I would definately bring your hutch out of hiding in that tight corner...Love the room color. Either two of the last rugs would look nice, I think the other two are a little busy...Your could even display the plates on the hutch once it is more focal in the room. Switch out the light fixture for sure and I think it will have come a long way. You have pretty things to work with. :)

The hutch is a built-in and cannot be moved. What type of light fixture would you suggest?

I would leave the hutch where it is and paint it the trim color. I think the third rug would look great with the plates. I would switch out the chandelier to a black iron one, which would pick up on the iron of the sewing table (I adore your little tables--they're lovely). I would hang the plates directly on the wall, instead of on a plate hanger.

My $.02. :)

Maybe a light fixture like this one?

Here is a link that might be useful: Sturbridge Chandelier

Or perhaps one of these?

Here is a link that might be useful: Carolina Rustica

I love rug #2 and #4 but #4 is my favorite. The colors are perfect. As for the light, I like the Sturbridge Chandelier that "Organic" chose but it would need another light or two on it. Looks kind of small. I think I would need to know the dimensions of your table to know for sure if it was too small.

I like the Sturbridge Chandy as well, I will get the table dimensions later. Wondering if I could paint my existing fixture black and add shades - would it still look out of place? I'm on a budget (low budget).

I like #4 as well, but it only comes in an 8x11 and I need 9x13. I have looked and looked and can't seem to come up with any 9x13's that don't cost a fortune that would be a fit for the room as far as color. #5 is the only one in 9x13.

Sorry I don't know how to link but I just googled "fruit trimmed area rugs" and some very nice ones came up.

http://www3.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=57088&CatID=58222&GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=1410b44&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CmCatId=57088:57325:58222

This is an incredible buy for this chandalier and I would love it in your space. There is another iron one they have for 99.00 as well - both at Pennys on like. Check them out!

A couple of ideas:

Painting the back portion only of your hutch in off white or to match your wood moldings that divide your walls.

Asking a carpet store how much it would cost to add on a solid color border to rug # 4 (to make it 9x13).

I had success spray painting my brass dining chandelier in a dark color and like it 100% more, I didn't dislike the shape or style just wanted a deeper color and I think yours could work well that way also. It's possible you may not even need the shades.

What do you think?

Spray painting your chandelier black or dark bronze would update the look. I don't think that you need to replace it. I respectfully submit that any modification of the built in hutch would ruin its integrity for future owners of your house. Your room is very pretty and just needs some accessorizing.
Diane

I doubt that I will paint the hutch. I know there is a lot of wood in there, but I am hoping with a rug, a window treatment and something on the walls it will break it up.

I might look into adding a border to one of the rugs.

Anyone have any ideas or pictures of a window treatment that would look good?

What if I painted the plate hangers black like the chandy? Or, should I still just hang them directly on the wall?

I like rug #4,(black background) for your room and, as already suggested, I'd try refinishing your current chandelier - can't hurt and if you don't like the outcome, then you can get a new one!

Also, your choice of paint color is very pretty - would you share the color, please? Good luck with the room - you are off to a great start!

Cindy

Cindytx, Thanks, the color is SW Ivoire. I think I will try painting the chandelier.

I wondered if it was Ivoire - thank you! Also, meant to compliment you on your fabulous chair-rail. I love how it's finished at the doorway and the window - very pretty!

Good luck with your chandelier and keep us posted on your progress. I'm thinking about painting my light in my dining room as well!
Cindy

I've never done anything like that before, so I don't know how it will turn out. I guess I will need to sand it before painting it. Any tips on how to paint the light fixture & what kind of paint to use?

As for painting the chandelier... great idea. Just go to the local home improvement store and look for spray paint. Now look for a spray paint that works on metal surfaces. If you don't find the color you are looking for then find a metal primer. After the primer dries then you can spray paint any color you want.

I also think the wall color is great but think you should paint the plate hangers the same color as your chandelier. Personally, I think you should leave the hutch alone. If you want it more up to date then don't forget to spray paint those knobs also.

DH does not think the chandelier will look right if it is painted, so now I'm on the hunt to buy a great-looking inexpensive chandelier for the room. Is there such a thing? However, I will paint the other items or either get new knobs for the hutch.

Would a chandy like this work? It looks to be about the same size as what you already have, and the black would be the right accent color.

Here is a link that might be useful: Overstock chandy

The fixture from Overstock is enormous -- 41" wide. I suspect much too big for your space. The Sturbridge one that OS linked to is way too small, only 9" ... the second ones OS linked seem better. What would your price range be for a light? I agree that black would be a nice touch.

If you want to hang the plates on the wall, I would recommend hanging them w/out the plant hangers too because the supports (the curly-ish thing that hold the plates) compete too much w/ the design of the plates.

I agree that finding a large rug on a budget can be tricky but keep checking places like Overstock and Home Decorators (esp. their outlet) and you might get lucky.

You could add quite a bit more interest to the window wall (is that the only window in the room?) by hanging a curtain panel on either side of the window from a decorative rod. Target often has very reasonably priced curtains and drapes.

Sueb20, I would like to spend under $100 for a light fixture. I agree about the plates; no plate rack. Yes, that is the only window in the room. I'll check Target's site for window treatments.

Have you looked on eBay for a light fixture? I've found some wonderful old ceiling fixtures on eBay. It's worth a look?

LOVE the color or your walls, btw.

This is my poor attempt at photoshopping the dining room photo. What do you think of this color for the drapes? Which rug looks best? How about the black chandy - just for an idea of what the black would like - not necessarily that fixture.

Wow!

I think I now prefer the rug which is third from the right. Or one of the orientals, probably the red one. It depends on the "feel" you want for the room. If you get the red rug, then I really like the drapes (what I can see of them).

Not sure on the chandelier

Nope... don't like those drapes at all. They look too much like the wall and seem to fade away. If you go with a solid drape then add a pattern to the top or sides of it. Also the drapes are too small. You will need 2 panels on each side to make your window look larger.

I'm not really a big fan of drapes, but I know the window needs something. I had a valance there before I changed colors in the room. Any links to drapes or valances that would look nice?

My instant reaction to first seeing your pics;
Love the bright shiny brass chandelier with the fabulous wall color. The third rug looks delightful with your plates. Hang the large plate on the wall. Remove the black frame. Add the soft ivy on the sewing machine. Wait on the window treatment till you see the room with the plates and rug.
Maybe more bright brass, I would stay away from black and continue with the colorful, happy, cheerful colors you have. and some fun pretty bulb shades for the chandelier.
I'd love to start my day with a smile in this uplifting room!

I think you have a wonderful room that just needs a bit of tweaking - don't get discouraged! I've painted many light fixtures and it works well. I use Rustoleum spray paint after lightly scuffing the brass. The hardest part is that you have to hang the chandy some place you can spray it and then do the second coat with it upside down. You can't spray from underneath - the cans don't work that way so it takes a bit of fussing and rehanging to get all the crevices covered. Don't be tempted to just spray heavier - better to do multiple light coats from all angles. Hope that helps.

As for your drapes, I'd like to see them hung higher - I think you need something drawing the eye up. For that reason I'd stay away from a valance - you don't want that horizontal to cut the room height.

Adding on to an inexpensive rug with a custom border can get pricey very fast. I have rugs that are pieces of carpet that I had bound and although it less $ than high end rugs, it's not a bargain. It's worth checking prices in your area - maybe you'll get lucky. There are sources for inexpensive rugs on line - depends on how limited your budget is. Overstock has nice rugs at reasonable prices.

I like your hutch and understand not wanting to paint it but agree, the backing might look nice in your wall color. That can be accomplished by painting foam core and cutting it to fit - it can be a pressure fit, not even glued in. Might even look nice to mirror the back and throw some light into that corner. Check Craigslist and I bet you'll find people getting rid of large bathroom mirrors - often giveaways. Then you only pay for the cutting and that's not a lot.

Don't forget about resale shops for rugs, accessories, etc. You can find beautiful things, get bargains and get a much more custom look than buying all things that are currently on the shelves in stores all over the country.

May I second dlm2000's suggestion of mirror backing the hutch!

bodica's suggestion of keeping the chandy as is seems right on- I didn't realize it at first, but it does look great with your walls and furniture, and you could add shades to coordinate with your rug & drapes.

I think a runner would be nice on your table- not too formal but would break up the wood (Marshall's & Home Goods have nice ones for $10-20).

And turning your table if possible so that the longer side is visible from the living room would give a great view when entering. I'm really liking the elegant country feel that your room is on its way to!

This is the style of what I was thinking.

First time adding a link so here goes.

http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=2652&CatID=31339&CatTyp=DEP&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=ENS&ItemID=13f944b&ProdSeq=18&Cat=drapes&Dep=Online+Outlet+Store&PCat=WINDOW&PCatID=30843&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=71&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0amp;RefPageName=CategoryAll%252Easpx&RefCatID=30843&RefDeptID=2652&Page=99&CmCatId=EXTERNAL:30843:31339

Here is a link that might be useful: Drapes link

Here is another choice. Don't really like the bottom part, for me it looks too much like the wall color.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tab Top Style

Here is another drape that I really like, though I really keep seeing blue for your dining room.

Here is a link that might be useful: Green Drape

Princessgrandmommy

Since you are considering replacing the chandelier anyway, I would second the idea of trying to paint it first. Paint can make the biggest difference whether on the walls or on your light!

Or, perhaps try putting some shades on the light bulbs might just do the trick.

I would like to suggest that you consider lowering the chandelier a couple of inches -- it looks a bit high.

You're on the right track and you have some great decorators here at GW waiting to give you a hand.

Good luck

uniqcrafts2000, I'm leaning a little toward blue as well for the drapes. I had green in there before, so I don't know that I want to head in that direction again. Although, of the three links, I did like the green the best.

I will look into getting shades for the chandy instead - would give it a different look.

bodica, are you saying to hang the large plate where the black framed photo is now? Would it be overkill with five plates alike in three different places? I'm thinking of taking the large plate back. Or, should I try to put them all in one place as a grouping?

I know everything is not supposed to be matchy-matchy and I have a hard time with that; mixing patterns, etc., looks good when someone else does it, but when I try something, it looks horrid. I know what I like when I see it on here or somewhere else, but to get the same look in my house seems to be such a chore.

Ok so what about these drapes? They look nice, but my opinion is that they don't go with the over all feel. These are a bit more contemporary. Do you have any photos of rooms that you absolutely just love so I could get a sense of what direction you want this to go?

Here is a link that might be useful: Blue Drapes

Hi, I realize that I have a much smaller room, but I just bought a nice rug from Overstock last week, added a huge print from Homegoods and some floor length drapes. Would something like this work for you? HTH, Lori

Here is a link that might be useful:

loribee, Do you have a link to the rug on the website? Can't really see clearly the colors in it, but looks like it would work.

I just found this rug on another website - what do you think of it in the room?

I love olive green, so I love that rug!
Here's the link to mine...unfortunately, my 7x9 doesn't seem to be showing, so maybe it's sold out???
Darn! Here's the link anyway.

Here is a link that might be useful: overstock rug

I love the wall color you chose, your house is very nice. Here is what I would do:
In china cabinet:
Group like items together, cups on one side, standing plates on the other, etc.
paint your light fixture black and consider little shades on each of the arms..
Change the knobs on your china closet to match your chandiler.
On the walls:
take down your picture with the black frame and hang the five plates with the largest in the center (without the long plate racks). Or alternatively, place a mirror there and move your plates to the wall above your sideboard.
I like your sewing table but I would swich it with your sideboard.
Your table:
On your table I would consider placing a bowl (glass or single color ceramic) with fake fruit (either all limes or all green apples or pears or all lemons -- whatever matchces your rugs and curtians) I would move your hurricane candles to the china closet counter.
On the floor:
I would not go with blue carpet but with more reds or greens or browns. But whatever you do Choose your rug first and then all your accessories. Blue is beautiful, but really stands out as a shocker -- greens, reds or browns blend better (and seem to match better with your other room)
Curtains:
with the curtains I would do a cornice raised almost to the ceiling molding (6") and much wider than the window (at least 12") with curtains that hang wider than the window to give the illusion of a taller, wider window (and without blocking any light!) loose the blinds and get sheer curtains or pulldown decorative shade to match your curtains.
Good luck and I hope this is helpful.