Egg & Dart Door Hardware Brings Old-World Charm to a Farmhouse Cottage

The Story Behind White & Woodgrain

White & Woodgrain was born from a deeply personal place: Brittany’s family farmhouse. Alongside her husband, Brittany rebuilt her grandparents’ 1800s farmhouse, which was an emotional and intentional project rooted in preservation and legacy. While the original structure had deteriorated beyond repair, the new home was built on the same footprint and centered around the original chimney, a symbolic anchor that once warmed generations of family members.

Recently discovering that she is the eighth generation connected to the farmhouse, and that her children are the ninth, Brittany often describes herself as a bridge between the past and the future. That role inspired her to begin whiteandwoodgrain.com, a space dedicated to documenting family stories, historic homes, antiques, DIY projects, and the meaning of home. What began as a personal archive for her children has grown into a source of inspiration for others who share a love for old houses and intentional living.

Designing a “New-Old” Guest Cottage

While the farmhouse started it all, Brittany’s most recent project was a newly built guest cottage on the property, now home to her parents. Designed from the ground up, the cottage was meant to feel as though it had always belonged there.

Without formal design training, Brittany approached the project through research, inspiration gathering, and hands-on experimentation. One major influence was the iconic American Gothic House in Eldon, Iowa, an 1880s Carpenter Gothic home known for its steeply pitched roofs, board-and-batten siding, and pointed-arch windows.

That architectural style became the guiding inspiration for the cottage. The goal was to create a home that felt related to the farmhouse, but not identical, more like a sister than a twin. The result is a structure that feels historic, welcoming, and seamlessly connected to the land.

If the cottage could tell a story, Brittany says it would be an old one, filled with family, laughter, hard work, and wisdom earned over time. It’s a reminder that a beautiful life doesn’t require a large home, just one filled with meaning. Every design choice was made to support that narrative, from salvaged materials to carefully selected finishes.

While her favorite room changes often, the cottage kitchen currently holds Brittany’s heart. At the center of the space is an antique general store counter repurposed as a kitchen island, adding instant character and history. Pops of green, from appliances to lighting to collected jadeite dishes, bring warmth and cheer, making the kitchen feel like the true heart of the home.

Although the cottage is new construction, the goal was always to make it feel as though it had been there for generations. That meant layering antiques, salvaged pieces, and high-quality vintage-inspired details throughout the home.

Nostalgic Warehouse door knobs proved to be the perfect finishing touch. The Egg & Dart collection seamlessly tied together the old and new elements. Brittany notes that every time she opens a door, she notices the weight, craftsmanship, and intricate detailing, qualities that give the space an authentic, historic feel. Rather than simply enhancing the design, the door hardware completed it.

Rewarding Details That Will Last

One of the most rewarding aspects of using Nostalgic Warehouse products was the confidence that the hardware would stand the test of time. The solid construction and exceptional craftsmanship ensure durability, while the classic design ensures the style will never feel dated. For Brittany, choosing antique-style door knobs wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about selecting “forever finishes” for a forever home. These small details make a meaningful impact and will continue adding charm for generations to come.

After researching countless hardware options, Brittany says the quality of Nostalgic Warehouse products is unmatched. The door knobs are beautifully made, substantial in hand, and reminiscent of true antique hardware. In a world where craftsmanship can feel lost, Nostalgic Warehouse proves that high-quality, heritage-inspired design is still alive and well.

One standout takeaway from the project was discovering split-finish door knobs. For the interior side of the entry doors, Brittany chose Antique Brass and Crystal knobs inspired by four salvaged 1920s doors she sourced from a cottage in Charlotte, North Carolina. On the exterior, she selected Timeless Bronze, which beautifully complements the cottage’s finishes and sky blue door.

Being able to mix and match finishes was a game-changer—and one of Brittany’s favorite design decisions in the entire cottage. The customization allowed her to honor the salvaged doors while maintaining a cohesive exterior aesthetic.

For anyone just starting their DIY or home renovation journey, Brittany offers simple but powerful advice: stay true to your heart and your style. Trends come and go, but loving your home never goes out of style. Rules are meant to be bent, and mixing and matching, especially when it comes to door hardware, can lead to the most meaningful results.

What Home Means to Brittany

To Brittany, home is everything. It’s a connection to the past and the foundation for the future. It represents both heritage and legacy; a place filled with memories, stories, and the life her family continues to build together.

Through thoughtful design and the timeless craftsmanship of Nostalgic Warehouse hardware, Brittany’s new-old cottage stands as a testament to honoring history while creating space for generations yet to come.