I was intending to paint the ceilings initially, however voted down by most, so now I’m working with updating everything else to brighten the space. The kitchen will have a complete remodel- was going with white, however I’m considering black, as well!

I'd leave the railings as they are, I think their style supports it. You'll have enough places to concentrate upon, which will provide beautiful background to existent wood, without changing the character of the house.

IMO the white is too stark for the lake house. I would tone the paint down with some other coordinated color in the home.

See the gray works in your home.

Loving the white, so I don’t want to change the paint color right now. I was afraid the railing painted white would just be too much.

In the process of finishing up painting my staircase which is similar to yours. Just to give you an idea of the look. it's a lot of work but I am happy with the look! my home loans towards contemporary.

Let me try and post the pics again....

we are using accessible beige. the pic is just the primer!

If you want to lighten up no black kitchen for sure and I would also stay away from beige and that particular one has a pink undertone that might not be attractive in that space.

I love your white railing- looks so fresh and completely changed the look.

This...your beautiful lake home needs this.
https://www.houzz.com/photos/redwood-city-staircase-modern-staircase-san-francisco-phvw-vp~143166588

Yep, the wire railing system is a good alternative if you have the $$$

I think it works fine as is. Very lakey. I'd spend the money completely redoing the kitchen.

i also dont think white is the best color for a lake house. A lake house should have a bit more of a beachy look, to feel like it is a lake house. I wouldnt paint the railings. They are beautiful just as they are.

Thank you for all of the great suggestions! Our Lake house is on the Northern Canadian Border. There is no beach and unfortunately, not a lot of sun! We both work very high stress jobs, so it is important for us to have a serene and clutter free environment. Our original home is full of color so we opted for simple, clean, white and basic. So far loving it! I love the railing ideas-def going to plan on the wired upgrade. Now on to the kitchen! Thank you all!