So you like the iron look? Not too much for my split level?

The metal is more appropriate than the colonial style wood for a modern split level.

If you want to split the different then select straight or tapered wood balusters and a wood rail.

@BeverlyFLADeziner Here are two samples of what neighbors have done. We would have this end post and railings in a grey tone.

Not modern or contemporary in the least. Now you're headed into Mediterranean style. I would not duplicate what a neighbor has.

What are your furnishings and light fixtures? What is your goal?

Back in 2003 when I remodeled my home and tore down the half walls around my staircase, I had these railings installed. All metal railings. But my home was TRADITIONAL!!! and the design of the railing complemented my furnishings. These elements have to work together.

We are more traditional, will have greyish mottled carpet on the stairs and living room and kitchen will be an updated white and grey kitchen, the spindles overlook family room, its an 80s split we are slowly updating.

If you want to update, don’t do gray. That fad is over.

If you just like gray, then ignore the trends.

@littlebug Zone 5 Missouri - the struggle is do we do iron or white spindles? They are so visible so we need to make the right decision. Thanks for your feedback.

A friend did this. He bought the cap and shoes on Etsy.

Please note that there is a slight pattern on the balusters.

Keep the white wood, choose flooring that is not gray and if possible use it on the entire first floor and stairs. A unified flooring looks fresh and clean. The LVP can be used even in the kitchen , bathrooms, laundry room, etc .

grapefruit1_ar - we have installed LVP in all bathrooms and laundry room so we want to continue that throughout except for possibly the family room due to slab and cold in Chicago and living room as well. We will put in kitchen and dining room. Its a dark grey/brown color so we need to work with that. Thank you. I see you would keep the white wood spindles, possibly upgrade to plainer ones.

@J Mig - thank you for the images, our flooring will be slightly darker than that but very similar so this is helpful. I see they have the white wood base and iron spindles.

IMO smae floor everywhere is the best and I love the all metal that Beverly posted . I agree not what the neighbour did. I happen to love gray and IMO a heck of alot more neutral than beige for sure . That piece you show in the first photo is just all wrong I think I wouldo a pony wall type closure there and do a railing on the stair wall

@Patricia Colwell Consulting - Yes that first picture we hate this one off baluster and end cap there, I would prefer nothing there to be honest but will consider the wall. Trying to do a basic upgrade on some things keeping in mind the split concept and being cohesive. Glad you like the grey, walls will be a very soft grey and flooring again darker grey/bit of brown color. Unfortunately we may need to do carpet in living room due to dog and also the cots of LVP on this floor and for noise. Appreciate the feedback.

I had my staircase redone a few years ago in oak wood, and chose black balusters, as I like the traditional look. If you want a more modern look, cloose plain black balusters. My staircase carpenter did a lovely job matching the staircase stain to my Italian porcelain wood look tile flooring. Prior to choosing my new staircase, I used the Houzz website pictures to get ideas for an oak staircase. Best of luck on your journey!

@kculbers- wow that looks beautiful. I see you used the large end caps as well and it does look very nice.