You definitely could use art on the wall next to the table. I would go for centerpieces that have some height since you don't have a chandelier. If in the budget, pendant lamps over the island and a coordinating chandelier over the table would add to the space. A possible way to define the dining area near the table would be to paint the underside of the island facing the dining area a color and then add wainscoting to the wall from the area next to the island all the way to the dining cabinet and paint under the wainscoting the same color as the island base to define the space separately as a dining space.

Add artwork above the table. Perhaps it should be a pair of framed pictures, stacked one above the other so that it's different from the big piece of art to the left of the china cabinet.

The lighting appears to be a big part of the problem in that it is very uniform throughout. It's good that there is plenty of it, but not good that that is all there is. I would add sconces in the dining table area, one on each side of the art. If that's not possible, then place a floor lamp to the right of the china cabinet to light the table for dinner. Then I'd also add a floor lamp at the end of the sofa, to the left of the china cabinet.

Paint is another simple decorative device that solves many problems and I think a color on the china cabinet wall could make a big difference. It could be green or yellow or gray, or goodness knows any number of colors. I can't see enough of the space to see how it might relate to other colors. But you could inform us. All I see is white walls and brown furniture with a navy chair and yellow and red accents. There must be more.
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

There is no intimacy to the area. Can you move your table to align it with the end of the kitchen bench rather than having it against the wall. Add a runner and centrepiece to the table, a low hanging pendant over the table separately switched and artwork on the wall - I like Carolyn's suggestion - to finish off.

More pics below of the entire area for more context

Put a rug under the table. It looks too cold now. And maybe a rug in the living area too.

What a pretty home you have. I love your large art piece over the sofa. I agree (as I usually do) with Carolyn Albert about the lighting. Layered lighting makes the room so much more intimate and interesting. Two art pieces at the dining area to mix it up. Dytecture wall color idea is excellent as well.

Hi Carolyn! We haven't "spoke" for a while. When we agree so much, it's hard to banter. :)

You seem to have a nice sense of design. I like the colors you have put together, so I'd add a rug to the living area and lamps too! I cannot emphsize how important lighting is to a space. What is important in lighting is the creation of both light and shadow and to do this you will need dimmers on your lamps and overhead lighting.

I like olldroo's suggestion of a pendant light over the dining table. This plus the other dimmed light in the space will help create the intimacy that is lacking. I hope this helps you.

@ Darzy, good to hear from you! You're a bright light in the Houzz world where lighting is so important! A big Texas hug to you!

@Carolyn...a big Sunshine State hug back at ya!

saraindc..just a couple minor additions and you have a magazine cover worthy space. Great job!

I knew when I saw Carolyn, Darzy & Dytecture together in a thread, there'd be some great advice!

saraindc - there are a few other design dilemmas w/layouts very similar to yours. I'll see if I can find them so you can see how their spaces turned out.

Lyvonne
www.essentialsinside.com

@lyvonne - any other recommendations or examples?

I think this Van Gogh print would look great in your space with the colors you currently have. http://www.allposters.com/-sp/The-Cafe-Terrace-on-the-Place-du-Forum-Arles-at-Night-c-1888-Posters_i2549012_.htm
Of course it would look best with a border and frame which you can do all online.

Hi saraindc & all!

saraindc - so far I've found this one -- https://www.houzz.com/discussions/storage-or-seating-for-this-awkward-nook-dsvw-vd~324897

but I remember at least 2 more. I'll keep looking through my discussion list. :)

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Lyvonne
www.essentialsinside.com

Here's one I was thinking of -- from styleathome.com -- http://www.styleathome.com/homes/small-spaces/small-space-interior-chic-condo/a/34325/2

Lyvonne
www.essentialsinside.com