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: 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!