Artwork, artwork, artwork!!!

Artwork and the chandelier selected could be more artistic. It's just my personal bias, but those corner cabinets completely ruin the architecture of the room IMO.

I agree with Beverly about the corner cabinets but I didn't want to say anything. Are they built-in? Can they be moved to another room? Maybe paint them the wall color so they blend?

Agree strongly with the two posted comments. Shutters aren't the concern and Keep them, adding fabric next to the built-ins might close that end of the room in too much. Artwork on the wall, change the chandelier to something more substantial. Those built-ins are awkward and I would focus on them. Might be better in person, but they seem to intrude on the room. Good luck

HI -- Yes paint the corner cabinets and the chair rail and the door trim the wall color . Paint out the rail and the door trim first and then see how the cabinets look , to be painted too or not ! Then also paint a nice warm gold color on the ceiling , it can even have a shimmer to it . Makes everyone dining look great and it's romantic with candle light too. And you could then put that same gold on the inside of the cabinets . Then just have some soft sheers as side drapes on the window . And Art that has an accent color in it such as red or orange or bright greens .

I would not recommend that you remove the cabinets, but paint them same as wall color. Do everything but doors and see how that looks, if goofy then paint them also. I would get art piece for wall, maybe bring in some color

or stay neutral and simple

Thanks so much for all of your comments! I agree that a mirror was my last choice (no interest in seeing myself eat either!) but couldn't find any artwork that seemed to work in that area. The cabinets are built ins and are less obtrusive than they appear in the photos. I do like the idea of painting them the same as the wall color and adding a touch of gold on the ceiling and back of the cabinets to add some elegance.

I'm not 100% certain, but maybe paint the built-ins a charcoal gray? Your chairs are black? And the rug has black in it? You have a ton of natural light so going darker with the built-ins shouldn't be a problem.

I think I would remove the chair rail or paint the same color as the walls - it's adding more linar lines. If there is room, a console table, with art above would break up/soften that wall. A larger chandelier if your budget allows and the corner cabinets don't bother me, but it seems a lot of people feel they should be painted.

The shutters are a stand-alone window treatment. Try lowering the chandelier before replacing it; it should hang 30-34" above the table. If you replace it, I think a crystal chandelier would add sparkle and unexpected interest to the room. Paint out the cabinets in the wall color. I would have the ceiling papered in a metallic -- gold or silver or pewter. Use the same paper to line the cabinets. Use the same metallic color to frame your artwork.

Artwork, maybe a mirror (depending on what you'd prefer) and a buffet with accessories would bring some life into the room.

First of all, you have created a great foundation in both of your spaces. What you need at this point is applying the finishing touches using color. I suggest you make sure that your spaces are "interconnected". You can do that by bringing the color you applied on your walls in your living room to your dining room through artwork and window treatments. I hope I was helpful and if you have any question, please get back to me.

Thank you Meryem, for your kind words and advice! You've helped me refocus on making the two rooms connect through the living room wall color, which I love.

Great, I am happy I was helpful.

Have a little fun and place some simple plates on the wall.