Sample Project: Cottagecore Dining Room

Wondering what you get when you book a design consultation and styling services with Schimpf Haus? Here I'll lay out a sample of a single room styling project.

Consultation Notes: client is looking to redecorate her dining room. Her aesthetic is "cottagecore" with a mix of traditional. Her home is a mountain house in Southern California. House has warm toned wooden tongue and groove ceilings with exposed beams (beams are painted white). Flooring is a light honey/ash colored wood. Dining room is connected to both the kitchen and living room. Elements from those rooms: navy sofa, deep rust/blue rug, gold fireplace screen, marble lamp, white tile around fireplace, wooden mantel beam, wooden console table and barristers bookcase, potted plants in blue, brass, and whicker vessels. Kitchen has original 1970's yellow tile backsplash and cabinets are painted white. Art in space is colorful and eclectic. Client already owns a dining table that she likes, but her seating is mismatched in a way that doesn't read as intentional. She also has a black, antique sideboard that she would like to keep in the space. There is no wired lighting above the dining space, currently there is a basket weave single bulb light fixture in the space, plugged in and swagged over the table. The space has one wall entirely made up of windows and sliders. She wants to be able to see the view, but also close it off during high sun hours and would like blackout curtains (but not "boring ones").

Clients Requests: seating for 8, better lighting, cottage feel, a mix of bench seating and dining chairs, no upholstery on seating (kids and pets), and a way to marry the rooms surrounding the dining space together to create cohesion that isn't "matchy-matchy."

Budget: $1500

Client's inspo pics:

Now for the fun part! Client receives moodboard #1 with a list of sources in link form as well as a to-scale drawing of the space to show furniture placement, etc. We then discuss and adjust as needed.

Project Layout:

Moodboard #1:

Product Links Part 1, Foundational Items:

Diamond Weave Jute Rug 6x9 $206.65

Dining Chairs Set of 4 $300

Dining Bench 72" Stainable or Paintable $172.55

Light Fixture $99.98

Curtains $178.47 for Six Panels

Total $957.65

Product Links Part 2, Accessories:

Green Checkered Vase $58

Trees Art $4.99

Carved Duck $22.99

Wooden Lamp with Scalloped Shade $38.99

Floral Throw Pillow $28

Mustard Lumbar Pillow $7.99

Candlestick Holders $14.98

Swan Art $19.99

Catch of the Day Print $8.24

Cream Stripe Floral Print $7.87

William Morris Print $12.95

Red Floral Pitcher $23.50

Framed Marigold Print $12.99

Total $261.48

Product Links Part 3, Not Pictured:

Candle Sticks $14.53

Table Cloth $26.45

Bee Drinking Glasses $49.99

Ornate Frame $14.99

Additional Artwork $18.39

Candle Warmer Lamp $39.99

Walnut Scalloped Frame $14.99

Total $179.33

Project Total:

$1398.46

Of course I always want to style these spaces as sustainably as possible. The product lists provided are not necessarily intended to be exact shopping lists. Finding similar pieces around your own home, at thrift or vintage stores, Facebook Marketplace, grandma's attic, and of course at places like Home Goods or any other local shops are all great options. The moodboard and shopping lists are a good jumping off point and give you permission to lean into your personal style, which is sometimes all it takes to make a space feel like home. At this point in the project, the client reviews and gives feedback about the moodboard, the layout, and of course about the styling. If there are any big ticket items that are not "the one," this is a good point to go over that. I typically have several backup options already saved and ready to send. Any requests to change items or the layout will be reflected in a new moodboard, shopping list, and to-scale layout. And that's it! We've created something special and curated that feels cohesive with the rest of the home and truly feels like home. I hope this sample project helps and feel free to schedule a consultation using the link on my home page, or by emailing me directly at info@schimpfhaus.com

Jillian Schimpf

Lead Designer at Schimpf Haus