When weather permits consider painting your railing a darker color - maybe an ebony or espresso.

I would paint the railing first and then regroup. If anything I would think about painting the Riser but not without First painting the railing. Man on, that's a great inspiration picture for the side lights and I love the suggestion about the shoe holder.

Vargo Staircase · More Info

You could always paint the risers dark to create contrast.

JJ, you really need a landing zone w/some storage. is there where everyone comes in and drops everything? What do you think about doing a tall storage bench with a panel to hang backpacks and such? Can you guys DIY at all? look at this white one

you could do baskets below, or build in doors or cubbies.

you could do your risers in white, but I'd leave the treads as is since it matches your flooring. Down the road if you ever redo your wood floors, you can go a bit darker and have the treads done then. like this:

The railing. to redo, take some steel wool or other sand paper and give it a quick go over to remove any flakes or chips. Spray with a new white shade, or try Rustoleum 'Dark Walnut" color. it's similar to an Espresso.

However, the railing would prob be the first thing I'd save for and redo. Shouldn't be too much since the pieces are rather small. check out some prices.

Can you do something like,

I don't think it's too much to have the espresso railings along with your espresso cabinets in the kitchen.

If you can't do the plantation shutters that Manon Floreat suggested, then think about privacy window film for the sides of your door.

The dark lines running across. How can i get this look

Storage wise I here are some thin ideas.

JJ, in that stair picture, the dark lines are just the grooves between the shiplap or Tongue and Groove panels.