Alternative approaches to spindles along stairwell

Since we're trying to design a new house that is modern with clean lines and strong edges, the usual choices for manufactured spindles are either too conservative or expensive.

Many houses use painted wooden spindles like this.

Last year I toured a new modern house in Kamloops that used painted/coated rebar.

Friends have been equally creative and one couple we know bought metal curtain rods from Ikea and cut them to size.

Any other ideas?