One idea would be to add white crown molding and white trim around the window plus some brightly patterned drapes that are hung so that the leading edge just covers the edge of the window frame, that is wider than the window to fake a larger window.

I agree with you that a light-colored rug would look good, but I think you can wait on that until the spill hazard has a reduced probability.

That baby is so adorable, I missed the rest of the room!

Kitchedetective - lol thanks! He's the main reason why I can't use a rug. Here is a "before" picture that also shows why I can't have a rug yet. Our first "dinner party" in the new house:

forhgtv - now that I look at my picture I can see how molding would help!

Any suggestions for panels or centerpieces? I'm always drawn to floral prints and flower arrangements, but I'm not sure if it would compete/clash with the floral pictures on the wall. I would prefer a pattern for the panels, mainly because I always tend to stay "safe" with neutrals. Would a pattern work in this room? What type? Or is this a case where I should stay "safe"?

I think a pattern would definitely work as the room is not "busy" at all. You could do whatever you wanted as long as the colors don't clash with the green walls. I think floral would be fine as long as the style of the floral print complements (but doesn't have to match) the floral pictures.

I agree about window trim.

I really like the mirror arrangement.

Your kids are cute!

I agree that you can use a floral. You'll just have to be careful that it flows with framed prints and the rug in the adjoining room and is a smaller scale than the framed prints. Alternatively, you could use a paisley or another overall print that pulls all your colors together. I can't really suggest a fabric based on the pictures you've posted, but I'll bet a trip to the fabric store would net you all kinds of options. Or were you trying to find something ready-made?

Love the family dinner picture...too cute!

I was leaning towards ready-made for the panels. I've looked at the fabric store and nothing has knocked-my-socks off.

What about finials? Would glass work? Am I over-thinking these small details....? :)

Thanks!

What a great room! Would you consider a lighter colored indoor-outdoor rug that can be wiped clean? I think it would help that lovely DR table pop off the dark floors. Ballard Designs has some that are really neat, inexpensive, and impervious to spills. Also, what about simple nubby white linen panels from Ikea? The contrast with the walls might be nice and it would brighten that wall. Hang the rod close to the ceiling and make wider than the window to give the illusion that the window is wider than it seems. I think crown molding is a great idea also. It is a nice room - :-)

I think glass finials are very pretty and adding another reflective element to your room sounds like a great idea. My only problem with most ready-made drapes is that they aren't full enough or heavy enough to look as good as I like drapes to look, but you can try some and return them if you don't like them.

I agree with laurainlincoln...I just purchased an indoor/outdoor rug for our dining room and so far it is great! They come in really great patterns now and are super easy to clean. You can even buy a lighter color and I bet it would work great. I bought an 8x10 from overstock for under $200.

I'll look at the indoor/outdoor rugs. I hadn't thought of that. I've been so stuck on "NO RUGS NEAR EATING AREAS"!

I think I may just get a few different panels and live with them for a few days to see what I fall for. Yes, I had planned on hanging them so they barely touch the edge of the window to make it look larger.

Thanks again for the feedback. Sometimes I just need to hear that I'm heading in the right direction from all of you (I've been so impressed with what I've seen everyone on this forum do in their own homes that it has made me want to make mine look the best it can).

I would be scared of a rug because you can't always see what spilled. Acouple of drinks left to soak into your wood floor could be disastruous. Besides, your floor is so pretty!

With three kids I also avoided rugs for many years because of the concerns you mention. After we put in our hardwood floors, I did have issue with the chairs scraping the floor. Even though we added the little felt things on the bottom, they would at times come off. About a year back I decided to get a larger family room rug and so had an extra rug. It was an inexpensive synthetic rug, dark, so I put it under the kitchen table. It has worked great so far, shows no dirt or stains. I do use a rug pad though.

About the table runner/centerpiece...you can always have several and change them seasonally. Sort of use the table to celebrate the change in season. That way you don't have to pick one and look at it all year long. :)

It's fun for the kids too. Let's get out the pumpkins! (or whatever)