I would put a bright red shag rug under the dining table, take off the window coverings to let in light (it's too dark), and change up the chandelier with something fresh and unexpected. I'd also remove the white vase in the corner and replace it with a box-shaped orange vase or something bright green. The kitchen looks great with its neutrals; so I think the dining should be a little bit brighter, although you could put a red vase or other red details in the kitchen to pick up the color from the dining room (should you decide to go that route with a rug).

You've got a great start! If you are going to replace your counters and get a backsplash do that first. They're your biggest budget item and will make the biggest change.

Couple things you can do right away, replace the hood with a stainless steel one to match your fridge (or black -- I can't see your oven, so it's hard to tell. Right now you have SS, black and a white hood, unify using one of them.) If you don't want to buy a new one, look at appliance paint. If that is your microwave in the corner, look at microwaves for over the oven (easy to install) to clear off your counters.

I'm not a huge fan of anything above the cabinets, but if you like that look, commit to it, and add to the few things you have up there. They look a little lost.

I think it looks great so far--I can tell you have an updated country style and I like it in that space. One of my favorite wall colors with light oak cabinetry is a soft/medium blue. Do you have tones in that dining room rug that you can bring out? Perhaps go with blue in the dining room and then a medium neutral beige/tan in the kitchen with a stand-out granite. With blue walls, your dining room would be cozier with an antique buffet or sideboard painted black along the wall and perhaps a large mirror over that to reflect light.

Perhaps also take a cue from the rug in your dining room and do a darker brown/black granite with a blue spec when the light hits...there are several out there to choose from. labrador antique, mahogany blue eyes, brown Imperial, imperial coffee are some that I've seen. Go to your local granite place and bring home samples to see how they light changes their color in your space.

Backsplash for starters, in the new glass, to complement any color new counter-top! There are so many to choose from! Look for Terra Nova! *cream and white and brown and black and a smidgen of silver granite!(If you can afford it, anything but white formica on counter-tops!) Re-paint in a soft pale yellow (Sherwin Williams Jersey Cream in flat) paint the ceiling same color! Since you have oak and white cabinets, use white crown mouldings. (eye popping difference--saying it, it does'nt sound like it would look wonderful, but, trust me,,,it IS! (*That's what I did in my kitchen remodel) Have a Rooster collection? Place them above cabinets w/silk ivy runners for some pop of color! Love plaid? find plaid cushions in red and yellow or blue and yellow...for the chairs at bar. Rug in bright hues in front of sink and glass door.
*get rid of micro-wave--haha it's bad for your health! ok...make a place for it in the island. (think adding electricity outlet from under the floor). Good luck!

Hi jahenry, if your budget don't allow for a backsplash right now, you can considering painting a mocha brown color to work with the wood tones in the cabinetry. I would also paint an accent for dining room since they are related. Some art work, updated light fixture and a simple window valance would make a big impact.

Good Luck.

Looking good! First thing I would do is counters and back splash. Alot of time u see different colors on island and counters. Go neutral so u can add color in other places. I would use color on walls,replace small vase with a large vase in dining room , different lighting in dining room, take all knick knacks off the top of the cabinets,remove curtains and put up bamboo shades,microwave removed,large funky clock between the two windows could be black. Good luck

You have a great space to work with. I'd start with counters and backsplash. There are a lot of products out there and you can't go wrong with granite or a manufactured stone. The HGTV Green home in Cape Cod a few years ago had a ruby red cesearstone countertop on the island, I actually saw it in person and it was really nice, could be your focal point.

Thank you all for your input, I will be putting it all to good use!

@Dytecture
The colorizing you have done is so great, I love seeing what this will look like. I knew I needed color, others suggested that I move the microwave above the stove and get rid of the one on the counter top. Does your tool you used handle something like that as well. To see what that would look like.

@zenyin
I do want to do painting for sure, my house walls all run into each other and I need to try to figure where to start and stop. My kitchen wall runs into my family room. I am not sure what the rules are on that.

@Bond Girl
Removed items off the top of cabinets, and already looks better. Since this picture I already moved microwave from corner and looks much better as well. Still trying to decide if I would like it above stove or get a smaller one to put on the end of my counter by my sliding door. Thanks for your help.

I'd go for the over the oven microwave as much as I personally don't like them. It would be much better than blocking more of the counter, in the corner or on the end.