Welcome to Oak Branch Cottage: First Impressions & What Made Us Fall in Love

 When we first laid eyes on Oak Branch Cottage, we knew she had something truly special. Today, I’m taking you back to day one—how she looked when we purchased her and the exact details that stole our hearts from the moment we pulled up to the curb.

The listing photos....

Here are a few of the big reasons we knew this was the right next chapter for us:

1. Off-Street Parking (A True New Orleans Miracle!)

If you are familiar with living in New Orleans, you already know that off-street parking is absolute gold.

For the last 18 years, we’ve dealt with the daily puzzle of street parking—hoping for a spot directly in front of the house or trekking down the block with armfuls of groceries. Having dedicated off-street parking is going to be an incredible game-changer for our daily routine, and it's something we certainly won't take for granted!

2. A Long, Wide Front Porch

The front porch immediately called to us. It’s wonderfully long and wide—the kind of classic Southern porch made for slow mornings and cool evening breezes.

Next up on the project list: We plan on removing the existing screens to open the porch back up, let the light pour through, and give the facade a fresh, welcoming feel.

3. Soaring 12-Foot Ceilings

Stepping inside, the vertical space instantly took our breath away. Moving from 8-to-9-foot ceilings up to 12-foot ceilings completely changes the energy of the home:

• More Natural Light: Higher walls mean larger window potential and better light distribution.

• Visual Space: The rooms feel airy, open, and far grander.

• Extra Elbow Room: Coupled with the high ceilings, the house itself is almost 500 square feet larger than our previous home, giving us that extra breathing room we’ve been craving.

4. A Wider, Spacious Lot

At Acorn Cottage, our lot was long and narrow—meaning the neighbors were just a little too close for comfort.

One of the biggest selling points of Oak Branch Cottage is the larger, broader lot. Having a bit of distance between us and the neighboring homes gives us a renewed sense of privacy and plenty of space to stretch out, garden, and enjoy the outdoors.

What’s Next?

We have so many plans to make Oak Branch Cottage our own, starting with opening up that front porch and improving the landscape! Thank you for following along on this journey with us—stay tuned for plenty of renovation updates, design inspiration, and "before & after" reveals!

Oak Branch Cottage from the Beginning, y'all!

Big News! Saying Goodbye to Acorn Cottage & Hello to Oak Branch Cottage

 It’s official: The Acorn Cottage has sold!

While it’s bittersweet to close that chapter, J and I aren’t going far. We are staying in Uptown New Orleans, just shifting over a bit to the wonderful Carrollton neighborhood. We officially closed on our "new-to-us" house on Wednesday, and we couldn't be more excited!

Now... the real fun begins.

Contractors, electricians, plumbers, and landscapers—oh my! We have a grand vision for this space, and while the to-do list is already growing by the minute, we can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and bring it to life.

I’ll do my best to log all the progress, design ideas, and inevitable renovation bumps along the way right here as we transform this new gem into Oak Branch Cottage.

Stay tuned for updates, before-and-afters, and plenty of behind-the-scenes chaos. Here’s to the next adventure!

Oak Branch, y'all!

Chateau Lapeyre {Move-In Day}

My sister and brother-in-law have been building a new home in Southern Louisiana, and move-in finally happened yesterday.

I only wish I could have been there to help with the move. I love setting up a home; my sister does not. We could not be more opposite when it comes to planning and decorating a home.

I hope to give you better photos in the months to come but with two boys her home is definitely "lived in".

I love the Southern details of the new home.

Wishing my sister and her family many years of happiness in her new home. There is still lots left to do.....

The New Chateau Lapeyre, y'all!