NEW LIFE FOR OUR TIMELESS PROPERTY
As we prepare for our first year in transforming The Cottage at Woodland Farm, we’re excited to share our cosmetic and renovation plans for the upcoming seasons. While we’ll focus on interior work during the colder months, warmer weather will bring a fresh round of updates to the exteriors and outdoor spaces. Our vision blends history with modern comforts, keeping the property’s unique identity intact while adding touches of charm and whimsy throughout. Read on to see what’s in store for 2025!
Current Gathering Hall Interior Updates
Our first project is updating the interior of the gathering hall. We’re starting with polished concrete floors in the main room, trim paint, and new light fixtures to give the space a fresh, inviting look that complements the rest of the property. We already have multiple small events planned for this space which made it first on the list! These updates will provide a stylish yet neutral foundation, perfect for hosting small gatherings in a refined, welcoming setting.
Winter Focus: Interior Cottage Transformations
With winter approaching, we’re setting our sights on additional interior projects that will make the cottage cozy and fresh for future guests. First on the list for this building? Removing all the wallpaper! The cottage has so much of it in every room, each layer telling a bit of the home’s history. We’re planning to turn pieces of this wallpaper into a unique artwork display, so if any local artists are interested, raise your hand!
Once the wallpaper is gone, the real magic begins. We’ll brighten up each room with light, fresh paint! Oh… and surprise! - we’re adding new wallpaper in select areas for a bit of old-meets-new charm. Updated light fixtures throughout the cottage will add a dash of “jewelry” to each space, creating soft, elegant lighting perfect for any occasion. And speaking of changes, we have carpet in some of the bathrooms… you guessed it, that’s going! It’ll be replaced with fresh, timeless tile for a beautiful and practical upgrade.
One of our favorite spaces in the cottage is the front sitting room, which we’re transforming into a smoky-inspired parlor. Imagine custom floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a rolling bookshelf ladder, and a curated collection of vintage and modern decor. We want this to feel like a book lover’s paradise and a cozy spot for evening cocktails or quiet conversations. It’s also going to be the perfect backdrop for some cool, moody groom portraits.
And bonus! We haven’t forgotten about the very top floor. The previous attic (which was turned into a bedroom) will soon become the brand-new newlywed suite! This spacious area will include a bedroom, sitting room, and en-suite bathroom. It’s the perfect space for a bride to stay the night before her wedding, followed by the night of the wedding with her spouse! This grand suite will be outfitted with elegant furniture, special lighting, and thoughtful details, creating a dreamy, airy, private space that feels like a pre-honeymoon getaway.
Furnishings: Mixing Old and New
Our goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere with character, so we’ll be mixing second-hand treasures with newer pieces throughout the cottage. This blend of old and new furnishings will give each room a unique personality and plenty of charming photo opportunities. With a photographer’s eye for design, we’re setting up each space to feel like a dream backdrop for any photo or video session.
Barn Plans: Brighten It Up!
Once spring arrives, we’ll turn our attention to the barn. The interior will be painted white to bring out its rustic beauty and provide a light, airy canvas for gatherings. New light fixtures will be installed to enhance the ambiance and make the barn a magical spot for ceremonies, receptions, and other celebrations. It will also photograph beautifully with the combination of white paint and skylights!
Porch Paint, Light Fixtures, and Exterior Updates
When spring rolls around, we’ll complete the exterior updates for the gathering hall, painting over the yellow porch and updating the light fixtures. We’re also planning to touch up the main house’s front porch and exterior paint, preserving the fun blue and red that has become a hallmark of the cottage’s character. And yes, the barn will stay red for now - it’s just too fitting to change!
Landscaping, Glass Garden, and Gathering Hall Addition
As summer winds down and fall arrives, we’ll dive into two of our largest projects. First up is the “glass garden” (glass greenhouse) - a European-made, hand-crafted structure that will serve as the heart of our garden area. This project will take months to complete but will provide a stunning, romantic backdrop for weddings, farm-to-table dinners, and other gatherings.
Finally, we’ll start laying plans for an addition to the gathering hall. In addition to expanding the space to comfortably host larger events, we’ll update the current building with adding more restrooms, creating a seperate catering buffet room & giving the “groom room” it’s much needed identity.
Through all these updates and renovations, we’re staying true to the property’s unique style. As a wedding photographer, I’m thrilled to design each area with photo opportunities in mind - from quiet corners in the cottage to the soon-to-be iconic glass garden, The Cottage at Woodland Farm is shaping up to be a couple’s wedding dream.
Stay tuned as we continue this journey, one update at a time. Follow along, share our progress with friends, and get ready to see The Cottage at Woodland Farm become the whimsical venue we’ve envisioned. We can’t wait to host you here!
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