Please post a color photo.

Oh wait! It is a color photo! But since everything (even the dog!) except the red plant is either black, white, or gray, that's what's making the place look drab to me.

Some visual inspro

As commented above, everything is gray (other than your plant) = cold and uninviting. You don't have to incur the cost of repainting all of your interior walls (although that would have a huge impact) - you can add color + wood tones + more plants to warm up the space + make it more interesting.

Are those columns/pillars load bearing? I think removing them would be an improvement. I definitely would not paint them - making them stand out more would not help (it would actually be a detriment to improving the look of the entry).

Do you have any other arches in your home? If not, it makes zero sense to have this opening arched.

I would see if that opening could be opened up more - as shown in red below:

I assume that the wall is probably load bearing. If it is, you still could have the pillars and bases removed and square out the doorway. It just needs to have the header done correctly in order to support the load. Also, you'd need a professional to determine how large the opening can be without causing an issue re: the load it supports.

I think changing the opening + adding more items to counter the gray walls is a better way to spend your $ vs. replacing your current railing with a white or black metal railing.

although it looks like you are decorating in a mono chromatic gray tone look, with the living room too, You can add an interesting patterned runner at the entry. (gray tones but a pattern)

I would paint just the spindles in black. if you are keeping the mirror, lower it a bit, centered at eye level.

You'd be hard pressed to change the spindles to metal without having to re-do the baluster and top plate. You also have to look at how far apart the spindles are currently. 4" between spindles is maximum allowed by code and going to a narrower metal may change that. The mirror, while very modern, also adds to the cold feeling of the foyer. I'd replace it with some modern art and find a runner that brings in some color or pattern.

A different front door would definitely make it feel more modern but I have no idea whether or not that is in your budget.

sorry, but that entire space looks like a drab, winter day! it's where color went to die!

even the dog looks over it!

plain rug, beige, neutral art over the dark sofa, gray walls, dark tables, etc.

where to start.

Front door, I'd either paint that door, bold, or better yet, get a door w/a center glass that goes better w/the other doors

staircase.

if you like the railing, great. do the treads too

or, take up carpt, paint railings black, do wood treads.

if you like more modern, here's the railing w/darker treads, (you'd get a diff runner) change light, hang some black/white art, and go for a bolder color

an area rug that ties all of those color together w/a modern fling to it. it's cowhide in a chevron

here's that rug w/Black Onyx and Swiss Coffee

or, look for a shallow, small console to fit this spot, a diff light, and paint, new runner

not suggesting this turquoise, just showing something w/a bolder color,

maybe a coastal blue on the wall, or paint the doors a contrast color,

new light, and runner

Or try a mirror and a ledge of some type:

something like this, w/art above.

here's are some blue/gray combos w/diff rug choices.

imagine these colors in this room,

with some greenery

pillows

and some throws for color/texture and pattern

a diff area rug, a wood table, black metal, accessorize,,

I can't see the rest of the room so I have no idea what else is there

tv console

leather chair to add some warmth

I love leather w/dark, charcoal, texture/art.

black and white w/the gray

that blue from above w/warm wood and greenery looks amazing

Or, go lighter.

Am unsure if the original photo is black and white or if that is your actual color scheme. Introduction of color would probably go a long way toward breathing life into the space.

some ideas. Sorry chatGPT removed your front door when I tried to paint the arch and columns. I kinda like them painted. Add some texture with baskets somewhere.

For the cost of repairing and adding black metal spindles (not white!) the effect won’t be worth it. If anything, add a more modern design.

Depending on your budget, a more cost effective/still impactful change is just painting all black. If ok with losing the carpet, suggest removing and staining treads to match flooring.

Maybe consider the bigger picture at some point and a black door, new accessories and rug will help tie in the new staircase

The OP wrote: ...looking to modernize small drab entryway..." Today's modern looks are often white with more natural wood than black accents. Gray has passed its peak in many areas. You can get a more modern look for your entry by painting it white and adding some natural wood accents and colorful artwork. A wood bowl of colorful new dog toys would liven things up.

BTW, February and March are months when Houzz posts often mention dull, drab or gloomy rooms. In April and May, people notice longer days and flowers blooming.

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All advisors have points worth contemplating.
Your current white staircase looks solid and substantial...not worth changing.
I would consider removing the winky wonky mirror thingy...the reflection it gives can be unsettling,disorienting and even nightmarish.
Replace it with a soft soothing textile,so you do not feel confronted while descending the stairs.
Put a more colorful rug in front of the door.
Replace the monochromatic painting with something more lively.
Also,consider outfitting your pooch in a colorful knit vest.
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