so many other ideas for DIY art too. You say you thought about horizontal wood. Why not do it as "art" instead of the whole wall? I just bought a square coffee table for three ninety nine at a local thrift store and if Restore a Finish does it's trick, I might just use the top for art. This picture is really terrible, but it has burled and parquet wood veneer. Check thrift stores for large works or art or mirrors with or with great frames. If you don't like the art just use the frame. My brain is slowing down. I need food. Good luck! It's good to "see" you again.

Be careful with shiny paint in this space. You want the walls to recede and make the room feel more spacious. I can imagine using the pearl in a powder room or in a tray ceiling for a dining room. (The pros may be able to explain the idea better than I can.)

THE RULE Is don't make a second post!! Go to a real carpet store, ask to see stair runners that come in 36 inch widths.Have it made to the length you need and backed with non skid. Or look at area rugs in 3 x 5 for the entry if that fits.. No doormat sizes. Ready made runners will be too narrow for your space No to the rug under table. You need an 8 x10 and I doubt that fits. Nothing is far better, than a too small rug.

You really don’t need all that beautiful flooring covered..only front door area...leave hallway along stairway empty and add your decor...maybe a cute slender bench with a basket for umbrellas...I don’t have one hallway rug...only placed a rug at each door entrance and have a huge dog running around..have wood floors throughout my home first home 23 years floors still looked like new..and this home 5 years..no wear at all...why Do you feel the need to cover the beautiful wood floor?