Maybe people hang out in the kitchen because you're in there, and they enjoy talking to you.

As far as your dining room goes, I would put a large piece of art work or photo on the right hand wall that is blank. Go with something that you love, and that has a lot of color, maybe reds or dark oranges to go with your furniture.

Thanks, I think a picture would help.

Make it into a library sitting nook with games and maybe people will go there. I had the same thing before we sold that big house and people never used the dining room. I was going to do above till we sold it and bought a smaller house with an open concept and no dining room.

One idea could be to build shelves for your favourite pieces and books and possibly for games and to serve as a bar .....multi purpose room
insp/ref pic

I would consider putting in a high top table and changing the color of the walls to a brighter color! Putting in a modern but classy light!!