Oak Branch Cottage: Custom Awning Framework

After over two months of waiting, it finally happened: the frame for our front porch fabric awning was installed yesterday!

If you’ve been following along with the vision for Oak Branch Cottage, you know this awning has been high on my list of dream features. It’s one of those design details that does double duty—adding essential shade to make the front porch a truly comfortable spot to relax, while completely framing the cottage’s exterior aesthetic.

When you wait weeks for a single custom element, you start to wonder if it will live up to what you pictured in your head. But seeing the steel frame mounted against the cottage yesterday instantly validated the wait. Even without the fabric attached yet, the architectural profile of the front entry has transformed. It adds depth, warmth, and that classic, welcoming feel I’ve envisioned since day one.

Now, fingers crossed that the fabric installation follows quickly! Once the canvas is stretched across that frame, the front porch will finally feel complete—and I can finally kick back in the shade, and enjoy the view.

Custom Awning, y'all!

Oak Branch Cottage: Layering, Antiques, and Making a House a Home

We have officially moved into Oak Branch Cottage, and now the real fun begins!

I have never been a trained interior designer, but I have spent years admiring the iconic work of legends like Charles Faudree, Bunny Williams, and Suzanne Rheinstein. What draws me so deeply to their work is that their spaces feel alive. Their interiors are rich, layered, and collected—filled with accessories, textures, and art that tell a genuine story over time.

I have always loved filling our home with art, antiques, and cherished finds. To be honest, I am so glad the design world has finally moved past the stark, sterile minimalist aesthetic that dominated for so long. I never felt compelled to follow that trend; a home, to me, should never look like a blank showroom. It should feel lived-in, warm, and deeply personal.

Right now, I am having absolute fun mixing new finds with old treasures as J and I settle in and transform this new house into a true, livable home. I snapped a few photos of our current progress in the living and dining rooms last night—our vision is slowly but surely taking shape!

This is just the beginning of the journey. In upcoming posts, I’ll be sharing detailed tours, explanations, and sources for many of the individual pieces and antiques we’re bringing into the cottage.

Stay tuned—there is so much more to come!

Making A House A Home, y'all!

Oak Branch Cottage: Move-In Day!

 Yesterday marked a major milestone: Move-in day at Oak Branch Cottage!

Abba Movers pulled up to Acorn Cottage at 10:15 AM to tackle the heavy lifting, packing up our larger furniture and big items. By 1:00 PM, they were already at Oak Branch, carefully unloading everything into its proper place. We still have smaller odds and ends to bring over, but there’s no rush—we have the luxury of taking those slowly. Having the new garage and shed set up has been an absolute lifesaver for staging boxes we don't need to unpack right away.

J and I spent our very first night in the new place. While I’m feeling a bit discombobulated amidst all the transition, our new king-sized bed, mattress, and fresh sheets provided a cozy oasis and made for a great first night's sleep.

Now, if I could just figure out which box is hiding my Stevia so I can enjoy my morning coffee, everything would be perfect!

Moving In, y'all!