I would leave them as is and add a runner. I always wondered if steps without a runner get scuffed up over time? My only input is it appears your wood floor stain and stair stain is off a bit - so that draws your eye to the staircase as being a bit "off". I don't think painting the risers white will fix that and while I liked the pictures of the black risers posted, I don't think they will go in your house with the white trim. Your metal railings look bronze? Not black so that's why I don't think black risers will work. I suggest a carpet runner - I love a textured carpet as a stair runner or even an oriental type design.

We agreed to restain the floors to bring the shade closer to the stairs color. We will do 50% Jacobean with 50 ebony, which will tone down the very brown floor. As for risers they will get painted white. Today is a better day. I am not used to rift quarter sawn, but replacing 2000 sq ft of floor is not an option. Hopefully, it will grow on me. Maybe with the darker stain I won't mind it as much. The stairs steps is very zebra looking, but by painting the risers white that too shall tone down a bit. Is it true that the second coat of stain doesn't get absorbed as much as the initial coat. I don't want a black floor. Has anyone done the 50/50 mix?

Stain the newel the same colour as the rail and call it done. You'll need a few scraps of red oak so that you can mix your stain to match. If you're not comfortable doing that, hire someone. It should not be an expensive job.

Lisa not sure who you were asking but I would leave the stair treads and railing wood, and paint the balusters, and risers white. Really up to you on the stringers, if it were me I would leave them unpainted, see how I liked it, and if I didn't I would paint.