I propose reupholstering the chairs and stools. Add a statment/interesting chandelier and art with color. A few changes will look fab without a lot of cost. Yes, you need color.

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I would definitely add color. What color soothes you? In a dining room, which is this close to the kitchen, it's going to get a lot of use. Pick a color that makes you happy and definitely sit test both sets of new chairs for comfort. Try craigslist and then re-upholster, or buy new from whatever retail stores you have in your city where they have chairs you like that you can sit in. Or, hire a good designer to help you. Also, I would add colorful artwork, and hang it lower, at eye level on the wall.

And, I would consider painting the walls white (or see below). Then the artwork really shines. One of the reasons to paint white would be that now, because the architectural layout of window, door, and soffit don't line up, it becomes a visual distraction. When you paint it all out, those things become far less noticeable. Then the electrical cover plates also don't stand out. You want your personalization to stand out--which would be the artwork and the display shelves and items on them. If you don't like the idea of white walls, pick another neutral color. I might suggest the floor color. Then, paint the base and all the trim including the shuttered doors and window the same color. You will see a big difference in the calmness of the space when the architectural features are less disjointed.

Good luck! It has a lot of potential!

I won't be painting the walls anytime soon but I like your ideas. I'm thinking about these chairs if I keep the table - what do you think? I have been browsing so much that I'm struggling to picture anything now!

I'm also considering replacing the entire set with a rectangular table and maybe bench one side of the table for less chair crowding. Recommendations appreciated! :)

You could keep all the furniture if you painted the walls

I'd paint the walls, remove the photos and shelves from the wall and replace with colorful art. I'd also replace the bar stools with some with a lower profile. I'd also replace the chandelier and place it lower than the one you have now.

You seem to be drawn to neutrals (the chair you show doesn't bring in any color). Maybe colorful art, cushions for the stools and some textiles/accessories in the living area I'm guessing are adjacent would ease you into color without spending a lot of money on upholstery.

I would start with colorful art. Remove the shelves in favor of more art .Are you getting a rug? That could add color, too. JMO,backless bar stools and benches are not at all comfortable. They are a disaster for children.

Thanks. The shelves were put in because the house is very open and I felt the art was becoming too "boxy" around the perimeter of the house so thought the shelving would help to break that pattern while still maintaining some flow - but I know you can't see the whole house from the one photo of the eating area that I've posted. The rug suggestion might help, thanks... I'm still not settled on the chair but aiming for the taupe or dark brown. Thanks for the tip on the backless stools. Maybe just a lower back then - I feel like all you see in the space is chairs. A few have also suggested a new chandelier so I will definitely look into that as well. The chairs come first since they really need to be replaced.

I also would replace the shelves with art. In any case, the shelves and frames you have there are hung too high and there is nothing to ground them.

Love it. Thank you!

Soooo, lighter or darker upholstry for the new chairs?

How about a small check in black and white for the upholstery or a stripe or a tiny geometric print...any of these will add interest and a print will hide food stains and or spills easily.

Since this space is just off the kitchen, I think something more casual would fit better. This may be too modern for you, but it has a more appropriate vibe, I think.

Why not try adding a new chandelier, artwork, and if you are getting new chairs then you can go in a new direction. Here are some ideas for you from some recent designs of ours:

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