Thank you for your vote of confidence. I will take into consideration your suggestion. That’s what my husband said as well; “After 3 months, if I still don’t like it, then you can paint it”. Time to think ..

IMO the spindles and risers in white would be better but I garee wait before doing anything else.I am wondering why you have a walnut island which is a very beutiful natural wood and then you stained it , that makes no sense to me.

Thanks curlycook and threers. You both gave me sound and practical advice and suggestions. No artwork yet. Still waiting to move back home. This project has surpassed its timeline and patience; especially for my DH. He is getting tired and restless to go back. Kids are having fun at papous’ (Greek for grandpa) house.

Hi Patricia, thanks for the advise. I stained the natural dark walnut since I saw it it at the cabinetmakers showroom and it looked beautiful. I didn’t know better..

Thanks Diane for the suggestion. My best friend Jojo, gave me the same exact advice.

Seriously? I love it. So elegant. Keep decor simple, clean and peaceful.

Huge improvement, it looks great. I do not think you need to paint anything. I have painted risers which need to be painted somewhat frequently to look fresh. It is just a big change that you need to get use to.

Thanks for your honesty. When I was trying to get some inspirational ideas through Houzz or Decorpad, most of my searches would lead me to pics where the stairs had white spindles and risers. They seem more elegant and stately. However, as mentioned in my earlier comments, my DH definitely prefers stained stairs vs paint. He thinks it’s blasphemy to paint wood. Any case, maybe in time I will grow on me.

Thank you all for your support. It is truly appreciated. Sinerely

Well, you know those old Spanish homes that are so cool? I lived in Santa Barbara and believe me, it definitely looks like that Santa Barbara style Mediterranean look. One of the most beautiful looks in my humble opinion!

So beautiful! Imo, if you paint the risers then you need to do the skirt. I would not.

If you really need to paint...do the balusters only. It will be just enough. But take care. My dd did this and the color is bleeding through the paint on the balusters.

Paint the spindles and risers white or paint only the spindles and put a runner on the steps. A good polish on the handrail will help the look as well

I've never seen Jacobean stain look good on flat-sawn wood or veneer, as your risers are. The grain is just too wild. Quartersawn wood looks okay, but Jacobean is really tricky (and IMHO, doesn't ever look real).

I like the stain color on the treads, newel post and banister, but the most classic look is for the balusters (spindles), risers and skirting to be white.

I'm guessing that you haven't put your top coat of poly on yet, and that may make a difference in the way you feel about it.

Hi Marylut, I think it’s both. I called the company to correct at least the flat finish. I do agree with you that its flat. It does require to be buffed and a second coat of varnish. The first coat that was applied was satin, so maybe it needs to be gloss instead. Thanks again for your comment and input.

No to high gloss--satin or semi-gloss looks best IMHO.

It looks really flat. Does it need another coat of stain?

Get a new chandelier to take your attention off the staircase. It looks fabulous, really.

Hi Diana, and all, thanks for your recent comments. The company has given me one coat of a satin gloss. And it does look flat to me as well. However, it does not show that a satin gloss was applied..

IMHO as a client its up to the us to find a solution when the project is not exactly as envisioned. The sample stain is not enough to determine when applied on a whole area, such as floors or stairs in my case. These issues need to be accountable by the professional experts by purposing solutions or suggestion to their client on how to resolve them.

I appreciate everyone comments, however, it is getting more confusing on whether to use high gloss or not. sigh!

The sheen of the stairs should be similar to the sheen on the other flooring. We really can't see much of your floors since they're covered with paper. High gloss would call more attention to the stairs.

If you paint the risers white you will see scuff marks. It looks incredibly elegant. Move on to another project.

Paint the risers white and add a low-pile runner. You won't get scuff marks. Or don't paint them, but still add a runner. Runners not only add softness and elegance, but they are a safety factor--bare wood on stairs is very dangerous, especially with children and the elderly.

As far as it looking "flat" I like it. It looks like authentic wood, with an oil finish. So classy!

BTW, there is a difference between "satin" and "semi-gloss." Satin is less shiny, semi-gloss more shiny still, and high gloss the shiniest. I would never do high gloss on residential floors.

But really, don't do another coat of stain--you will lose the look of the grain, and it will be way too dark.

If you are doing poly, and want a satin finish, make the first 2 coats gloss and the last coat satin. gloss is much tougher than satin and wears better (protects the wood better).

I would consider a runner just for safety's sake. Wood stairs, as stated, can be very dangerous.

Thanks Deanna for your comments. I seriously considering a light runner. A very very light one. Thanks again to all and for your continued support.

I would not paint anything. It looks beautiful. Maybe a runner because it feels good and is quieter. Paint will cheapen the look IMO.

I think you should paint the spindles to bring them out of hiding and get a runner so the whole stairway won't look so dark.

Until you have a polyurethane seal on it, you won't see the beauty of it. The light will dance off of it. It is a great stain job! NO streaks or runs of stain.. Very expert work.

Yes, tatts is correct about using high gloss first, then finishing it off with satin. My flooring contractor did that and not only does the wood kitchen floor look great, it wears great as well!

I think it's beautiful. However, a runner may just do the trick for you :0)

Not a Pro.

I love your staircase!

I am not a fan of runners, I know crazy, but I am not. I would put everything in place first, large art, etc. that bring color from the other rooms to that space and then decide if you if you need a runner.

I would not paint your spindles or risers.

It looks beautiful! I would give it time as well! You're probably just not used to it yet. I agree with njmomma. Definitely, would not paint the spindles and risers.

Its gorgeous! So much better than the before pic. If you don't love it in a few months you can always add a runner (which might be a good idea for safety anyway.) I think you just need time to adjust. It looks timeless and classic.

It’s May 2020..I just came upon this.. With the exception of maybe using a matte or satin poly..I truly hope you left it ..it’s Gorgeous!

Hi Jccalabrese, thank you for your compliment. Yes it did leave it and used 20% finish. After, a few days and filling the home with added layers such as, lighting and pictures, it looks great. Thanks again.