From Chaos to Cottagecore: Teche’s Design Risks, Budget Breakthroughs & Cozy Aesthetic
Flips can feel like spreadsheets in disguise, but at 105 Teche, every risk seems to turn into reward. This Lafayette flip house is shaping up into a modern cottagecore dream—checkerboard floors DIY’d on a budget, moody wallpaper murals in the laundry room, vintage-toned brass fixtures, and paint colors chosen like a playlist. The result? A renovation that feels intentional, warm, and anything but cookie-cutter.
Real Talk Before the Pretty Pictures
Flipping a house is basically like signing up for a group project where you’re the leader, the note-taker, and the one buying snacks—except the snacks are $7,200 worth of tile you absolutely cannot justify.
That’s been the journey at 105 Teche. We started with a house that felt more “structurally haunted” than “dream home”. But after months of foundation fixes, roof replacements, and late-night design debates, it’s turning into something that’s both functional and… dare I say, pretty charming.
If you’ve been following along, you know the vibe has shifted from “what did I get myself into?” to “wait, is this about to be my best flip yet?” Let’s break it down—design risks, budget wizardry, and a heavy dose of modern cottagecore.
Modern Cottagecore Without the Cliché
When you hear cottagecore, you might picture mushroom mugs and gingham everything. Cute, but not sustainable when you’re designing for real buyers (and not just Instagram). What I’m aiming for here is modern cottagecore—which means blending cozy nostalgia with clean, livable updates. This renovation is about enhancing and staying true to the spirit of the home while still giving it the thoughtful updates that still make it not just livable, but a dream living space.
Think:
Textures that feel layered, not chaotic. Plaster walls, warm wood tones, textiles that look collected over time.
Colors with personality. Nothing sterile, nothing too “builder beige.” Just rich hues that feel alive without screaming.
Patterns in moderation. Checkerboard floors, wallpaper in unexpected spots, terrazzo-inspired tile. Small doses that make you pause, not panic.
The point is to create a house that feels warm and welcoming—but still fresh, functional, and move-in ready. A space with soul, not a Pinterest board cosplay.
Budget Tricks That Saved This Flip
I’m all for bold design choices—my budget, not so much. That’s where a little creativity (and a good dose of stubbornness) really saved the day.
Checkerboard Tile: Dream vs. Reality
In my head: a dramatic, magazine-worthy checkerboard floor running through the kitchen, dining, and laundry.
In reality: $7,200 quotes that made me laugh-cry into my calculator.
Solution? DIY. We got in the car, drove the Great American Race: Lafayette Flip Edition, and finally sourced affordable tile at Lowe’s, laid the pattern ourselves to make sure the thickness/exact LxW measurements were compatible for our pattern, and cut the cost down to a whopping $650. It was a little chaotic, a little back-breaking, but totally worth it. I stood firm on my design non-negotiable that shaped the project from day one, and the budget stayed intact.
Strategic Material Swaps
Sometimes it’s less about compromising and more about pivoting. Instead of overspending on “must-have” finishes, I found affordable dupes: terrazzo-inspired porcelain instead of true terrazzo, plaster-textured paint instead of imported limewash. Luxury materials for accents/small spaces, and tried and true budget friendly tile for larger footprints (while still being on trend and vibe obvi). Each choice keeps the aesthetic intact without tanking the bottom line.
Bathrooms That Refused to Be Basic
Bathrooms are always where flips can tip into either “safe and boring” or “sterile modern style departure” territory. Not at Teche.
Primary Bath
This space got the quiet confidence treatment:
Calacatta Marble inspired floor tile for subtle pattern and texture.
Fluted standalone soaking tub for the vibiest escape of all time.
A layout that feels functional and calm, not fussy.
It’s earthy and understated—but in a way that feels intentional.
Secondary Bath — The Dark Horse
This is the one that surprised me. It’s small, sure, but that just gave me permission to go bold:
Ocean-blue terrazzo floor tile (TileBar’s “Kobe Flakes Ocean Blue”)—playful and moody all at once.
Matte microcement navy shower walls—they absorb light, creating a cocoon-like vibe that makes the tub pop, while still introducing a more natural texture that ties the room into the design flow of the rest of the house.
Shower niche with arched alternating luxury tiles—the kind of unexpected detail that elevates the whole room.
When I shared the mockup with friends, the group chat exploded with heart eyes and “okay but what tile is that??” That’s when you know you’re onto something.
Tiny Details, Big Payoff
Cottagecore doesn’t really live in the oversized gestures—it’s in the details you almost miss at first glance, but can’t stop noticing later.
Like the wallpaper mural in the laundry room, turning what’s usually a “close the door and forget it” space into a spot that actually feels intentional (yes, even folding socks deserves a view). Or the addition of dentil trim accents, those subtle architectural touches that give otherwise plain edges a sense of craftsmanship.
Then there’s the vintage-toned brass plumbing fixtures—warm, lived-in, and just enough patina to avoid the too-shiny “new build” look. Pair that with paint colors chosen like a playlist—every shade in conversation with the next, cohesive without being predictable.
And of course, the lighting. Nothing random, nothing filler. Each fixture placed to shape the mood, not just illuminate it. The result? A house that doesn’t feel “flipped,” it feels considered. Designed. Like someone cared about the small stuff.
Conclusion — Still in Motion
Teche isn’t done yet, but the progress feels exciting. Risks are paying off, the budget hasn’t collapsed, and the house is finally shedding its “before” energy.
We’re heading toward the fun part—staging, finishing touches, and eventually listing—but for now, I’m just enjoying this in-between moment where vision and reality are finally syncing.
And yes, I’m still open to mirror and sconce suggestions. Or laundry wallpaper votes. Or any unsolicited design hot takes. You know where to find me.
Quick FAQs (Because People Always Ask)
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A: Balance. Too much floral wallpaper and it screams costume, too many niche/trendy light fixtures and it feels cheap. But pair vintage-inspired touches (like brass fixtures and botanical artwork) with modern functionality (like updated layouts and smart lighting), and you get cozy luxury without kitsch.
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A: Absolutely, when done right. Buyers love character, and the cottagecore aesthetic layers warmth into a renovation. The trick is being intentional: wallpaper in a laundry room instead of every wall, brass plumbing fixtures instead of builder-basic chrome. Those details sell (and I have the eager potential buyer DMs to prove it).
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A: Paint. Always paint. At Teche, carefully chosen palettes gave each room personality without adding unnecessary budget spend. Lighting comes in second—swap one boring overhead for a statement fixture, and suddenly the whole vibe changes. These are also the most DIY friendly upgrades, and labor costs are always the first to get out of hand in a home renovation. Say it with me: Sweat Equity.
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A: Like curating a playlist—you want every track to feel different, but still cohesive. Each color was chosen in conversation with the next. Neutrals with depth, moody accents for contrast, and no sterile whites in sight. Unlike most flips that have 2 colors: trim and wall, we really went for maximalism here in color and sheen variation.
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A: Loaded question, but at the risk of oversimplifying I can attest to this: Buyers are leaning toward cozy, character-driven spaces. Think: textured walls, mixed metals, vintage-inspired furniture, and warm neutrals. The farmhouse-gray trend is fading, and personality is back in.
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A: Because they make buyers stop and feel something. Anyone can recognize a mass-market flip. But a dentil trim detail or tiled shower niche tells people the house was designed, not just renovated. That’s the emotional hook. This also isn’t your typical “quick flip turned investment property,” at our price point and level of detail, this isn’t so much a “flip” as it is an upscale restoration destined to be a lucky buyer’s forever (or for a long time) home.
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A: Spend where it matters—tile, fixtures, lighting—and save where you can DIY. At Teche, the checkerboard floor went from an almost 7 figure estimate to a little over $500 total with a scrappy Lowe’s hack. Buyers notice the design, not the receipt.
From Structural Fixes to Style Moves: The Teche Flip Gets Serious
What started as a modest midcentury brick home is quickly turning into something layered, livable, and full of surprises—like the window we uncovered mid-bathroom demo. From a brand new roof to a freshly framed third bedroom and a just-picked exterior palette, this flip is growing up fast. Catch the latest progress, design direction, and where we’re headed next.
Future project manager vibes. Teche’s tiniest fan staking her claim on the porch before we even picked paint colors.
The Parts You Can't Undo—Now Done
We’re officially past “demo looks worse than it started,” and well into strategic chaos. The bones are stronger, the flow’s clearer—and we might have stumbled into literal bathroom daylight. Here’s your deep dive into the latest chapter at 105 Teche.
This phase is where most flips either start sinking or start making sense. For us? It’s the latter. We're laying the groundwork for something that looks effortless but is anything but. Every beam, every floorboard, every color swatch—it’s all part of the plan.
Built Different (Literally): The Foundation Overhaul
First thing we tackled? The literal foundation. We went full overhaul—ripped out every questionable board and rebuilt from the dirt up. It’s now level, sound, and ready for the next 50 years (or just a very chic resale). Not the sexiest part of a flip, but definitely the smartest. No more soft spots or “should this floor bounce?” moments.
A solid foundation doesn’t just mean safety. It means you can design without fear. Add tile without cracking. Move walls without guessing. Hang art where it should go, not just where studs happen to be. Trust—it’s worth it.
Yard Cleared. Vision Loading.
We finally said goodbye to the rogue tree stumps that were threatening to trip everyone who dared to enter. The yard has been fully cleared, leveled, and prepped for future landscaping—aka actual usability. It’s now giving “afternoon garden party” instead of “survival training course.”
Clearing the yard also made it easier to visualize the exterior’s future. Think garden beds, string lights, a gravel dining area, maybe even a vintage metal bistro set. We’re not overdoing it, but we’re definitely not letting this space be basic.
First draft of new floor plan for 105 Teche
Layout, Leveled Up: We Built a Real Third Bedroom (and a Non-Cursed Bath)
The old layout was doing the bare minimum. We’ve reframed the third bedroom and carved out a completely new space for the second bathroom—moving it from its former awkward situation inside the laundry room to a much more logical and functional location. Think thoughtful flow, modern layout, and way better vibes.
The third bedroom instantly ups the resale appeal, especially for second-home buyers or small families. It’s compact but intentional—no wasted square footage. The new bathroom location also brings symmetry to the home, making it more livable without tacking on unnecessary additions.
AI rendering of the space, not actual design plan.
Kitchen + Living Room Now Speaking Fluently
The major wall between the kitchen and living area? Gone. We installed a sleek support beam that holds everything up without cramping the open-concept style. The space now breathes. It’s brighter, more social, and finally feels like a space someone would actually want to live in.
Removing that wall changed everything. The natural light travels farther. The furniture layout options just multiplied. It no longer feels like three separate boxes—it feels like a home. The support beam gave us function and form, and it’s kind of the unsung hero of the flip so far.
Surprise! Natural light in the primary bath is now in the cards.
Demo Surprise: A Window We Didn’t Know We Needed
During bathroom demo, we uncovered what can only be described as a hidden gem: a completely covered-up window behind the old shower wall. It’s now a highlight in the future master bathroom plan—bringing in soft, natural light and instantly elevating the space. Sometimes demo gives back.
Finding that window shifted our entire bathroom design strategy. It gave us permission to lean into light tones and textures instead of compensating for a dark, moody space. Expect a spa-like layout with modern cottagecore undertones—brass fixtures, leafy textures, clean tile lines, and maybe a framed print that says something cheeky.
Fresh paint, a brand new roof, and major curb appeal—105 Teche’s glow-up is officially in motion. Greek Villa + Evergreen Fog never looked so good.
Teche Gets Dressed: Greek Villa Meets Evergreen Fog
We’ve officially chosen exterior paint colors and yes—they’re perfect:
Brick: Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa (SW 7551) – a warm, creamy white that reads timeless
Trim/Shutters/Ceiling: Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog (SW 9130) – a calming, muddy sage that feels earthy and modern all at once
It’s soft, inviting, and just the right amount of elevated. Very much “Lafayette traditional meets design-forward curb appeal.”
Painting the exterior is one of those moments where the house finally starts looking the way it feels. The palette is subtle but intentional—neutral enough to sell, distinct enough to stand out. Once it’s painted, it’s going to turn heads in the best way.
We’ve also installed a brand new roof. It’s not a flashy update, but a fresh roof equals clean lines, better insulation, zero leaks, and solid resale value. Sometimes boring is beautiful.
The current roof was holding—but barely. The new one ties the exterior together, quiets the house down, and just feels better. You don’t think about a roof when it’s done right. And that’s the goal.
A little photoshop imagination of the primary bath—mood, not blueprint. Expect warmth, curves, and cottagecore energy.
Plotting the Primary Suite: Smart Storage, Better Flow & No Weird Plumbing
With the bathroom now completely demoed, we’re officially in the planning phase for the new primary suite. The goal? A layout that actually works—zoned spaces, hidden storage, and brassy fixtures that feel vintage without the weird plumbing. We’re mapping everything out to maximize light (shoutout to the surprise window), optimize flow, and build in comfort without unnecessary square footage bloat.
We’re sketching out vanity placement, debating tile finishes, and figuring out if we can sneak in a linen closet without sacrificing breathing room. This is where the flip starts to feel personal—even if it’s for a future buyer.
The Flip’s Coming into Focus
This stage is less about Pinterest and more about priorities. It’s dusty, it’s structural, and it’s setting the stage for the finishes to shine. The big moves are done. The framework is in. Now we get to start layering in the charm.
Every choice now builds toward the reveal—the vibe, the livability, the resale moment. We’ve done the heavy lifting. Now it’s about doing the right pretty.
Q+A
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We’re blending modern function with cottagecore charm—think natural textures, vintage-inspired finishes, brass details, and a floor plan that actually makes sense. It's Lafayette-traditional meets Pinterest-saved-with-intent.
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We chose Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa (SW 7551) for the brick—creamy, timeless, and soft—and Evergreen Fog (SW 9130) for the trim, shutters, and porch ceiling. It’s organic, neutral, and very Lafayette-front-porch-chic.
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We opened up the wall between the kitchen and living room, added a structural support beam, reframed the third bedroom, and relocated the second bathroom to a better spot within the main footprint. It flows now—without adding extra square footage.
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While demoing the old master bathroom, we found a fully covered window behind the shower wall. It’s now a major design feature, bringing in natural light and completely changing the feel of the future primary suite. A literal bright spot.
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We’re designing a functional, stylish suite with great flow, smart storage, and vintage-inspired finishes. Expect brassy fixtures, earthy textures, and a layout that feels custom without the custom-home price tag.
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Every decision is a mix of what looks good and sells well in Lafayette. We’re preserving original charm (like wood cabinets), using timeless materials, and skipping low-ROI upgrades (like luxury appliances or major structural additions).
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Because laundry room bathrooms are NOT it. The new layout puts the bathroom in a proper location, improves flow, and makes it actually usable for guests or future homeowners.
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New roofs aren’t glamorous, but they’re essential. The updated roof will improve energy efficiency, resale appeal, and peace of mind—plus, it ties the entire exterior upgrade together.
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Anyone who wants a space that feels intentional, looks good, and doesn’t require a full-on renovation just to function. It’s stylish, practical, and move-in ready—with enough charm to stand out and enough comfort to settle in. It’s ideal for anyone who appreciates good design without the pressure of doing it themselves. It’s cozy, practical, and pretty—in that order.
Design Plans, Delusions, and My First Lafayette Flip
Just closed on my first Lafayette flip at 105 Teche Drive—and let’s just say, it’s about to go from “wait, what?” to wow. I’m keeping the good bones (hello, original cabinets) and reworking the rest with a vibe that’s somewhere between earthy cottagecore and cool, clean modern. If you’re into smart space planning, bold-but-budget-aware design, and behind-the-scenes renovation chaos—you’ll want to follow this one.
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!