Oak Branch Cottage: Let There Be Light!

If there’s one thing that can instantly turn a chaotic construction zone into a space that feels like a home, it’s lighting. This past Saturday was a major milestone for Oak Branch Cottage—our electrician was on-site all afternoon, and the transformation is unbelievable!

Illuminating the Details

The main focus of the weekend was getting the light fixtures installed and making sure the lighting plan finally came to life. Seeing the ambient glow in each room after weeks of work lights and bare bulbs felt like a total game-changer. Every fixture brings its own personality to the cottage, striking that perfect balance between cozy charm and modern functionality.

The Power of Small Details

Beyond the statement light fixtures, our electrician knocked out a massive list of finishing touches—including installing all the outlet covers around the house. It sounds like a tiny detail, but when you’ve been looking at exposed wiring and open switch boxes for weeks, seeing crisp, clean outlet covers flush against the fresh walls makes the entire place feel polished and complete.

Moving Forward

Renovations are always a journey filled with waiting, planning, and endless choices, but days like Saturday make it all worth it. Seeing tangible progress—the kind you can literally turn on with the flip of a switch—is the ultimate mood booster.

Progress makes me so happy, and Oak Branch Cottage is one step closer to being finished! Stay tuned for more updates as we tackle the next phase of the transformation.

Lighting, y'all!

Oak Branch Cottage: It's All in the Details

The big transformations are complete, but the real magic is happening in the details as Oak Branch Cottage comes together piece by piece.

Here is a quick look at what’s currently underway inside and out:

Bold Color Accents The living room shelving update is officially a favorite. The back paneling is painted in Sherwin Williams’ Rain, and the muted, serene blue grounds the built-ins while giving displayed pieces a soft, high-contrast backdrop.

Kitchen Vent Hood Over in the kitchen, a custom hood has been added to the venting system above the stove. Up next for this feature: a coat of high-gloss black paint to create a dramatic, grounding anchor for the cooking zone.

Lighting Adjustments Fixtures are going up throughout the house. The hallway is now sporting a Visual Comfort chandelier—though fine-tuning the scale is key. Removing about five chain links will bring it to the perfect hanging height and keep sightlines clear.

Front Yard Landscaping Out front, Jorge and the team at JC Landscaping are making steady progress. To give the plant beds a clean, permanent border, metal edging painted in Essex Green is being installed. It keeps the soil and mulch neatly contained while adding a classic, tailored line to the garden.

Progress, y'all!

The Acorn Cottage {Before and After: Sunroom}

One of the rooms that we spend the most time in is the sunroom. Large windows lead to a view of the front garden and the passers-by on the street. It is our favorite room to sip a cocktail and visit with friends. Has Parlor Patter been replaced by Sunroom Sippin'? Only time will tell. The built-ins in this room are what "sold" me on the house. I cannot get enough of built-in shelving. Believe it or not, we used most of the furniture from our former home on Perrier- sofa, club chairs, bar cart, end table, round clock table. 

Here is how the sunroom looked on May 11, 2018.

And here is the sunroom today, September 18.

I am loving the new sideboard piece that we purchased in May especially for the sunroom. We initially thought we may want a TV atop the piece but decided not to for now. The sideboard was purchased from DOP Antiques. The two green and white bistro chairs are also a new purchase from Frontgate. I have wanted a pair for a long time. The drapes were a splurge from Fairfax Fabric Company on Magazine Street. The overhead lighting and branch sconces are Visual Comfort from Rivers Spencer also on Magazine Street.

The Built-ins!!! Yes, I adore built-ins as they are so fun to decorate and constantly rearrange. I am so smitten with the shelves and the ample storage beneath.

The Southern bird oils gracing the grasscloth covered walls are from Chic Chateau Interiors in my hometown of Thibodaux. The pheasant painting is by by own niece Lucy Pearce (Ain't she talented?). The acorn and oak leaf art was purchased from The Plantation Shop way back in 2008, and the turtle shell plates atop the bar are by Vietri purchased from Hazelnut. I believe they are discontinued but are one of my favorite things.

The sunroom will be a great room to entertain and also a great room to relax.

Sunroom, y'all!

The Acorn Cottage {Visual Comfort Sconces}

Today, yes today (on Labor Day), our electrician stopped by to hang these Visual Comfort sconces. I am in love! Most of our lighting selected for the Acorn Cottage is by Visual Comfort from Rivers Spencer on Magazine Street.

I do adore lighting, and I adore it even more when the lighting is this good.

And I am even more stoked that I have an extra day off compliments of Tropical Storm Gordon.

Sconces, y'all!

The Acorn Cottage {Progress in Tiles and Lighting}

Progress continues to be made at the Acorn Cottage.

Penny tiles in white and black are being installed today.

The electrician was also at the home this morning installing lighting and sconces in the sunroom as well as a chandelier in the guest bedroom. Have I told you how much I am in love with the Visual Comfort lighting purchased through Rivers Spencer on Magazine Street?

I love to see progress at the end of the day. The siding guys were back after a week off. I hope I see some progress on their end this week too. 

Progressing, y'all!