How 10 Paint Colors and a Perfect Sink Defined This Flip
At 105 Teche Drive, we painted the cabinets, stained the island, swapped in a 36″ gas range, and (yes) used ten paint colors. Add in the farmhouse sink I’m head over heels for, plus brass lighting magic, and this flip’s kitchen finally found its rhythm.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Detox: Flipping the Switch on Lifeless Interiors
Once the darling of HGTV, builder-grade flips, and Realtors alike, millennial gray has officially worn out its welcome—especially in Lafayette. Today’s buyers want warmth, texture, and interiors that actually feel like home. From barn doors to all-gray everything, we’re breaking up with bland and embracing rich woods, earthy tones, and natural light. Ready to un-blah your space? Let’s talk staging, shopping, and selling with soul.
Why “Millenial Gray” has GOT to go
Remember when everything was gray? Cabinets, walls, curtains—HGTV perfection. But here in Lafayette, what once felt modern now comes off as cold and cookie-cutter.
Why Gray Took Over
It was the perfect neutral: easy to match, appealing to a broad audience, and a safe bet for resale. In the 2010s, gray was basically the Swiss Army knife of paint colors.
The Gray Problem:
Mood-Vacuum: Gray absorbs heat and character—great in chilly rooms, not in humid Louisiana spaces.
Overdone: Walk through Acadiana’s newer developments, and you’ll spot gray fatigue.
Characterless: Gray walls mute the vibrancy Lafayette buyers crave.
Other Overplayed Trends
Remember when every Pinterest board and HGTV episode was drooling over barn doors? Rustic charm! Farmhouse fantasy! Joanna Gaines-core! In Lafayette, they popped up everywhere—from River Ranch to subdivision flips.
At first, they gave open-concept homes a little architectural drama. But now?
They Don’t Slide Smoothly. Ever tried quietly closing one during a Zoom call or after a baby’s bedtime? That screech could wake the whole neighborhood.
Privacy? What Privacy? Unlike traditional doors, barn doors don’t seal fully. Great for aesthetics—not so much for bathrooms, bedrooms, or home offices.
Dust Collectors. That gorgeous exposed track? It collects every bit of South Louisiana pollen and dust, and good luck cleaning behind it.
Awkward Space Planning. They often block walls that could’ve held shelving or art—design sacrifices that don’t make sense anymore.
More Trendy Features That Lost Their Spark
Shiplap Everything
What started as a sweet nod to coastal charm turned into overkill. Entire walls—and sometimes ceilings—plastered in shiplap now feel like you’re living inside a wood crate. Minimal is in, not millwork mania.Industrial Lighting Overload
Matte black cage pendants and Edison bulbs were cool… until everyone had them. Now they feel dim, overdone, and kind of impractical in kitchens where actual visibility matters.Sliding Barn-Style Pantries
Looks charming, sure—but if you actually cook, you’ve probably knocked over a spice rack or two trying to maneuver the door open with one hand and a hot pan in the other.
2025 Aesthetic: Warm, Textured, Soulful
Think caramel taupe, olive greens, terracotta, and navy accents—2025 design outlook champions warmth and texture steadily.com. Layered neutrals and wood tones are finding a place in listings across River Ranch, Greenbriar, and downtown.
How to Update Warmly
Choose an accent wall in mustard or olive while keeping other walls neutral.
Swap cool-toned hardware for brass or bronze.
Introduce woven rugs and wooden blinds to soften edges.
Bring in greenery—plants are mood-enhancing and make gray feel more alive.
323 Thibodeaux Drive Lafayette, LA 70503, presented by Paige Gary, District South x Real Broker, LLC.
Case Study: Lafayette Spotlight
Take 323 Thibodeaux Drive, presented by the always incredible Paige Gary of District South x Real Broker LLC—this stunner skipped the tired millennial gray entirely. Instead, it showcased rich stonework, warm wood tones, and thoughtful textures throughout. The result? It sold at list price—$1.35 million—on its very first day on the market. Proof that Lafayette buyers are ready for luxury that feels warm, intentional, and refreshingly un-basic.
Bored of beige and ghost gray? I’ve got the antidote.
Done with gray’s dull embrace? Message me—whether you're staging a sale or hunting for homes with more heart.