I am a fan of black as a disappearing colour! If the tha bannisters were painted black the Victorian look of cast iron would fit. The walls are too pale , would you consider a dark green( FB Green Smoke) under the rail, next to the carpet, and a much lighter version above( FB Light Blue or Pale Powder). Not really sure of the shade of green in the carpet, it might be more FB Oval Room. I am fond of the Pugin look but realise it is powerful and invariably used with very dark paints. We changed our ginger brown stairs, over 3 storeys to white. 13 years later the effort was not only worth it but the pain has subsided too!

Anyway I look at it, this is going to be something creative when finished. There aren't much combinations that you could use with this green, but white oak is a solution for the spindles. Another solution would be to go with white (this means that you'll need to paint the spindles), but you'll need to give the board, newel post, and handrail a walnut or mahogany colour. You can find some pictures for inspiration here: http://georgequinn.co.uk/product/achill-spindle/, but keep in mind that when it comes to colours, it first needs to suit YOUR taste.

Thanks jacksplash, was going dark but I have floorboards painted the same colour as the stairs is currently, on the landing too and these would then have to be dark also. Worried in case that would make the whole space too dark. Today I was considering a colour darker than the marble on the wall but somewhere on that tone, which could work better upstairs. Questions, questions??? It's the last place to be painted since the renovations but painters leaving next week so I need to get a move on

Love some help with this as need to finish it soon one way or another! Thanks