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lionnessone How about a pergola with iron railings, I have attached some pictures of my favorite pergolas from Houzz.
[houzz=needham studio - dphj.01][houzz=Menlo Park Outdoor Entertainment Area][houzz=Wine Country Living][houzz=a house in a garden][houzz=Silverock Cove]

SD2012 Thanks for the pictures and ideas. We are looking for a modern look - like rod railing.

irondoors4u Here attach some iron railing photos for you, hope any of them interest you.

Dytecture Perhaps something more streamlined to compliment the style of the house.

Dana Veach Shagha...go to the home page on Houzz, click on "products," and type "metal stair railings" into the search bar. You will find a variety of styles and manufacturers that should provide some ideas for you. I saw some elegant and very simplified lines in steel that I think might complement your home nicely without drawing attention away from the powerful design. Best wishes, and I hope this is helpful. (I love the lines, colors, and materials of your home, and I hope you will share the final result with us when you are done!)

houssaon How about:

victorianbungalowranch I would go to a commercial supplier to get the chunky modern look you want. Cable rail systems with powdercoated or stainless handrails look very modern. Glass panels can look nice too, but are usually used for larger installations.

Allternatively, you could build a low wall to frame the steps and stoop on both sides to make it safer for the little guy.

Love the door, but that nifty half moon design is getting lost because it is so dark. A different finish or a pop of color might look nice with the green siding. Could be bright, or something more subtle, like a rich orangy carmel.

pollyannagal Love your house! I think you should go for very simple vertical rails in black powdercoated metal. Timber is most comfortable for the handrail as metal gets very hot or cold to touch depending on your climate but will need some maintenance. Horizontal rails get used as ladders by little ones so can be dangerous. I don't think that glass or stainless steel would suit the house at all. I also think your front door would look stunning painted a chinese laquer red.

inkwitch Actually, I did that: Products and "Metal Railings" and Metal Porch Railings" and got everything but. Your best bet is to search for "modern house exteriors" in the general houzz photos and see what you come up with.

A pergola would soften all that stone (very "hard-edge") as well as some topiary greens flanking the entrance.

inkwitch Search "MOdern Porch Railings" and you'll get lots of ideas.

ASAP•house Inc - Studio Kiss I like the pergola idea too. There are many ways to do a modern pergola that would work with your house but it will probably need a good architect to design and detail it. There are lots of examples so search "Modern pergolas"

mpoulsom I realize this is pretty commercial/industrail looking, but maybe a cable and steel railing in a color rather than silver.
Not that you asked, but 2 huge metal plant containers on each side of the door, on landing area.
And perhaps a modern metal (simple) pergola going across the front above door, as others have said....

mpoulsom [houzz=
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Look at the scale on this one....squared posts/poles with the cable wire in the middle.... ?

The Cable Connection View our idea books for stainless steel cable railing.

SD2012 Thanks everyone! So many great ideas! I will update you on what we decide to go with.

OT METAL WORKS / INDUSTRIAL, ENGINEERING, ARTS View my idea books (stairs & Entrance) may be you will find something suitable.

Wood Railing check out Mountain Laurel Handrails for an alternative in wood. http://awoodrailing.com

lionnessone Have you installed your railing? If so can you post pictures?

SD2012 Not yet! They are coming end of February. I will post pictures then! Thanks for your interest!

lionnessone I can wait to see what you decided on. I'm sure it will be beautiful. :)

SD2012 Ok so we finally got the rails stalled! Hope you all like it!

pollyannagal They look great and as if they were always part of the house. Well done!

SD2012 Thanks! Still might paint the front door as you suggested :)

lionnessone I agree with pollyannaga. Well done. I wish there was a LOVE button.

Naomi Frash You made the right decision. It's befitting of your home. Absolutely fabulous, and thanks for sharing your after photos.