Oak Branch Cottage: Kitchen Updates

There’s something deeply satisfying about getting a space ready for a major transition. This past weekend, J and I spent some time doing a pre-cleaning prep before the cleaning crew arrived this morning to give Oak Branch Cottage a thorough deep clean. With the kitchen freshly scrubbed and spotless, we finally got to tackle one of the parts I’ve been looking forward to most: bringing in the new furniture and finishes.

Here is a peek at how the cottage kitchen is coming together—along with what’s next on the agenda for Fall Break!

The New Favorite Spot: Marble & Bistro Vibes

After the kitchen floors and counters were spotless, we set up the new marble-top bistro table we picked up last week at Renaissance Interiors. Finding the right scale for a cottage kitchen can be tricky, but this piece fits the room perfectly. To complete the look, we paired it with two French bistro-style stools at either end. It instantly creates a cozy, inviting nook for morning coffee or a quick bite.

Key Details & Finishing Touches

It’s amazing how a few targeted changes can completely transform the feel of a room:

• Lighting Upgrade: We replaced the old ceiling fan with a classic Ballard Designs carriage lantern. The swap makes the ceilings feel taller and gives the room an intentional, refined focal point.

• Custom Customization: We added molding to the shelving edges. It’s a subtle architectural detail, but it takes open shelving from "basic storage" to a tailored, finished feature. Painting the door glossy black and the addition of the custom hood also add details that are always welcoming in any room.

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What’s Next for the Cottage?

While the structural pieces and furniture are set, a room really comes alive in the soft details. Next up:

• Adding café-style curtains to soften the natural light

• Layering in warm decor accessories and cookware to give the kitchen that lived-in charm

Luckily, timing is on our side. I am officially off from school this week for Fall Break, which means my main mission over the next few days is making numerous delivery runs to transport our belongings over before the BIG move day.

Stay tuned for more updates as Oak Branch Cottage officially becomes home!

Kitchen Updates, y'all!

Oak Branch Cottage: New Finds from Renaissance Interiors

It started with a straightforward mission: find two statement host chairs for the ends of my dining room table. Simple, right? I had a vision of anchoring the room, elevating Sunday dinners (Ha!), and finally giving the space the grand framing it deserved.

Naturally, that’s not what happened.

I haven’t quite landed the perfect host chairs just yet—though I have to confess, I am still madly in love with a pair of stunning velvet chairs I spotted. They’ve been sitting in the shop for a little while now, so who knows? Maybe fate is holding them for me.

In the meantime, my chair hunt took a delightfully unexpected detour, proving once again that the best design discoveries happen when you're looking for something else entirely.

The Side Tables That Stole the Show

While scanning the floor, I stumbled upon a pair of vintage side tables that completely stopped me in my tracks: Louis XVI style, featuring kidney-shaped marble tops with brass gallery edges.

They are delicate, refined, and full of historical character. Because of their unique shape and petite profile, they are incredibly versatile. Right now, I’m torn between using them as nightstands in the guest room to give visitors a touch of boutique-hotel luxury, or placing them in the den flanking the sofa. Either way, leaving them behind wasn't an option.

A Taste of Paris in the Kitchen

As if the universe knew I was on a roll, I also managed to acquire a classic French bistro table. Featuring a crisp marble top balanced on  black iron legs, it has that effortless Parisian café energy that instantly warms up a space.

It’s heading straight into the kitchen to serve as a cozy breakfast spot and extra prep space. There’s something so inviting about sitting down at a solid slab of cool stone with a morning coffee, even if you’re just reading emails in your pajamas instead of watching the Seine flow by.

The Common Thread (and My Favorite Local Spot)

Looking at my recent haul, a distinct pattern has emerged. Two kidney-shaped accent tables? Marble. A French bistro table? Marble.

I guess I have a bit of a thing for marble, huh?

There's just something timeless about natural stone. It brings weight, texture, and an organic sense of luxury that bridges traditional antiques and modern living. Plus, no two slabs are ever identical, which makes every piece feel like a one-of-a-kind find.

All of these treasures—and the velvet chairs still living rent-free in my head—were scored at Renaissance Interiors in Metairie. It is easily one of my absolute favorite antique and home destination spots around the city. If you love hunting for unique, high-quality pieces with character, you already know how dangerous (and wonderful) a trip there can be!

So, while my dining room table is still sitting there patiently waiting for its host chairs, the rest of the house is looking significantly more stylish. The hunt continues... but if I happen to "accidentally" go back for those velvet chairs soon, don't be surprised.

Are you currently hunting for a specific piece of furniture, or have you ever gotten completely derailed by an unexpected find at your favorite local antique shop? Let me know in the comments below!

Antique Love, y'all!

Oak Branch Cottage: Let There Be "Gas" Lights

 When we first set eyes on Oak Branch Cottage, our minds immediately raced with ideas, plans, and dream projects. But among all the design boards and wish lists, there was one feature that sat firmly in the "non-negotiable" column: gas lanterns.

There is something irreplaceable about the flicker of a real flame. Gas lanterns are quintessentially Southern—they carry a rich sense of history, hospitality, and timeless elegance that instantly elevates a home’s exterior. They welcome guests before anyone even steps onto the porch and lend an unmistakable, historic charm to the entire facade.

Finding the Flame: The Monterey Style

For Oak Branch Cottage, we wanted fixtures that were built to last and crafted with genuine care. We sourced our lanterns through Gulf Coast Home, choosing a style made right here in the USA by Carroll by Design.

We ultimately fell in love with the Monterey style, known for its graceful curves and sweeping silhouette. We opted for the single-socket design, which allows the lantern's elegant form to really shine without feeling overly busy. Knowing these were hand-crafted with exceptional American quality makes them feel even more special—they align perfectly with the classic, intentional story we’re building at the cottage.

That Golden Hour Glow

While they look stunning during the day, the real magic happens when the sun goes down.

There is truly nothing like the warm, ambient glow of gas lanterns at night. Unlike harsh electric lighting, the soft, dancing flame creates a gentle light that washes over the entryway. It sets an instant mood—cozy, peaceful, and deeply romantic. Every time we pull into the driveway after dark and see that soft flicker framing the front entrance, it feels like an immediate "welcome home."

Adding these lanterns wasn't just a design choice; it was about honoring a beloved Southern tradition and creating an inviting atmosphere for everyone who visits.

What architectural or lighting elements are non-negotiables for your home? Let me know in the comments below!

Gas Lanterns, y'all!