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!

Oak Branch Cottage: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

The renovations at Oak Branch Cottage in Carrollton are officially reaching one of the most satisfying stages: bringing the interior design details to life. Yesterday was all about reflection—quite literally—as the workers hung two centerpiece mirrors that anchor both the living and dining rooms.

Finding the right pieces for a historic Uptown New Orleans home takes patience, but seeing them mounted makes every hunt worth it.

The Crown Jewel: A Napoleon III Find in the Living Room

The star of the living room came from a favorite local haunt, Renaissance Interiors in Metairie. We managed to score a stunning antique French 2nd Empire / Napoleon III mirror featuring hand-beveled glass and classic Louis XVI stylistic touches.

The moment it was carefully hung above the living room’s marble mantel, the entire space shifted. The warm patina of the antique frame paired with the cool marble creates an effortless balance of texture and history. It reflects the light in a way only vintage glass can, fully realizing the vision I’ve held for this room since day one.

Timeless Elegance in the Dining Room

For the dining room, the goal was to keep things tailored, traditional, and understatedly elegant. I turned to Gulf Coast Home in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, and found a beautiful reproduction Louis Philippe style mirror.

With its signature rounded upper corners and clean, sculpted profile, it brings that classic French aesthetic into the space without competing for attention. Placed thoughtfully in the dining room, it reflects the surrounding details and pulls together the exact balance of historic charm and relaxed cottage comfort we're aiming for.

Progress Step by Step

Decorating an old home is less about rushing to finish and more about layering history, local finds, and personal style over time. With these two key pieces in place, Oak Branch Cottage is feeling a little more like home every single day.

Stay tuned as we continue tackling the next phase of renovations in Carrollton!

Mirror, Mirror, y'all!