Sorry were you wanting the risers to stay white?? Can I suggest a rethink? My chippy son just did the same on a reno at the client's insistence. Toe kicking's right - in the space of the half hour first open for inspection EVERY single step horribly marked. Had to get down with a scourer and scrub every step. Imagine having to do that!! He's suggesting retouching with polyurethane as dohraime suggested

Japan black the stairs and paint all white except for the gal angle. Actually I cheated with the Japan black. I made a black stain from water based black interior paint. 50/50 water and paint. Just like the karate kid - I wiped on and wiped off :) I used one rag to wipe the stain on and another to immediately wipe it off. I then I painted on 5 coats of modified tung oil. They look sensational. Pictures dont do my stairs any justice at all. Part way through staining Stained: Painted white: With hand rails: Ignore the landings. They are about to stained and tung oiled very shortly

Thanks everyone for some terrific ideas. Could I ask annb1997 if you meant painting the stairs a dark colour or the walls? The stairs are timber but they are not a particularly nice colour, that is why I thought Jap blacking them would look dramatic and contrast with the main white wall. I agree that the other walls need repainting or perhaps a dramatic wall paper but with so much to choose from its all overwhelming.

Don't box your stairs in, as it will close in the space. You do need to address the balustrade as it doesn't comply with the current regulations and actually looks a bit flimsy - painting it will not improve the safety aspect so don' even bother. Steel stringer stairs are most certainly not cheap, and are often used in high end architect designed houses. I would consider refinishing the timber stair treads by sanding them back and applying a tough, clear, timber floor finish, possibly in a satin or matt before you install a new balustrade. The only thing that could do with a paint is the existing steel, possibly in a matt black. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls