Idk what the rest of the house looks like. I don't mind the look though.

I would do some glass panels I find all those uprights a bit prison feeling and please get that TV off that mantel in fact I would not have a mantel at all

You might prefer wrought iron posts in there. Any staircase website can give you ideas.

Thanks for the feedback! We have added steel panels to the fireplace & a different mantle to replace existing. Wish I would have thought to leave mantel out but steel has been cut around it. Would you leave all of the structural beams painted white? Thanks again!

Maybe do the wire banister. In between the white. I’m not explaining it properly I’m going to try to show you what I’m talking about in a picture. I just think it’ll make it feel less cluttered and old

This kinda idea

And in white...