You can do something like this to add a nice detail

Create a well-proportioned newel post which aligns with the wall on the left.

This is the stairs going up into the bonus room. I’m not quite finished I used a Valspar Paint for patio and porches It’s an interior/exterior paint. We have tons of white trim so hubby wanted them all white I used an oil base paint and it isn’t slippery and wipes off with a damp rag and the oil keeps dirt and grime from penetrating. I love the white

This is the entry stairs to our home After construction they were filthy so I was scared to paint the oak but we had so much white trim I decided to take the chance .. scary but I so love it It was so easy as I didn’t have to tape or clean and sand a bunch They are as smooth as a baby’s behind lol. I love it now

Maybe just add a post at the bottom

Cheryl, it's called a newel post. Look above...! :-)

Am I understanding correctly? This is the bottom of the stairs from the 1st floor to the basement. We're seeing the bottom of the stairs in the basement.

If this is the case, either build shelves or put a rod in that space and turn it into a closet, but only if this is a finished basement. I have a similar situation but my basement is only semi-finished - no ceiling, just some carpet and wallboard on some wall, all painted. Two standard file cabinets fit perfectly into my space with a bit of room on top for oddities (the box the computers came in). You can use if for anything, but be sure some form of storage is involved.