Another quick note - As soon as I choose the rug I will know more about what accent color to use. I still plan on new window treatments, a centerpiece for the table (I just threw that one on so the table didn't look so bare in the pics) and a light will eventually hang above the table. Goals for this year are to replace appliances with stainless, replace knobs with to a burnished silver and I plan on installing ceiling tin tiles to the inside back of the cabinet in the dining area for texture as well as changing out the cabinet shelving to glass shelves.

Beautiful and welcoming room! I would go with the cream colored chairs, although the black look fine, too. The lighter color would soften the room, though. I'm torn on the rug shape. It seems that a round rug would fit better, but it's one of those things I'd have to see to be sure. Either way, you can't go wrong.

You have a beautiful space and have done a really great job. I agree that the black chairs are a little harsh with the white cabinetry, but I think white wouldn't offer any contrast and the room would just be overwhelmingly white. I like the wood one with the table, and the chairs you have come in a variety of colors including a beautiful chestnut, why not go with something like that? Or if you want something more eye catching, you could go with the red which would look great with your valance and cabinets.

As for the rug, I think that the round would definitely work best in that space.

I'm confused as to how many chairs you want to end up with. You could add a few fabric chairs to mix it up. If you're keeping the black chairs you can get these with black legs. Home Decorators would probably be cheaper than Carrington.

They come in many styles and fabric choices.

Here is a link that might be useful: Chairs

I would go with a black and gold and tan and cream rug under the table. That would bring light over to the space to balance all the white in the cabinetry, and allow the black chairs to stay.

Not sure how you are going to fit a rug in the space. An oval or a rectangle are going to run into the area where the doormat is now - meaning one end of the rug will get dirtier. You will either have to have the doormat on top of it, or turn the rug regularly to keep both ends wearing evenly.

Is it possible to turn the table the other direction?

As for the chairs, I would consider getting two upholstered chairs for either end of the oval, keep the black on either side.

Another option would be to get a bench for one side, then use the four black chairs, two on the other side, one at each end.

Thank you all so much for the suggestions!

Lukkiirish-it's funny you suggest getting the chestnut color...that's exactly what my husband suggested. :)

Francypants-my goal is to end up with 5 chairs as we are a family of 5 but I wouldn't be opposed to 6 to make it symmetrical. I like the idea of fabric chairs...I have only thought to use them in the formal dining but I can see how they would add a softness to the room.

Les917-I hadn't thought about the fact it will wear unevenly as we use that door constantly. It would be a pain but I could be diligent to turn it monthly or so. I read about an indoor/outdoor rug that is great for heavy traffic indoor areas. I haven't thought about turning the table the other direction. I think it may stick out too much into the walkway but I will definitely try it tomorrow.

Another vote for the dark brown chairs. I think it ties in the cabinet color, granite, and table colors much better than the black. See if you find a rug you like before you make a final decision as that might influence you opinion also

Once you find a rug for this space I think the black chairs will look great. Now the chairs kind of get lost with the (beautiful) dark wood floors and table, but if you have a light to medium-toned rug in that space the look will be quite different, and really pretty, in my opinion. I'd get the rug first, and then see how the black chairs look. I like the way they pick up the hardware in your cabinetry and drapery rods.

Beautiful kitchen, by the way!

I think the black chairs are a beautiful contrast to the table wood. You need to choose the window treatment at the same time as the rug You could also add a co-ordinating seat pad to the chairs for comfort.
If you want a rug as a decorative item, I would go with round. However, I am not sure why you'd really want to put one in - they just collect crumbs and make it harder to clean up. You might want to consider beautiful place mats and or table cloth for color in the area and ease of clean up.
On my computer the wall color in the kitchen area appears different then the
eating area so its hard to recommend colors as I am sure the walls must be the same color.

Im not sure I would use cream because of all the stark white in the room with your woodwork and cabinets. But I think the black is just too dark, and once you set the chairs on a black or dark rug you will have a dark hole in front of those windows. Maybe chairs in a lighter fruitwood color, or a natural cherry that is lighter than the table? As much as I love black furniture, especially for the kitchen, I think it is overused.

As to the rug size, IMO an oval table looks best on a rectangular rug and/or in a rectangular room, and a round table looks best on a square rug and/or in a square room. You don't seem to have a bay that requires a round shape for the rug anyway, so I'd go with a rectangle.

Yeah, I think the chestnut would be really pretty and sort of soften the space up a bit.

I vote for the chestnut. OT What is your granite?

The all black chairs may be a little harsh but they do tie into the black curtain rods. I would compromise and use ivory slips on the seats and backs of the black chairs. Would look so pretty with your white kitchen! Also saves money by using what you have and brings some more texture into the room.

If you are purchasing new chairs, I would go with parsons chairs. That way you can toss on washable slipcovers to change the look. I used Ballard 's covers on other parsons chairs and they worked fine. You can get really good deals on the chairs at Overstock.

The pleated slipcovers I used are on my blog, under White Cotton Twill, if you are interested. Your place is lovely!

Here is a link that might be useful: Melinda Jennings Interiors,etc

I would stay with the black, adding one more to meet the needs of your family. I would also use seat cushions to add color and texture - this would go along way towards breaking up the "dark hole" effect the photos show. Example: just looking at the child's bumper seat defines the chair seats (not that I would go white :)) Coordinate the cushions in a solid or coordinating print with your window treatments.

Like Les said, a rug will do wonders for that space, just now sure how it will fit into your walk space.

Tuesday

These are the inspiration pictures I have saved. How sweet are these slips? Would love to use these on my (future) kitchen chairs with a rustic farm table.

I don't know which poster I need to give credit to for the first picture but the last ones are by designer Lauren Ross. I love the ballet ties around the chair legs.

It doesn't look like there is really room for a rug? Maybe picture is deceiving. Looks like round would poke out too far towards the island, and rectangle wouldn't fit because of the angled wall?

I like Les's idea of 2 different head chairs with the 4 black chairs, but is there room for a head chair on the door side? Would the door still open, or does the door open out? If that doesn't work I would just get 1 more black chair. I think the black is nice with the table. As someone suggested you can add lightness/color with chair pads.

Beautiful space!