Lighting is one thing that still need to tackle. Maybe these pictures will show the two tone better.

Looking at the floor I say lighten the stairs a bit they seem a bit dark from here .

Walnut Stair · More Info

Okay now I see that they are different shades. I really like the step stain and when I thought they matched I like the look as well. I suppose I'd say either stain the railings to match the steps or stain the railings a lighter color so the two tone stands out better.

So the problem I have is that the entire downstairs is wide open. Kitchen, dining, entry way, living room all in one big open space. The problem ... there is a lot of wood, and all of the same color. From the floor, the stairs, the beams on the ceiling, the posts, the kitchen cabinets, the baseboards and door/window trim- it's all the same color.

The kitchen is a nightmare- I know and that will be a worked on but will take a lot of money so am trying to do the smaller projects first. The light fixtures have been updated, except in the kitchen of course (oh and the ceiling fan in the living area, haven't done that yet either).

My biggest reasoning of trying to two tone the stairs is because I want darker kitchen cabinets with white granite once I actually get tot he kitchen- I hate white or painted cabinets. But with all the rest of the wood one color, just having dark stained kitchen cabinets- I thought may look weird so that's why I was trying to I guess test out the two tone on the stairs first- they are easier to change than all the cabinets.

How about a much darker stain for stairs (single tone only) and same stain on kitchen cabinets in the future?

I vote to keep the two tones, but perhaps explore a bolder rustic tone for the stairs. Maybe a textured gray.

You could try adding contrast with the railing. What style will you be working toward in this space? Rustic? Modern?

Refurbishing in Chelsea · More Info

You could also create a closed riser stair for a different look. Good luck with your project!

I really like the darker stain on the treads. Have you considered replacing the vertical slats with horizontal metal rail? Just something to consider. Your floors are beautiful!

Open Modern Stair

I think it looks best matched. You could either darken the railings or lighten the stairs, both would look great!

I would have done lighter stair treads to match your floor.