I've painted the tile and frame on a drop basment ceiling and it looked like a new ceiling . Take down the tile to paint them. Don't forget to number them and put them back in the same spot. Even though they are the same size over time they do expand /contract and conform to the space they are in. Otherwise it is like putting back a jigsaw puzzle. Been there done it and it wasn't fun finding out what fit where.

There are many ceiling tiles available on the market today, they come in many finishes, styles, profile details, etc. They also have strips that snap onto existing tracks and it looks beautiful.

Any ideas for a better looking railing on the wall? I need something sturdy but don’t like the look of the wood. Thank you!

My sister purchased a home with a suspended ceiling, the metal grid was black. She painted it white and painted all the tiles (or did she replace them??) I think she used a primer then paint. Anyway it looks good still 15 years later. She was going to have drywall, which would give more height to the ceiling but I talked her out of it. She has ok height, it wasn't a really low ceiling to begin with.

Use wrought iron as on the other side.

Note, however, the existing railing very likely doesn't meet your building code. Too much space between the balusters (vertical bars). See here. And maybe even too little space between the handrails on either side. See here.