In what way? Are you looking to modernize? Or do you need storage? Do you hate it?

Yeah, I mean answers could range from a little paint to a new enclosed staircase to ripping it all out and letting the ceiling soar!

Budget?

its a lot of footprint for a little usable space. i'd do nothing, to begin, including moving/storing nothing up there. see whether you want the space, disassemble if not needed.

Thank you all!

Budget would be around $3000. I was thinking something more modern, but would be open to paint as well.

I agree that it takes up a lot of space, so taking it down is an option as well. We would use it for an office area if not.

I love having a random loft room. It makes the house more interesting. So I suggest you live with it for at least a year before you consider taking it out. You'll find you either love it or hate it by then.

To modernize, maybe take out the railing and put in a horizontal metal railing.

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Tudor Style Home with Modern Upgrades - Interior · More Info

I love the railing. Does anyone have an estimate of what that may cost?

Well, that's going to depend on where you live. I live in Philly, where there's a lot of iron work on historic homes, etc., and I did a 3-piece railing like that (but with an iron bannister too) -- that is, stair rail, 2nd floor side rail along the open staircase, and short railing for the three steps out front -- for around $1200.

Yours might be a little fiddlier because you probably would want to do something with the leftmost post from loft to ceiling, which would look very clunky when all the rest became metal...

our loft had railing like that we changed it to this.

my office is messier than yours can be.... i'd have papers fluttering down all over.

Often people posting on Houzz zone in on details that are possibly not that important in the whole scheme of things. If you're sure that staircase is what you need to address more than any other features or furniture or possibly the kitchen then you have some great ideas. Just saying, put it in perspective.

Love Jennifer's post.

3K wouldn't be enough for an sympathetic redo. It would be enough to ruin it with a remuddle.

Thank you Sophie! I can handle the truth ;)

Hi Bri,

You could
draw attention to the staircase by replacing the spindles/balusters and putting
a nice newel post at the base of the staircase with a finial on top to finish
it off. I recommend using wood rather than metal for a warmer feel and the
parts could be stained and/or painted to suit your needs. If you really want to
make a statement and have your staircase look great, replace your railing at
the same time. A newly redesigned staircase is a compliment to any
interior and can really draw your eye especially when the staircase is near the
entrance foyer.