I love what you are doing with the room. I think black chairs. Is this your everyday dining room or for special occasions? If those chairs are anything like my black refrigerator, the smudges might drive you crazy. It looks great when brand new and then you can never get it to look that way again.... I saw these black wicker chairs with a clear glass table in another thread here about Amy Butler's house and thought you might want to consider something like this. http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/amy-butler-house-tour/item/244790 Hopefully I am pasting that link correctly. kswl's comment about the arms taking up space is worth considering. Perhaps you could do two armchairs to flank the buffet (in all black) and the others armless. I do think the clear chairs with the clear table might wash out. I can also see a fabulous, bold centerpiece on the table that incorporates your accent color. Please post final pictures! GL! Here is a link that might be useful: Amy Butler room

Holly-Kay - Thanks I think I am leaning to the black for sure. You can purchase the chairs and table separately, or as a set. I haven't read the reviews for the chairs, but for the table alone they were really good. Island - I have 4 parsons type chairs with slip covers. I think the fabric of the slipcovers will soften the look vs. wood chairs. Plus I already have them so no money out of pocket there. And for when I add the leaf and extend the table I will use this bench for additional seating for 2 (cushion to be added and top will be upholstered).

Can't really help you, I am here asking for help myself not providing it! (The Kitchens or Remodeling forums might be better for design questions) but as to: They also find the pantry to be small and hard to reach for items at the back. You can get drawer-like shelves and pull out racks for cabinets nowadays so you can reach stuff at the back.

Get rid of the bench they are awful seating at a dining table .The table seems too small for the space, the light needs to be changed to something better with your furniture and hung much lower. While you are at the lighting the kitchen needs a lighting upgrade also. I don’t know what farmhouse chairs are in your mind so would need a picture of those . A rug needs to have at least 30” all the way around the table and with a bench even more. I would start with a bigger table and a rug then work on the space from there.