I agree with Beth, move forward with doing the white steps to match the flooring. I also agree with her in that a black or patterned riser would add a lot of interest. Check out these fun riser patterns from a company called Mirth Studio. http://www.mirthstudio.com/riser-decals-new/ 

I initially wanted to make a stand out on the steps at the entrance since it's a slab step and I find it unique, so I thought that a black step will do that more than a white color.
If I go with white it's a marble slab that's matched exactly the floor color. It's cremo delicato marble. So that's scares me because I don't know the maintenance of marble because I heard so much thing (etch, scratch, chip). The black sample is a quartzite slab which is more resistant. What should I expect if I put the marble in terms of maintenance??

The white will continue the color and be a seamless transition from one level to another. Take a nice taupe color out of the white marble with warm medium grey tones and use that on the risers. The stenciling could be beautiful. If you do any decorative painting on the riser area, remember to use at least 2 coats of a clear protective satin finish. Stair risers need to be able to bear a lot of traffic, cleaning, etc

Marie J. I found a perfect arch for my floor which is cremo delicato marble. Here's the picture! I think if I put sticker on riser I will do marble imitation in black with white vein.

I just can't see introducing any black in this area. There is enough visual interest going on; the wood railings, the chandeliers, the beautiful marble floors.

Plz don't over do it here.

The only thing that makes me go back and forward is the fact that the black one is very very resistant on scratchs, etching. it's so hard it's even harder than granit because it's a quartzite.

The white marble well it's marble so I don't know if it's going to look dull very fast or am I going to freak out if my kids scratch it....so I thought maybe the black will be a stand out for my thick treads as I find them to be unique.

this is the pic of my spindles and how it will be installed on my staircase, even the handrail will be the same color.
Also a pic of the floor that will be installed (ivory only).

So the black will be to much???

ok - I think I have it now - the wood railing is going and is going to be replaced with the black iron pictured above, correct? That is a beautiful railing.

BUT, all the wood trim around the doorways on the second landing will remain? If so, that is what I think will be the problem.

See how in your last three images there are no warm wood tones? That is why the rooms are so successful.

IMO, the black and white will look great but then you will have to switch out your chandelier glass to white (no gold tones in the glass) and paint all trim white.

The worst case scenario is you stick with the marble steps and accept the additional upkeep as being just a part of life OR make everyone take their shoes off (like the Japanese do) OR use stair treads to protect them.

Thoughts?

Yes! All the brown wood is gone!! Even on the floor of the second floor. The spindles will be installed directly on the floor, no wood piece. Also all the wood in the back with the trim is gone! It will be all white!! So basically there's no more wood color around. Also we usually don't wear shoes in the house. So know with this new information what do you think????

White.

omg. Here we go. Everyone will have a different opinion!

I vote for Black.

The picture you posted ( B& W steps with your new black railings) is stunning. Classy.

AND you don't wear shoes!!!!!

Good luck making your decision but I know black will look like your inspiration picture and that should give you confidence to move forward.

Best.

Black for treads. White for risers. It will look lovely and be easier to navigate the stairs. Wear on surfaces will be part of their patina and you shouldn't fret over it. If you will, do wood treads. It will mar and get scratched. If you travel to Europe, these materials have been used forever and they are still there! Wear and all. So keep a classic look and it will be amazing.

I vote white.

The black wood stairs in the picture you posted work for two reasons: the floor is black and white so black treads feel like a natural extension of the black checks, and they have a long, elegant run to really let the design develop.

On your stairs, there will be a run of what, seven or eight and then a break at the landing, and then a run of five and a break at the top. It's like a melody that never resolves; it hurts your brain.

Treads should match the landing, I think.

Black is so fabulous looking in your picture. Your arguments all point to using black, so go with your gut. We don't live there.

Thank you for all your comments. It gives me the opportunity to think about stuff that I didn't consider. It's like having many eyes. I never posted a pic of the black slab so there is it. The price between the black and white is huge!!!! I went to see the white slab also ( it was dirty). See pic.
Black 2700$ cad
White 6000$ cad

Pam Forni is right, I noticed as well that you seem to be looking for reasons not to use white. Even though I advised white and it's what I would do in my home, I also strongly believe in following your heart so if you want it, go black!!!!

You could eliminate half my argument against black by making the landing black, too :)

Lol actually it's because I feel that I don't have 100% in either way.

the white--> I miss the vein more but its expensive. white is classy. I can't go wrong but still not perfect slab that I had in mind whit vein for the amount that I will pay. Trust me 6000$ cad it's one the most expensive.

Black --> as you said Lindsay might cut the flow. I share the same thought. Yes it's different with the veining. But still will cut the flow in a small space, but again it's way cheaper, but more risky.

For me it's not about being cheap. I don't really like it I buy it. But it's like do I pay 6000$ for a slab that looks like Quartz but will look good or black, less expensive and super resistant but will maybe not look good once installed???

OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!! It drives me crazy!!!!!!!!!!

I wish I can go to the states and buy it because you have so much more stores and stock in slabs!!!!!!!!!!!

What did you decide?

Nothing yet. I'm testing. I put some black sheet as step to see how it looks. Of course it's mat and I don't have the exact same effect with the light reflecting on the stone with the shine. So tell me what you think.

I attached the black slab also.

More pic.

My bad, I thought the black would help with "seeing the steps". You see it alright! Terrible - no have to do all white/light. Maybe with the black balusters that will give the visual queue you need to see the differentiation of the steps. Even black risers wouldn't work. Good visual.

You did say the oak railing and balusters are being replaced right? Black right? That would be lovely.

Yes, seeing that just reaffirms white for me, too. It will be beautiful, don't fret :)

Yikes! No the black doesn't look right.

I think it was a good testing!!!! It also encouraged me more to do the white one. And yes the baluster will be black like the picture of the stairs I posted. I am waiting for my contractor to see if he can find the the cremo delicato marble for less expensive. I'll keep you posted !!!!! :)

Thanks my dear Houzz friend!!!!!

This really is driving us all crazy!!!

Is there any way to have the new black railings installed, all the wood painted out to white and everything done and then do your final testing?!?!?!?

Just had to ask................

Lolol. I think I can do that. I am waiting for my spindles to arrive. I will remove the wood on the base and do a big chunk of white on the wall near the stairs.

Are you still on the black side visualizemaven??

I think I am but now I'm scared too! hahaha

I just love the drama of your black and white inspiration pic!!!!

So I am holding out, that after your final testing, drama will win the day!

We could do one step black and one step white and it would be like piano keys! just kidding.

Hahahahhahahahah, you guys are funny!! Omg!!
Yo
Listen to this. The slab retailer of my contractor called me. I told him that I am looking for the cremo delicato marble. Than he asked me: what is it for?
Me: my stairs
Him: indoor or outdoor??
Me: indoor
Him: do you have kids??
Me: yes
Him: you sure you want that???
Me: (??????????) euuuuuu yes. Why??
Him: because it's a very soft marble so it's more fragile
Me: okkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
Him: don't expect to last 20 years...maybe 10 years
Me: okkkkkkkkkk ( **ck)
Him: listen call me tomorrow afternoon and we will discuss about All this (he was so where else).

Lolololol soooooooo my friends the saga continues 6000$ for a soft marble that will last max 10 years!!!!!! Arghhhhhhhhhhhhh

Alright so tomorrow i will have more info and of course let's see his price compared to the other place at 6000$ Ciot.

Seriously when you have dreams about stairs, something is wrong!!!! Lololol

Try pool stone. Very durable.

Angelina, I don't want to spoil your staircase dreams, but I would never used marble on my stairs, regardless of the price or longevity of the product. While I agree your vision would be stunning, the sad truth about marble steps is that they are inherently dangerous. I have a sunken tub in my master bath that is accessed by walking up two long curved brown marble stairs. I've lived in my home for seven years and I've only used that lovely soaking tub exactly twice. Both times I stepped out of it with wet or even damp feet, I took two very bad falls. I'm terrified of my tub now, and don't even go near it (I make my husband clean the tub now). God forbid you, a child or a guest slip on your lovely marble stairs, even with the handrail.

BTW, I dream of unfinished decorating projects all night long. It's always a bummer to wake up and discover you only dreamed the room was finished! Aaarrrggghhh!

Thank you for the info Mcgrill. I know I know it's slippery and everything but at this point I don't see anything else that can match my fake marble Porcelaine floor. Also I have a marble terrazzo mix treads right now and we never had a slippery problem. Probably because my steps are really really deep. You can see it in my pictures. Also for you steps in your bathroom they actually sell an anti slippery adhesive transparent made for. Marble steps. You should take a look. I even saw the installation on YouTube. You can ask it's worth it. Don't stop using your nice tub just. Professional can also instal it for you.

By the way sorry for my English writing. I usually speaks and wright French.
Take care!!

Dear Anjelina - now you are just showing off! Two languages and you are apologizing?! I never suspected.

I just don't know why everyone is so afraid of marble and granite flooring. It has been used in Europe for literally centuries. Maybe modern day people are just too obsessive about safety or upkeep or scratches or patina or all of the above?

It has been great fun posting with you - you are of good nature - keep us in the loop - for what it is worth! LOL seriously.

I never suspected either Anjelina. My children are educated in French so I receive communications in English from francophones on a regular basis, and I can say objectively that your sentence structure and word choice in English is perfect!

macgrill, I also dream about gorgeous homes. They are usually endless, one hallway leading to another to another but not in a creepy way lol. I am always sad when I wake up!

Thank you all!! I guess Houzz helped me improve my English writing.

I'll keep you posted my dear Houzz friends designers!!! :) ;)

(Ps: I also speaks Spanish haha and lebanese and understand Italian) :):):)

Oh Paleeeessseee! You are awesome.

Angelina - if you live in Canada (especially Quebec), I'm not sure either choice is good for our climate. Salt will damage the stone. Stains will be particularly noticeable on black.

Hi Angelina. Have you considered with sticking to flooring that is more common for climate? That is hardwood in the main living spaces, including stairs, and easy to maintain porcelain tile in the vestibule and lower landing. Just curious as to whether you've eliminated this option.