My thoughts are: Paint the stair in a Matt Black (As per Tilly above), Definitely look to remove the carpet from the steps. The carpet spoils these beautiful treads. Is this brickwork all through the house? If so, then probably quite an expensive exercise to paint. If there is only a small amount of brickwork, then to paint it would radically change the appearance of the space. Perhaps also a grey toned carpet would work well.

Post in design dilemma

Well I know you want to be true to the house & reuse what you can but I would probably go with a more modern style like the stainless wire and timber top rail rather than dowels or timber for the infill. Be mindful of building code for the infill as horizontal is climbable and has to be very close together. There is so much upkeep in timber & if you go with the vertical metal rod look with the timber top plate maybe...? I am not an expert on any era or style though I know you will have a preference in mind & I would go with that. Look at the big picture of how your house will look with a change of paint (are you painting the house?) & for me it was about making the 25 year old house more contemporary. We love it!

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