I like your white woodwork and if you don't want to paint stairs just leave it. What may update the space is a gray color paint on the walls still light but with not such a pink undertone if my monitor is correct.

i would suggest paint the railings alternatively by white and wood color which matches with riser.paint the handle knob with riser wood color.looks better may be.

I feel like steel balusters would do a lot more to modernize and open up the entryway, but perhaps I am too used to seeing them with my line of work! (I know my photos focus on the newel post but I just want to show the effect of having a more open banister with steel balusters,)

I think the color of the walls isn't coming through, they don't have a pink undertone and I really like them so any changes will be to the staircase. And the white woodwork seems to work according to your comments--I do like the idea of a runner, thanks Johanne

Absolutely. Paint the white rail black and paint the rear (inward facing) side of your front door black. You will be SHOCKED what a stunning difference it will make. You can then move on to create a gallery along that wall of small framed pictures and objects using some black frames. Eventually a patterned runner would be very chic.

Ok now this is getting exciting....I already have black and white family photos in black frames on the wall at the top of the stairs--they were kind of inspirational for this whole idea. Love the grey/black runner in the lower left image! But my flooring is light beige marble, not sure it would look as nice as it does in this photo.

You'd be surprised how many styles of steel balusters there are; if you're looking for more traditional... The monochrome photos matching with your stair colours is a wonderful idea!

Monica, you could do the painting and hanging pictures first. Then bring some samples home to try different patterns and colors. You may opt for a tan & black pattern to compliment your walls and tile. There are MANY gorgeous options.

But we think the door will be an integral tie in and you will love the look.