search discussions for my post "hideous stairs" this past week. I got quite a few helpful responses.

Here are some examples of railings using SS cable. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4579344/thumbs/Residential-Cable-Railing-by-The-Cable-Connection

So many options today. I agree with your assessment & the idea of a new style. There are some pretty fabulous staircases in Idea Books on this site. See what "speaks" to you in there.

I had spindles removed from staircase in this house and had local iron craftsman come up with a design we liked. We went with leaves in design, as house is in more rural area, and the tapestry hanging in the hallway was "Tree of Life" purchased in Provence during 5th Anniversary trip.

Iron may or may work in this setting - never know for sure until considered....in this house we tied iron stairway to iron in front door.

I like the image patti posted. It looks like your stairs are carpeted & you may want to pull carpeting & if you still want some covering on the stairs go for a runner - newer look

Perhaps a tempered glass with wood railings and posts. These are floating treads but it still may look good on yours. If you decide to rip up carpet, don't forget that the material underneath may be just plywood and may need an overlayment.

Here's some designs we recently did, in a month I'll have a "modern - rustic" style you might really like to show. If your anywhere near the Pacific Northwest would be happy to help. The one Sharon suggested is pretty neat. Otherwise try finding a local stair builder with good sense of design/art in your area. www.stairways.org is the stairway manufacturing association website. (lots of good ideas in the award winners that are to code...)

Wow, NK great designs. Very different!!

All great points! Thank you. Yes we're pulling up carpet and putting down hardwood floors. Slate tile will also go down else where down stairs. Def a good thought re sub-flooring! I do like wood and metal railing look. Would any of the below look good? We are located in central IN and a great point was made re local made medal rails! We def wanna replace but I was having a hard time picturing what new railing would look like up against the slanted walls or how it's done? Have not seen a pic on here the would give me this idea. On a side note we are trying to decide the best way to deal with the popcorn ceiling. Eeek! It's got to go! Beadboard or wood locking paneling would be great but maybe looking for a cheaper fit at this moment : )

Is the flat metal look inexpensive ?

Wood is more inexpensive. A black-smith in your area could give you a quote.

nice! get a quote. you are on your way!

Many different levels of quality with the metal rails - I recommend for the best like eagledzines said a blacksmith / forge work place - however that is very expensive (in my experience often more than wood usually, but a beautiful traditional craft/art to keep alive!) I used to do a lot of forge art, very time consuming and cool - then the next is custom fabricated solid stock (welded parts) from a custom metal shop- also can be nice, and then there is solid and hollow stock made parts and china made versions - less nice if you ask me... But I'm all about custom hand made stuff - feels more human.

balusters*

http://www.indianablacksmithing.org/

finally got it all done..I will post more from another angle

...and I just love how it turned out!!!