F&B paint preferably for dark stairway

[madaboutmyhouse]

Hi, this is my first ever post on this site. I'm hoping you can help. I have a really dark stairs, straight up in middle of house with very little light at bottom and small window on landing at top but doesn't give light to stairs. I spoke to F&B who said go dark having previously had cream walls, that looked grey. I went with their suggestion and used Charleston Gray on sides and Skimming Stone on drop wall and landing. Way to dark, so changed side walls to Elephants Breath. Still way to dark. I need light on in day to go up and down stairs! I want it to look light and airy. I have a mink/taupe colour carpet. And skirting and bannister in All White, though look grey. The bannister is pretty and I want it to be noticeable against the wall, but it disappeared when it was cream. I've thought cabbage white looks bright and airy, though my other rooms have skimming stone and tallow coming off stairs. Would attach picture but not sure how too? Sorry this is so long! Would appreciate any thoughts on colours, especially light ones. Thanks in advance

[Rainbow728]

Perhaps try a colour with a yellow tone to counteract the grey. F&B
Dorset Cream or Farrow's Cream? The other option is to change the lighting, maybe some spots to direct onto the walls to show the true colour.

[madaboutmyhouse]

Thank you, I did wonder if yellow tones would combat the grey. I have used tallow in another room, but not the colours you mention, so will have a look at them. The ceiling is very high and does have spotlights which we need to use in daytime, I would just like to find a lighter shade that is more interesting than just white. I have attached photos, one with lights on, one without in daytime.

[SAHDthatsall]

Any thoughts on a Sun Pipe? This funnels natural light from the roof above and made a massive difference to the light on the landing on stairs.

[Fields21]

We have Elephants Breath there and I hate it too! Gloomy and looks far too pinky, depending on the time of day. Skimming stone in front room and strong white in kitchen. Thinking of trying strong white in hall...

[madaboutmyhouse]

Thanks but can't do sky light or sunpipe, as to difficult with loft/roof. I have now started repainting in Tallow. Seemed lightest and brightest. Possibly too light to let banister stand out but have to compromise. It's taken four coats to cover. Will update when finished all of it.