I have some suggestions if you are thinking budget friendly changes. Make a photo gallery with different size frames and arrange them parallel to the stairs, so you can enjoy each photo as you climb up. And for the area that will be on a level with your upper floor, try some pretty decal that will connect the photo gallery to upper level. And last, if you have budget add some beautiful hanging lights in the stairwell. Also think about repositioning your refrigerator.

It’s is back painted glass. As a back splash it can be used as it’s easy to clean and maintain. Highly recommended to be toughened. The entire back needs to be cladded in waterproof plywood and then the glass is stuck on to it with special adhesive or silicon gel. Any reservations on using plywood then you can opt for WPC ( wood plastic composite ) which is alternative to play and is totally termite-water proof.

Wouldn't ceramic tiles wood finish, laid in planks of 6" x 24" solve the problem? Not my go-to choice though. Another option would be to use texture paint (with larger granules) in a deep chocolate colour

I am guessing you don't wish to finish the exterior with a plaster. So the next best option according to me would be to extrude the column outwards by about 1 feet with a fabricated structure cladded with ACP, Cement sheet, composite exterior panels, or any other surface/material of your choice. Goodluck! I hope this was helpful.