I agree that you need to start with paint. I second the deep rust or a deep blue. New drapes would really bring this space to life too. In a print would be nice. Unless you are attached to the artwork that is hanging, a large bold piece of art would be better. (Do not hang so high next time.) What is your style for art--traditional? It would help if you could let us know that right from the start before people start suggesting everything under the sun, lol.

If you're painting or putting up wallpaper, only do the top half of the wall. And bigger curtains will look better (as in wider, a longer rod/rail).

I would use tan because if its a dark color it will look very small add candles and a statement piece like a picture on the wall do something modern and make it feel open

Hey Jennifer, I agree with the paint comments and identification of style. I am going to call you tonight!

I like the location of the art, but bolder would be better. Hope my 2 cents helps.

the sophistication(and yes, boldness) of your table and chairs are drained by the timid curtain and wall pieces (can't tell what the two things are next to the painting, but why are they all bunched together on one wall?) You clearly have a taste for striking, so let it out on the rest of the room!

Make a wall with a dark color and maybe a sideboard on the back wall. Good luck

Jennifer? Any thoughts, feedback? Need more info?

I don't agree with paint.... the most striking and fantastic way to make a wow statement in a room with very little interest is with wallpaper... a beautiful shimmery paper on the wall with texture like these shown.... will reflect light and add depth and richness to the room.

thanks, the thought of painting scares me lol I will look into the wal paper as you suggested and keep you posted. those rooms you showed are beautiful

You certainly do have a nice start with the bold and comfortablechars and table. I agree that they contrast with the "wimpy" walls. The opportunities in this room are the chair rail and window. So - how about using the chairrail to create a strong base by doing bold color below it, popping it with bright white, and then a medium and textural approach above - or could be more simple lighter treatment than the base/under chair rail. Then, use that window - do a lighter shear - or none at all over the window and frame outside the window with color that draws tha base color (under the chair rail up the wall - to the ceiling. Then - lighting! A Dramatic bold chandelier would be an option to cozy up the table, Then pick one wall for one big piece of art (I like that suggestion!) and frame it with some room warming wall sconces. Thoughts?

Hi jenniferbaker64 & everyone!

I had gathered some 'bold dining room' photos for you but then I came across your living room design dilemma. Since you have some pretty "bold" furniture in there -- which I love! -- & the rooms flow together, I think you really have to consider both rooms together.

Do you know what color is on the dining room wall now & is it the same as the living room? It looks a little different in each room but that might just be the pictures.

Are you keeping your current chandelier? If so, could you upload a close-up photo of it? I can't see it in the dining room pics but I can see it a little in the living room pic. I would like to see you lower the dining room chandelier. It looks too high now but, again, that might just be the photo.

For my other Houzzer friends, here is the link to your dining room photos ( http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8633982/thumbs/creating--the-perfect-look-look-for-our--living-room ) and your living room design dilemma ( https://www.houzz.com/discussions/ciovered-canvas-dsvw-vd~412508 )

You're off to a great start & this is going to make a beautiful "before & after".

Lyvonne
www.essentialsinside.com

Hi. Here are some different examples of curtains or fabrics that may or may not work, but they might be bolder and add to the room. Let me know what you think and if you get these (dining room). The print samples tie in the reds and other complimentary colors from the living room.

forgot one

Paint above the chair rail a horizontal stripe. Install bigger more dramatic artwork too.