You could do something like this:

Roof top Contemporary · More Info

Or this:

Color Trends 2021 · More Info

Can you open both sides.

Yes, opening it up and putting wrought irom railings will brighten up that dark staircase area and will look better too.

@houssaon Thank you for the picture ideas! I especially like the top one.

@shaunnebblett No I cannot open the other side as that is our bathroom wall.

@Joseph Corlett, LLC Do you mind elaborating on the cost?

@OTM Designs & Remodeling Inc. Thank you for your input. We think that column is load bearing. Do you think there is still a way to have the wrought iron but have a load bearing column that's low profile?

Before I went into the sink replacement business full time, I used to do stairs and hand railing. I loved the work, but I stopped bidding the jobs because no one would pay and I wouldn't lower my standards. The guy you need to do this is very talented and in very high demand right now. Some GC has probably got a lock on him. You're going to have to lure him away and that's going to be tough for a onesie.

In reply to grioux: Yes, I know, that's why I added the 3 models on the right...

The first 2 in the above photos would not meet code in some areas.

Horizontal rails create a climbing hazard so function first please!! Not sure why JC LLC thinks this is such a difficult job. You will be pleased when it is done.

I think the point was that it takes a finish carpenter, not just any handyman, to get stairs and such right, and those can come with a higher price tag than a lot of other projects and be somewhat harder to nab, as the good ones are often taken (too busy to snag). So I don't think he's saying it's a difficult job as stairs go, just a specialist job because it's stairs, with a specialist price tag to go with that.

i don't know the intricacies of why stairs are hard, though I've seen it mentioned plenty, but I definitely know that not all carpenters are created equal ... make sure you get a good one that doesn't try to take shortcuts or hide things. If they seem nervous about something, you should be even more nervous about that and probably looking for someone who isn't.

As a consumer I can tell you Without a doubt Joseph Corlette and BlueberryBundtCake are correct. I have existing railings that are classic 1990s “contractor” grade railings. For 4, 5 foot spans to re-do the railings into something more modern (just wood) our carpenter (highly skilled) quoted $4500 and a four month wait to get in the book. (No load bearing stuff to finagle) I decided to put that project on the back burner for now and use the money for new hardwood which is much more of a need given my current floors.

Clarification (can’t figure out how to edit in the phone) my job was for a redo of hand rail, base, spindles- everything.

Thank you everyone for your input! I certainly have learned a lot from all of you. The stairs most definitely were not on our top priority list. Thank you all for helping me count the cost and have a realistic expectation for this area of our house. Greatly appreciated!