A DIY breakfast nook refresh: transitioning from farmhouse to transitional cottage style with a design board, source list, and makeover tips.
Our breakfast nook sits at one end of the kitchen. It’s more generous than a typical nook but not a separate room, so “breakfast nook” fits best. The space hasn’t had a major update in over six years aside from seasonal decor, and it’s time for a fresh look. The inexpensive side chairs were always a temporary solution and the cushions are now sagging, so replacing them is on the list.
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When we moved in, I embraced farmhouse decor; it was easy to work with and I loved it for a time. Lately, however, I’ve been drawn to a more timeless, classic approach. I call the look I’m aiming for “transitional cottage style.” It blends the clean lines and balance of transitional design with the warm, lived-in charm and natural touches of cottage style.
WHAT IS TRANSITIONAL COTTAGE STYLE?
Transitional cottage style combines modern and traditional elements—mixing masculine and feminine touches—with the cozy, approachable qualities of cottage decor. Think comfortable furnishings, soothing color palettes, natural textures, and a refined but relaxed feel.
After studying lots of inspiration on Pinterest, Instagram, and in magazines, I realized I love cottage charm but wanted a more updated, lasting aesthetic. I’ve already added hints of this style around the house, especially in the dining room, but the breakfast nook is the room I’m focusing on now and I intend to see this transformation through to completion.
I’ll keep the existing dining table, the sideboard (which is actually an upcycled bedroom dresser), the shelves above the sideboard, and the bench along the opposite wall. What will change are the dining chairs, draperies, the artwork above the bench, the light fixture over the table, and the paint on the shelves and brackets.
STEP 1: FIND YOUR INSPIRATION
The first step in any room update for me is finding a central source of inspiration—often fabric. A pattern and color combination can clearly define the direction for the whole space.
This P. Kaufman fabric is the starting point for the breakfast nook refresh. Its palette and pattern will guide choices for pillows, chair backs, and accessories throughout the nook. I plan to use it on a long lumbar pillow for the bench and on the backs of the new chairs.
P. Kaufman fabric inspiration
Picking a single fabric makes it easier to pull coordinating colors from the pattern and build a cohesive design board that keeps the project focused.
STEP 2: SET A BUDGET AND MAKE A PLAN
Sometimes your budget shapes your design, and sometimes the design determines the budget. For this project I began with a target budget and then developed a design board and shopping list to fit that range.
Creating a visual design board is invaluable for staying on track and avoiding impulse purchases that don’t match the intended look. I also maintain a simple spreadsheet to track budget, amounts spent, to-dos, and links to items so changes are easy to manage.
Fabric || Light fixture || Draperies || Arm chairs || Side chairs
Some items shown are no longer available.
STEP 3: PURCHASE SUPPLIES
Ideally, I’d have every supply ready so the work could proceed logically. Most items have arrived, although a set of end chairs is delayed. That has affected the order in which I can complete certain tasks, like painting chair frames and taking them to the upholsterer.
Even so, the project moves forward. Delays are a normal part of DIY makeovers, so I plan tasks that don’t depend on the missing pieces first.
STEP 4: START THE WORK
With some items delayed, I’ve prioritized tasks that can be completed now. My projected to-do list looks like this:
- Replace the light fixture above the table (timing depends on help available).
- Remove the old draperies and hang the new panels.
- Paint the shelves and shelf brackets above the sideboard on warmer days.
- Sew two accent pillows for the bench using the chosen fabric.
- Source artwork to hang above the bench that complements the color palette.
- Choose accessories for the shelves that reinforce the transitional cottage aesthetic.
- Once the end chairs arrive, remove seat cushions and paint all six chair frames to match.
- Take chairs to the upholsterer for new cushions and fabric backs.
I’m excited to see the space come together and to share the final reveal once the work is complete.
