The space has a lot of potential. I would suggest replacing the mirror with artwork, heavier curtain panels, a single piece of art between the windows, 2 console lamps with a vertical piece of artwork above the buffet, a transitional styled chandelier hung lower, and the tabletop decor removed.

The curtains bit too long, should just skim the floor; larger carpet to make room look larger and more modern looking...tie in the grey walls as accents for your carpet; agreed light fixture needs an update; large and long wall art to replace mirror, maybe three panels?; would buy a tall floor vase.

I think your room looks really nice and I also think that changing the lighting fixture would give the most impact. I agree that perhaps colorful artwork instead of the mirror, or maybe in addition to the mirror would help as well. Maybe something more substantial on the table? Little tweaks though really, I think the curtains are fine .

The table looks really tight up against the wall under the mirror. Can anyone use that chair? Can you turn the table 90 degrees and put the buffet on the wall with the mirror? Or move the table away from the mirror wall?

Agree art would be better than mirror, replace light fixture with something less traditional and lower it. Curtains are too long. Also i think they would look better opened, with another treatment underneath if you need privacy.

Table and chairs are nice.

Thank you guys soooooo much! Nothing like direction to build a sense of hope with one's home decor. I am a visual learner like my students, so pics are real helpful if possible, please. These are all great comments and I am taking notes, literally, and so far the following changes are:

1) light fixture has to go (I understand it needs to be lower or hang...I appreciate the pictures but I am confused what type of style would work, I gathered transitional or chandelier...I do want to transform the room to rustic chic style.

2) Wall art-totally agree but....what kind???

3) Move the mirror to either the top of the buffet or another part of that room. I will upload pics of the entire room. I do not want to get rid of it, too late to return so Im kind of stuck with it.

4) I have a traditional buffet with modern furniture....how do I tie the furniture

5) curtains...they will stay?

6) rug....stay as well or change it up to tie up the room?

7) centerpieces: keep the vase on the buffet or get rid of it? Simple centerpieces on the table or????

I am excited for everyone's wonderful and insightful feedback! Thank you!

Try the table so it is parallel to the entry opening, not the kitchen.

Place the large art on the wall you see from the entry.

Paint the area below the chair rail classic white like the trim

Select a chandelier with iron or wood for rustic theme; the bottom of the light fixture should be 34 inches from table top.

Put the mirror somewhere else in the house as it is serving no decorative purpose in the room.

Paint the curtain rod bronze or black and hang brackets so they touch the bottom of the crown molding and extend 8-10 inches beyond each window side, then buy a two color toned geometric patterned curtain panels with a color that is strong enough to balance out the carpet colors; ie. go deeper or brighter by one shade, four per window that are 93 inches long; you might have to hem them with iron on tape or by hand or sewing machine so they just touch the floor....mark them in place as floors and ceilings are rarely ever straight....it is s process.

Black rods hung at molding, geometric print two toned curtains hung beyond windows, big rug, chandelier hung low over table.

Elegant and Practical Family Dining Room · More Info

Mecca Printed Cotton Curtain Single Panel, 50"x84" · More Info

Just suggestions for how and why, but style is yours.

First you must get the position of the table and chandelier correct. How can anyone access the chair that is next to the wall? Is it possible to turn the table and still keep it centered under the light fixture? This must be accomplished first.

Very nice room and furnishings. It just requires tweaking.

Ideally, there should be 36-42" of walk and chair sitting space all around the table. Where would it need to be for that to happen? The chairs need 24" of that space to be scooted out and sat in. Rug needs to be 4 feet wider and longer than the table yet not run into baseboards or furniture that is against the walls. Do some measuring and taping on the floor to figure out the math of it first.

following

We can't tell you where to place the buffet without knowing all the dimensions of the room and the table. Provide the dimensions requested on this drawing.

Is there currently a leaf in the table?

First off it looks like you need artwork, different window treatments, and a new chandelier to get this room going in the right direction. Here is a design of ours to get you started.

West Hills Cottage: Dining Room · More Info

West Hills Cottage: Dining Room · More Info

West Hills Cottage: Dining Room · More Info

Completely agree with the expert suggestions above about table placement. Hope you'll return to post dimensions of the room and furniture so the experts here can help with placement.

You mention you want to "maintain rustic chic theme". I'm not really clear on what that theme / style is, but when I look at your current space I see mostly "chic" and not much "rustic". When I think rustic, I think about more natural materials, matte finishes, wood with visible grain through the stain, rougher more natural fabrics like linen.

I would start with a new light fixture. Adding a more rustic (but still refined) light fixture would definitely help edge the space in that direction.

Maybe you could switch to some textured linen or cotton drapes.

So we have lost the OP?

Turning the table helps. Does the table have a leaf that can be taken out to create a bit more space? Chairs can be placed on either side of the sideboard.

I would recommend a vertical canvas over the sideboard.

I would also recommend a large canvas, visit http://mndphoto.com for lots of options.

Please go buy some interesting curtains that are not sheer and hang them up to help define the style you want in the room.....the furniture is very safe and bland which makes it timeless, but now you need jazz and curtains will give a big bang for the buck.....think about it.....

THOUGHTS????

faboushi926's ideas · More Info

faboushi926's ideas · More Info

faboushi926's ideas · More Info

I like what you've done. I am struggling to update my home and you have given me a lot of inspiration.

So I'm confused...are you still doing a rustic thing? Your chandelier is contemporary. And no on the plate and vases--

Take the vases back. Between the top of the sideboard, and the decorative plate, it's too much pattern. Also, everything is the same scale and color. No variety means no interest.

You're overdecorating the space, adding stuff that has no significance or use (like the vases and the metal art), and selecting very generic looking things. Be more selective, don't hang or place anything you don't really love, pay attention to whether things coordinate with each other.

I'm sorry to say the lighting is not working for me, its too cold and modern for any rustic touches. I feel bad for you as you want it to look so nice but no chandeliers that were modern were posted. Would you consider returning it?

Another idea, IDEAS

Yaya, I got the impression she'd veered away from rustic since nothing in the room was rustic and the new things she's added aren't either.

Yes Groveraxle, I agree but I'd hate to see her do a room she really doesn't desire.

Well, if she wants rustic chic, she needs to start over. If we're going to make the current furniture work--especially the sideboard--then it won't be rustic in any way.

I think a Pottery Barn sort of rustic chic could work here....the sideboard is "chic"...

OP out there?

faboushi926, I think everyone has good intentions here but reading all the above (including my own comments) I can see you getting overwhelmed with the differ view points/opinions. This is your room, your going to live with it and should feel like when you walk in the room it puts a smile on your face.

Go with your gut, do some research (I found pinterest to be helpful to stir up ideas), talk to someone who you trust and knows you and what you like to help you (I don't have an eye for decor and my sister helped me give some direction).

Also, take your time! There is no rush to have everything done in a day, week, or month. I have lived in my place for almost a year and not done decorating/adding furniture. Good luck!