oh, shoot :(
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http://lh3.ggpht.com/_BfdZDOtQIw0/TGRPWPdGJQI/AAAAAAAAW7o/K16CHQXJc78/s400/floor%20and%20stair%20rail%20002.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_BfdZDOtQIw0/TGRPWUma33I/AAAAAAAAW7w/zI_rVUG5Nz0/s400/floor%20and%20stair%20rail%20003.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_BfdZDOtQIw0/TGRPWv6kXoI/AAAAAAAAW74/LFsIdnKVVmc/s400/floor%20and%20stair%20rail%20004.JPG

Unmatched woods aren't necessarily bad. Once you get your area rug down and furniture in, and live with it for a few months, you might not even notice. You can paint the trim later if you think it still needs to be, but I think the handrail will simply "disappear".

I think it looks fine.

If it bothers you after living with it, it would be completely appropriate to paint the risers and the skirt board (up the outside the the stairs) to match the other trim and keep the treads and handrail stained. Its just another way to do it, and it would remove the direct comparison of having the two woods touch.

Changing the finish on the hand rail is not too difficult. You need to remove the varnish and stain that's there now. A small elec. sander and hand-sanding will do. Apply new stain/paint and then varnish. You can use wipe-on poly. It's really not a crazy undertaking, and stain would actually be easier. IMO. Then, if you're removing the carpet, I would paint the risers and skirt to match spindles.
That said, I don't think it looks bad. Once you put your furnishings & accessories, you may like it as is.

Ever have some really expensive work done on your house and then have a sinking feeling as the workers are walking out the door? I started moving furniture and things back into place and it doesn't look as bad to me now. I think it was just the initial shock after the installers left (and writing out that check. Holy cow). I think I will probably paint the wood along the risers that hangs over the entry way, if that makes sense. Eventually, I might sand and restain the handrail as Paintergirl94 suggested. I looked at the handrail and you're right. Shouldn't be tooooooo hard. (Paintergirl from GI? It's me Katedecorate!)

I was picturing a horrible mess. I think it looks good as is. If you do decide to move the carpet, I agree I'd paint the risers and skirt to match the spindles.

I think it looks fine and different woods are fine. The bannister definitely doesn't need to be altered, imho(it would be a lot of mess and effort for something that I think looks fine as is). If you live with it and still don't like it after a few months, try just painting that lower rounded riser of the bottom step where the stair meets the floor (only the rounded part of the riser, not the tread part). Painting the skirt board as well is an option as palimpsest suggested.

You know what? When in doubt, I consult my leader, Mary Carol Garrity. hee! Looks like her apron thingie is painted to match the white trim:
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karin4467/Katedecorate - I don't think paintergirl and paintergal are the same person - if I remember right paintergal goes by a different name here but I can't remember what!

I know that sinking feeling - only too well. But I'm generally to afraid to say my disappointment out loud and figure I have to put on a brave front - like I INTENDED for things to be that way! But your situation is not a huge problem to my eye. I certainly wouldn't bother messing with the handrail at all. As has been said, paint on that rounded riser and skirt board will tie it all in.

GI Deb

I encourage you to live with it for awhile before you decide on anything. I had the same situation in carpet against my marble when I built 14 years ago but I lived with it until just last year when I tore out the carpet and got laminate.

I would hate to see you paint the stained wood on your stairs. I think the balance is striking against the white and once it's painted it is VERY difficult to go back. As suggested, when you replace the carpet, that would be the time to use get a closer match to flooring which I agree would look nicer. Since the floor appears darker, a good sanding on the rail and stairs with medium grit paper would remove the varnish/poly and some stain and you could then darken it to match the flooring.

Until then, consider adding some accents that bring out the golden oak color and "justify" that wood color in the foyer. Perhaps a small table or bench or anything that compliments the color of the stairs. Over time, I can assure you that it will become less predominant (as you have found) and your eye will focus more on the total impression. Also, you could provide a more spectacular focal piece in that area that draws the eye in a different direction.

JMHO.

Nope, not the same. Sorry.