From the Inside Out: Updates and Reflections from The Essex Ranch
Progress at The Essex Ranch has slowed just a bit—or at least it feels slower. We’ve moved into the less glamorous but absolutely essential phase of construction: HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. It’s not the kind of progress that photographs well (nobody gets excited about ductwork), but it’s vital to turning this house into a home.
Still, this phase has its own excitement, because it means we’re finally diving into the details—the heart and soul of the design. And when it comes to design, let me just say, I am obsessed.
The Kitchen: A Jewel in the Heart of the Home
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then Essex Ranch’s kitchen is shaping up to be a showstopper. We’ve chosen Blue Jade Onyx for the backsplash and wall—a stone so breathtaking it feels like a piece of art straight from the Earth. Its rich, swirling hues remind me of the Texas skies, making it the perfect anchor for the kitchen’s design.
This collage showcases the essence of Essex Ranch’s kitchen and the beauty of its natural surroundings. At the top, the bold and artistic Blue Jade Onyx backsplash captures the drama and elegance of our design vision. In the middle, the Lacanche Cluny 1800 Classic range in Armor adds timeless craftsmanship and refined functionality. At the bottom, a serene Essex Ranch sunrise reflects the tranquil beauty and inspiration found in our Texas landscape. Together, these elements highlight the harmony of bold design and nature that defines The Essex Ranch.
And then there’s the centerpiece: the Lacanche Cluny 1800 Classic range in Armor. This isn’t just a range; it’s a statement. A work of timeless craftsmanship and French elegance, it was customized in a color that perfectly complements the bold elegance of the Blue Jade Onyx. Together, the stone and the range create a balance of refinement and boldness, setting the tone for the heart of our home.
Life Slowing Down: A Moment by the Lake
One morning, Shon and I went for a walk toward the new lake. The sun wasn’t quite over the horizon, but the sky was alive with color—brilliant oranges and deep purples that melted into soft golds. The lake, still and glassy, mirrored the sky perfectly, as if it had been painted to capture that exact moment.
Standing there, hand in hand, we didn’t say much. We didn’t have to. Sometimes the silence says it all. And in that silence, I felt it: gratitude. For the ranch, for this life we’re building, for the lessons that come with slowing down and appreciating the brilliance of the everyday.
The new lake has been one of the best additions to Essex Ranch, not just because of its practical uses, but because of its beauty. It’s a daily reminder to pause and take in the magic around us—the colors of the sky, the reflections of the sun and moon. Every time I see it, I’m reminded that The Essex Ranch isn’t just a place; it’s a reflection of everything we’re learning to appreciate about life.
Finding Beauty Everywhere
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to live in the country to find this kind of beauty. It’s there, even in the middle of a bustling city. It’s in the way the light filters through skyscrapers, the sound of rain on a busy street, or the fleeting colors of a sunset.
Life has taught me that beauty isn’t about where you are; it’s about how you look at the world. The ranch has given me the space to slow down and really see it, but I think we can all learn to pause—wherever we are—and appreciate the little things.
A Work in Progress
Just like Essex Ranch, life is a work in progress. There are parts that feel slow, like they’ll never come together, and parts that dazzle you with their beauty. But every piece matters, even the ductwork.
I’m so grateful for this journey—every step of it. And I can’t wait to share more updates as The Essex Ranch continues to take shape, one intentional, beautiful detail at a time.
We’d love to hear from you! What’s your dream kitchen feature—a bold statement piece like our Blue Jade Onyx, a timeless range like the Lacanche Cluny 1800 Classic, or something entirely unique? Let us know in the comments or tag us in your own design inspirations. Don’t forget to follow our journey as The Essex Ranch continues to take shape—we can’t wait to share more updates with you soon!
Until next time, from our ranch to yours—may you find beauty in the everyday moments and inspiration in the unexpected.
Warmly,
The Essex Ranch
