There's a pre finished product called DecoWood, aluminium substrate with a wood look finish. This is from the web... The advantages of using DecoWood™ cladding instead of timber include: Easy installation: aluminium is lighter than timber and therefore easier to manoeuvre in the installation process Low Maintenance: aluminium never requires painting or staining like timber does, saving time and money Durability: DecoWood™ aluminium is more durable and dimensionally stable than timber meaning no warping, twisting, splitting or rotting like timber. Plus, it won’t need to be replaced as often. DecoWood™ is a powder coated wood grain finish based on photographic images of real timber. It has been tested for its durability in international extreme exposure locations where intense UV radiation, salt spray and industrial pollutants combine to create the worst possible conditions, and complies with all relevant Australian and international standards.

wow I love all these suggestions. I was going to suggest a grasscloth wallpaper, because it has wonderful texture. But I'm quite taken with the shelves idea now.

I really like the pic that LesleyH posted. The wooden rail will be 'warmer' to the touch too, show less dirt and tie is with the stairs beautifully.....I thin it will 'ground' the whole look because, if I remember rightly, the stairs and front door are the only wooden features and the rest is a lot of very modern light grey/white/shiny features. I think another touch of warmth in the wood will be beautiful.

Go for option C, possibly with a dark timber for contrast and drama. If it is slightly different it will look slightly off and annoy you forever. However I would be asking the question "why it is not available for stairs?". Stair treads get heavy use so you need a durable timber. If there is a question over the durability of Whian Whian Blackbutt for stair treads then maybe you should reconsider it for the rest of your floor? Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls