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
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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.
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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. :)
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Cottagecore is about soft palettes, natural materials, and cozy, nostalgic vibes that make spaces feel warm and lived-in.
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Absolutely. A smarter and more functional layout makes the home feel larger, more practical, and more desirable to future buyers.
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Yes! Track progress on Instagram, Facebook, or subscribe to our Flip newsletter!
