Oak Branch Cottage: Moody Den

Today, I'll share a sneak peek of the den.

If you were to walk through our home and head straight to the back, you’d find what might just be my absolute favorite room in the entire house: the den.

While the rest of the home has its own charm, this space holds a special place in my heart. It’s where design meets comfort in the best possible way—a sanctuary built for slow evenings, cozy blankets, and unwinding after a long day.

The moment you step into the den, the atmosphere immediately shifts. We painted the room in Benjamin Moore’s Essex Green, and to say I’m obsessed would be an understatement.

Essex Green is a deep, rich, classic dark green that envelops the room in a envelope of warmth. It gives the space an instantly moody, sophisticated vibe without feeling cold or cavernous. Depending on the time of day and the lighting, the color shifts from a deep, velvety forest tone to an almost shadowy black-green, making it the ultimate backdrop for relaxing.

Let’s be honest: every home needs a designated spot for serious television viewing, and this room takes the crown. The cozy, cocoon-like feel created by the dark walls makes it the perfect home theater alternative.

Whether I’m settling in for endless reruns of Law & Order (and Law & Order: SVU, naturally) or catching up on the latest drama with my favorite Real Housewives on Bravo, this room was built for cozying up and getting lost in a marathons.

One of my favorite features of the room actually came with the house. The previous owners left behind a stunning French painted buffet, and it turned out to be an absolute treasure.

Not only does it serve as the perfect, character-rich stand for the TV, but it’s also a powerhouse for storage. Behind those beautifully aged doors, we store our family photo albums and an ever-growing collection of extra books. It adds a touch of historic, lived-in charm that balances out the deep color on the walls.

Sneak Peek of the Den, y'all!

Oak Branch Cottage: Chandelier by Chris Wynne

Out of all the updates and design choices we’ve made during our renovation at Oak Branch Cottage, there is one centerpiece that steals the show every single time: our incredible custom chandelierin the living room by local artist Chris Wynne.

Sourced right here locally through DOP Antiques, this fixture isn't just a source of light—it’s a work of art that completely grounds the room.

The Mind Behind the Design

If you aren't familiar with Chris Wynne Designs, his studio out of Mandeville, Louisiana, creates some of the most breathtaking, high-end handmade lighting in the region. Chris is an artist, designer, and master craftsman who collaborates directly with homeowners, interior designers, and architects to bring tailored illumination to life across both residential and commercial spaces.

Why His Work Stands Apart

What makes having a Chris Wynne piece so special comes down to a few key elements:

• Artisanal Craftsmanship: Every single fixture from his studio is meticulously engineered and handcrafted to order. No mass production, no assembly lines—just genuine artistry where each fixture is a unique, one-of-a-kind statement.

• Statement Chandeliers: While his studio creates a variety of tailored lighting, Chris is particularly legendary for his massive crystal chandeliers, multi-story foyer installations, and dramatic ceiling focal points.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Finding our piece at DOP Antiques felt like finding the missing puzzle piece for Oak Branch Cottage. It perfectly bridges local Louisiana craftsmanship with timeless luxury, giving our home a storied piece we'll treasure for years to come.

Custom Chandelier, y'all!

Oak Branch Cottage: Custom Drapes

Yesterday was such an exciting day at Oak Branch Cottage! While J and I were away at work, the talented team from Fairfax Fabric Company stopped by to install our custom-made drapes in both the living and dining rooms.

It is amazing what a difference window treatments make—custom drapes truly elevate a space and turn a house into a home.

The Living Room: Height & Elegance

For the living room, J and I chose classic ivory silk panels accented with a delicate light blue tape trim. They turned out beyond gorgeous. Not only do they bring softness and elegance to the space, but they also draw the eye upward and accentuate our 12-foot ceilings, making the room feel grand yet cozy.

The Dining Room: Bold Color & Pattern

In the dining room, we decided to have a little fun with color. We went with vibrant watermelon-colored silk panels paired with a patterned turquoise tape. The contrast between the watermelon and turquoise is absolute chef's kiss! They add the perfect pop of personality and serve as the ultimate finishing touch for the space.

What’s Next?

Our work here isn't quite done yet! Next up on the list is reworking a pair of drapes from Acorn Cottage to fit the guest bedroom. Room by room, it’s all coming together—one day at a time.

A huge thank you to Patricia and the entire team at Fairfax Fabric Company for a smooth installation process, fantastic communication, and incredible craftsmanship. We couldn't be happier with how everything turned out!

Custom Drapes, y'all!