I would paint the stair railings white and add a simple white crown molding.......I would not add wainscoting......Keep the space simple, but decorate with traditional furniture ........however, the furniture should also be simple, elegant and not too large...

You have a very modern space. With respect, if you don't like modern, why did you purchase it? Crown molding, wainscoting, and other traditional touches would look "off" in this space. Rather than trying to make it something it is not, go with more modern paint palette, and modern furniture, with antique/antique style furniture mixed in. Modern sofa with wing chairs. An antique hutch. An oriental rug. For artwork, mix it up with abstract art, and landscapes or portraits in antique style frames. Let the space be what it is, and add traditional touches. Houzz has photos, if you search modern mixed with antique.

@tems

Yeah I agree this space is nice. The rest of the house however does not reflect the stairs so I am just trying to make everything fit in without spending a fortune.

I agree that i was going in the wrong direction by adding wainscoting. Maybe I should just stick to putting in crown Molding and restraining the floors.

We had a glass railing installed in our former house, which was not contemporary at all. It worked because all the supports were fashioned very traditionaliy, and matched the newel post.

The modern design is beautiful, and we would suggest painting the stairs a white or light gray color. You can mix contemporary, and modern together!

You can carefully add 'traditional features' like a coiffured ceiling but this is tricky to pull off. I'd suggest a site meeting w an architect or designer if you really want to go this route

I could see taller simple style base board to replace your existing base (but no crown). And notice how the rail works with the floor color like your space. This creates a cohesive streamlined look. I'd question painting the stair as that will modernize it even more. Good luck!

The wood adds a touch of warmth to the glass--this is perfect for a transitional look. I love juxtaposition in design and if done right, it can look stunning. Yes to the crown molding! Here is a gorgeous example of mixing modern and traditional.