The openness is in keeping with the updated decor, however, the spindles have a much more traditional look. Depending on your budget, replacing the spindles and hand rail with something more contemporary is your best option. I would not recommend painting the railing as it may not render the look you are seeking.

You might do something as simple as replacing all the carved pieces with square ones, like your table legs, and then paint everything espresso or black.

I suggest removing the spindles at the least on the dining side and replace with a partial wall leaving the last stair exposed. An other option would be a 3/4 high wall that could be furnished .

Paint the posts and banisters, and change out the newels. Leave the steps as they are. Lovely shot!

Paint the spindles white and stain the handrails dark like the flooring. I think you are seeing too much honey oak.

I would also recommend changing out the spindles to a square style, and even the railing to something more arts and craft with cleaner lines. Stain the stairwell to match your darker floors down stairs. Paint the spindles white and stain the railing to match the darker floors.

If you would rather not remove and rework the railings, cut off the rounded tops on the newels and paint the balusters black or a white - for a quick and easy new look!

Do you like either of these? [houzz=]
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Thanks for all your suggestions! I will post a before and after in the next few months.

absolutely paint the spindles a cream color and the railing black

A runner would give the stairs some visual interest and would add to the overall feeling of the room.

I'd change the spindles to something more contemporary.

Your room has too many different colors of wood, painted, esspresso doors, the flooring and the railings. Choose one of the above and match the color. I would suggest staining the railings the same color as the doors.

Here is a great contemporary railing. Would look great in your house.

I think a stop-chamfered spindle and square newel posts would suit your house's decor. I would keep the handrail if you can, as it looks lovely.

It also seems a shame to be getting rid of such beautiful wooden staircase parts - maybe you could sell them on.

Although this is a UK website, it provides a good summary of the range of staircase options open to you: http://www.pearstairs.co.uk/pages/spindles/default.aspx

Saw this photo and thought of your stair.

A big change, but it looks great!