I was going to suggest painting the room a gray or even a blue/gray color similar to Leya's picture. I also think the buffet should stay, without legs, and frame the mirror in wood. (Buffet stained darker.) I really like the chairs in Leya's photo, but also like your wicker chairs! The chairs, table, rug, and drapes all go together. It is the wall color that is throwing me off, and the lighter stain on the buffet. I too, like the idea of the pendants above the buffet, and a larger chandelier above the table. BUT, I also love your sconces, though, too Carly, so it's a tough decision! I love the mix of iron and crystal =) I don't really see this room as "modern." I love your railroad tie mantle from the other side. It would be nice to add to "soften" the dining room side. I have to agree with others about the iron work above the fireplace. Maybe you could "try" the birch tree painting. I agree with bamamom about following your "gut/heart!"

Thanks for the ideas ! I definitely plan on staining the buffet. Still perplexed about the mirror... Seems to date the room. would enclosing the fireplace in with one of those wooden mantle pieces work or just a mantle on top . I did want to mention that the paint color is coming off on the pic a bit brighter than it really is. I would paint but house is open and it would involve painting foyer, hallways etc..... Way too much! Lol

Carly, I think you're right, I would take the mirror down after all. Looking at your last photo I can see your fireplace wall is raised from the main wall a bit. How about you just paint that small area behind your fireplace a different color? If the pics are just showing your walls brighter, I agree with leaving the color as is on the walls, but painting that one area would draw attention to your fireplace and maybe solve your dilemma. Wonder how a mirror would look over the fireplace and art above a mirrorless buffet with sconces? Or, you could replace the big plate mirror with a new horizontal mirror.

The small walls on the outside of the buffet on either side look like a good spot for sconces, too. May be an electrician nightmare to install? Just a thought

I don't think that the mirror dates the room any more than the buffet style does. However, if you really want to remove it, you could kill two birds with one stone, as the saying goes. If you still want a mirror over the buffet, but just not one that large, and a mirror over the fireplace, you could have that one removed and cut in half, or whatever size you would like, and then have them both custom framed. You could put the new mirror for the buffet back where the old one was, and put the sconces on either side of it, and the other one over the fire place, with or without a new mantel. It looks like it is a large enough mirror to make two other nice-sized ones-just going by how it looks in the photo.

I totally agree that the buffet also dates the room, but it provides Great storage! Maybe some fabulous hardware.

I would remove the mirror and stain the buffet darker...I love the buffet, btw. You mentioned the lights above the buffet, your handyman drywalling over them...that's against code where I live, you can't have any hidden electrical, so you might want to consider just changing them to smaller spotlights. Your table is gorgeous!

carleyabbey - sorry for the delay in responding. Yes, I meant a surround and mantel for the FP. The wall is big enough to carry something of equally massive size to counter balance the buffet. I think you must be careful about mixing your styles. Now that I see the rug, I would suggest a more contemporary one. Shop at homedecorators.com for selection, quality and good prices. Color match has been good for me and my clients. The three pieces of art you posted don't pick up on the contemporary theme either and look too small. Your pendants, table and buffet are carrying the room and you must go with the flow. Did you check for a chandy to match the pendants? I agree with those who thought the sconces too small. If you opt to keep the cans, I'd suggest investing in the new "snap-in" LED's. Install and forget - you've got brilliant light for a lifetime. If I see a FP to inspire you'll I'll post a link or put it in my Ideabook for you to see.

Definitely get rid of the mirror. It looks too bathroom like in this situation. How about topping the buffet with a piece of marble or granite, or other solid surface? I would deepen the wood color also, I think the flame pattern will be enhanced. Hang large framed mirror and two large sconces above the buffet. I see a computer in the corner, so I am drawn to think that this is a multipurpose room. If I were you and this computer is there so I could watch my children while they are doing homework or surfing the web, I would probably find a way to enclose that work space, if it couldn't move into the kitchen/family room.

I like your woven chairs, how about having slipcovers made so you can change them up? The fireplace wall should be painted something darker, how about a slate grey that matches the hearth? Grey throughout the space would be a nice completment to the rug and the drapery fabric. Conversly, you could paint the wallls grey and the fireplace wall a golden copper, that would really be striking. The large iron piece doesn't have enough presence or weight to make it effective. You might try to find a mantle surround or have one made that isn't deep and then add framed art (the field of wheat) or a collection. Remember, to make the finishes a bit different some more refined, some more rustic to bring character to the room.

Replace one of the canned lights with a chandelier . Better yet, remove all three, add a chandelier and a wall washer for the fireplace. Cans over a table do no good lighting make, or ambience or character. I also see you are wondering about the cans over the buffet, have them changed out to small hallogens or drop pendants, or completely remove and use sconces and lamps. I think I would change them to directional hallogens on dimmers, it would look beautiful with your holiday food displayed and lighted. There are many new replacement lights that you can use, just make sure everything can go on dimmers.

Its a matter of getting the best updated interior for the money you have to spend on fixing the project . On a budget: take inventory: Your chairs are not bad chairs, and expensive to replace. Keep them.. or a compromise would be - Buy 2 headchairs that compliment the room( use the existing chairs as side chairs) Use money to make a difference. The paint colour appears yellowish. Ask yourself, What here does this colour relate to, it should be pulled from somewhere. Perhaps a wrong choice and because unfortunately paint colour surrounds you, and sets the mood, that the biggest game changer. Painting the fireplace wall, toning that down is easy. The tiles may be new or old, but they are "dated" and wrong for a fireplace surround. More suited to bathroom, or kitchen. To work with what is presently there inexpensively- chip off the tile and install larger tile in some natural looking contemporary stone... you need so few tiles, pick yourself a really nice stone. Stack them- do not subway tile lay them. Then add a simple, modern surround.( not white, not yellow) If you really want to take the mirror out- take the mirror out. Put a large tasteful modern painting or smaller framed mirror there flanked by a pr. of silver contemp. sconces. Its not rocket science. You live there, and if you dont like the mirror, then it doesnt matter to me what people have to say about it- take it out! the buffet is great- stain it. no expense there. You can install some high end contemp. SILVER handles. handle-less is a bit dated now. Bottom line- youre throwing money in places that dramatically change the room for the better. : ) enjoy your home.

I like Leya's idea of purchasing two new chairs to compliment the room for the headchairs and using your existing chairs.

I do too. thank you again. I am thinking of leaning towards toning down or changing the color of that fireplace wall. and going with a fireplace surround.. looking on line for a surround.. any pics of a surround that might look fabulous? Should it match the stained buffet and table? The tile however will have to stay. It was just put in. I haven't even purchased doors yet. I am bummed it looks dated, but, I will have to make it work. It was an expense to change it in the first place and I can't change it again.

Am I going in the right direction with fireplace surrounds? very simple? or something like the 2nd one? or are these way to traditional. The iron piece coming down tonight. :-)I am enclosing original pic. too. thanks so much to all..

->

What about built in wine racks under the buffett and making it look more grounded?

Where can I see a better view of the top left dark surround?

What would u think of me staining the buffet, putting a piece of glass over it, taking the mirror down and adding a textured wall paper to the space above .?

Many people are still applying tiles to their fireplaces similar to your tiles.
Here is a photo from this site that shows checkered tile, a surround-this one's white, but if you choose a surround it should match your furniture, I think-and also an example of some classic "modern" art.

Just to touch on something said previous regarding lighting. The ideal lighting over a dining should include nearby recessed lighting, and then something striking- can be reflective pendants..( but more than one, if small ones) over the table. These are for mood- put them on a dimmer..and if you can also get the surrounding recessed lights onto dimmers, so you can adjust the mood and light according to the time of day the table will be in use. Dimmers are relatively cheap and use them everywhere. If your recessed lights are currently over the table- replacing those with pendants wont be enough- have him thread some wiring for 2 sml RL on both sides ( The elec. knows how far) Yes- you can use a textured wallpaper, like a high grade grass cloth.. AS for the surround, a moulded one, simple, tasteful, contemporary.. I also included ones that could cover the tile area entirely, updating the look, or if you insist on this tile, bring the moulding in half way, exposing half only. If you cant find what you need call a good carpenter- tell him. ; )

Darker buffet, remove mirror add a neat built in maybe with wine. Add a mantel and border to fireplace, love the table do add to that by redoing chair fabric, rug and curtains...liven it up a bit!

carly, i like your second fireplace- the painted one.. it "flows" better with your other room. either painted or stained..just make sure u have enough space to comfortably walk around the table with it installed... i think i would take the mirror down also.. maybe turn that wall into a gallery wall in place of the mirror? add some abstract /modern pieces then maybe u can use some of your other art you have unused that u showed us...i think that would look striking! how 'bout painting the buffet the WALL color-but in enamel so it "disappears" since it tends to be a dated look... then your gallery wall will be the focal point not the style/age of the buffet.. that's my story and i'm sticking to it :)

Add legs. to the buffet, trim the fireplace & possiblely paint the brick. Remove the mirror & paint the walls an accent color. Add a stone countertop on the buffet. Leave your cab lights in place, change or paint the light trim, & replace shiny baffle with a black baffle. Add your sconces & put both on dimmer switches. Here's an idea for the legs, but in a style better suited for your look.

carlyabbey - I added several contemporary mantels with surrounds to my ideabook here. If you can't access let me know. You don't need much mantel to crowd the table so these are pretty minimalist.

I love the buffet but would stain it darker. I like the mirror too, because I think it will help throw light around the room but understand the thought of it being "dated." The glass shelves idea is interesting. It seems as those mirrored walls are coming back around. I've seen them done in some of my magazines.

We've thrown a lot of ideas your way, but here's some great photos from the site, which can actually give you some visuals on some of the idea that have been mentioned.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/built-in-buffet-/p/8

That's fantastic, it's nice to know that I can take something so out of date and make it look "hip" thanks

Got sidetracked from the kitchen...how's your dining room now? Such fantastic advice!! Any changes made yet?

Lyvonne
www.essentialsinside.com

we brought a house with custom mirrored walls. I was so conflicted about removing it, but it really was the best decision. It looks so much more modern with the mirror gone. I might consider removing your mirror as well. then staining cabinet darker, no legs needed and adding great accent lamps and a few HUGE decocrative pieces. This is a great space I love it. I would probably not change the chairs, just have slip covers made for fall and holiday season.

HI. Yes we have been working on this room as well! We added the pendant lights, took down the mirror, we had a person come in and faux finish the buffet doors with this fabulous croc print and resurfaced the top to look like granite. We will be putting seagrass wallpaper above the buffet with sconces on both sides and a picture in the middle. We also bought a cover for the fireplace and sold the chairs. We decided to keep the metal art candle holder above the fireplace because we thought it added character. thanks for asking.

buffet area

old buffet pic

I would get rid of the geometric artwork and put a lanscaping picture above the fireplace and put a nice wooden mantle around the fireplace and put a large flower centerpiece on the table.

Thank you

That's awesome. Looks like the dining room is coming along great!! Ok, back to the kitchen..... see you on that thread. :)

~Lyvonne
www.essentialsinside.com

Carly- you've been busy! No more mirror! Glad you decided to keep the buffet =) Looks good in a darker finish. The pendant lights over the table look great, too!

I realized what has bothered me about the fireplace wall. The fireplace surround is unfinished. I would ask a carpenter to build a surround of large half round and flat trim. This would define the fireplace and give it a finished look. It would still have a modern aesthetic. Right now the fireplace seems to float on the wall without containment. I see a couple of others have suggested fireplace surrounds also. This treatment would be relatively inexpensive and pretty flush to the wall. The iron wall hanging could also be surrounded by a smaller version, and the interior of the panel then could be treated to a different color paint or an interesting wallpaper, maybe one with a glimmer to set off the iron work.

I actually have a seagrass wallpaper from Thibaut called Ramie Bay that is going above the buffet area.. so I don't want to do any wallpaper on the other side. We have 4 fireplaces in our house each different which I love. This one connects to the fireplace in the room behind it. the stone one pictured above. We have to move this table over a bit to line up with the new pendants. I am looking into the idea of trimming it off, but spacially not sure if its doable.. thanks. Please check out this thread for my kitchen lighting that is where I am looking for suggestions. thanks so much!!

kitchen pendant lighting thread
https://www.houzz.com/discussions/i-want-to-replace-the-lighting-in-my-kitchen-dsvw-vd~216275

Well you could use it behind the iron work too and that would tie the areas together. It was just a suggestion. Framing the iron piece would make it more of a statement, right now the wall with the fireplace is flat even though both the wall hanging and fireplace surround are nice they look unfinished. I would at least add the molding around the fireplace.

Thank you so much for your expertise! I greatly appreciate it!!!!!

I did take the advice from many and took down the iron /candle holder peice and painted the wall a charcoal gray color. I am looking into surrounds.

Carly, WOW!!!! The fireplace wall looks amazing. I can hardly wait to see the buffet wall with the wallpaper and sconces. I'm really glad you kept the buffet and had it stained darker...always need more storage and it looks gorgeous in your dining room with that table. I love the pendant lights you chose.
Good luck with the surroung...not anything to elaborate...sleek/streamlined?
Also, this may sound crazy considering you just had the wall of mirror removed...but would you consider a mirror above the fireplace...big sunburst with a silvery finish? The mirror would reflect the beautiful buffet and pendant lights you have and against the charcoal gray would really pop.
When will your new chairs arrive?
Really happy your rooms are coming together for you.

I have to 100% ditto bamamom!

Can't wait for the update after you choose the surround.

Lyvonne
www.essentialsinside.com

I bet the wicher chairs look better with the darker color too.

I sold them on crags list! ;) I did buy some new ones which I think (HOPE) will look fabulous!

I really like the table, I'd go with chairs that had a much lighter feel and didn't hide the table as much.
You might consider some glass shelves on either side of the buffet perhaps some racks to hang glasses from and give the buffet a bar kind of feel.

Wow is right! You're starting to make a statement. Don't forget the FP surrounds I posted in my ideabook. Will check your other thread.

Before you remove the mirror, you need to go to Candice Olsen's web site (either her's or HGTV I'm not sure exactly at this time). All of her bookcases, shelving, etc. has mirrors behind them. I think the buffet should be stained or painted and shelving put in with the mirror behind. That's another level of movement for free! Keep the can lights but retrofit them for the updates. (another free design element) Then play with putting the sconces in after all the other things are considered. Think through that fireplace surround. Do you have enough room to put in a beefy mantle of some sort? And I agree with comment above about the ironwork. Not substantial enough - sort of anemic!

Yikes, you just sold the chairs I'm thinking of buying..now I'm really second guessing myself! Your lighting is perfect, great choice and the fireplace looks great painted gray.