Since it is stain grade already- I would leave it alone. It you are going for a more modern look, then here is an ideabook that I created for my clients- https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/129082810/list/modern-stairs

Your floors are beautiful and classic. They work with everything and every paint color, but secretly I hope you choose something other than gray.

I am leaning towards the roman plaster or grecian ivory. I like gray but love it with darker floors. With these floors, I don't think I am as enamored. That said, I am more of a cool tone person than warm tone. So I am hoping something can be done to hell neutralize the hallway a bit, hence my thought that the banister is a good place to start.

p.s. baseboards are white

I agree, paint the spindles white

I assume the big storage piece in the entry will go with the movers, leaving that wall empty. Once you have done your painting, get a nice rug for between the door and the stairs. Consider a rug runner for the stairs if you are a traditional person or you like “quiet” stars. The rug will bring needed color into the entry and reduce the amount of floor showing. Add art on the walls, and a nice console where the modern storage piece stood. You are fortunate the floors seem to be in good condition.

Depending on the grey, the walls could clash with the woodwork.

I like the idea that stine suggested - white risers, white bannister and think about a black railing. I also think that greys will clash with your floors.

I agree with the suggestions for white spindles and risers with a black banister. I like a low pile runner for the staircase. It helps to prevent slipping and add color.

Agree with white risers and spindles - it will really pop! If it were me, I would leave the railing colour since it already works with the treads & floor (I'm not a huge fan of contrasting railing/tread). If you do want to make a change to the railing, look at putting a post to replace the current "birdcage". If you have a pro come in to do the risers/spindles, you may need to make this change anyway (and possibly replace all the spindles if not correct height!) to meet your area's current codes. Yes, speaking from experience... ;-)

We had the same issue in our 1990s vacation home. We painted the banister black and the newell posts, balusters, and stair risers white to offset the wood. I would have liked to re stain the floors but didn’t want the expense or the inconvenience. We’re also installing a sea grass lookalike runner with a black border to replace the one that’s been there for about 20 years!

Beautiful floors , depending on your style ...modern or traditional ...the only thing I would change are the spindles ...if you like a modern look . You need to change the spindles ...otherwise just paint as suggested above ....enjoy your beautiful new house ...and remember to live in a new place for a few months to see what you like to change ...

I personally like the wood color and stairs, it’s a warmer version of the farmhouse style that is everywhere now. I would add a colorful runner up the stairs to break up all the wood, but if you’re looking for a more dramatic change the bloggers Chris Loves Julia just changed out their railing and it looks great.

Young House Love had a similar look on their staircase. They redid some things to update the look and it turned out so well. They used a very dark gel stain on the banister instead of black. You might get an idea or two from them.

https://www.younghouselove.com/stairs-and-stripes/

I don't like either color with your floors. Too dark.

With the colors shown below, you will obviously be able to add a bright white for trim and stair risers

Congratulations on your new home. These spindles were white and I painted them a brownish black.

Thanks for all of the advice, everybody. i am now rethinking paint colors (leaning towards benjamin moore pale oak on the walls and behr swiss coffee as trim, and using swiss coffee on the spindles and risers. The jury is still put on if I stain the top banister a darker color After spending a couple of days on design blogs I want light and bright in this home!

I can't wait to go in and put of some posterboard swatches and see how it looks.

I would suggest BM white dove for all trims. It is a great neutral, not too white, not too creamy.

and agree paint the spindles and risers

Adding black details will be a great way to balance out your woods. I would paint risers SW Extra White, railing and inside of front door SW Tricorn Black in satin finish and walls in an offwhite possibly Alabaster. You will need to drop sample boards to assess color in your light. I would add fun runner to stairs in supporting colors.

Do not “drop”

Was going to suggest as OP recommending to paint railing black and white walls. However, looking at the beautiful staircase I thought Peppercorn by SW would be beautiful with the wood. Would like to see the foyer from different perspectives to see the entire space. Artwork pops on this wall color and really is a neutral and a gray that is elegant and inviting with woods. Order a sample large enough to get an idea or paint different walls to see the color at different times of daylight and night to view color. Not sure the direction your home will be decorated but this would be stunning if the color worked. Or even just the door or accent wall painted in this color would be elegant The door painted black or white would also work. Congrats on the new home. Keep us posted on your updates.

Much depends on your family situation and what your design style will be in this home. Traditional styling leans toward certain looks and contemporary leans to others, so these elements need to be taken into consideration. Here are some "looks" to consider. You can also set up an "ideabook" here on Houzz and go through various "searches" to save photos that appeal to you to help you hone in on the right approach for your family.

Traditional Entry · More Info

Entry Halls & Main Stairs · More Info

Stair Runners by Carpet to Go · More Info

Flo’s second photo is the image I had in my head, as is Diana’s. The dark banister will contrast the floors well, as would a runner. But that will be after you do the walls, bannister, risers, whatever painting. But start looking for a fun runner!