How about a collage of framed photos and maybe a serving cart underneath?

Funny you should mention serving cart. I was thinking maybe I could find a brass/glass one and spray it with a rusty brown. Then I could display some decanters with brandy, etc. I hesitate to do the collage because of the big piece of art on the adjacent wall. I'll have to think about that one. Thanks for the suggestion!

The window area seems a little bare to me, too. I know you said you're getting a valance. What if you put the plant in front of the window? Maybe added a couple more, too, to sort of fill in that space a bit. Then both sides of the china cabinet would be bare, but at least it would be symmetrical. As far as I'm concerned, there's no such thing as too much art, so you could hang a print or painting on the wall on each side of the cabinet. Or two metal plaques or something like that, if you didn't want to add more paintings. Or -- a bar/serving cart on one side, and a wine rack on the other.

sueb20 - I told DH what you said about never having too much art and he gave that comment a thumbs up! So... I took the two little prints off the wall (left of window) and moved them to the right of the china cabinet. I like them there! I thought they might clash with the painting that our neighbor did for us, but that's not the case at all. I used to have a plant stand and the large plant in the box bay, but it looks a little busy in there during the summer with all the greenery outside. I moved the plant stand to the left of the china cabinet and put the big plant in the bay, as you suggested. I have a couple of prints that I love, but need to have them re-framed. Those will go on the wall to the left of the window (or, I may leave that wall bare.) I'll take a pic and post later. Thanks.

I love your dining room! Great space, great furniture. I also agree with more art bringing it all together more. It sounds like you are well on your way there.

May I also say, I LOVE those purple lamp shades. While I'm mopping the drool up, do you think you could post where you found those? I'd love to have something similar.

I agree with Sue, art on each side of the hutch would fill the space. Just a question - is the hutch not centered on the wall (maybe it's just the angle of the photo)?

happyintexas - the lampshades are actually black (washed out with flash)

elsa42 - although it looks off in the picture, the hutch is centered on the wall (must be the angle from which I took the picture.)

I used to have a plant stand and the large plant in the box bay, but it looks a little busy in there during the summer with all the greenery outside

I have a similar situation in my dining room, but we love the 3D effect! Best place in the world for growing plants. I have them hanging from the ceiling there, as well, no curtains. In your room, I think (actually, I know)I'd also hang a big fern in the far corner, or put one on a tall pillar. But, then, my house is filled with plants, so take it with a grain of salt.

Your room is lovely.

sherrman - I love ferns, but haven't had much luck with them indoors. Got any advice regarding their care?

Yes. Ignore them! Buy a beautiful Boston Fern (or Swedish Ivy, or even a spider plant), give it water once a week or so, and it will thrive for several years. Those are all ordinary, mundane plants that give a big bang for the buck and require very little attention. Also, consider a Wandering Jew. Those colors, in your room, might be just fabulous. Actually, in about a year a Boston fern may shed the most fronds, making it the messiest choice - but beautiful!

There comes a point when they all need repotting; at that time you can decide whether you want to split and repot them, or toss them and buy new. I always try to repot, but it doesn't always work. I've tossed some repotting attempts in my garden and had them thrive there, even though I hadn't even planted them!