Intentional, Edited, and Almost Done: Teche’s Not-Quite-Final Reveal

The dust has settled, the last coat of paint is dry, and 105 Teche is no longer a before—she’s the after they warned you about. But make no mistake, this isn’t just a run of the mill flip. What began as a sagging structure with promising bones has been fully transformed into something soulful, intentional, and design‑forward. Every corner holds a detail, every surface a story.

As someone who eats, sleeps, lives, and breathes the world of real estate and interior design, I knew this house was about more than square footage and comps—it was a chance to blend architecture, artistry and authenticity. We’ve already touched on the major shifts—layout changes, structural reinforcements, the improved flow that now defines the space—but today I want to take you deeper. I want to walk you through the intention behind the selections, the moments of craftsmanship that flew under the radar, and the bold design calls that gave Teche her new identity. She’s almost market-ready, but we’re showing our cards early.

A Shower Moment, But Make It Cinematic

First stop: the bathroom that sets the tone, then takes it one giant step further. Dark, dramatic marble tile now flows up the walls, enveloping the space in moody sophistication. The intention was clear: we wanted contrast, texture and a hint of luxury that didn’t feel ostentatious.

The star in this space is the brass shower system. It doesn’t scream for attention, it wears like jewelry: precise, textural, and exactly right.

The shower niche is proof that a detail can be both functional and quietly show-stopping. The scalloped tile layout plays with repetition and restraint, alternating between bold, large-aggregate terrazzo and a finer, more grounded mix. It’s texture without visual noise. Framed in coordinating brass trim, the niche breaks through the dark marble surround with just enough warmth to catch light, not steal it. Every finish here is speaking the same language: edited, layered, modern. It’s the kind of designer bathroom detail that makes a space feel intentional, not overworked—proof that functional elements don’t have to disappear.

Why this works

• Navy marble does the heavy lifting, creating a rich, dramatic backdrop that anchors the entire bathroom without begging for attention.

• Brass finishes punctuate the room’s darker palette, adding warmth, reflectivity, and a sense of patina that connects the space to the rest of the home’s vintage-modern language. In a room of saturated tone, brass offers just enough light play.

• The terrazzo niche adds a layered texture, a surprise detail that shifts the space from “luxury bathroom” to “bespoke design moment.”

• The juxtaposition of dark, reflective stone with warm metal and articulated terrazzo demonstrates a controlled risk: bold, but rooted in restraint.

• The added beaded moulding, painted to match the wall, bridges the gap between the brass trim and the rest of the space—keeping things cohesive, with just enough cottagecore to soften the modern edge.

Soft Neutrals, Strong Lines: A Modern Take on the Primary Bath

From the moody intensity of the navy marble bath, we transition into something quieter—but no less considered. The primary suite bath trades saturation for softness. It’s calm. It’s architectural. A quieter kind of bold.

Hand-cut vertical stripe tile draws the eye upward, adding subtle movement and emphasizing height. On the floor, golden marble veining softens the geometry, grounding the room with a more organic pattern. The fluted freestanding tub sits at the center—sculptural but not showy, anchoring the space without feeling heavy.

And the wall-mounted brass faucet? Vintage-inspired, beautifully tactile, and quietly confident. It balances form and function the way great fixtures should—elegant, purposeful, and built to last.

Design intentions:

• The vertical tile does more than stretch the walls—it gives the room rhythm. Quiet but deliberate, it keeps the space from feeling static.

• Honey veined marble underfoot softens the structure. It adds just enough movement to ground the geometry without stealing the show.

• The fluted tub is more sculpture than statement. It anchors the space, but doesn’t dominate it—form doing exactly what it should.

• Antique brass fixtures bring warmth in all the right places. Wall-mounted, vintage-referenced, and chosen for the way they’ll age, not shine.

• Nothing matches—but everything speaks the same language. The space isn’t coordinated. It’s composed.

Soft Utility: Where Design Meets Daily Use

The original kitchen layout had the sink awkwardly shoved to the left of the window—a placement that made no sense functionally or visually. So we moved it. Centered it. Gave it a view.

Now, the faucet sits exactly where it should: anchored beneath the window, framed by light, aligned with the outdoors. It's no longer an afterthought—it’s part of the composition. Everyday tasks feel just a little less routine when they happen in a space that was actually designed to be lived in. The unlacquered, vintage-inspired brass fixture ties back to everything Teche got right: cohesive, era-appropriate, and fully functional for real life.

And because this house was always meant to hold life, not just stage it, we made sure to test that theory. This house was never meant to be precious. It was never about creating a space too perfect to touch—it was about designing a home that could take a breath, hold a moment, and look even better after it’s been lived in. We didn’t just design the kitchen to look good in photos. We let it live. Really live. We broke in the floor by dancing on it. We pressure-checked the layout by spinning in circles. We gave the countertops a real audit by letting a four-year-old climb on them and cackle at full volume.

And in those moments, something clicked. The design didn’t fall apart. It embraced us. The light landed in the right places. The foundation proved rock solid. The space worked—because it was made to. It’s easy to forget, in the world of curated stills and showroom-perfect walkthroughs, that homes are meant to be a little loud. A little messy. Full of little fingerprints and inside jokes.

What we built here isn’t just resale-ready—it’s life-ready, the good, the bad, and everything in between. And that’s the part you can’t fake. You can feel when a house was designed with heart. When someone thought about real life unfolding inside it. This kitchen isn’t just where you’ll plate dinner. It’s where someone will practice spelling at the counter, where you’ll take a breath between emails, where you might one day hold a tiny human mid-laugh and realize—you built something great.

A sink with a view is nice. A kitchen that holds a moment like this? Priceless.

The kitchen was never just about trendy cabinet colors—it had to work for actual life. Preferably loud, barefoot, and standing on countertops.

Not Just for the Photos

You don’t always notice good design in the moment. It’s not loud. It doesn’t announce itself. But it changes how you move—how you pause, how you breathe, how you connect. It shows up in the way a room supports your rhythm without interrupting it.

This kitchen wasn’t built for show, but to hold the weight of real life—quiet mornings, quick meals, late-night pacing, a glass of water at the end of a long day. If you feel more grounded in it without knowing why, that’s by design.

Design isn’t just visual—it's spatial memory. The kind that sneaks up later, when you walk into a different kitchen and realize something feels off.

Good design doesn’t insist. It just works—quietly, daily, and often without credit. But if it makes someone feel more at ease in their own space? That’s the point. Always was.

Built for the Life Inside It

While we arranged textures and details to impress, at the heart of Teche is the invitation to live. This home is not a showroom—it’s a backdrop for real life.

The final photo shoot, for example, wasn’t about perfection. It was about capturing laughter in the kitchen, glasses clinking under that sculptural light fixture, moments of arrival. Because houses don’t just become homes—they become scenes, core memories, integral parts of each and every one of us.

The Mindset

When we design a space, we’re not setting a scene—we’re creating space for real life to step in. The laughter, the mess, the late-night pacing, the slow mornings. We don’t cover that up. We make room for it.

The design choices matter (in fact I obsess over them). But what brings a house to life is always the people. The energy it holds. The stories that haven’t happened yet but feel close.

This one came together with the kind of team you want in your corner. The kind that knows when to push, when to pause, and when to crack open a bottle on the floor before the light bulbs are even in. It felt less like a project, more like a shared vision that actually landed.

Teche isn’t just nearing the finish line. She’s getting ready for whatever—and whoever— comes through the door next.

Joy, unstaged.

Next up: The finishing layers, the list-day plan, and a new standard for Lafayette flips.

The renovation’s nearly over—but the story’s just warming up.

This isn’t just a run of the mill flip rushed for the sake of a “for sale” sign, this is a chapter we still live in, breathe in, and show up for together. Our team, more like a scrappy collective than a crew, leaned into the chaos: hanging cabinet hardware in heels (guess who), collective panic over gas company delays, all hands on deck to decode my paint instructions and light fixture placements, drywall dust in shoes, and that moment when the door moldings finally aligned. We didn’t slip away silently—we stayed to peel back the final layer, untuck the details, and test how it all felt in real life. 105 Teche wasn’t built to be perfect.

It was built to meet you where you are.

And all the moments you see here? Captured beautifully by Wrigley Smith, who somehow managed to capture the mess, the magic, and all the quiet in between. You can follow her work here.

FAQs

• What does “design‑forward flip” mean?

  A design-forward flip isn’t about packing a house with trendy upgrades—it’s about designing with intention, from structure to finish. It means asking better questions at every stage: How does this space function day-to-day? What should it feel like at 7 a.m. with sunlight pouring in—or after dinner when the house gets quiet? Instead of defaulting to resale-safe choices, we focused on proportion, flow, and timeless materiality. A flip doesn’t have to feel temporary or generic. It can feel collected, livable, and quietly bold.

  Teche is that philosophy in practice. We moved the kitchen sink to align with the window—not just for symmetry, but to bring the outdoors into a daily ritual. We chose unlacquered brass because we wanted materials that age with the house. We added bead moulding and warm wood tones to soften harder lines, keeping one foot in her cottage roots while updating her for modern life. Every edit—from the terrazzo niche to the window casings—was made to support the space, not steal from it. It’s a house that was rethought, not just redone.

• Why invest in high-end finishes when flipping?

  Because buyers feel the difference before they know what they’re looking at. You can walk into a house and instantly tell whether it was thoughtfully renovated or rushed to market. Details like unlacquered brass fixtures, bespoke cabinetry, or custom tile work don’t just look elevated—they signal care, longevity, and a point of view. And that’s what makes buyers fall for a home, not just buy it.

  These aren’t upgrades for the sake of flash—they’re decisions that create emotional connection and perceived value. In a crowded market, the flips that linger are usually the ones that feel flat or forgettable. But when a home has been edited with intention—where the materials, palette, and layout all work in quiet harmony—buyers take notice.
  
  But a design-forward flip doesn’t mean blowing the budget on luxury everything. We hunt for pieces that look high-end, feel durable, and still let the margins breathe. It’s about having a vision and refusing to settle—even if that means scouring every corner of the internet or every aisle at the big box stores. (Just ask Patrick—he watched me scroll through every faucet on Amazon and every vanity at Home Depot. Twice.)

• How do I source timeless finishes that won’t feel trendy next year?

  Start with an audit of your explore page. If everything looks the same, you’re missing the point.

  Timeless design doesn’t come from copying, it comes from creating. It’s less about what’s popular and more about what holds up. Look for materials that wear in, not out. Real stone with natural quirks. Metals that patinate. Fixtures that feel like they belong to the house, not the Pinterest board.

  You don’t need to blow the budget, you need to know what reads as considered. I’ve sourced Amazon faucets that pass for vintage and mixed them with polished stone and custom vanities without blinking. It’s about the composition, not the cost.

  And yes, it takes time. Think: 74 open tabs, comparing the curve of spouts, filter settings set to “brass only,” endless photoshop renderings, and one poor contractor watching me spiral as I unpack the wrong fixture shipped from Amazon… again. But when the palette hits, the scale’s right, and nothing feels like it’s trying too hard? That’s when it works.

• How do you stay true to your design style while flipping multiple properties? Don't they all end up looking the same?

  Start by letting the house speak—and actually listening. On that first walkthrough, before demo, before Pinterest boards, you can usually feel what the house wants to be. The lines, the light, the layout (even if it's broken)—they all leave clues. You’re not forcing a look onto a space. You’re pulling the right version of it out.

  From there, staying on brand doesn’t mean stamping the same style onto every project. It’s about working within a consistent design language: warm metals, tactile materials, tonal restraint, layered contrast. Things that feel edited, not overworked. Even when the architecture shifts, your point of view doesn’t have to. You just calibrate the mix.

  For me, that means brass shows up often, but it lands differently depending on the room. A fluted detail might move from sink to tile. A certain type of veining shows up again—not because it's a formula, but because it belongs.

  It’s never about matching past projects, but about making the next one’s final product feel inevitable. Like it was always meant to look this way—even if it took some demo (and maybe even tears) to get there.

• What comes after the listing goes live?

  The work doesn’t stop at the final photo edit or when the staging pillows are fluffed. Once the listing hits, it turns into a sprint—but a curated one. It starts with how the story is told: social content that actually reflects the design process, captions that go beyond “just listed,” and visuals that show more than angles—they show intent.

  The showings matter, but so does the experience within them. Lighting adjusted. Tools Gone. Kitchen island styled. Let the finishes speak. Let the layout guide. It’s about giving buyers space to feel something.

  Then there’s the follow-through. The email responses that don’t sound templated. The detail sheets that highlight why that wall was opened up, why that faucet was chosen, why this flip doesn’t feel like a flip.

  Because a buyer isn’t just walking into a house—they’re stepping into a decision. Maybe the biggest one of their lives to date. Our job is to make sure it all feels intentional. Every touchpoint, every room, every material—designed to not just show well, but live well.

• What’s left to finish at Teche?

  We’re down to the final layer—the kind of details that most people overlook, but that actually make the space feel finished. A few light fixtures still need to be installed (yes, even more are coming). Laundry room cabinetry is next. Gas connection is scheduled so the new range can do its job.

  We’re also swapping out a few pieces of door hardware—touchpoints again—and making sure every outlet and switch plate cover is matched and intentional. Paint touch-ups are happening, grout is getting sealed, and we’re walking the house with fresh eyes before the final tidy-up.

  It’s not quite the big reveal yet. But almost.

From a Flip to a Feeling: How 105 Teche Became Lafayette’s Design Darling

There’s a shift that happens in every renovation—the day you walk in and realize the construction zone has quietly turned into a home. That’s where we’re at with 105 Teche Drive. The paint’s on, the floors are in, and the lighting is… somewhere between “en route” and “back-ordered.” The bathrooms? Drama. The kitchen? Straight from a Nancy Meyers fever dream, but, like…cooler.

It’s giving modern-luxe cottagecore with just enough edge to keep it interesting. And while Blaise ran off to elope (while I sobbed at home about how stunning and happy he and Teagan looked), our head contractor Ian and I kept the show running. Light fixtures in one hand, incorrect Amazon shipments in the other. Because the glow-up doesn’t wait for anyone, even the groom.

Here’s the latest update on the Teche Flip — AKA our favorite 70503 girlie in her renovation era.

The Kitchen’s Power Couple: Veined Countertops + Vintage Pendants

The island has landed, and she’s the moment.

We went for rich stain with a warm, grounded midtone, somewhere between a walnut and acacia finish, with those deep espresso striations that catch the light just enough to show off the grain. It’s not too polished or too rustic. It has that intentional, lived-in sheen that feels like it’s been there long enough to earn its confidence.

It’s doing exactly what it should: marrying the tone of the new floors with the original wood paneling in the dining room. The stain bridges those elements without competing: the cooler undertones of the flooring meet the honeyed warmth of the paneling halfway, and the island becomes the translator. Above it, a pair of vintage-inspired glass pendants will tie the look together. Their scalloped shades and subtle brass hardware feel familiar but refined — a soft nod to the home’s midcentury roots without dipping into nostalgia.

That continuity is what makes the Teche renovation feel considered instead of contrived. We didn’t erase the home’s original soul — we enhanced it. The untouched wood ceiling and walls in the dining now read as a deliberate design choice, not an afterthought, because the island carries that same organic depth forward. Something moody but still grounded. Topped with a thick Calacatta gold-veined quartz slab, it just quietly commands attention. As for the countertops along the wall cabinets? Simpler white quartz, so the island can actually be the anchor instead of fighting for attention.

This is where wine gets poured. Where gossip, business deals, pivotal life moments, and minor existential crises will happen. If you’re not leaning on this island mid-rant like it’s your scene partner, you’re missing the point.

Primary Bath: Vintage Brass Fixtures, Vertical Stripes, and a Hint of Main Character

Let’s start with the primary bath, because I don’t believe in saving the best for last.

We took a risk with hand-cut vertical tile arranged in a striped pattern, and it paid off big time. Paired with soft creamy walls and antiqued brass plumbing that looks expensive (but wasn’t), the whole room feels like a boutique hotel in Paris had a baby with a southern cottage.

The chandelier saga continues. The dining one was too big for the space. The bathroom one? ALSO too big for the space. So we pivoted—shifted the bath fixture to the dining room (taking the wood paneled dining room from “maw maw’s duck camp” to “modern cottage with a touch of romantic whimsy” ) and found a better-scaled one for the bath (fluted details win again). It’s all about the ability to pivot, keeping a (tired but keen) eye on proportions, and refusing to settle for “fine.”

Now the primary bath is all vintage brass fixtures, sculptural sconces, and just enough glow to make the paint color flex. Suddenly it’s not just a bathroom, it’s a vibe. Less Pinterest-core, more lived-in luxury. Personality-core with a capital P.

Guest Bath: The Moody One with the Niche (Literally)

In a word? She’s moody. We went full navy and onyx marbled tile in the shower, which makes the tub pop and adds just enough drama without going full batcave.

The real MVP here is the custom inset shampoo niche, finished in the same terrazzo tile as the floor — just cut into scallops in alternating scale, because you know I love a difficult detail. Brass trim finishes it off, and the deep navy ceiling ties it all together.

Still under construction, but the vision? Fully loaded.

Behind the Scenes: Still Messy, Still Magic

By this stage in any renovation, the universe starts to get a little bold with her sense of humor. Fixtures arrive cracked. Boxes show up missing the one part you actually need. And in our case, a certain supplier — looking at you, Bezos! — managed to send us a 2008 Honda Odyssey radiator instead of the pair of primary bathroom mirrors we ordered. (Close, but not quite.) It’s the part of the process where you stop asking why and just start asking how fast can I return this? But even with the shipping mishaps and dented egos, the house keeps moving forward — stubbornly, beautifully, almost in spite of us. We’re in the best part. The click moment. When design, function, and results finally agree on something.

I brought Evie through during demo months ago. Dust everywhere, a house held up by framing and vision alone. She stood on the porch and yelled, “Mama! Make this house beautiful!”

I’m happy to report: we did.

105 Teche Drive is becoming that balance of modern and nostalgic—a home with personality, presence, and no interest in playing by flip-book rules. What’s next: The last of the light fixtures, paint touch ups, final punch list, exterior cleanup, and prep for styling.

We’re almost at the part where I stop sweating about grout color and start posting listing links.

Stay tuned.

FAQs

• What makes this flip different?

  We’re not doing beige boxes. Every decision has intention, texture, and a little rebellion baked in.

• What inspired the color palette?

  Lafayette light—rich hues, moody, and way too pretty to waste on gray paint.

• How are you rethinking the concept of home flipping?

  By treating every project as a design story—not an inventory item.

• How do you approach staging vs. designing?

  We design for living, not for listing photos.

• How has Lafayette influenced your design approach?

  It’s a city that loves comfort and story. We design to reflect that.

• What role does sustainability play?

  We focus on long-lasting materials and timeless finishes over fast-trend choices.

• What’s next for Teche Drive?

  Appliances, 1000 punch list items, final styling, and a photoshoot that’ll make all the dust worth it.

Teche’s Hot Girl Era: Paint Done, Floors Down, Fixtures Loading

That “Wait… It’s a Real House Now?” Moment

You know that feeling when a renovation crosses the threshold from “project” to “place you actually want to hang out in”? We’re there. 105 Teche Drive isn’t just a construction zone anymore—it’s giving modern-luxe moodboard meets actual livable space. Paint? Done. Cabinets? Finished. Floors? Laid. Fixtures? In transit. And let’s not forget the moody-stained kitchen island that’s been stealing focus like it’s auditioning for an Architectural Digest cover.

The Wall & Cabinet Saga: A Color Commitment Crisis Worth Having

I lost sleep over these paint colors. We chose ten. I tortured Blaise. But every drop of drama was worth it. The walls aren’t just painted—they’re dressed. Wrapped in creamy warmth, soft neutrals, and just enough contrast to keep it interesting. The cabinets complement without competing. It's giving restraint with a wink. Even my sometimes-grumpy-always-practical flip partner had to admit “I had my doubts, but somehow all of this works even better than you promised it would.” (Thanks for admitting I was right, Blaise!)

Design tip? Sometimes indecision is just dedication in disguise. And yes, I’ll die on that hill.

Let’s Talk About the Kitchen Island—Because It Deserves Its Own Section

This island isn’t just a surface; it’s a vibe. We went dark and moody, but kept the woodgrain visible—rich, grounded, a little mysterious. It says: “I host wine nights but also get sh*t done.” It anchors the space visually and emotionally. It’s not just the heart of the kitchen—it’s the soul of the flip.

I’ve already mentally styled it three ways. And yes, there will be a ceramic fruit bowl with one aggressively aesthetic pomegranate in at least one listing photo. Fight me.

Floors: She’s Grounded Now

Subfloor echoes? Gone. Now it’s solid, checkerboard tile and warm wood tones underfoot. The kind of flooring that makes you want to ditch your shoes and slow-walk through the house with a glass of wine like you’re in a Nancy Meyers movie.

We went for wide plank, matte finish—chic but not trying too hard. The last few corners are getting touched up, but the foundation of the home’s vibe is down, literally and stylistically.

Fixtures, Vanities & That Tub Surround: All the YES Moments

Let’s get into the real stars of this phase:

• Vanities: Not just storage—statements. Think antique wood, soft-close everything, and a finish that whispers "spa" but still holds your dry shampoo stash.

• Tub Surround: Custom, clean, but full of personality. It’s got that “you could definitely take a dramatic Sunday soak here” energy.

• Lighting: All ordered. All on theme. Brass. Globes. Sconces. Drama. I’m lighting this house like it’s about to walk a red carpet.

There’s nothing quite like watching your Pinterest boards materialize into actual shipments arriving on site. If serotonin came in box form, it would look like pendant lights.

Touch Me Textures: The Hardware Edit

Let’s talk hardware—because she’s not just decorative, she’s the unsung hero of a well-dressed space. What may feel like trivial details to some are actually the most important part of bringing a space together— it’s ALL about the touch points. I went deep into the design rabbit hole and came out holding vintage-inspired brass beauties that are the literal definition of quiet luxury.

Antique Brass Cabinet Pulls

We’re talking warm aged brass with fluted grip detailing—bold without shouting, luxe without trying too hard. The texture gives just enough grip to feel intentional (read: not builder basic), and the profile hits that sweet spot between traditional and tailored. They’re the kind of pulls you notice after the fact—when you catch yourself running your hand over them because they just feel that good.

Fluted Bedroom Knobs

Don’t even get me started on these chunky circular knobs with beaded backplates. They’re giving vintage vault chic. A little industrial, a little Roman revival, and just enough edge to keep things modern without sacrificing the cottagecore aesthetic. I love how they ground the room—literally. There’s something quietly commanding about them. And yes, I did test them in every lighting condition like a psycho.

Glass + Brass Bathroom Doorknobs

As for the bathroom doors? We’re doing glass knobs set in aged brass rosettes with a slight Art Deco flair. It’s serving restored antique but make it curated. They sparkle in the best way—like a design Easter egg when the sun hits just right. You could be wearing a ratty robe and still feel like Old Hollywood just brushing past one of these.

These hardware choices don’t just finish the space—they elevate it. Like couture for your cabinets. Functional, yes. But mostly? Just straight-up FAB.

On Deck: Stone Slabs, Dreamy Tile, and Appliance Angst

Every good glow-up has a few cliffhangers. Here’s ours:

• Countertops: I’m spiraling between quartz, soapstone, and one statement color that’s so unexpected I kind of love it.

• Terrazzo Tile: The hall bath is getting it. Non-negotiable. It’s retro, modern, and quietly expensive-looking all at once. Literal design dream unlocked.

• Appliances: Time to make decisions that are both aesthetic and functional. The big players. The stainless steel soldiers. The things that make a kitchen not just pretty, but powerful.

These aren’t just finishing touches—they’re identity-defining choices. The things that move the Teche Flip from "cute Instagram girl" to “she’s got a mortgage and a skincare fridge.”

The Vibe Check: Teche Flip, but Make It Personal

We’re living in the sweet spot of any renovation—the click moment. When everything begins to align. Walls have warmth. Floors feel finished. Light is coming. It’s not just a house anymore—it’s a whole mood.

Modern with a nostalgic wink. Elevated but not unapproachable. A little dramatic, a little romantic, and a whole lot of her.

And while countertops, terrazzo tile, and appliance decisions loom on the horizon, I’m allowing myself this moment of pause to say:
105 Teche is coming together—and she’s everything.

How 10 Paint Colors and a Perfect Sink Defined This Flip

The Flip That Keeps Teaching Me Lessons

If the first phases of this flip were all about structural drama and the second was budget-breakthrough chaos, then this chapter is officially the paint-fueled emotional rollercoaster. We’re deep into the kitchen now — where every design choice either cements the cottagecore-modern dream or spirals into Blaise muttering about aneurysms. Spoiler: both happened.

Cabinets That Got the Glow-Up

We finally committed: painted wall cabinets + stained island.
It’s the kitchen equivalent of a power couple — one side crisp and classic, the other warm and grounded. The painted wall cabinets keep the space grounded while the wood island delivers that moody, cozy hit I can’t live without. It’s modern cottagecore in one fell swoop.

The Great Range Relocation

Remember how we planned a 30″ in-island gas range? Yeah, that’s gone. Instead, we’re opting for a 36″ wall range. Moving it freed up the island for prep, storage, and seating while giving the range its own moment on the wall with more space to actually cook— a win-win if you ask me. Functionally, it’s a dream. Aesthetically? Total win.

The Sink That Stole My Heart

You know when you see the one? That’s how I feel about our sink. An apron-front fluted beauty with just enough heft to anchor the whole wall. Paired with a brass faucet, it’s equal parts romantic and practical. This was one of those decisions that Blaise and I were both gung-ho for the second I sent the link.

Top Row (Left to Right): Double Latte, Malabar, Garden Gate, Hot Cocoa, Maison Blanche

Bottom Row (Left to Right): Best Bronze, Samovar Silver, Delft, Shoji White, Waterloo

Ten Paint Colors. TEN.

Here’s where Blaise nearly lost it. We (aka me) landed on ten different paint colors for this house (and that’s not counting sheens). Walls, ceilings, trim, cabinetry — each got its own treatment. I insisted it was non-negotiable.

To avoid painter mutiny, we taped every single can with the code + sheen and matched that to the walls, trims, and ceilings. We even taped huge “DO NOT PAINT” signs on the wood paneling and window trim that we opted to leave as is. It looked like a paint-coded war room. But it worked, and the depth it’s giving each space? Worth every eye-roll from our paint crew.

Lighting Lock-in

After rounds of indecision, we’ve locked (almost) everything: brass pendants, sculptural sconces, and globe lights. They’ll tie together the (I’ll admit) excessive paint palette, carefully curated tile choices, and dreamy rich wood tones into one cohesive, cottage-modern glow.

When Chaos Finds Its Rhythm

This flip keeps teaching me that design is as much about the big-picture vision as it is about the tiny details that nearly break you (or your partner). Painting cabinets, relocating a range, obsessing over a sink, juggling ten paint colors, and finalizing lighting—it’s all adding up to a kitchen that feels like 105 Teche’s heart, and a house that feels like a home.

Next up? Tile installs, finalizing plumbing fixtures, picking out appliances, and a whole slew of fun things! Stay tuned.

FAQs

• Why paint the wall cabinets but stain the island?

  We wanted the best of both design worlds. Painted wall cabinets keep things light, clean, and airy — like a fresh exhale in the morning. But the island? That’s where we grounded the room. The stained wood brings in that rich, moody depth, adding contrast and cottagecore warmth without overwhelming the space.

  But more than just aesthetics, this choice was rooted in respect: the original solid wood cabinets were high-quality, beautifully built, and worth keeping. Rather than ripping them out, we gave them a refresh — painting the uppers to modernize and brighten, while still making them functional, easy to clean, and durable for everyday use. It's a revival, not a replacement. Balance with personality and practicality.

• Why upgrade to a 36″ gas range instead of 30″?

  Think of it as going from a well-fitting tee to a tailored blazer — same idea, way more impact. The 36" gas range gives us more burners, better functionality for serious cooking, and serious wow-factor for resale. Plus, once we moved it to the wall, we freed up the island to be all about prep, storage, and entertaining.

• What’s so special about the kitchen sink?

  Oh, where do I start? It’s deep enough to handle real-life messes and pretty enough to anchor the kitchen wall while staying cohesive to the rest of the design (looking at you, fluted master bathtub!) With its apron-front silhouette and classic curves, it hits that perfect note between romantic nostalgia and modern utility. Add a brass faucet? I’m swooning.

  But it’s not just a pretty face, it’s also intentional for the lucky buyers of this home. The undermount design means you can sweep crumbs and spills straight off the counter — no grout lines, no raised edges, no fuss. And the single-bowl format? Absolutely perfect for those giant Louisiana gumbo pots. It’s beautiful, yes, but also built to handle the kind of cooking that makes a kitchen feel like home.

• Is ten paint colors excessive?

  Yes. And also, absolutely not. Sure most traditional flips don’t go this “hard in the paint” (I’m cringing at myself).

  Every room tells its own story, and ten curated colors let us layer mood, tone, and intention throughout the home. It’s not chaotic — it’s deliberate depth. Some may think it’s unnecessary, but guests? They’ll feel it without even knowing why.

• How did you keep painters from mixing things up?

  We ran that job site like a war room. Every paint can was labeled with its code and sheen. Then we matched each surface — walls, trims, ceilings — with taped labels in every room. Zero confusion, fewer mistakes, and just enough micromanaging to make Blaise deeply question his choice in flip partner.

• Did you stick to one paint brand?

  We did. Staying within the same brand gave us better control over color consistency and paint quality— especially when dealing with multiple sheens and finishes. No surprises, just smooth transitions from wall to trim to ceiling. All the paint in this house came from Sherwin Williams, both Blaise and I are partial to their products.

• How do the paint colors transition room to room?

  Like a playlist with no skips. We curated shades that speak the same design language — subtle shifts in undertone and warmth — so each room has its own personality while still feeling like part of a whole. No jarring jumps, just beautiful flow. It was quite a feat, but after about 80 total hours of mock ups and crossed eyes, I sent one of my famous spreadsheets to Blaise and dealt with the raised eyebrows after the fact.

Design Plans, Delusions, and My First Lafayette Flip

Big news from 105 Teche Drive!

Blaise Verret, a fellow Lafayette Realtor, and I have officially teamed up to embark on a house flip that’s part grit and part artistry, designed to marry modern living with timeless charm. This is the first of its kind for us, and as the project unfolds, we’re excited to share every intentional choice, creative curveball, and practical upgrade planned for the space. If you’ve been following along on my social media, you’ve already seen the video and those shining before shots—it’s real. Today, I’m sharing the grounded design plans, the fun delusions creeping in, and why every choice matters to Lafayette buyers like you.

The Real Talk: What I’m Actually Doing

Preserving Character and Timeless Details

When you walk into a home, it speaks to you. For 105 Teche Drive, it was whispering, "Keep me grounded, I’ve got a history you can’t manufacture." That’s exactly what we plan to do.

Original Wood Kitchen Cabinets

These solid, mid-century beauties just needed a little love. Modern kitchens are often dominated by cookie-cutter cabinet sets, but these wood cabinets bring warmth, individuality, and a nod to Lafayette’s personality. A fresh stain or a soft matte finish will give them a new lease on life while keeping their vintage appeal intact.

Ceiling + Wall Wood-Paneling

Far from the dark paneling of decades past, these walls are textured, elegant, and steeped in nostalgia. Paired with updated lighting and lighter accents, it promises to exude intentional design rather than basement rec-room vibes.

Preservation like this isn’t about budget shortcuts; it’s about celebrating the bones of the home.

Maximizing Space with Smarter Planning

With 1,650 sq. ft. to play with, the challenge was ensuring the existing layout worked for today’s lifestyle. This flip is a study in floorplan optimization. Every room serves its purpose, and every adjustment adds functionality without unnecessary square footage.

Reconfiguring the Primary Suite

We’re converting the current layout into a more substantial primary suite. Think walk-in closet and a bathroom designed to pamper. It’s a space that says, “Welcome home; you earned this.”

Relocating the Second Bathroom

Right now, the second bathroom awkwardly lives in the laundry room, and to call it a bathroom in its current condition is a stretch. The fix? Relocating it into the living area footprint. Every square inch will now add value for both daily living and resale.

By optimizing the use of space, we’re proving that it’s not about how much square footage you have, but how well you use it.

The Design Direction

Every decision bubbles up to a central design ethos. At 105 Teche Drive, we’re merging modern freshness with cottagecore home style, creating a finished product that is both aspirational and accessible.

Here’s how we’re doing it:

• Color Palette: Warm whites and muted taupes provide a clean canvas, while sage greens and soft blues keep it serene. An occasional moody contrast (charcoal or navy) will add depth.

• Brass Fixtures: Hardware and light fixtures channel vintage sophistication. Imagine the kind of brassy glow you’d find in an old Paris café, updated for today.

• Timeless Elements: Tile shapes and patterns that never feel dated, combined with textures that invite you to touch every surface.

The Mulligan List

If the Budget Stretches, Here's the Wish List

• Checkerboard Floors: What’s more Instagram-worthy than modern checkerboard floors in the kitchen and laundry? They’re timeless yet trendy, making both spaces feel vibrant and inviting.

• Statement Granite Kitchen Island: The kitchen island will act as the star of the show. With a bold granite slab, it’s the place where morning coffee, weekend baking, and family dinners all come together.

• Wallpaper Accents: Picture an ornate vintage-inspired print behind the bed in the primary suite or on a statement wall in the dining area. It’s the kind of detail that people won’t forget.

• Timeless Tile Trends: We’re bringing in both function and flair with elegant, clean lines for the shower tile and backsplash. These are touches that age gracefully yet feel utterly fresh.

If we can pull these off within the budget, they’ll add serious personality while delivering a high return on investment.

None of these are dealbreakers, but if we land under budget or feel the ROI is there, these are ready to be greenlit.

The Nope File

What’s Not Worth It (for This Flip)

Every great flip requires hard decisions about what NOT to pursue. For this project, a few ideas are landing firmly in the "nope" category, and here’s why.

• A 2-car garage expansion: While nice-to-have, expanding the garage ultimately isn’t worth it. Permitting is painful, the roofline shift is $$$, and costs would strain the budget without offering much in resale ROI.

• Refinishing original wood floors: I wanted to love them, but they’re too far gone. The labor and cost outweigh the aesthetic reward. It’s better to replace them with new flooring that honors the home’s charm in a way that yields a higher quality result for the future buyers.

• Viking appliances: Stunning? Yes. Necessary? Not even close. Most buyers want reliability and decent brand names, not ultra-luxury labels. Instead, we’ll focus on stylish yet accessible options that appeal to a wider pool of buyers.

105 Teche Drive, Lafayette, LA 70503

Why 105 Teche Drive Matters for Lafayette Buyers

What makes 105 Teche Drive special isn’t just in the details we’re putting into it; it’s in the people we’re designing for. From young professionals to first-time homeowners and seasoned buyers seeking a charming second home, this flip is built for those who want balance.

• Dream Features + Practical Design: Thoughtfully planned upgrades ensure the home feels indulgent and functional all at once.

• A Space for Everyone: Whether you’re relaxing in your upgraded primary suite or hosting a garden barbecue in the massive backyard, every space serves its best purpose.

This isn’t just another flip; it’s an opportunity to enhance how people in Lafayette live and connect with their space.

Have Your Say (And Follow Along!)

Here’s the rundown for 105 Teche Drive so far:

• Preserving the authenticity and charm of its bones (hello, original wood cabinets)

• Optimizing every square inch for smarter living (floorplan optimization is key)

• Dreaming big with features like checkerboard floors and statement granite

• Infusing the perfect balance of modern and cottagecore aesthetics

Have thoughts about our approach? Questions about the process? Or maybe you just want a sneak peek at the next step? Drop your comments below or sign up for our newsletter below. I’m sharing insider details, behind-the-scenes progress, and plenty of design debate moments throughout. Come along for the ride, and who knows? Your input might just inspire the final look.

FAQs

• What’s your renovation timeline for 105 Teche Drive?

  Our goal is to be market ready by fall. August 1 is the ideal completion date, but September 1 wouldn’t have us pulling our hair (or each other’s) out.

• Why keep the original kitchen cabinets?

  These cabinets are full of character and craftsmanship. Refurbishing them not only stays true to the home’s original character, but also frees up valuable materials dollars that are better utilized for the luxury finishes that you’re bound to fall in love with. :)

• What is cottagecore style?

  Cottagecore is about soft palettes, natural materials, and cozy, nostalgic vibes that make spaces feel warm and lived-in.

• Does floorplan optimization really affect resale?

  Absolutely. A smarter and more functional layout makes the home feel larger, more practical, and more desirable to future buyers.

• Can I follow updates on 105 Teche Drive?

  Yes! Track progress on Instagram, Facebook, or subscribe to our Flip newsletter!