Here is an update. I plan to get a large dining table (enough to seat 8+ people), in front of a sofa that I would place along the wall on the right of this picture: Many couches don't aren't suitable for dining because they are much lower than the dining table and force you into a reclined position. So, I am thinking of something more like a banquette/upholstered wall bench. I am inspired by these pictures: I will see if I can find these at a furniture store, since the ones in the above pictures look like they are built into the house. I might get 2 of them, to go on different sides of the dining table. For seating around the rest of the table, I already own many of these folding chairs, which maybe I can use: What do folks here think of this? I'm a rookie at interior design. I want a decor that will make guests say "wow", so I'm curious for your opinions. I'm also looking for color ideas. As you can see in my original post, the main colors in the apartment are (1) faded blue/gray wallpaper, (2) very light wood on the walls/kitchen, and (3) light/medium wood on the floors. I am thinking to match the dining table with (2), and to match my sofa with the color of the brown chairs. Any other ideas?

To counter all the cool tones and to make the piano look less heavy, I would suggest an Oriental rug that is mainly red. You need curtains panels on the windows, and I would suggest a cream color in a heavy, possibly self-patterned fabric. Move the piano to where the chairs are and make a conversation area with a couch in front of the windows (great light for reading), a small coffee table (glass to show off rug), an end table with a nice lamp and a small easy chair or two across from the sofa. Definitely beautiful art on the walls

Would NOT do tall table w/bar height seating for more than two. If you want to seat more than two, go with a traditional table height and, because this might be a tight squeeze for a lot of seats, you might want comfortable stools with casters. Added bonus: the seat likely would be easily changed getting you new seating w/o purchasing a totally new chair as your color taste change or w/normal wear and tear you decide you want new seats. With a metal frame, you can easily use RustOleum 2Xspray paint and spray the frame pretty much any color you want as well. https://www.touchofclass.com/flare-back-powder-finish-vanity-chair/p/N300-001/?code=YMF01&color=Nickel&size=&tid=YMFPLA&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoJzV_8D_5gIVTMDICh1FxQMoEAQYBSABEgIXuPD_BwE

mtnn - Thank you for the shout-out for oldhousesalvage. That will be a fun road trip when they re-open. I enjoyed going through their pictures. Glad you like the fabric, hope I do too! aktillery - Lovely to see your name, thank you for the kind words!! arapaho-rd - Excellent point. Thank you for the images. I really can't understand how the seats in the lower picture are supported... decoenthusiaste - I love that look but don't know how to get there! Here's the space open to the studs; would it be doable? (Right side) housegal - glad you looked them up. We picked up the chairs upon completion at their workshop in Auburn, Maine and were given a tour of the workshop, which I highly recommend to anyond in the area and interested in furniture making. Tina Marie - Thanks, agreed about the cushion. eam - So nice to hear from you! How is your progress and please link!! I feel guilty because you helped me so very much with all my tiling projects and I have not been following/helping at all with your build. gracefullyaged - I will get back to you with details on this; need to find out preferred contact method.