In August, I finally turned my attention to the front porch at Bramble Cottage—an area I’d been eager to update for quite a while. I was wrapped up in the interior projects on the lower level, the kitchen and sitting room, but once the sitting room came together, the porch suddenly felt like the natural next chapter. I could finally see exactly what it needed and how it could look.
Continuity is something I always prioritize in my design work, and Bramble Cottage is no exception. I love it when a space feels connected to the one beside it, even if its functions are different. The sitting room, just inside the front door, is full of cozy charm and natural textures, and I wanted the porch to be the very first hint of that warmth. Ideally, when a mini-someone steps onto the porch, they should immediately see the stone, the wood, and the gentle rustic character that continues right through the front door.
The exterior of the porch already has a mix of stone and a small section of siding, so slate flooring and raw wood beams felt like the perfect way to emphasize that natural, cottage‑feel. The slate tiles I sourced are made from the same real slate as the Bramble Cottage roof, but they’re beautifully weathered—full of age, imperfections, and a softer color that doesn’t match exactly, which I actually liked. If used, it could give the porch a lived‑in feeling.
The oak pillars with pegs and tiny supports, sourced from one of my favorite UK retailers, bring that rustic‑meets‑refined look I try to include in these mini projects. Once they’re all installed, I think the porch will feel warm and welcoming, with just a touch of sophistication that ties back to the cottage’s overall personality.
Of course, no project is ever perfectly simple. I initially chose the large‑format slate tiles for the porch floor that I mentioned earlier, but something about them didn’t sit right with me and I knew I wouldn’t be happy unless I made a change. After revisiting my options, I found beautiful stone cobblestones in a mix of grey and sandstone—similar to the kitchen tiles—and they immediately felt like the right choice. They add texture, charm, and a sense of age that suits the porch perfectly.
This project is still unfolding, and I’m making thoughtful adjustments as I go. I can already feel the porch becoming the kind of space that welcomes you before you even step inside. And there’s so much more to come so I can’t wait to share the next phase of this build with you. If you’ve been enjoying the evolution of Bramble Cottage, stay close… the upcoming details are going to be such a treat.
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