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!

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!