Boston Magazine
I love charming staircases. There’s something endlessly appealing about steps and the character they bring to a home. A staircase can be a dramatic focal point in an entryway or a quiet, utilitarian back stair that still adds personality. I especially enjoy houses that have both a grand front staircase and a secondary back staircase — it feels clever to be able to come and go discreetly. Our previous home had three staircases, and I used to joke that I could get a full workout just by running up and down them throughout the day.
House to Home
As much as I enjoy looking up at a beautiful flight of steps, looking down one makes me nervous. That very first step is the worst — I often pause, grab the railing and take it slowly. Sometimes it doesn’t bother me, but more often than not I proceed cautiously, especially on unfamiliar stairways.
SB Long Interiors
When I was pregnant I felt even more anxious about escalators and moving stairs because I couldn’t see my feet. Stepping onto a moving platform felt oddly unsafe. I remember dreaming about inventing shoes designed specifically for secure footing on stairs and escalators — a funny, comforting fantasy at the time. My unease with stairs is likely linked to a broader fear of heights; I can’t watch scenes where people are near an edge without my stomach doing somersaults. Whether it’s ledges or staircases, that underlying fear makes certain steps feel much scarier.
my staircase (sconces, paint colors and bedroom details pictured in original sources)
Beyond the literal steps in a house, taking a big step in life can feel even more daunting. Leaving what’s familiar and stepping into the unknown requires courage. I’m naturally a homebody who appreciates the comfort of a single, stable place — the idea of constantly moving up or down, figuratively or literally, can be unsettling. Given the choice, I’d stay comfortably on the ground floor.
my staircase
Still, growth and new experiences require that first brave step. To reach somewhere new you have to risk leaving the safety of what you know. With that in mind, I’ll be back tomorrow to share a big but exciting decision my family is considering and what that initial step might look like. I’m grateful to have readers along for the journey — it’s comforting to have friends at every step — and I look forward to sharing this possible new chapter with you all.
Click here for part two…