Oak Branch Cottage: Transforming the Front Porch

After giving our newly painted front porch a few days to cure, J and I couldn't wait to move in the new furniture and bring the space to life. We wanted to design a cozy, inviting entryway for Oak Branch Cottage—a spot that feels equal parts elegant and comfortable as the cooler weather rolls in.

Creating a Conversation Zone

At the heart of the main seating area is a classic wicker set from Kingsley Bate. Arranged with a full sofa, two deeply cushioned chairs, and an ottoman, it creates the ultimate conversation zone for entertaining family and friends.

To ground the space and add layers of texture, we included:

• A Marble-Top Console Table: Placed directly behind the sofa, it serves as a stunning anchor for seasonal styling. Right now, it features a classic blue-and-white ginger jar flanked by a pair of metal pheasants—a subtle, sophisticated nod to fall.

• The Oyster Shell Mirror: Suspended above the console, this iconic piece from Wisteria has graced the den of my last two homes, and it brings so much personal memory and coastal character to the porch.

• Finishing Touches: A durable vinyl rug anchors the seating layout, while two garden stools offer extra surfaces for morning coffee or afternoon drinks.

Looking Ahead to Relaxing Afternoons

On the opposite side of the porch, we set up a dedicated spot for quiet moments: two traditional rockers, a garden stool, and a lush planter. They are waiting for the day when the busy renovation schedule clears enough for us to just sit, rock, and relax. This week’s project? Giving those rockers a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore’s White Dove paint to make them pop against the porch backdrop.

Seasonal Welcomes at the Steps

Of course, no autumn porch is complete without a seasonal entrance. Down the front steps, an assortment of pumpkins paired with Elegant Earth pots creates a bold statement, perfect for showcasing tall pumpkin stacks and warm fall colors.

We’re thrilled with how this space is taking shape—stay tuned for more Oak Branch Cottage updates soon!

Front Porch, y'all!

Oak Branch Cottage: Front Porch Painting

A fresh coat of paint might not sound like the most thrilling renovation on paper, but for Oak Branch Cottage, it feels like a total game-changer.

The front porch—our cottage’s very first impression—finally got the attention it’s been waiting for.

Before we could break out the paintbrushes, we had to handle the prep work. We spent time patching up old holes left behind from previous screens, which made an immediate difference. Just smoothing out those tiny imperfections made the whole space feel renewed before a drop of paint even hit the wood.

Before...

Before...

When it came to color, we wanted a palette that felt grounded, classic, and welcoming:

• The Porch Floor: Painted in Sherwin-Williams Intellectual Gray, giving it a warm, sophisticated foundation that anchors the entire space.

• The Walls: Finished in Tapestry Beige, creating a clean, soft backdrop that catches the natural light beautifully.

• The Step Risers: Touched with Essex Green on the facings, adding a rich, subtle contrast that ties into the surrounding greenery.

The combination gives the porch a bright, crisp, and beautifully tailored look. More than anything, it finally feels like us.

After!

Now that the paint is dry and the prep work is behind us, the porch is clean, refreshed, and officially ready for the best part: installing the new furniture!

Welcome to Oak Branch Cottage—we can’t wait to show you what’s coming next.

The Front Porch, y'all!

Oak Branch Cottage: Settling In - Making Oak Branch Cottage Home

Moving house at 58 is definitely a different story than moving in your 30s or 40s! The body certainly feels the extra effort a bit more these days. But despite the tired muscles, there is so much joy in watching a new space gradually transform into home.

Over Fall Break, J and I took things little by little, slowly bringing in our stored collections of artwork, rugs, and furniture. And can I just say—having a true garage and storage area to pull from has been an absolute game-changer!

Placing the Foundations

First on the agenda were the floors. We sourced our rugs and rug pads through Gulf Coast Home, and getting them unrolled and anchored into their "forever spots" instantly made the cottage feel warmer and more grounded.

Once the rugs were down, it was time to address the blank walls. Hanging art is always one of my favorite stages of decorating—it immediately injects personality into a room.

A Distinctly Southern Living Room

In the living room, everything started coming together around the hearth. We hung a collection of hand-painted bird art in a tight grouping surrounding the fireplace, which creates such a cozy focal point. To complement the birds, we brought in hand-painted oyster pieces that add a lovely coastal texture and blend seamlessly for a distinctly Southern aesthetic.

Across the room, an Audubon blue heron print grounds the space and doubles down on that regional flair. We’ve added end tables, lamps, and comfortable chairs to complete the living area. Are they in their absolute "forever spots"? Probably not! But for now, they make the room feel complete, inviting, and ready for living.

The Joy of a Real Dining Room

One of the highlights of this move has been having a dedicated dining space again. We brought our "new-to-us" Duncan Phyfe dining table into the dining room, paired with upholstered chairs that add just the right mix of classic structure and soft comfort. It is so exciting to have a true dining room to gather in once more.

Primary Bedroom Sanctuary

Moving into the primary bedroom, things are really starting to take shape as well! A brand-new bed (headboard - Gulf Coast Home) and mattress are already promising sweet dreams after long days of unpacking. We’ve also installed new lighting and hung a striking sunburst mirror (also-Gulf Coast Home) that pulls the room together.

For the flooring here, we laid down a large seagrass rug trimmed with blue tape, and then layered an older blue-and-white rug right over top for an extra touch of softness and warmth underfoot. It gives the room a relaxed, coastal feel that makes it feel like a true retreat.

The Finishing Touches

If you know me, you know I am a total lover of accessories! Layering in those smaller decor pieces, table lamps, and treasures is where the real fun lies.

I’m certain things will shift and evolve as we bring in more belongings and continue settling into the flow of the space. But for now, this is how Oak Branch Cottage is taking shape—one rug, one painting, and one memory at a time. Movers are scheduled for the end of October. It's getting real, y'all!

Making a Home, y'all!