I always think of rugs and curtains as the "jewelry" of the room. The room looks good without but just a bit better with. Take your time with sideboard and chairs -- they will come.

Yes to rug

Yes to rug. It seems a sin not to use that room more often. Can you invent a family activity that will get you all in there now and then? With dog, of course Hello dog.

Interested in opinions on chandelier as well. I will likely change out foyer lighting too at some point. Husband wants to keep dining room chandelier because of its age and wanting to be respectful of the age of the house, but I'm open to changing for the right fixture (and really, it's up to me- ha!)

With your somewhat rustic and substantial-feeling decor I think your chandelier may be too delicate-looking, although I like it. Something with more heft and a darker color may be a better look. With your wall color I would suggest a primarily neutral-colored rug with some red and blue in it, basically a more simple tribal design than the rug shown above. What an interesting room, and great distinctive art. May I suggest placing two smaller pictures alongside the horse painting to fill up the long wall?

Or something neutral

The dining room is starting to look like a catch all. I would take out most of the items. Those metal wine racks are really more for a wine closet or in the kitchen. They don't really complement your lovely dining room.

I think this rolling wine console placed on your long free wall with art placed above would really look nice in your room instead of the metal racks.

Not sure why the drapery panels are not white

The right rug will look great. Just be sure to get one that is not too small. For some reason that seems to happen a lot here on houzz.

I say no to a rug. Your room doesn't need one. There's a lot going on right now to give the room visual interest. As for making greater use of the room, I suggest date night dinners by candle light.

Thanks celerygirl! I like that first rug a lot, but probably too much of a competition with the walls! The second one looks like it is a sisal/jute color but not material which I like. I hate jute and sisal rugs. Plus I have a long-haired blond dog so it has to be easily vacuumed.

I'm a little concerned about the brown rug on wood floor. Does it add enough to be worth the care and upkeep?

Not a Pro.

Safavieh Mystique MYS925L 8'x10' Gray, Light Blue Rug · More Info

BeverlyFLADeziner, thank you for the suggestions. You are right that this room has caught some things, lol. The wine racks are definitely going away-- we have a full size wine refrigerator coming for our family room and those racks will go on Craigslist.

I like the chandelier, but in terms of light fixtures, I'm trying to navigate a fixture that fits with the 1924 colonial style with wainscotting but that is transitional enough to fit my style. I like the unexpected nature of my modern art with the old house. I want the light fixtures to really fit the house, even if I wasn't the one living here. Any suggestions for something that could fit that bill?

I am open to new drapes. I think I tried ivory (to match trim) and just preferred the burlap but I'm not tied to them at all.

Rugs under a dining table are a PIA especially if there are kids. Everyone knows what it is like to sweep the kitchen after a meal with kids. You should use your dining room more - any family meal is special!

No kids MizSusan! The dog hair is the source of most of our rug woes.

My husband does not like rugs, for what it's worth.

Love the drama of these, lynartist! I don't think I like the wood beads though, looks too crafty and casual, even in a glamorous design. Thank you for the visuals though!

Ha, lynartist, I agree that it fits my style, but not the house's style. I have to admit that I feel like the house has its own personality that existed before me and will exist after I leave! The fixtures feel like they should fit the house instead of me. Maybe a little too romantic, but that's just what feels right.

It looks great though!

Just a small comment that I agree with your husband about the chandelier. It evokes an entire period and style for me. I wouldn't change it.