A staircase from busy to boring to lively

This is my own fault - I stripped some really busy wallpaper (the kind with the tiny flowers and shells everywhere, ugh!) and I was so determined to get rid of the busy-ness that I intentionally chose the blandest paint color I could find. But now it's so bland and boring! I have a few decorating ideas, but I'd love to hear yours also.

Colorman says:

This should spice it up a little. (Click on the picture to read the colors)