Do you have pictures of what you want it to look like when it's finished? Check out the our gallery, magazines, books, etc for inspiration. It also helps to put a name on what you want. Someone mentioned this in the *Real* Decorating Tips thread. For instance, I'm about to start redecorating my MB and I'm naming it "Refined Woodland Cottage Retreat". This might mean different things to others but I have a mental picture of what this is and every thing I buy has to fit this image. This is especially helpful if you are buying things over a period of time.

Consider: Do you really want to sit at a desk with your back to the room facing the wall? If so, then you'll probably have to go custom. If not, then maybe some book shelves and art and then put your desk out away from that space, facing the room or at an angle so that the alcove is your space for storing the work items you use every day, sort of like an extension of your desk. Here is my alcove library, for example. I love it.

Sounds like you and hubby aren’t on the same page. Buying a table, without ability to return is red flag to me. He bought that rug too without your involvement. The rug is wrong size and style. No photo of the table. But better sit down and talk about this and reach some compromises otherwise, these situations can fester and get ugly over time.

How about mirroring the back of your china cabinet and lowering the chandelier to reflect in the mirrors and add more brilliance to your dining room? Consider flipping your living and dining rugs. You need a more classic one with that furniture and chandy. Since you apparently hope to replace the set eventually, you might try "ghost coating" it with gel stain. It doesn't require sanding and all that effort. Some don't think it is ideal for a long term solution, but I've seen it done very well and it will certainly update things. DIY videos on YT will help you decide.