The stairs to the basement in my house are carpeted red & black. Apart from being ugly, the carpet is glued to the walls (!) as well as the stars, so it would be difficult to replace. AND there is no handrail (something that I will rectify).

I put a black rubber mat at the bottom to provide contrast. It helps A LOT.

Try (carefully!!!) walking down the stairs of alternating colors with your eyes closed and see if you get dizzy (hold the handrail!!). Or try NOT looking at the stairs as you descend. It's probably a visual thing that's evoking a fear/vertigo response.