Trusted Guidance Focused on Your Family
After the death of a loved one, we listen—to understand your needs, wishes, and what matters most to your family. We provide gentle guidance, helping every decision feel manageable and meaningful. Our comfortable, flexible facilities welcome gatherings of all kinds, with ample, easy parking and onsite cremation for added peace of mind.
Every step is handled with expert care, so you can focus on honoring your loved one and being with family and friends.
301.663.1690 staufferfuneralhome.com
Boonsboro | Brunswick | Frederick | Mt. Airy | Thurmont | Walkersville
The Home & Design Edition
Home sweet home. Isn’t it though? While the specifics of what “home” looks like vary for each of us, its significance is universal. It’s our sanctuary, our foundation and the place where life unfolds. Home is where we begin and end each day, where our lives take shape and where our hearts find rest.
Creating warm and welcoming spaces that reflect our personalities and style is part of the magic. A house becomes a home when bare walls are filled with art, frames are filled with photos and couches are filled with so many throw pillows from Home Goods, good luck finding a seat.
Our Home & Design Edition is not about how to keep up with the Joneses. Sure, checking out the latest trends can be inspiring and get your wheels turning for your next project but it’s our hope that your pursuit of home improvement stems from passion, joy and the privilege of having a space to make your own.
We’ve had the pleasure of teaming up with local real estate expert Lori Rogers and her team to take you inside some of the neatest homes in our community and learn what makes them unique—great examples of homeowners who took the time and energy to create living environments that deeply reflect who they are and the kind of life they want to live and share with others.
If we haven’t told you lately, thank you for inviting us into your home each month. Whether the coffee table or nightstand, we hope it plays a small part in representing your heart for Frederick and this sweet place we all call home.
Happy March, readers. Hang in there, spring is coming!
March 2026
PUBLISHER
Amber Smith | Amber.Smith@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Sierra Moore | Sierra.Moore@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sierra Moore, Emily Holland, Angela Broockerd, Rhiannon Johnson, Heather Spinks
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
John Ravas of Key City Photography, Jennifer Rosaria
Film & Photography, Dan Jenkins, Amanda Proudfit
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
city scene
1-7: Rooted in Frederick, Maryland, Square Corner is a design and build collaborative dedicated to creating thoughtful, beautifully crafted spaces. Built on the long-standing partnership between Tuscan Blue Design and Lighthouse Craftsman, Square Corner brings together inspired design and skilled craftsmanship under one seamless process. From kitchens and baths to custom built-ins and whole-home transformations, every project is guided by collaboration, intention and attention to detail—resulting in spaces that feel as functional as they are refined and uniquely tailored to the way their clients live and work. SQcorner.com
STRONGER WITH EACH YEAR
At 70, Dan hikes across Spain, rides long-distance bike routes for fun and can crush a pull-up — because he chose strength over slowing down.
When Dan first walked into The X in Frederick, everyday movement felt harder and life felt smaller. With coaches who tailored training to his goals, he built strength safely, regained mobility and unlocked the energy to hike 500 miles, travel, garden, build and stay active with ease.
Dan’s story isn’t about age—it’s about momentum. If you want to move well, feel capable and age boldly, your starting point is here.
A New Chapter for Independent Living in Western Maryland Begins
Fahrney Keedy recently celebrated the opening of its new independent living model home with a ribbon-cutting and open house. The 1,628-square-foot cottage features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a den, sunroom, open living and kitchen area, covered patios and a two-car garage. The model represents one of six new cottage styles and is now open for tours, offering information about entrance fees, amenities and immediate availability for future residents. Appointments are encouraged to ensure personalized attention. FKHV.org/Services/Indep endent-Living-Washington-County/ Cottage-Models/
Scan to read more
ARTICLE
JOHN RAVAS OF
Gems of FREDERICK
“LUXURY ISN’T JUST ABOUT SQUARE FOOTAGE—IT IS THE INSPIRED FEELING OF COMING HOME TO A SPACE THAT TELLS A UNIQUE AND SOULFUL STORY.”
Frederick is a city of layers, where historic charm meets contemporary vision. Real estate expert Lori Rogers specializes in uncovering these “hidden gems”—properties like 11 N Jefferson Street, 338 E Church Street, and 313 West College Terrace—that transcend the ordinary. Through thoughtful renovations and a deep respect for heritage, these homes demonstrate that a residence can be both a sanctuary and a masterpiece. Welcome to a collection of Frederick’s most inspired and refined living spaces.
LoriRogersHomes.com
From the street, 11 N Jefferson appears to be a classic Cape Cod, welcoming in its charm and simplicity. Step inside, however, and the home unfolds into something far more extraordinary—an elegant, light-filled retreat designed for modern living while honoring its historic character. Over nearly three decades, this home has been lovingly enhanced to balance warmth, beauty and functionality. The main house features a seamlessly integrated floor plan, a gourmet kitchen, custom cabinetry and hardwood floors. It is a place where life naturally gathers, where memories are made and where every day feels a little more inspired.
The main house is a masterclass in refined living, boasting a 2,340-square-foot floor plan that has been fully renovated and expanded. The heart of the home is a gourmet kitchen featuring custom cabinetry and premium finishes, flowing effortlessly into living spaces warmed by a cozy gas fireplace and rich hardwood floors. A finished 864-squarefoot basement extends the home’s utility, offering a dedicated laundry room and custom built-in storage. Every room is flooded with natural light, creating an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and deeply welcoming.
Beyond the main residence lies a 1,040-square-foot luxury detached cottage that offers its own story of comfort. This isn’t just an accessory building; it is a sanctuary featuring soaring vaulted ceilings, a spacious loft and a kitchenette. Practical luxury is found underfoot with heated main-level floors, while the gas fireplace and expansive garden views make it the perfect retreat for guests, extended family or a professional-grade creative studio. It represents the ultimate in flexible, high-end living.
11 N Jefferson boasts an exterior private paradise. A heated in-ground pool with a stone surround and built-in grill serves as the centerpiece for summer entertaining. Professionally landscaped gardens, brick walkways and stone patios create a serene retreat that evolves with the seasons. Located just steps from Baker Park’s iconic swinging bridge and within walking distance of downtown Frederick’s vibrant shops and restaurants, this property offers the rare combination of a secluded oasis within a friendly, historic and walkable community.
A HIDDEN JEWEL WHERE CLASSIC CAPE COD CHARM UNFOLDS INTO A LIGHT-FILLED SANCTUARY.
11 NORTH JEFFERSON STREET
• Main House: 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths with a finished basement and gourmet kitchen.
• Luxury Cottage: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath with vaulted ceilings, loft and heated floors.
• The Grounds: 0.28-acre lot featuring a heated in-ground pool, stone patios and professional landscaping.
• Upgrades: Fully renovated systems, including roof, HVAC and a vaulted foyer expansion.
• Location: Premiere Baker Park setting; walk to downtown Frederick’s cultural attractions, dining and shops.
• Parking: Paver driveway plus additional rear parking.
338 EAST CHURCH STREET
• The Aesthetic: Bold black exterior with white trim, red doors and a high-gloss modern kitchen.
• The Character: Exposed interior brick walls, original refurbished wood floors and designer light fixtures.
• Modern Systems: All-new windows, electrical, plumbing, tankless water heater and dual-unit HVAC.
• Outdoor Space: Rebuilt balcony, lighted back patio and a large backyard.
• Future Growth: Underground plumbing is already installed for a planned garage and apartment.
• The Location: A charming, unique residence in the heart of downtown Frederick.
Small in size but mighty in personality, 338 E Church demonstrates that luxury isn’t about square footage—it’s about the experience. After years away from Frederick, the owner returned to create a residence defined by character and charm. What began as a “diamond in the rough” underwent a total transformation, starting with a striking black exterior accented by crisp white trim and vibrant red doors. By stripping the interior to its bones and starting from scratch, the home was reimagined as an open-concept sanctuary where historic grounding meets high-gloss modern interest, creating a space that is both cozy and sophisticated.
The renovation of 338 E Church was a labor of love that prioritized bold style and structural integrity. The most dramatic change is the striking black exterior, which sets a sophisticated tone before you even step inside. To maximize the home’s potential, the owner made the pivotal decision to remove existing walls and start from scratch. This bold move opened up lines of sight and flooded the home with natural light. The result is a seamless flow between the large kitchen and dining areas, highlighting the contrast between the primary exposed brick wall and the sleek, high-gloss modern kitchen.
The interior is a curated blend of old and new. Much of the design inspiration was drawn from high-end light fixtures that set a luxurious atmosphere and provide a classic style throughout. While the home feels modern, its history is preserved through refurbished original wood floors and the preservation of several original doors. Every system has been meticulously replaced to ensure modern comfort, including all-new windows, electrical, plumbing with a tankless hot water heater and a dual-unit HVAC system. This meticulous attention to detail proves that thoughtful design can elevate every square inch of a home.
A rebuilt rear balcony offers a private perch, while a generous, lighted back patio provides the perfect setting for gatherings in the expansive backyard. Looking toward the future, the property is already prepared for expansion; plumbing has been run underground to a designated location for a future garage and apartment. With extensive outdoor lighting, a new roof and new downspouts, the home is as functional as it is beautiful.
The renovation of 313 West College was a meticulous balancing act: preserving the 1937 historical feel while upgrading every system for modern living. After living in the home for a year to understand its flow, the owners reimagined the space to center around an open layout featuring a professional cook’s kitchen and a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. By adding an attached structure to the rear, they achieved two primary goals: a grand living area for hospitality and a functional attached garage—a rarity for the neighborhood.
The addition of a new rear structure allowed for a complete reconfiguration of the interior. By moving the kitchen and dining areas into the new space, the original 1930s footprint was unlocked. The dark, narrow center-hall stairs were replaced with a wider, more accessible stairwell, which in turn opened up the basement and allowed for a first-floor laundry and powder room. Even the original dining room found a new life as a dedicated office. This “start-from-scratch” approach inside the walls ensured that every square foot of the historic structure became usable, bright and purposefully designed for a contemporary lifestyle.
The heart of the home is the “cook’s kitchen,” a high-end space featuring a Wolf steam oven, a Sub-Zero Pro refrigerator and a professional Bluestar gas range. A standout feature is the authentic Italian wood-burning brick oven, built inside the home for year-round use. The preservation of the past is seen in the original single-pane front windows, copper gutters and the restored hardwood floors, which were seamlessly matched using reclaimed planks from other 1930s-era homes. A beautiful hutch from the original kitchen was even salvaged and repurposed as a Butler’s Pantry, featuring a custom alderwood slab top.
While the aesthetic is historic, the infrastructure is entirely new. The home features a full electrical replacement and a three-zone smart HVAC system. In a brilliant nod to comfort, the original cast iron radiators were preserved and integrated as auxiliary heat for cold winter days. The project extended from the attic—now a spacious guest suite—down to the basement, which now houses a gym and a 1,000-bottle temperature-controlled wine cellar. Every detail, from the invisible pet fence to the restored second-story covered deck, was executed with a deep engagement in the build process, resulting in a home that is as sturdy as it is beautiful.
A BALANCING ACT
PRESERVING THE 1930S SOUL WITH UPGRADES OF THE MODERN CENTURY.
313 WEST COLLEGE TERRACE
• The Kitchen: Professional Wolf and SubZero appliances plus an indoor Mugnaini wood-fired brick oven, as seen on the cover.
• The Suite: Master bath featuring stone with visible seashells, plus two walk-in closets and a laundry chute.
• Systems: Entirely new electrical, plumbing and a three-zone HVAC system with smart controls and radiator integration.
• Amenities: 1,000-bottle wine cellar, home gym and a spacious attic guest suite.
• Preservation: Reclaimed hardwood floors, copper gutters, restored fireplace and original glass door knobs.
Most tree and shrub problems begin long before they’re visible. often starts underground quietly years before symptoms appear above the surface. That’s why our specialists focus on monitoring and diagnosis, not assumptions or unnecessary treatments.
Professional inspection. Early detection. Expert guidance. Your
took years to grow. Protect it with expert care.
ARTICLE BY EMILY HOLLAND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER ROSARIA
FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY
LIKE A Good NEIGHBOR
Kathy Schultze Builds State Farm Agency Career on Person-to-Person Care
Insurance has a reputation for being impersonal, but Kathy Schultze has built her agency career around warmth.
“Relationships are the backbone of my business,” she says. “Listening to people, understanding their needs, and even educating about the insurance business – I’m always asking not, ‘How can I sell?’ but ‘How can I connect?’”
Schultze says that this is particularly important in a business like insurance, which she says is “very competitive,” but her focus on humanity has served her well. Since opening her State Farm agency office in 1984, with zero clients, it’s grown to encompass 11 team members (with more positions open), and hundreds of valued clients across Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, some of whom have been with the agency for decades.
Her relational approach is also part of the reason why Schultze chose and has remained with State Farm: “They have a phenomenal
claims service,” she says. In the case of a loss, rather than handle the settlement remotely, State Farm claims representatives will actually “go to someone’s house,” says Schultze, and provide personal assessment and support. In an age where more and more administrative tasks are handled by automated systems, she knows that this counts.
State Farm also, she says, has one of the largest varieties of insurance products (96) and enables clients to bundle in a way that maximizes cost efficiency and creates a package of coverage that’s exactly right for each family, business, or individual. “One of the things my clients value,” Schultze says, “is that I can be a single point person for all of their insurance needs. I help protect what matters most, with coverage for your car, your home, your life, your pets, and more. I can also offer the building blocks to plan for tomorrow, whether that’s saving for college or preparing for retirement with an IRA or 401K.”
In keeping with her focus on relationships, Schultze also approaches her work with a “generational” mindset. “I’m beginning to serve the children of some of my original clients from years ago. When the kids are shopping for homeowner’s, car, or renter’s insurance, parents will tell them, ‘Just call Kathy.’ As a mother myself, it means a lot to me that parents trust me with their kids.”
Her generational approach has even played out in her own family: her daughter, Sara, is herself a sales leader with State Farm. Her husband of 48 years, Tom, is part of the agency, working on its business and commercial side, and she has a son, Michael, who is pursuing a career as an artist. “Family is very important to me,” she says. She also makes a point of mentoring younger insurance agents, adding that she “loves to see her team blossom and grow.”
In the community, she has been active taking leadership roles on nonprofit boards, including the Carroll Creek Rotary Club, the Frederick Rescue Mission, Habitat for Humanity, and Heartly House. “Part of the reason I even got started in insurance,” she says, “is because of my parents’ example. My dad would always say, ‘Go make a difference.’” Schultze’s focus on people and creating the safety required to nurture generations continues to shine through. KathySchultze.com
“When the kids are shopping for homeowner’s, car, or renter’s insurance, parents will tell them, ‘Just call Kathy.’”
KATHY SCHULTZE’S TOP 3 TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS
1. Make sure you have the right insurance coverage for your home – not the market value, but the replacement cost if something were to happen. Only insuring for market value is a key mistake many firsttime home purchasers make.
2. Invest in personal liability insurance –making sure you’re covered for enough liability to protect your assets. This is a common “blind spot” where people can get caught short.
3. Before signing on with an insurance company, make sure to do your research and investigate the company’s financial strength. You would be surprised at how many times smaller or less-established companies default on coverage. It’s not just about the price – it’s about the integrity of your insurance provider.
- Kerry Reisinger
LOCAL
A $39M Renovation will Modernize Frederick’s Ballpark and Revive Hopes for Affiliated Baseball
RENOVATION STADIUM
ARTICLE BY SIERRA MOORE
Frederick’s beloved ballpark is stepping into the future. The Frederick Keys, in partnership with the City of Frederick and the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA), officially broke ground last spring on a sweeping $39 million renovation of Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. The upgrades will bring new home and visiting clubhouses, state-ofthe-art batting cages and bullpens, an expanded concourse and additional seating—all designed to meet the updated Professional Development League (PDL) standards that govern minor-league ballparks.
Opened in 1990, Harry Grove Stadium has anchored Frederick’s sports and social life for more than 30 years. With these renovations, city leaders and stadium officials say they’re not just modernizing the venue—they’re preserving a cherished landmark and positioning Frederick as a renewed hub for baseball, entertainment and community events for decades to come.
Construction is scheduled to continue through this spring of 2026 and importantly, it is not expected to disrupt the playing season. The project, overseen by a design–build team led by The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company with architectural design by Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, reflects a shared commitment to the future of local baseball and community life.
AS THE DIRT TURNS— NEW LIFE FOR A CLASSIC STADIUM
When fans walk through the gates this spring, they’ll be stepping into a new era for Frederick baseball. After more than a year of construction, the transformation of Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium is set to take center stage for the 2026 season—a project that blends modern performance enhancements with the charm and community spirit that have defined the ballpark for more than three decades.
Much of the work completed over the past year focused on meeting updated Professional Development League facility standards, with major infrastructure upgrades now ready for players and fans alike. New home and visiting clubhouses, expanded batting tunnels, a modernized press box, upgraded dugouts and bullpens and improved security infrastructure elevate the stadium into a true player-development destination.
For fans, the visual changes will be instantly noticeable. The redesigned concourse enhances movement and gathering spaces, refreshed seating brings more comfort and visibility, and the beloved outfield berm—closed throughout 2025— returns in 2026 with a fully reconstructed multi-tier layout perfect for families and summer evenings. Updated LED field lighting and expanded protective netting further improve both safety and atmosphere.
The result is a stadium that feels both familiar and entirely new—a revived home field that honors Frederick’s baseball roots while setting the stage for the next generation of local talent, community nights and unforgettable summers under the lights. MLBdraftLeague.com/Frederick
Above It All
ARTICLE BY SIERRA MOORE
Tree Trekkers — Unplugging from the Noise and Reconnecting in the Treetops
In an age dominated by screens and constant distraction, many of us are searching for ways to unplug so we can reconnect. Nestled within 30 acres of protected forest, Tree Trekkers offers an invitation to step out of the digital world and into the green. Thoughtfully designed to work with the forest rather than around it, the course weaves through mature treetop canopies, allowing guests to experience nature as it was meant to be—immersive, grounding and alive.
More than just an aerial adventure park, Tree Trekkers isn’t defined by the height of its platforms, but by the moments that happen between them. As guests navigate swinging bridges or cheer each other on from the forest floor, conversation flows more freely, laughter comes easier and bonds are strengthened through shared challenge. Here, the forest becomes part of the experience—shaping not only the course itself, but the connections formed along the way.
Tree Trekkers is for families looking to do something together—not just side by side. It’s for parents who want to see their kids build confidence and for those who discover just how capable they are when they take that first step off the ground.
It’s for couples trading dinner reservations for an experience they’ll talk about long after the harnesses come off. For friends who communicate best while laughing, cheering each other on and occasionally conquering a fear together. It’s for birthday celebrations in the trees, weekend adventures that turn into memories and spontaneous “let’s try something different” days.
Tree Trekkers is also for teams—coworkers stepping outside the office, leaders listening and groups discovering that trust is built faster when everyone is navigating the same challenge. Whether it’s a corporate retreat, a scout group or a school outing, the forest becomes a natural classroom where problem-solving, communication and resilience take root.
At Tree Trekkers, every visit is an adventure you can customize. Guests can choose from a variety
of aerial experiences on their Timber Trek Course, including full-course access, shorter Climb Until Close tickets for a taste of the trek and the LittleFoot Combo ticket designed for the youngest trekkers climbing with an adult.
Looking for the perfect gift? Gift vouchers, family packs and bundled ticket options make it easy to give an unforgettable experience in the trees.
For the most adventurous fans, VIP Memberships unlock exclusive savings on tickets, merchandise, parties and more!
GET OFF THE SCREEN AND INTO THE GREEN.
Ultimately, Tree Trekkers is for anyone craving fresh air, presence and connection. You don’t have to be fearless or athletic—just willing. The forest meets you where you are and invites you to climb higher.
“My kids had so much fun! The area is beautiful and well maintained. The staff were so friendly and helpful.”
“The reservation process was easy, the staff was awesome and safety was emphasized… highly recommend!”
“The encouragement from staff and others around me made all the difference.”
TreeTrekkersMD.com
ARTICLE BY RHIANNON JOHNSON
Stunning and UNIQUE HOMES
It takes a lot of work to make a house a home. A home reflects your personal style, functions to meet your goals, and provides relief from the outside world. However, unless you are a design professional, you likely need a bit of guidance to turn your thoughts and ideas into reality. One way to create a sanctuary that combines all the elements of your dream home is by immersing yourself in the advice and visions of award-winning architects and designers.
Flip through the gorgeous, glossy, photo-filled pages of these beautiful books and apply their lessons to your own home.
Learn how to integrate elegant timelessness, celebrate bold colors and eclectic patterns, or embrace the past while living stylishly in the present. You can then combine this global range of influences, unique perspectives, and aesthetic applications to create your own original design plan.
Whether you’re building a new home, planning a renovation, or your home is simply a constant work in progress, these four new releases are sure to provide the inspiration you need to transition your house into your dream home—whatever that may look like and wherever that may be. Enjoy!
Find inspiration in these four gorgeous books.
LEARN HOW TO INTEGRATE elegant timelessness, AND celebrate BOLD COLORS AND eclectic patterns, OR embrace THE PAST WHILE LIVING IN the present.
Home:
THE RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE OF D. STANLEY DIXON
Atlanta-based architect Stan Dixon has received tremendous media attention since the founding of his firm D. Stanley Dixon Architect, Inc. in 2006. His highly-anticipated debut book showcases thirteen projects from across the country. From a relaxed Jupiter Island coastal retreat to an elegant Englishmanor-inspired South Carolina home, each project varies geographically and stylistically, highlighting a variety of different aesthetic components.
Our Way Home: REIMAGINING AN AMERICAN FARMHOUSE
The defined style of cozy and simple living has led to a rise in American farmhouse design in recent years. Interior designer Heide Hendricks and architect-builder Rafe Churchill show how they have brought twenty-first-century living to their late nineteenth-century New England farmhouse. This husband-and-wife team combined their talents to create a historic home that is both a personal retreat designed for everyday life and a constant source of inspiration for their other projects.
CONTINUED >
COMBINE THIS global range OF INFLUENCES, unique perspectives, AND aesthetic applications TO CREATE YOUR OWN ORIGINAL DESIGN PLAN.
Villa d’Este:
LEGEND ON LAKE COMO
In 1568 Tolomeo Gallio commissioned a grand villa overlooking Italy’s magnificent Lake Como. After two centuries in the Gallio family, Villa d’Este became home to multiple members of the aristocracy before being transformed into an elegant five-star resort in 1873. After 150 years of catering to an endless array of famous guests wishing to immerse themselves in “la dolce vita,” Vila d’Este stands as an example of blending tradition and modernity to create absolute luxury.
Palm Beach Style:
THE ARCHITECTURE AND ADVOCACY OF JOHN AND JANE VOLK
In the 1920s, American royalty wanted to establish a winter retreat and show off their newfound wealth. Building grand homes inspired by European palaces, they created one of the world’s most famous resort towns. Commissioned to design over 2,000 projects during his sixty years of practice, John Volk’s legacy as one of the “big five” architects of Palm Beach, can now be seen on almost every street.
Kathy Schultze, Agent
100 Tuscanney Drive Frederick, MD 21702
Bus: 301-694-6711
KathySchultze.com
Kathy@KathySchultze.com
HELPING YOU COVER THE ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD.
VB @KathySchultzeStateFarmAgent
You worked hard for your home and securing it with the right amount of coverage is essential. With my team, we are committed to taking the stress out of the process
Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®
Cleaner Indoor Air
and a healthier home
The air you breathe affects your overall health. Our EPAregistered, plant-based solutions target allergens, molds, odors, and other harmful indoor air pollutants. Call today for a healthier indoor air environment.
Kristin LeDuc Founder, Spire City Marketing
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
MID-CENTURY WARMTH, REIMAGINED
There’s a certain moment when a house stops feeling new and starts feeling like home. It isn’t marked by square footage or finishes alone. It is something quieter, more emotional. In this home, designer Kate Manz set out to do exactly that: give a newly built home a heartbeat and a soul.
Rather than treating the house as one sweeping statement, she approached each room as its own story, layered with meaning, memory, and texture. The result is a home that feels collected, personal, and deeply lived-in.
“Tackling each space and room as its own story and concept is how to make a new space feel personal,” Manz explains. “But bringing it all together cohesively is always the challenge.”
Her solution? Warmth, intention, and a strong belief in the power of people. In new builds it can take years for a home to shed its newness. For this project, the goal was to fast-track that sense of belonging by layering in pieces with history and heart. Vintage market finds, local artists, and meaningful objects play a starring role throughout the home.
“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life,” she says. “I absolutely love seeing the evolution from concept to completion and all the elements and people that help bring those ideas to reality.”
That philosophy becomes especially important in the home’s expansive open-concept living area, where scale could easily overpower intimacy.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN JENKINS, AMANDA PROUDFIT
ENTRYWAY: A WARM WELCOME
The entryway sets the tone with a simple but powerful goal: Welcome to my home.
Natural stone underfoot grounds the space, while a soft vintage rug and living greenery immediately soften the experience. Art with personal meaning invites guests to linger rather than rush through.
THE OPEN CONCEPT, REIMAGINED
The main living space is defined by bringing the outside in with sweeping outdoor views and generous proportions. Rather than fighting that openness, embrace it.
“The big open concept room really highlights the expansive outdoor views,” she says, “but making intimate spaces within that open room was really important.”
A layered niche wall, created in collaboration with the interior architect Nick Flower, brings both structure and softness to the room. It introduces texture, depth, and a place for unique objects and family heirlooms to live, turning negative space into a personal gallery.
POWDER BATH: SMALL ROOM, BOLD SPIRIT
If there’s one place Manz encourages clients to take risks, it’s the powder room. Here, she leaned into terracotta earth tones, layering textures and tile sizes for visual interest and warmth. Patterned and solid tiles work together, while textured wall coverings and a sculptural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.
LOUNGE: A STUDY IN CALM AND DEPTH
Designed as a counterpoint to the openness of the main living area, the lounge is a cocoon, both peaceful, layered, and deeply versatile. It’s a place for reading, movie nights and slow mornings.
Rich tones and varied textures do the heavy lifting here, creating depth without heaviness. Soft lighting and custom upholstery make the room feel both intentional and effortless.
At its core, this home is a reminder that design isn’t about perfection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human connection, a space was created that already feels loved.
“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life.”
PROJECT CREDITS
Builder - Buildwell
Where
www.HeartFieldsAtFrederick.com
STEVE BLAIR
STEVE BARBER
MARCH 7TH-8TH & 14TH-15TH
Annual Maple Syrup Festival
Cunningham Falls State Park | 9:00 AM
This annual event highlights the history of maple syrup in Maryland. Includes opportunities to see maple syrup demonstrations, delicious breakfast items with locally-made maple syrup and more! VisitFrederick.org
MARCH 14TH
Teelin Irish: Step Dance
Weinberg Center For The Arts | 7:00 PM
Experience the high-energy fusion of traditional Irish step dance and live music as the award-winning Teelin Irish Dance Company brings Step Dance to the Weinberg Center. This dynamic performance blends classic steps with innovative choreography in a cultural celebration that’s vibrant, rhythmic and perfect for all ages. WeinbergCenter.org
LAST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH Brunswick Live!
Downtown Brunswick | 5:00 PM
Enjoy an energetic night in historic downtown Brunswick with extended shop hours, live music, food and special happenings that bring the community together for an unforgettable evening of local flavor and fun. VisitFrederick.org
The Fresh Start
SPINKS
There’s something about this fresh, ethereal feeling that not only melts away the last traces of winter but also sparks a quiet urge to refresh our surroundings. The cupboards that need decluttering, the baseboards that have gone untouched for months, the unworn clothes that no longer serve us—it all calls for renewal. This is the essence of spring cleaning: clearing out the old to make space for the new, both in our homes and in our minds.
For some, the idea of cleaning feels anything but peaceful. The thought of tackling clutter and dust can be overwhelming, turning what should be a refreshing transition into a dreaded chore. That’s why we’ve created a simple, practical guide to help you navigate spring cleaning with ease, turning it into a rhythmic, intentional process that mirrors the calm of the season itself.
Week 1: Refresh and Declutter
• Open windows for fresh air and let the natural light in.
• Declutter surfaces—countertops, coffee tables and shelves—removing anything unnecessary.
• Go through kitchen cabinets and toss expired pantry items and mismatched containers.
• Sort through closets, donating or repurposing clothes you haven’t worn in the past year.
• Wipe down baseboards and dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents.
Week 2: Deep Clean and Rejuvenate
• Wash windows and mirrors to welcome in the sunlight.
• Deep clean the fridge and pantry, wiping down shelves and organizing items
• Launder curtains, cushion covers and throw blankets.
• Vacuum and shampoo rugs and carpets for a fresh start.
• Rotate and flip mattresses; wash all bedding, including pillows.
Week 3: Outdoor and Seasonal Transitions
• Sweep porches, patios and outdoor furniture, preparing for warm-weather gatherings.
• Check gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
• Tidy up gardens and potted plants, removing dead leaves and refreshing the soil.
• Store winter coats and boots, making space for lighter spring essentials.
• Replace seasonal decor—bring in fresh flowers, soft pastels and airy textures.
Week
4:
Finishing Touches and Maintenance
• Touch-up scuff marks on walls and doors.
• Stock up on cleaning supplies to maintain a fresh environment.
• Set a simple weekly cleaning routine to keep your home feeling refreshed.
• Light a scented candle or diffuse essential oils to celebrate your clean, peaceful space.
