Oak Branch Cottage: The Work Begins...

We officially have the keys to Oak Branch Cottage, and the real work has already begun!

While we fell in love with the charm of this 1901 home, bringing a turn-of-the-century house into the modern era comes with its fair share of behind-the-scenes heavy lifting. Before we get to the fun aesthetic choices, safety comes first. Our attic still houses original knob-and-tube electrical wiring, so a full system update is top priority. Along with electrical, we’re tackling plumbing, fresh paint inside and out, and bringing the original hardwood floors back to life with a full sanding and fresh stain.

Thankfully, the original floor plan is already wonderful. We aren't knocking down any walls or shifting appliance hookups, which keeps the scope focused on restoring its existing character.

Outside, the landscape is getting a complete reset. Years of uninhibited growth mean several overgrown trees and shrubs have to go. Top of the outdoor hit list? The aggressive patch of bamboo down at the street level. Clearing it all out will finally give the cottage the breathing room and curb appeal it deserves.

The project is already moving at full speed. J and I have spent the last few weeks in a whirlwind of meetings with electricians, plumbers, landscapers, and window treatment specialists. We’re currently mapping out custom curtains and woven shades to fit the house's incredible features—specifically, its massive 12-foot ceilings.

Moving from a home with standard 8 to 9-foot ceilings to these soaring 12-foot spaces completely shifts the scale of everything. The light pouring through the tall windows is a dream, but it means our old decor suddenly looks miniature! We’ve already spent some time hunting down "new-to-us" vintage and antique finds that fit the grander proportions of the rooms. Thanks to local haunts like DOP Antiques and Renaissance Interiors, we were able to locate items that will fit perfectly into the new home.

Here are just a few of our newest finds. I cannot wait to see how these new to me objects look in Oak Branch Cottage.

Custom Chandelier for the Living Room

Dining Room Hutch

Duncan Phyfe Dining Table (also has two leaves)

Entrance Table

Over the Mantle Mirror

I am still thinking about these (there are two available for extra seating)...

It’s a mix of dusty hard work and creative excitement, but watching the vision for Oak Branch Cottage slowly come to life makes every meeting and floor sample worth it. Stay tuned—the transformational before-and-afters are going to be so good!

Oak Branch Finds, y'all!

Friday Flashback…My Atlanta Addition, “The Nest”

Sometimes I do miss my home in Atlanta. In the Fall of 2007, J & I set forth on an addition of a bedroom and adjoining bath in wasted attic space that we had no use of before. The area was simply blocked by a solid wall. If you look at the front of the house there was a functional window that led to nowhere. Making J change the flower boxes seasonally and hang Christmas finery, he noticed what he thought was abundant space in that enclosed area. We then set out to hire a contractor/carpenter to “break though” a linen closet outside the upstairs laundry room. Once he broke through (literally), it was evident to all that space was no issue.

I had the best time (maybe he did not think so) working with our contractor, Josh B of Burg Built and his masterful team. J & I outlined our vision, presented our vision boards, and set out to make this space a comfortable place.
The addition started off with breaking through the existing roof (while we were on vacation no less). This was the scariest part for us. Would the existing roof match the new one? How would this new addition affect the appearance of the front facade of our home which I liked so much?

 
From break through to completion, the room took what felt like a year but was approximately 2-3 months.

DURING CONSTRUCTION:

  





    


  

AFTER CONSTRUCTION

(This is what I consider the fun part, of course):

As you can see, the bedroom features include a window seat, built-ins, and great lighting sconces from Restoration Hardware. The bedding is Pottery Barn. The bed is an antique bed from an Atlanta Antique dealer no longer in business. The antique crystal chandelier was an antique find at Scott’s Antique Market in Atlanta. Drapes are custom made. Fabric is from Lewis & Sheron, Atlanta.



 


  
The adjoining bath features white subway tile, bead board, wainscoting, vintage hexagonal tile for the floor, rain shower, antique mirror used as a mirror for the medicine cabinet, sconces from Restoration Hardware, and a built in for towels and bath accessories.



 
I think the addition turned out beautifully. Do you? The room has forever been deemed “The Nest”.
The addition of the bedroom and bath certainly helped us in the resale of our home in the summer of 2008. I hope the present owners appreciate the room with a view.
Though living through an addition is never easy, the outcome was well worth it in more ways than one.
Upon leaving the job the contractor ended with newfound wisdom and the quote, “If I can please Ron, I can certainly please you!” LOL. Yes! I expect perfection. He even felt that might be a great new sign for his business. Haha!

Do not forget to “register” for my May Give Away. The contest ends at 5:00 p.m. Central time today.

Click here: Coastal Style book

Living through Additions, y’all!

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