A great way to decorate this space with minimal effort could be wall decals. at www.beautifulwalldecals.com we have a TON of great designs - and you could personalize a design to match the wall paper & existing furniture. The decals won't peel the paint & could provide your room with a more defined theme or just liven p the space under your stairs a bit. Something like these circles could really make the wall POP!

I agree that there is too much going on, however some of the suggestions are costly and in my opinion don't completely take care of the problems. I like the design approach it is fresh and updated. I agree that the chimney cap is out of proportion and just needs a simple band at the top. In order to make the exterior remain timeless over the years, Now Sit Down for a minute, I would make all of the exterior the white color. I know you love red however this will tie the different components of the architecture together more than any thing else. You can still have high gloss red doors and red tile pavers on the ground. It would also be very classy the use white tile in place of the brick look. You could even mix gloss white tiles with matt finish tiles to give an interesting sparkle when you ride by. I like the wrought iron upper railing, but the vertical blocking on the right side looks too heavy. So I would continue the same railing around the corner and back toward the house until it connects to the other balcony railing. This also ties the house together. It would look much more classic to not have a grid in the tall window and instead have a solid piece of glass down to the transom and then from there down be solid glass as well. Glass block in the courtyard column sections with back lights would look unbelievable. I would arch the closed in section on the second level as it would show up more there than the window being arched does, so save the money and don't arch that window. I would either hang a long contemporary light on the right elevation to dress it up or insert a long strip of glass block lighted from the interior to achieve the same effect. I charge for renderings, because I list the materials as well. Best, Leo Dowell Interiors.com

Let us start begin with your preferred usage for the space. What is most desirable in your home (a space for storage, entertainment, work, etc.)? In my parent's home, for example, the area underneath their basement staircase is used only for storage. Although, it is possible to use spaces for multiple purposes. For example, a dining place that may compliment your kitchen (whether primarily for everyday seating or entertaining guests), may function as a dual space. If an lcd space is desirable, I would love to design some possibilities that will serve its purpose in completing your home. If you are unsure of what your function you want your space to have, perhaps it would be better to establish the mood of your space in completing your home. Is it a calm and tranquil space that you are looking to have or a busy and excitable space that you are looking to enjoy?

sararahim123 What constitutes an adequate illumination level varies from person to person. What exactly do you require illuminated? If its simply ambient light you would have tiny lights as shown that throw light on the stairs itself. If a bit more is required you could consider adding a railing with a light under. If general illumination is what you are going after, but in a muted way, would suggest wall scones that throw light upwards onto the ceiling, diffusing the light.