Sixty-one years. This house, 1221 62nd Street, Rosedale, MD, had been in my family for sixty-one years. My parents purchased it in 1961. It was my childhood home. It was home for my cousin, my uncles, and my grandparents, and even for me, my daughter and granddaughter for a brief period of time. Many memories fill these rooms and my heart. Due to circumstances, in May 2022 it was time to sell this home, and I must admit, emotionally it was harder than I thought it would be. But I knew it was time for a new family to move in, create their own memories, and make it their home.
I took a few extra steps and care when preparing this home for sale. New sheetrock was hung, walls were freshly painted, and new carpet was installed. Cosmetic makeovers were undertaken gracing each room with a sense of warmth and contentment. The best compliment I received was “You can actually feel the love in this home.” Well, that was my intent. I wanted to share what this home meant to me. I wanted others to “feel” what I felt. I wanted it to tell a story.
The foyer provides plenty of natural sunlight and leads the way to the first floor where you will find the living room, dining room, kitchen, sunroom, spacious bedroom, and a fully updated bath.
I wanted to keep the decorative ceilings in the foyer, living room, and dining room. All that was needed was a fresh coat of paint to accent their character. I selected new lighting for the living room and dining room which gave those rooms a retro yet updated vibe.
When staging this home, I blended traditional pieces with trending items from my warehouse. The small half-round table in the foyer was my grandmother’s, which I painted black. The stereo console in the living room had provided endless hours of enjoyment as my friends and I listened to our favorite vinyl records.
I felt the dark tiled backsplash that was in the kitchen needed to be replaced so I had it removed. To brighten things up, I opted for a white diamond-shaped tile which I mistakenly thought that were in sheets. It wasn’t until the project was finished that Tommy, my tile installer, told me that was not the case. He had to set each of those diamond-shaped pieces in place, one at a time! It was quite a laborious and time-consuming job but it turned out beautifully.
The first-floor bedroom features a large walk-in closet with a barn door. The bathroom received a total make-over. For the tile work, I chose the same pattern for the walls around the tub and the floor, but in different colors. White tiles were used on the walls and blue tiles on the floor. The contrast turned out stunningly. Side note: while visiting my daughter at her Florida home, I noticed her towels were the same pattern used for the walls and floor. Somehow, they made their way back to Maryland and in this bathroom!
The lower level needed a little TLC. New sheetrock was hung, a drop ceiling was added, and new carpet was installed. These simple changes transformed this area into a spacious area where family and friends could gather. The stairs leading down to this level afforded several open spaces that perfect nooks for the kiddos.
When staging, I like to use pieces that are both classic and trending. It can set the tone for an entire area, creating a sense of balance. My goal was to introduce some new and fun pieces into some traditional pieces that were part of this home. I accomplished this in several ways. My dad loved to watch Western movies, so I incorporated some of his pictures, VHS tapes, and accent pieces to deliver a laid-back rustic look while using earth tone colors. The focal point of this room is the wood paneled accent wall with the 1970s electric fireplace. My mom loved that fireplace and it was a fixture in our home for many years. When cleaning out the shed, I found it tucked away in a corner. I thought it would be the perfect piece to capture the look and feel I was going for while lending functionality and preserving a bit of nostalgia.
I would like to give a shout-out to my contractor, Ron, and his crew. They were patient with me as I made changes along the way, some more challenging than others. Long hours and work were invested into making my vision a reality. I truly am thankful for each and everyone that had a hand in delivering the final project making it a home that would honor its past and provide a beautiful home for the future owners.
Well, it didn’t take long for someone to make this property their new home. I have met and talked with the new owner on several occasions. It is apparent that she loves and cares for this home just like I did. We shared stories. We laughed. We cried. We hugged. We share a common bond. I am wishing her and her family all the best as they create their own family traditions and make their own wonderful memories in their new home, 1221 62nd Street.
