I think a rug would work wonderfully under here. I would do a lighter color to brighten up the room a little, since you have a dark table and dark cabinets. You could even add something with some color here to make this area pop a little.

A red like your pictures on the wall.

Agree, new light fixture, lowered. I think a rug would anchor the space nicely. Maybe pick up some reds and oranges?

The print on the wall suggests you have a fun, quirky personality but your home is a bit quiet. How about an over the top area rug to have fun with! Include one with a bit of red.

I am renting, and the owners are against us changing anything that came with the house; I.e; light fixtures, wall colors, door knobs etc!
But I love the idea of red and orange! I'll see what I can find and put up an updated picture. Thank you ladies!

Ikea has these rugs that are made of "straw like" material so it would be easy to vaccum up food. Just a thought.

No.... I don't think you need one. It would be so close to the living room carpet and I think that might make you space look cramped.