Sounds pretty. If the hutches are staying, I'd avoid the darker ends of the paint strips. How about the color of pumpkin pie?

IMO if dram is what you want get rid of some of the clutter first get a good light that actually lights the table not the ceiling and make sur eit is LED 4000K bulbs A new rug that actually is the right size . Take the shelving off both units so the new wall color can actually be seen lower the art work find a new home for the extra chairs and the end table with the lamp. The lamp can then go on one of the now buffet units. You will need to understand where to paint since it appears this space shares a wall with another space . Where does the door go? A bit more info would be good . You also have flooring that has an orange hue that needs to be considered.

Thank you all for feedback. The BM red suggestion is lovely. I do agree that the rug is small but I worry that there would be too much “wood” without something....I’ll need to replace eventually . I recently downsized and storage is an issue reaching my capacity in our condo unit and my stubborn unwillingness to let go of pieces. As suggested, I’ll need edit. Here are other views as requested

You might look at painting the cabinets blue and getting a chandelier that has both up and down lights.

Thank you! I had given thought to painting the hutches a soft antiqued blue grey. This may be an interesting solution to brightening the room without sacrificing needed storage in the hutches. If I go this route, I would keep the off white walls.

Seeing the open concept in your additional pictures, I now don’t suggest painting this room and you won’t have to change rug as well. Consider the other ideas below, as they will have a big impact and bring in black to compliment your dining set; room will feel coordinated.

Original post:

If painting. I would stay away from red and choosing the right orange is really important, or it will just feel dated.

Can one of the tops of a hutch be removed and chalkpaint the bottom black and add a mirror above and room will feel larger.

In addition to a new light fixture, you will need a new rug and suggest new pictures - a set on each side of hutch

Love the idea of painting the hutches. If you do, go a soft yellow on the walls.

More good suggestion to consider! A mirror definitely would open up the space with more light. Not willing to give up my current antique bird prints however. The top of the larger hutch can be removed. I agree ...Decluttering is necessary but difficult for sentimental reasons. Every object has a story. Just moved into my new 1850 home so it’s a process

I would not paint the walls or the hutches a color, but I would replace your rug, paintings and accessories on the hutches.

I don't see this room as dark, but I would love to see the room cheery! You already have the blue accessories, that's a start.

Rug Unique Loom Estrella Orange Rectangular 7' 0 X 10' 0 · More Info

Changing to black frames will be more impactful and work better with dining set

For starters turn the table and chairs so the chairs are diagonal in the room. That will provide a bit more space for circulation.

Geez, don't paint the two cupboards.

You've only supplied us the one view, but I think the room might be improved with some small adjustments to furnishing positions. Is there a physical reason that the table and hutch are not centered in the room? I have shifted everything over in the photo to the right a few inches and lowered your framed prints.

Why do you want to do red or orange when you seem to lean to blue/green with all your accessories? Your plates, prints, and furnishings would really be enhanced with the right color for your walls. I may not have the exact color, but it's in this range.

Beverly has a great idea with that shade of blue.. really compliments the wood and accessories.

These last suggestions sing to me.

I could provide more precise guidance on color with better and more photos, but I think you get the idea. The blue/green/gray brings out the best in the wood of the cupboards and reiterates the color of your accessories. It's a charming room. You need to build on the existing charm.

wow- the blue walls look beautiful!

I was ...but I also received other possible solutions to my “design dilemma”. I am grateful to all the professionals and non professionals for their wonderful feedback and will take all into consideration before I move forward with this project. Never thought making a decision about paint color could be so difficult. I think all suggestions would be successful if done thoughtfully.

Since your table is round and doesn't look like you have leaves to make it into an oval, I would suggest a round rug approximately 4 feet larger in diameter than your table. Barring that, a square rug would be preferable to a rectangular. I like the blue/green/gray color as well, and taking the top off the larger hutch.

Anyone of the colors Beverly just posted really improve the look of your dining room from the dingy yellow look it is now. I would not paint the cabinets.

Again, thank you for feedback. I have decided not to paint the cabinets and will get a larger rug—however I do I have a leaf for table —it is a small room with also closet and entrance to hall so I thought the extra leaf would be too much. Here are pics with leaf. I will probably go with blue/green/grey for walls and a similar carpet with cream background. Will also lower bird prints as suggested! (Perhaps they are high because I am tall)

Light fixturescame with unit. I am removing one and will replace the one above table with a simple small chandelier in keeping with house 1850 history. Very low ceilings!

It appears there is room to keep the leaf in, if you use it enough, to want it there. The length of the rug you have now, seems to be long enough, it is the width, that is too narrow.