Hi Mandy - it would be great if you could upload an image or two, but for starters here are a few images where the combination is contemporary (stair carpet runner, walls, spindles and handrail), but you don't lose the sense that it is a Victorian space. In the first instance, we also reinstated the dado rail which had been removed to help it feel more Victorian, and fitted the small chandelier. We also designed and fitted this stained glass if that has any bearing on what you can do. We took the theme from the original stained glass transom above the front door and contemporised it for these lobby doors. Hope this helps for now. Nick

I painted the stairs all the way across as it was just as quick as trying to paint just the edges. I had intended to add a runner but liked the look so much I haven't done. The bottom two stairs are curved and I couldn't work out how the runner would sit over them. I used floor paint but it does need repainting every year or two, so it's not the most practical solution.

Since you asked about runners OR wall to wall carpet, I thought I would show you something we did to accommodate my husband's desire for carpeted stairs (less slippery), neither of us really wanting a runner, and my dislike of vacuuming risers. Not the best pic since this was taken more to show a couple places they needed to touch up paint, and is a close up of our basement stairs but here you go. I am really pleased with how they turned out, and it ties the flooring on our main floor and upper floor together well. You could of course also do this with a fancier patterned/coloured carpet :)

If you have a modern home then I would go for a fully carpeted staircase. You can get great modern carpets with lovely elegant and modern textures to it. You can also add some stair rods which made it of higher quality but this would bring up your budget. There are different textures like Herringbone or striped carpets which are beautiful Cigal Kaplan Interiors