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!

Oak Branch Cottage: A Sourcing Trip to Gulf Coast Home

There is a distinct kind of magic in shopping for a house that is still waiting to be lived in. Last weekend, J and I made our way to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, on a targeted mission to source key pieces for Oak Branch Cottage. We kicked off the day with lunch at our absolute favorite spot, Thorny Oyster, before spending the afternoon immersed in design details with Wendy and Theresa, the talented owners of the remarkably well-appointed Gulf Coast Home.

Moving into a space defined by light, open air, and soaring 12-foot ceilings changes the rules of decorating. Scale is everything. Small, low-profile pieces get swallowed whole by high walls, so every find on our list had to hold its own weight while matching the relaxed, coastal-cottage aesthetic we love.

After hours of cross-referencing our measurements and exploring their curated inventory, we checked off several major items:

• Front Porch Living: To match the generous scale of the front porch, we selected a outdoor sofa, two armchairs, and a matching ottoman from Kingsley Bate. The high-quality teak and classic lines will ground the porch perfectly. 

  
  
  
  
  
  

• Architectural Lighting: We ordered two Monterey-style gas lanterns through Carroll by Design. Gas lighting brings an immediate, warm intimacy to tall outdoor entryways, framing the front door with classic Southern charm.

  
  
  

• Grounding the Floorplan: We selected three distinct rugs from the Jaipur Collection to anchor the living room, dining room, and main hallway, defining each zone within the open layout.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Reflecting the Light: A classic Louis Philippe mirror will hang in the dining room, drawing the eye upward and bouncing light across the high ceilings.

  
  
  

• The Master Suite: We sourced a king-sized headboard with enough height to stand proudly against the bedroom walls without feeling lost. I adore any piece with cane.

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Beyond the shop, the visual board for the cottage keeps growing. I am finalizing an order for rich grasscloth wallpaper to bring texture and warmth to the bar area. Next on the agenda, J and I are meeting with Patricia at Fairfax Fabrics to select custom window treatments to frame those beautiful, tall windows.

Decorating a space with room to breathe is standard-shifting, and watching Oak Branch Cottage come together piece by deliberate piece makes the process worth every single decision.

Decorating & Sourcing, y'all!