White risers, dark treads, white balusters and dark newel post and banister.

Here are the other photos that I thought I attached!

For sure paint the risers and the stair stringers to the right as well. Are you floors laminate? Do you have this oak stained like this any where else in the vicinity, because i don't see it anywhere else.

Yep, I agree. A white and grey combo would work well.

The floors are actually tile. They are a white-wash wood look tile. That oak is no where else to be seen in my apt which is why the staircase sticks out like a sore thumb.

I like the idea of painting the risers and balusters white. I think it will brighten things up a bit. What kind of grey would you use and where? Just the posts and handrail?

Could you sand the treads down and then stain them a soft shade of grey? It is lots of work but then they wouldn't stand out like they do now. You will have to put several coats of sealer on it.

I'd paint the newell post, treads, and , hand rail in grey and the pickets and risers in white. Consider Ben Moore Stone 2112-40 with my favourite Timid White OC 39.

I'm having a look at my color chart right now. I think grey is definitely a contender. I like the color grey that you suggested however it is very similar to the color of my kitchen cabinets, which are opposite the staircase. Do you think that might come off as too matchy-matchy?

No, but I wouldn't use this colour any more then that.

I personally am one for pops of color. While you have more of a modern style, it IS acceptable to integrate older architectural feel to a modern room by incorporating its original woodwork. I've attached a pic of a room where they've honored the original form of the house but amped it up with color and whimsy. Good luck! :)

It goes without saying that you wouldn't necessarily use coral. Just don't completely limit yourself to neutrals. Instead of "putting up with it", make it the statement of the room--OWN that staircase! ;)

I've seen several staircases like yours painted black and they look fabulous. You could paint the risers, railing and newel post black leaving the steps and pickets stained. You could also paint the pickets. I suggest leaving at least the steps stained.

I have a similar staircase. I painted the risers and stringers and changed the pickets to metal. Cost about $400 and multiple coats of paint which is holding ip well.

Beautiful, was this a DIY?

To Jane
Yes, I did this myself a few months ago. My husband thought I was crazy for painting the Oak but we had so much of it and I wanted the stairs which are right at the front entryway to look more updated. Changing out the pickets was relatively easy and my husband did that part. They were from Home Depot.

rvieira, what a great job! Even just the painting was good, but the new pickets puts it inthe gorgeous category! notroh, you might want to consider this for your condo!

Wow, thanks for all your comments and suggestions! rveira, you did an amazing job with your DIY project. The staircase is almost identical to mine, so I can see what a difference a little paint can make. I started the project today, and am sanding down the railing in preparation for painting. This is alot of work, but I already knew this so I'm not deterred.

One thing I did want to ask those of you who have painted treads, is what finish you use on our treads. I want to avoid a slippery surface if at all possible.

Paint the risers, stain the treads. Just like pattihp said originally, dark stain and white paint, or you could paint the bannister and newel black and stain the treads and paint the ballusters and risers white. You can always add a runner.

Here's an update! Sanding has begun, now it's time to finish it up and start priming. Grrrr...stay tuned

It'll be worth it!

rvieira1966 You did an amazing job....I have been trying to figure out whether to paint my "pine" stringers white....We are doing new carpeting and I wanted to get rid of a little brown. I have ordered the iron balusters and am was just looking for ideas on what it would look like painting the stringers....there's no turning back from that. Great job!

Where are the after pics?