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!

Oak Branch Cottage: Pumpkins

 Moving between homes is always a whirlwind, but when you throw a full renovation into the mix, the traditional holiday routine can feel a bit overwhelming. Those of you who follow along know how much I adore seasonal decorating, so it might come as a surprise that the usual urge to pull out the Halloween decor is passing me by this year.

With renovations in full swing at Oak Branch Cottage, the recent sale of Acorn Cottage, and our official move-in date still up in the air, decking the halls for a single spooky evening just isn’t in the cards. Instead of stressing over temporary Halloween setups, I am shifting my focus to a timeless Fall look—focusing on simple, high-impact touches that won’t get in the way of the renovation progress.

The secret to decorating during a chaotic transition is keeping it outdoors and working with nature. Here is how I’m bringing autumn to life around the property without cluttering up active work zones:

• Urn Pumpkin Stacks: Near the entrance to the side yard gate, I filled our classic cast iron urns with stacked heirloom pumpkins. Stacking different tones—like muted greens, creamy whites, and rich terracottas—adds immediate height and elegance to a transitional space.

  
  
  
  
  
  

• Fresh Garden Accents: I tucked various pumpkins directly into the freshly laid garden beds. Tucking them among the new plantings grounds the space and gives the illusion that the garden is already settling in.

  
  
  

• Scattered Yard Placement: Sprinkling pumpkins in small clusters around the yard creates a warm, cohesive look from every angle, without blocking any pathways or contractor staging areas.

  
  
  

Embracing a broader seasonal look over a short-lived holiday decor setup has been such a refreshing shift. It allows us to celebrate the cozy beauty of the season while giving Oak Branch Cottage the room it needs to transform into our next home.

How are you decorating your spaces this season? Are you team Halloween, or are you keeping things classic Fall like me?

Pumpkins, y'all!