Congratulations on removing the carpet and tile!!!!

I would not paint anything white.

If you want to paint the trim, I think painting it the same color as the wall would be a major update.

Does budget allow for replacing the posts to a simple wrought iron to compliment the spindles?

At the very least, I would remove the knobs on top, sand and paint them black.

I would repaint all the trim in the entry/foyer to match the wall color... even lighten the whole space with a few shades fresher.

The trim is too spindly to be such a contrast in color.

Thanks for responding. No, we can't replace the posts. I did talk to the contractor about sawing the finials off but no guarantee about the outcome. The entire house has the same color trim, base boards, crown moulding, door frames, stair stringers, etc and with an open floor plan I'm trying to keep the colors as consistent as possible. Would love to repaint the walls in the near future though.

Just figured out what the part of the stairs is called that I am trying to figure out how to handle. "False Tread and Riser Caps are used to give the appearance of Solid Treads with a carpet runner going up the center of the staircase but without the expense. There are a couple basic types of Tread and Riser Caps, Tread End Caps (or Open Tread Caps) and Tread Wall Caps (or Closed Tread Caps). Tread End Caps go on the open side of a stair typically where the balusters will be. Tread Wall Caps go on the closed side of the stairway against the wall."

Has anybody encountered these in your staircase update?

I agree the trim is not something to highlight anywhere I can see. In fact IMO that all needed to be replaced with a new simple trim . The staircase is a whole other matter some ones idea of fancy and poorly done. Of course you can replace the posts sawing off the at topper is easy and even replacing that with a square one would be better .. In a perfect world those treads would all be stripped and made to match the new floor the carpet of course removed if the treads are nice wood then maybe arunner maybe not it depends on your style I don't usually like runners . All that wood stripped and stained to match the new floor would be my choice and those round post toppers replaced with square ones . Get an actual contractor that does stairs if your guy can't figure out how to do this .

Thanks for your suggestions. I think it's time to get a quote on replacing the handrail and balusters, and removing those false treads!

Got a no go on replacing the staircase. As a compromise it sounds like I should downplay the trim by painting the same color as walls. I guess that would mean painting the false treads the same color also. Definitely not ideal but trying to make the best out of the situation. Also I'm not sure if cutting off the finial is worth the effort since the rest of the post is curvy and outdated. I'm wondering if I should stain the handrail, posts and first step ebony along with the front door or paint another color like black?