Oak Branch Cottage: Progress, Progress, Progress...

Stepping into Oak Branch Cottage yesterday felt like walking onto a high-energy stage set—a total whirlwind of activity in the best possible way. Everywhere you looked, someone was hard at work bringing J and my vision closer to the finish line.

Progress in Every Corner

• Lighting & Power: Electricians were bustling room to room, carefully installing new light fixtures.

  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Vintage Finds: Deliveries arrived with unique furniture pieces we hunted down at local antique stores, instantly adding character to the space.

  
  
  
  
  
  

• Custom Built-ins: Closet construction continued full steam ahead.

  
  
  

• Finishing Touches: Paintbrushes were back in action as guest bathroom painting resumed, while landscapers outside laid clean metal edging along the fresh flower beds.

  

Having so many hands on deck at once makes the final vision feel tantalizingly close.

What’s Next on the Agenda?

• Bringing in fresh soil for the garden beds

• Installing and positioning outdoor electrical outlets

• Complete touch-up painting throughout the interior

• Awaiting rug and mirror deliveries to layer in the warmth and light

There’s still plenty more to come as we pull the final details together, but every day brings us one step closer to moving in and enjoying the quiet charm of the cottage!

Progress by the day, y'all!

Oak Branch Cottage: Progress - Landscape, Paint, Closets

There is something deeply satisfying about watching a vision slowly take shape, and the transformation at Oak Branch Cottage is moving right along.

The Exterior Transformation

The landscape construction phase has been a fascinating process to watch unfold. We kicked things off by clearing away the old, overgrown landscape to create a completely clean slate. From there, the structural groundwork began:

• Drainage: A full drainage system was installed to carry runoff safely away from the house directly to the street.

• Irrigation: The underground irrigation lines are now fully in place, setting us up for long-term maintenance.

• Next Up: Jorge from JC Landscaping—who has been an absolute dream to work with—is getting ready to bring in edging, fresh topsoil, outdoor lighting, and the final selection of plants.

Setting the Mood in the Den

On the inside, the den at the rear of the home is quickly becoming a favorite space. The goal was to create an atmosphere that felt cozy, grounding, and undeniably moody.

NO! The fan is NOT staying!

• The Paint Choice: Essex Green by Benjamin Moore. It is a rich, deep forest green that completely transforms the energy of the room depending on the natural light.

• The Vibe: Paired with warm textures and rich woods, it creates the exact dark, sophisticated retreat envisioned in the initial design inspiration.

  

  The Inspiration...

  
  

Custom Storage Solutions

Practicality is meeting style in the bedrooms. Every closet is currently being custom-fitted with tailored shelving and racks to maximize every square inch of space. Having functional, built-in organization makes all the difference in keeping the rest of the home clutter-free.

Progress is steady, and the finishing touches are finally in sight!

Progress, y'all!

Oak Branch Cottage: Progress continues...

Major progress is happening all around Oak Branch Cottage this week, bringing us another step closer to the finished product. From the front yard to the interior trim, every corner is starting to feel refreshed and full of life.

Outside in the Garden

The exterior transformation is officially underway. Our landscaper has started working on the irrigation plans, ensuring the yard will be easy to maintain for years to come. Even better, a huge delivery of landscape plants arrived at the cottage. Seeing all that greenery lined up and ready to go into the ground is making the outdoor vision feel real.

Inside Color & Paint Updates

Inside, the painters are keeping the momentum going with some stunning color choices:

• Closet Doors: Got a crisp, fresh coat of Benjamin Moore's White Dove—the ultimate versatile neutral.

• Hallway: We opted for color-drenching in Sherwin-Williams Rain, wrapping the walls and trim in a calming, cohesive blue.

• Accent Pieces: A vintage bamboo accent chair is getting the same Sherwin-Williams Rain treatment, and its cushion is currently off being recovered to complete the look.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

A Window-Cleaning Trick

One of the coolest parts of the process this week has been the window cleanup. Instead of the tedious, time-consuming work of taping off every single windowpane before painting, the team painted freely and is now cleaning the glass by scraping off the excess paint. Watching the dried paint peel right off the glass leaves behind razor-sharp edges and spotless panes. It is such a satisfying and clever trick!

Renovations are always a journey, but watching these layer-by-layer changes makes every bit of dust worth it. Stay tuned for more updates as the garden goes in and the interior details come together!

Updates, y'all!