Add spindles all the way up on the wall side of the stairs. Other than that, it looks fine.

A runner is one idea and you could also strip the stain and go darker on the railing - if you read up on how to do, it's not a difficult job. Adding a rug in the hall will also warm up the space (click on picture to get a full view). I would also remove the spindles on the wall side.

You'll need a pro to paint the railing

I would remove the whole rail on the wall side. You could add molding if you felt you needed something to lean on. A tall pedestal, love the one in the second photo, for that little space to the right of the stairs.

I think a runner would be a nice addition, not sure about adding more spindles but it might make the two sides appear more balanced.

I thought about adding spindles all the way up at one point, however, it is a nightmare to clean in-between them. My other thought would be to have the bottom piece curved into the wall, and the entire railing removed. That leads me into another dilemma of what to do at the top of the stairs... It is one continuous railing all the way up the stairs and connecting to the railing overlooking the foyer.

I've never seen spindles on a wall side of a stair case. I would look into removing them...then of course, that leads to having to fix the stair treads where you remove them. But I think it would look best without the spindles on that side. I love the staircase tho! Very pretty!

I agree remove the spindles on opposite side and and some millwork.

I have a few blog posts that may help you out.

Www.timothyriversinteriors.com/blog

Your staircase is beautiful, though I can't imagine why there are a few spindles on the wall side. Remove the spindles, except for the bottom step. Keep the wall rail. That's all, it's perfect otherwise.

Yes, remove the spindles except for the bottom step. I have a similar setup on my staircase and the spindles do not continue after the wall starts.

I agree on removing the spindles. I also think as suggested by miacometlady that wainscotting, or moulding would make a big difference.

I agree with the spindles just coming off the wall and painting the wall half way up. You could add woodworking there, too. (just the squares to give the illusion of paneling) Also, a runner would add a lot.

you see something new at houzz every day. i'm in the 'take down the railing on that side' camp with just a newel post and enough rail to fade into the wall.

having either a chair rail down the stairs or go whole hog with wainscoting would look right.

i did chair rail on the stairs and in my front hall and papered below it.

The railing has to stay for code purposes (and it must be continuous as yours is) and the balusters on the bottom step must be there. But 6 of the balusters on the wall side could be removed - and I would take them out as they look out of place. I would use a runner up the stairs to create an inviting space.

I would remove the spindles from the wall side and around the newel posts, changed the newel posts to much larger ones and add a runner.

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