I have completed my little landing makeover , it took exactly one box of walnut stained oak to improve this other wise lack luster landing , another "why didn't I do this sooner" ? moment.
I even sanded down the nosing and after three applications of American Walnut stain , I am so happy with the improvement here , after I stained it I waxed it and buffed it , it has such a nice sheen but not a shine when you use wax, I did the same with the nosing and transition pieces which I purchased unfinished.
Here is the de-construction phase , look how orange that nosing was , yuck!
So much better than this wouldn't you agree...? some touch ups on the trim and a coat of black on the inside of that door and all will be complete.