Both pictures look the same to me. Ask for opinio0ns as many people (myself included) do not vote on polls.

I think I need to see the stairwell as it is now . #1 seems very odd and #2 I really do not see what is being done

Are these the same photos? I can't discern a difference in the two balustrades.

I’m

The original unmodified and current pictures are above.

The stair railing remains the same. Just looking to figure out the spindle and wall cutout

Option 1 picture and option 2 pictures, look exactly the same to me.

Looks where the spindles meet the wall and you will see the difference the OP is talking about

Here’s what option 2. Trim up the wall

Here’s what is different about option 2

Here's an easier way to see the two options. Everything is the same except for the way the railing dies into the wall.

I guess you just have to decide how much natural light you want on your steps.

I like having a more open staircase - more light = good (unless you need the wall in the attached room to be longer for some reason).

I would do what PPF has drawn with the handrail dying into the Wall not the ceiling