I have to say, it was a little scary to walk down the stairs before they were re-done, and even more so after we took the carpet that the threads were wrapped around with.  There was not much support, to say the least.

After a few sketches, we came out with this design which, turned out even better than anticipated.  The idea was to keep it as simple as possible and as open as possible.

The stainless still cable and the white walnut shelf, did just that.  In order to keep with our theme of rustic/industrial, we incorporated the shiplap wall with the pipe handrail.  Now our many trips up and down the stairs are as pleasant as they should have always been.