Charliedawg! Alright, some fun stuff! I agree with your first thoughts that it needs a little something. I think corbels would be a good addition. I also really like pendent lights, they won't block your view. Our's don't. I agree that raised panel in that spot is likely a waste. I also agree that the kitchen won't really come to "life" until you add all your personal stuff. Here's a shot of our kitchen which includes corbels and pendents. Just like our properties, our kitchens are similar. Glad things are back on track. You can't stop writing after you move in. We want to hear all about life in the house. Here is a link that might be useful:

The angle of that last photo definitely shows the true size of the room....thanks for posting it! I like the blinds since they give a lighter, brighter feel. But hey, that's just my opinion. : ) And.........I have to agree with Caminnc's comment about the cushions re: color vs pattern. You have a lot going on with remodeling, so waiting on the window treatment may be wise at this point. Hanging some simple panels on each side of the window, along with the blinds, would change the whole feel of the room, but I understand you wanting to stay with the current WT. I think the white is 'glaring' at you because of all the other dark colors in the area and it appears to be the only white anywhere except for the flower stand. Finish the rest of the tear-out........and the white may grow on you!

Thanks. I like that one best too. Hopefully this series of photos will persuade him as well. I think it is a pretty clear decision. There are 5 doors into this room. What would you do with them? Would you paint those white as well? I kind of like the white trim/dark doors look (see link below for examples). I thought of stripping them and staining (since they could be removed from the house, stripped and refinished off site - easing lead paint concerns), but they are sort of cobbled together (extra wood added top or bottom, whatever necessary, to make it fit). I worry that the old paint might be the only thing holding them together! I also worry that there's milk paint or some other penetrating finish that won't come off (I found that on a built-in cabinet, original to the house, in an adjacent room), or that it just won't be very nice wood under there and won't be worth the expense. Would a faux wood finish (painted) on these be an acceptable compromise? Or do you think that would just look fake in comparison to the real wood floor below? If no faux - white? Or some other color? Here is a link that might be useful: Thread about dark doors with white trim

I'm no expert, but I don't think you should do shiplap or paneling, even though I have a house full of dark paneling from the 60s that I painted white in the 90s and I am reasonable happy with the look. I would remove the framed mirror from the dining wall and leave that wall blank. I would also remove the white relief artwork from the hallway--I don't think that every wall needs to be decorated. Remove the "C" above the sink and the tchotchkes over the kitchen cabinets and elsewhere else in the room. I would also look at inspiration photos to figure out something simpler and bolder for the mantel decor, because I would think that's where you want the focal point of your kitchen and dining area to be.