I would get a hold of a stair building company, there should ones locally.

This was a common way of building railings in the '80s - '90s because it was cheap and easy for the builder to do it this way, so there's nothing lost by replacing it. However, stairwork is very expensive because it is difficult, finicky work so be prepared for a big price tag. If you can find someone who specializes in stairs you could bypass a GC. I wouldn't do a floating stair unless you're planning on living in the house a long time because I think it appeals to a minority of buyers. Also, as you said, regular stairs do have the advantage of understair storage. While you're at it, it looks like you need to replace the tile at the foot of the stairs to be completely in modern style. Either slate-look porcelain tile or wood like you have elsewhere would be a good choice.

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The style is contemporary 1970's-1980's, not Craftsman. Talk to a stair pro about changing the railing, but also be aware that you may be required to bring it up to current code if you change anything other than paint.

The railing could look more modern if it were painted black or white. Both would show wear and tear, dust and grime a lot faster than the current wood finish.

If you intend to make your staircase the main attention-getter in the foyer, remove all decorative items and add new lighting to highlight it.

Changing the wallpaper to something contemporary and showy would be an alternative way to introduce a more modern look.

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Thank you both!

Kandrewspa, I've lived with that sad, boring tile for the last 20 years and I am certainly going to replace it as fast as I can when the stairs get redone. The wallpaper too. I've held off because I didn't want to replace the tile and wallpaper and then rip them up again when I did the stairs. The former owner put that tile in when he was dressing the house up for sale. Underneath is some peel and stick flooring. The house was built in 1987--so you are good with your historical construction knowledge.

Definately not Craftsman so do not feel bad about changing it. As for who to call a staircase company to get real help. I am not seeing modern in tyour decor so maybe post some pics of the stairs you think you want. Post here in a comment and also post some pics of the rest of the decor, IMO that art in the staircase is a mess .Post here DO NOT start another post.

You don't seem to know your architectural styles that well, since you though the staircase was Craftsman. What do you mean when you say your house exterior is modern? You might want to show a photo of the exterior, so people aren't showing you photos of staircases that should probably not be in your particular house.

There are so many amazing DIY stair re-do's online if budget is an issue - even just painting everything black and running a bright modern runner up the stair would do wonders for it - do some googling (" DIY stair makeover") and see if you find anything you like

https://designertrapped.com/diy-staircase-makeover-ideas/

Gather lots of pictures of staircases that you love. Put them in your Houzz Idea Book. Then research several staircase companies and carpenters who specialize in staircases. Interview them, look at their portfolios. I had a new oak staircase installed by a wonderful carpenter who specialized in staircases. He previosly worked for a staircase company for years, before branching off in his own. He also worked alone; stated he was the “quality control”. We reviewed all my pictures of my dream staircase, he drew up specific written plans that I signed off on. I got my classic oak staircase. It puts a smile on my face whenever I walk up or down it!! It is not modern like you want; but if you carefully plan, you will get your dream staircase. Best of luck on your journey!!

Actually kind of anti-Craftsman-- the kind of poorly built, not very aesthetically appealing stuff that I remember all too well from '70's vintage condos in California.

A _good_ carpenter or a dedicated stair builder is probably your best shot at getting an appealing result. I'd also bring the stairs up to code whaile you're doing it. It may or may not be rrquired, but is a good idea neverheless. Yours and some of the others pictured here will probably flunk because you can pass a 4" ball between the balusters, the handrails aren't continuous, and the railings are "climbable"-- there are quite a few rules to be considered. A pro stiarbuilder should be able to give you something both code compliant and beautiful.

The first thing to do is measure riser to riser. I think for today‘s code it has to be at least 10 inches. If it’s less, you may not be able to replace the entire staircase to bring it up to code. There may not be enough room to deepen the treads. My 1980s homes had 9” and 9.5” riser to riser, without enough room to expand the staircases into the landings.

I had those stair rails. I hated them. I replaced them. It was a lot of work to figure out everything.

Go ahead and collect pics of staircases that you like that might work in your space. You may be able to figure out how to get there.

Thank you all for sharing your knowledge. Very helpful!

I started reading my state's stair building code, and it appears that my state is somewhat forgiving. For example, relative to riser height, my state permits a maximum height of 8.25" (they increased it from 7.75"). The code then states: "When replacing a stairway in an existing structure, which cannot accommodate the requirements of Section XXX, the stair riser height may be replaced utilizing dimensions that do not exceed the riser height of the original staircase."

I guess the big question is what "cannot accommodate" means.

I was referring to net tread depth, not riser height. Riser height could be an issue too. Tread depth includes the overhang, which needs to be subtracted to get a riser-to-riser measurement. Here is one diagram - look where it says 10” minimum.

Stair code diagram

They didn’t measure riser-to-riser, but it’s the same measurement.

Please post an update when you are ready.

After reading the code requirements, I am a little nervous about tackling this.

You might be able to do something with the sides. Take some time to think about it.

This used to be the kind of stair rails and side you have.

The newel posts and handrails support most of the weight. I think it has to hold up to 200 pounds of pressure. So you need to figure out the structure and the hardware. Then choose your balusters, trim it out, clean and paint.

Those boards on the sides may be able to be removed easily. You may find just a simple stud wall underneath.

It’s worth the trouble, but figure it out before you start. Look at the bottom side of the stairs if you have access to it somewhere.

Take your time. You only have to work on it when it irritates you. (Been there.) If you have other trim projects to work on, those will help build confidence for this one.

You may be able to find a stair specialist to build it for you, but it helps to know what you want and have inspiration pics to show them. A skilled carpenter experienced in this type of project will likely do a more precise job than a first-time DIYer.

agree w/above.

Heres a before and after that was pretty cheap to do, keeping the main wood railing

After. (it could also be painted)

Personally I'd change out everything, but this is just an option^

Have no idea what your plans are for the flooring or the stair treads, but instead of doing just the railing now, wait until you can redo everything. You mentioned redoing the tile, so get that picked out first (will you be doing tile, wood, or LVP?) You'll want to coordinate the stairs/treads w/whatever you choose.

prob the cheapest would be something like this

the iron ballusters you can buy at HD or lowes. paint the treads/risers and the surrounding wood

I like the square ballusters and natural wood treads, painted risers. you could do a nice engineered oak flooring, or an LVP if you must.

If you like all white w/natural wood treads, here ya go:

I like the black railing w/the wood

Sisal runner, newel posts, oak railing

This is LVP flooring and stairs. wrought iron railing

how about this one?

Paint all the wood, replace the main supports and railing and do a cable

Our staircase railing and banister were absolutely not to code in our previous house. Just changing those was expensive but worth it. We used wrought iron balusters similar to Beth’s black and white staircase photo. Changed the whole look of the house.

Staircase specialists are good to speak to in order to learn what you can and cannot do, what is to code, what are options for each part of the whole, etc. Take your time with this and research all options.

Beth, how do I say thank you enough? Wow, just wow! You have been hugely helpful. It is so odd to see my same stair railings appear in another house--I thought that the architect who designed our house for the former owners had crafted the idea for the staircase himself.

I am equally surprised P Banos to see those same stairs in your picture. After reading about all the different measurements that are required to be in compliance with building code, the "after" photo that you posted gives me a lot of hope that a relatively simple fix can be implemented.

Thank you all who have commented! I appreciate it!

All the comments are solid advice. It all depends on your budget. It will def make a giant improvement since the rail you have now is just a builder grade basic.

Also curating your posters and art to a minimum and obviously refinishing the stairs, and changing the wall paper to paint is somethings to consider.

Denise, thank you for giving me a chuckle. I know my posters and art (as you tactfully describe them) are a train wreck. Some are my children's artwork and others were just stuck there to hide a ding mark in the wall or out of my hair until I finally got around to redoing that area. I chuckled, because sometimes the comments here take no prisoners, and my staircase decorating is well-deserving of a few disparaging comments.

So I found a bunch of staircases that I though were cool. The tree one in particular is amazing. I have no idea what the price tag for that one is--it is nice to dream.

What puzzles me is how some of these designs pass building code. Or maybe they don't is the answer.

You are def allowed to keep the kids' art! My son is 42 yo and I still have his, to his dismay. When replacing your rail keep it simple as possible as your home is not about the stair rail, it's about your prized art.

I, too, don't understand the "take no prisoners" approach on this platform. It's just a fun exchange of ideas to help the OP. You have the right approach keeping your sense of humor.

The oar bannister is my favorite. Somehow I don’t think it’s to code….