Story by Angela Reeves | Photography by Morgan Marie Photography

Cory and Lauren Gearlds are both entrepreneurs of growing small businesses in Bowling Green; Cory, co-owner of Renew by OR and Lauren, co-owner and Attorney at Chestnut Title. While running their businesses takes up a large part of their day, when they married in October of 2019, they were on the same page of excitement with growing their family and their home. At the time, they had a house that was adequate for the two of them, but they knew they needed more space with their guest bedrooms being used as closet space and an office, and the excitement they each had for become parents and starting a family.

With Cory’s brother, Justin Gearlds, being in construction, building a house became an
easy choice. They had looked at homes on the market to purchase, but they were not in a hurry and knew they could be as picky as they wanted with building their own. “Building was a better option for us since we weren’t in a hurry and could take the time to get what we wanted,” said Cory. “I was really excited to build a home for my brother and sister-in-law,” said Justin. “Knowing they would be bringing their baby girl home to this house made it even more special!”

The couple had looked at several areas, but had not quite found the right fit when Justin suggested the Poplar Grove neighborhood. Although the subdivision was still under construction, they knew it was the one they had been looking for. “We loved it and loved
the location! It is close to town but far enough away to not be in the middle of everything. We love being able to have neighbors and live around other families but be in a more peaceful setting,” said Cory.

The Gearlds bought their lot in February of 2020 and broke ground in April. Once the pandemic hit it was a little harder to make sure the things they had picked out where available such as the western cedar posts for the porches.

“Getting the materials on time was a challenge as well as the rising price of lumber, but overall, it was a great experience which brought us close and we are happy with the product we delivered,” said Justin. The home was completed in October and Cory and Lauren moved in on November 2nd, in plenty of time for their new arrival, baby girl Stella, to join the family in February 2021.

The craftsman farmhouse home has 2700 ft2, with two floors. The main floor has three bedrooms and two bathrooms with very open living, kitchen and dining areas. The second level is a bonus room/bedroom and bathroom. The home sits on a half-acre lot with covered back and front porches overlooking their peaceful country view.

“We love the open concept with combined kitchen and living room the most. Lauren loves to spend time in the kitchen, so it keeps us all together. Also, the large double oven and stove with six gas burners was a must have for Lauren,” said Cory. “The floor plan is so convenient to keep everyone together when we have people over,” said Lauren.

The home is decorated with a blue and white theme in most of the rooms, coming from Lauren’s love of the blue and white china pattern. “Also, I try to be conscious that there is a man in the house, so I decorated blue because I feel like it’s a good neutral,” she added. The porches are their favorite, loving to spend as much time outdoors as possible during the nice weather. The stamped concrete floors on the porches were an add on at the end that has become Cory’s favorite unique touch. “We almost didn’t do it but are so glad we did. It makes it look more finished and so much nicer,” he said.

The Gearlds home was completed with the help of the following businesses:

CONSTRUCTION: Motley Trading Company – Justin Gearlds and Brad Dubree
WOOD ACCENTS, COUNTERS AND SHELVING: Wild Wood Revival
FLOORING AND TILE: BG Hardwood Direct
KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS: Inari Granite
APPLIANCES, LIGHTING & PLUMBING FIXTURES: Ferguson
WINDOWS AND DOORS: Carter Lumber
CABINETS: Horizon Development Group
STONEWORK: Alley-Cassetty Brick and Block
PAINT: Sherwin Williams – Repose grey in all main living areas, Eider White in nursery
BRICK: Lee Brick and Block
FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES: Bowling Green Home Furnishings, Thornton’s Furniture and Ford’s Furniture
NURSERY FURNITURE: Pottery Barn
LAWN: Ironbridge Sod Farm
INTERIOR FINISHES: HomeWorks BG
CONCRETE: D&R Concrete (stamped porches)
ELECTRICAL: Artisan Electric