If you are like me and are still in love with NKOTB…you’ll get the title. If not, you better ask somebody.

Before we purchased the house, we found out that the front stairs were dangerous and should not be used. I wasn’t lying when I said that caution tape had been put around them. They were an obvious assault on our eyes, and now it was clear that they could also inflict pain to the rest of our bodies.

I failed to get a good before photo of the stairs before the work was done.  But don’t despair. I have this fabulous artist’s rendering that portrays quite accurately the previously horrifying condition of the stairs.

The artist’s identity still remains a mystery. Like many other great works of art, you can see evidence that a previous work was lying under this masterpiece. Picasso was known to not only have painted over his own works but also the works of other artists.

This was beyond our capability as DIYers, so we relied on Jason Swafford of New Vintage Construction to do all of the work on the stairs. Rusted metal was removed, sections were rebuilt, and supports were added so that we could walk safely into our money pit.

Yes – the following images are after photos. Now I understand that they are unsightly, but at the time, they looked beautiful to me!

The stairs and railings have since been painted black. A bit more pleasing to the eye. In honor of Rogue, a black Cocker Spaniel adorns our steps. It’s also a little nod to a downtown Frederick tradition. 

My dream is to eventually get rid of the brick and existing railings. I’m obsessed with NYC brownstones and would love to replicate one of these beauties. I just don’t have the budget right now, nor do I have the patience to fight with the historic district!

A girl can dream! And until that dream becomes a reality, she will make endless trips to NYC to get even more inspiration and shoes.