I would paper the bottom half in a stripe of navy, light blue and white to go with valance and chairs.

I would remove the valances and plants. They make the room look smaller. Then I would paint a light summery colour including the chair rail and baseboard. Change out the artwork to something more summery.

I agree that the valences make the ceiling look even lower. I'd stick with light colors and paint the rest of the trim white. That room does not need any horizontal emphasis.

Without tearing out the corner :>) I would remove the big plants. They are overwhelming the space. Try that first. I am ok with the cornices, they are modern and well done over the shutters. I think if you paint or paper the bottom half of room, you will see a huge difference in the room.

If you will remove plants and re-photo I will fill in the rest of wall

I would paint chair railing same color as wall. Sorry shows up darker here

I don't see any problem with light fixture. You might try it without the shades. They tend to make it more formal.

I think your light is fine. Suits the room. It would be interesting to see it without the shades.

It looks like what so many of us thought was a chair rail is really the window sills! I don't think I've seen that treatment before and I'd really prefer to see all the trim (around the windows and the baseboard) painted white or left natural...

The light is a little dated, but doesn't bother me. There are some really great ones out there that could perk up the space, though.

Did he forbid YOU to paint the window sills? Husbands that make décor decisions in the kitchen should be kept in an apron and barefoot.

Gallery Direct posted some pics of beautiful nooks! In each case the windows are bare. Sitting at your table would be so wonderful if you can see outside. Is your view bad? I would remove the shutters. JMO...

A quick refresh for your nook:

Swap the lampshades to something like this photo:

1. the color picks up the window sill tone and the wall color
2. has a “drum” shape to add new interest to an existing light fixture
3. a subtle introducing of a few new colors (there is aqua, teal, persimmon on its tan background)

Remove the black prints from both sides of window; go bare for a bit!

Remove the valances (too dark, too old fashioned)

Add a bright rug under table set (Love the table set)…

Maybe slipcover seat cushions to pick up orange/red tone or rug OR the aqua tone of lampshade…

Then maybe you don’t have to paint just yet while you get used to color in that space

If you did paint, I would go with a white paint that has a hint (just a hint!) of the color you favor most…

Take out one plant only…

meant to say orange/red tone of rug...