First of all your not redoing that now.
Second I think it looks fine. Maybe wouldn’t have been my first choice but it looks good now.
I think the black wall is accentuating it tho.

Thank you, we had the railing installed 2 days ago and have regretted our design choice - and are absolutely willing to re-do to get the right "look" - but now am unsure what that might be! I appreciate your feedback!

Honestly think it looks good and fits the space. The horizontal elements are thicker than usual (often see similar ones done with wire and turnbuckles), but they work. Live with it awhile- it may just be the change that’s making it feel off.

Thank you, I appreciate your comments! it is true we had taken down the wall that was the original "railing" and lived without a railing for about 2 months - so I'm thinking it could partly be the shock of suddenly having the rail there when there was none that is throwing me off. I did think of seeing if we could change the horizontal tubing with cable wire like you mentioned. But the posts still seem like cedar fence posts to me... :(

There are several ways to install a newel, zipbolts, lateral fixture, rod that exits the top of the newel. It may be possible to replace the newels.