11/21/2006
I finally finished the wall this weekend. Here's the result. I already painted the room, but will update the picture later. All that's left is the moulding, stairs, and stair railing. Then the room will be complete.

10/03/2006
I am planning to close off some of the space replacing the ugly railing with a wall...
before...
and, envisioned with help from Photoshop, "after" 
The remaing railing will be replaced by a wooden one stained to match floor color.
Let see how it goes this weekend. Wish me luck.