You can get more use out of it with closed cabinets that can store stuff out of sight.

comments on the comments?!! cause both make a point. I didn't mind your unit either. Closed would hide stuff. Do you think a settee or bench would be needed to look out window, on a soft seat?
Does the dark clock bother your 'eye' ever? Try removing...or the nice black canvas... cause it all adds up: item here, item there!!

Have a local cabinet maker in. They are very affordable and you will get exactly what you want. I see a built in wine bar...
https://www.houzz.com/photos/2013-luxury-home-inver-grove-heights-traditional-dining-room-minneapolis-phvw-vp~5181415

I recommend replacing the bakery rack with a buffet with drawers and doors below. It could be in the same dark stain as your dining table and chairs or a painted country piece. I would hang a large scaled mirror above it to brighten the corner. Add a pair of ceramic lamps and a large bowl of fruit or cachepot with a large large scaled arrangement of seasonal flowers. The mirror and lamps will add warmth to the room and seasonal flowers are so inviting when entertaining.

liked Tres' post except using dark stain again - painted in 'your color' my wish.

Build in a cabinet that's bar height. Add vintage food/wine posters above. Don't do anything like shelves because the shelves call for stuff and that's very busy looking.

I agree that open shelves invite too much of a busy look with lots of small items. I recommend a French, English or American country buffet instead of a built in. The piece needs to fill the space with just a few inches on each side. A furniture piece makes it look more like a dining room rather than a built in cabinet would look. If you prefer a built in cabinet then don't make it with a toe kick. Instead have it made with free standing legs or a base board. A painted piece in weathered taupe, gray blue or sage green would look great with your gingham curtains and area rug. The body could be in a painted finish and the top in a darker stained finish. A large scaled vintage poster could work instead of a mirror but I like the light and sparkle a mirror brings to an alcove.

I had an old Hoosier cabinet and loved it. I kept lots of things in it. A cabinet is much more functional than open shelves.