Susan:

Everyone talks a big game about changing their stairway. Then they get an estimate and suddenly window treatments are way more important.

I was hoping for something I could do myself to get by for the next 2-3 years.

For fun you might want to price out how much money all that acrylic rod costs—think $10-$15 a foot or so. What about simply painting the wood, making it a bit of a statement with the acrylic balusters?

I would look at the door and the railings and get those two to match or harmonize better. Then the acrylic balusters will pop and you will be the envy of the design savvy. Acrylic furnishings are hot, hot, hot right now. Check out Alexandra Von Furstenburg's offerings and prices and then look at your balusters with new eyes.

Leave them. They're unique!

I think you're right! I'm going to embrace the acrylic. Will definitely paint the front door and possibly the wood railing too.

To me they look very similar to the wire look posted. Not seeing 80's in them, but like you this is a first for me. I can second Joseph's sentiment. We have an open stair case whose balusters are just plain UGLY but the chain of events it causes thinking of replacing them. YIKES.

Funny. The lucite was the higher end version of the cable railing back in the 80s, and now people see it the other way round.

I absolutely love them! Maybe just paint the wood to match the ceiling?

I think that's actually a very modern clean look. I would not paint the wood of the bannister, it looks nice as it is. What doesn't fit with it and looks a bit dated in this context is the raised panel closet door. A plainer line there would look more modern and stream-lined with the stair rails.

i got a quote for hardwoods, $150 a step. Change the carpet, that would be nice, and can reduce cost while adding value.

Honestly the only thing I don't like is the carpet and the way it wraps the stairs - I like visible treads with a runner. The handrail and balusters are very cool IMO!

We have the same acrylic balusters and like them! Painted the wood white because it didn't match anything. Now you can see the brown wood through the acrylic. Any ideas on what to do?

^^^ That's the same kind of problem that comes up when painting a mirror frame with the mirror still in it - it reflects back the original color or stain when the frame overlaps the mirror. Short of taking the railing system apart and painting where the acrylic balusters are inserted, I wouldn't know what you could do - and that would be a monster job that only a pro should approach IMO.

I love the staircase too! I see why you’d think about changing it though, because the carpet, the tile, and the doors make it look out of place. Since changing the tile is in the plan, I’d focus on modernizing those elements. The staircase is just ahead of the game!

Wow I can't imagine wanting to change anything about those other than getting hardwood treads. They are beautiful. White paint would look ridiculous. Banisters (and wood accents) don't need to "match" anything. I agree that the closet doors are the problem here. OP, what did you end up doing?

Susan - what did you end up doing with your staircase?

What stands out to me more is the tiling and carpet on the stairs. It would be interesting to have some notes on what styles you like because it would be easier to attach photos that would be going in that direction. If you like traditional, Spanish or ultra modern. I like the wood on the railing. Wood on the treads would be nice. I personally like modern design and I'd change the stairs and make them floating stairs. I'd eliminate that wall in between on the upper part of the staircase and continue the glass rail. This is actually surprisingly affordable; I think the glass might be the most expensive part of the expense.

paint the wood charcoal grey.

Paint the wood on the stair rail the same white as your trim and paint the doors a dark grey/slate color .