Oak Branch Cottage: Let There Be Light!

If there’s one thing that can instantly turn a chaotic construction zone into a space that feels like a home, it’s lighting. This past Saturday was a major milestone for Oak Branch Cottage—our electrician was on-site all afternoon, and the transformation is unbelievable!

Illuminating the Details

The main focus of the weekend was getting the light fixtures installed and making sure the lighting plan finally came to life. Seeing the ambient glow in each room after weeks of work lights and bare bulbs felt like a total game-changer. Every fixture brings its own personality to the cottage, striking that perfect balance between cozy charm and modern functionality.

The Power of Small Details

Beyond the statement light fixtures, our electrician knocked out a massive list of finishing touches—including installing all the outlet covers around the house. It sounds like a tiny detail, but when you’ve been looking at exposed wiring and open switch boxes for weeks, seeing crisp, clean outlet covers flush against the fresh walls makes the entire place feel polished and complete.

Moving Forward

Renovations are always a journey filled with waiting, planning, and endless choices, but days like Saturday make it all worth it. Seeing tangible progress—the kind you can literally turn on with the flip of a switch—is the ultimate mood booster.

Progress makes me so happy, and Oak Branch Cottage is one step closer to being finished! Stay tuned for more updates as we tackle the next phase of the transformation.

Lighting, y'all!

Oak Branch Cottage: The Front Porch - Let the Light In!

If you’ve driven or walked by the house recently, you might have noticed a major transformation underway on the front facade. The dark screens have officially been removed, exposing a completely open front porch!

I know, I know—a lot of you loved the screened-in look, and I totally get the appeal. But personally, I’ve always preferred a screened porch tucked away on the side or rear of a house for private lounging. For the front entry, I envisioned something bright, welcoming, and open to the neighborhood. From day one, I knew those front screens were going to say “bye-bye”!

Opening up this space completely changes the curb appeal and sets the tone for everything to come on the inside. Eventually, this porch will be an extension of our living space, fully furnished with a cozy outdoor sofa, comfy chairs, an ottoman, and classic rockers. It’s going to be the ultimate spot for morning coffee and evening wind-downs.

If you look closely at the recent photos, you might also spot a key update: the plumber has already been by to install our new gas lanterns! There is truly nothing like the soft, warm glow of a live-flame gas light to make a home feel inviting. I cannot wait to flick the switch and see them glowing at dusk for the very first time.

Stay tuned—there are plenty more updates coming soon as we keep bringing this home to life!

A Welcoming Porch, y'all!

Oak Branch Cottage: Painted Hood and a Massive Windowbox

Things are moving fast at Oak Branch Cottage, and the latest round of updates has brought some serious drama—in the best way possible. From striking paint choices to heavy-lifting curb appeal, here is what’s fresh on the renovation front.

Bold Contrast in the Kitchen

We decided to make a statement in the kitchen by taking a custom-built range hood and coating it in a rich, glossy black. The high-shine finish completely elevates the focal point of the cooking space. To keep the look cohesive rather than isolated, we matched the finish on the inside of the kitchen door. Painting both elements in the same deep gloss anchors the room, pulling the eye across the space and giving the whole kitchen a tailored, intentional feel.

Big Curb Appeal: The 8-Foot Window Box

Out front, the transformation continued with the installation of a custom window box under the front windows. Coming in at a massive 8 feet long, this thing is an absolute beast—sturdy, substantial, and built to stand up to the scale of the house.

A box that large couldn't stay empty for long. I made a quick trip over to Perino’s Garden Center to hunt for the right greenery. I landed on asparagus ferns, which turned out to be the perfect match. Their soft, feathery texture and vibrant green tendrils spill over the edges, creating a lush, airy contrast against the heavy wood structure of the box.

Every little project is bringing Oak Branch Cottage closer to feeling complete. Stay tuned—there is plenty more to come!

Renovations, y'all!