I think it looks good as it is- I am typically all for painting oak but yours is a nice color.

Thank you

I find it too dark and grainy.

I wouldn't touch that. It has a very cool vibe, and seems to complement the other elements in the adjoining space beautifully. I think painting it would be a mistake.

Open treads scare me, but I really like the current stain.

I'd leave it as is. It suits the house.

We just bought a townhouse that has a very similar style staircase. About half of the people with this model painted the living room beams and the staircase white. I don't like that look at all and much prefer to see the natural wood. I too think it gives a much more contemporary vibe than painted white.

An iron rail and balusters would lighten it up considerably.

Julieste, do you have a picture you can share with the stairs and beams painted white? I’d appreciate being able to see this if possible.

Thank you everyone for comments. Does anyone have a picture of a similar type of staircase that’s been painted?

The only thing I found that's anything near yours is this, and I think the white paint is totally pedestrian and a big yawn compared to what you have. Seriously - embrace that beautiful, grained wood. It's way cool!

Thank you Ida Claire. I agree that what we have is better than this. Thank you for finding and sharing this picture.