You don't seem to get much natural light here, so I'm surprised you are thinking of going with a dark colour. I think a lighter colour, or possibly even wallpaper, would be much better. You should be able to get something wipeable in either option.

But please please please move those shoes, even if they are just there for the photograph, I am mentally tripping over them just looking at these pictures.

I agree with stationeryfiend, a dark color is just going to emphasize the lack of light. You should look into changing the light fixture at the bottom and top of the stairs for brighter ones. You say your camera doesn't take good photos, but it's clear that the photos are dark because there's very little light of any kind. Consider swapping the light fixtures, then revisit the darker paint. Otherwise, choose a lighter color.

Whatever color you choose, only paint the right side - that is, the side with the coat rack. If you paint the other one, it will divide up the space and make it seem *even more narrow*. Painting the right, and leaving the left wall to match the carpet, it will help the stairwell seem more spacious. Painting a different color only up to that molding is a great idea - that will also introduce a horizontal line to break up the verticality of the space, making it seem less towering and narrow - just like a bad hem makes a person seem stumpier instead of tall and thin.

Adding interesting groupings of framed pictures *on that wall only* will also really help it - just no tall thin frames - you want to add horizontal suggestions on this wall rather than vertical ones.

Like this:
http://www.houzz.com/photos/945550/Photo-collage-traditional-staircase-new-york

Or this:
http://www.houzz.com/photos/40607/Between-Naps-on-the-Porch-traditional-staircase-other-metro

:)

I respectfully disagree that only one side should be painted. i think you should paint both sides a tone that matches the general style of the house. i know you said the kitchen is a light gray, but what is the decor of your house? i.e. if you live by the coastline you could do a new england feel and a navy blue or even a lighter shade of blue. if you live in a city and want to go with something more metropolitan and classical i actually really like vertical black and white stripes (maybe 5 inch width). if solid color for the whole stairwell or the stripes are too much, you might consider installing simple paneling from the stair to the railing and only painting above the paneling. i think with some wall decor, mirror, pictures etc, nothing is too overwhelming for the space, but get some light in there!

I would try a bright color. Like yellow, maybe.

Agree with above that you need to deemphasize the narrowness here. You could still go with a medium tone, and I think your idea of a blue-grey would be nice. Not sure if painting the molding would be a good thing. I tend to think that it will emphasize the tunnel vibe.

The hand rail is making it worse. As long as you are repainting the hallway, explore the idea of replacing it something with a narrower "profile" off the wall. And/or paint the handrail the same color as the walls, rather than the same color as the trim.

Assuming that the gate at the top of the stairs is for little children, when those members of your household are old enough to not tumble down the stairs, removing it will decrease the claustrophobia as well. When the gate is gone, you could have your "landing strip" (maybe a nice console table with a mirror over it?) at the top of the stairs. That would give people something nice to approach when they come in the house. Because your stairway is so narrow, using the landing at the bottom as a place to kick off shoes and hang jackets is only going to make it seem super crowded.

I like the white paint. If this were my space and I had the budget, I would remove that white carpeting. It makes me feel claustrophobic just looking at it. However, if the carpet stays, then I can see wanting a bit of contrast between it and the walls. I would go a very light gray. And I would find a prettier hall mat where the shoes are. That one is looking kinda industrial.

I agree with others who say a dark color would not work for this space. I would instead look at a fresh color. Take a look at BM Thunderbird, it's a nice blue gray that feels both bright and light at the same time. If you want a subtle neutral gray, BM Abalone works well in areas with little natural light.

I have no advice on the paint color, but those shoes at the bottom of the stairs look like eyeballs!

www.colorcombos.com/

I like this website for color decisions. I hope it helps.

I would say a muted yellow. good luck.

Marigold! It will make you feel so happy when you climb the stairs. And hang some black and white framed photos.

Benjamin Moore has a website where you can upload a photo of your house or room, or use their samples, then experiment with colors. try it, you'll like it.

Hi everyone. Thanks for all the feedback. I didn't even realize this had been posted. Funny!

Anyway, lots of good ideas. I got a kick out of how my shoes gave everyone so much grief. Usually there are none there, so don't' fret! I haven't yet started this project as life has been a little hectic in the last month. Post this weekend things are looking a little easier so i'll be sure to take a stab at it then.

I'm leaning towards a lighter bluey-grey, as most of you pointed out its a dark space and i'm not aiming to make it feel smaller than it already is. The aim was to really just reduce visible dirt. As its a narrow hall, people have a tendency to put their hands on the wall coming up. I will look at all the color suggestions on here though. So thank you all for those.

@jphg thanks for that mock up of the hall in dark. what did you use to do that. I agree with your conclusion, I don't' like it that dark at all.

@paulasimone I hadn't thought about the painting of one side only which is interesting, but not really my cup of tea. It probably would look better if like the pictures you referenced there was a break in one of the walls (making it a little more open)

@dirkish Good call on the painting of the railing. It hadn't even dawned on me, but that would look really odd should I leave it as is.

@thorndale I'm with you on the carpet, and longer term ripping it up is the idea but as this place is less than 2 years old, i'll stick with the carpet for just a little longer. Yeah the mat is pretty bad, it was bought more out of necessity than style. I've been on the lookout for a replacement at a reasonable cost for some time.